International Students

International students should begin the application process at least one semester or three months prior to enrollment. Lawful Presence in the United States must be verified before enrollment (view Lawful Presence policy).

More Information

Download SCC International Student Information Packet (PDF)

Lawful Presence Policy: SC Illegal Immigration Reform Act

Steps to Enroll for International Students

1. Complete Information Form

   Take the first step by completing the International Student Information Form. Upon completion, an SCC International Student Advisor will contact you via email.

2. Apply to SCC

   We recommend that you apply to SCC at least 3 months prior to your start term to ensure timely completion of the admissions and registration process. Lawful Presence in the United States must be verified before enrollment (view Lawful Presence Policy).
   
   Apply now or visit any SCC campus location. Once you’ve applied, log into your My SCC Portal account, and access your SCC email account. See instructions here.

3. Take the TOEFL Test

   Take the TOEFL test unless approved for exemption, with a minimum of 500 (paper-administered exam) or a score of 63 (internet computer-administered exam). An applicant’s citizenship or immigration status has no bearing on the language proficiency requirement.  Applicants are not required to demonstrate English proficiency when one of the following applies:

   • The primary language of the applicant is English, Countries & Territories considered primarily English speaking are:  Anguilla, Antigua, Australia, Barbados, Bermuda, Bahamas, Belize, British Virgin Islands, Canada (except Quebec), Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, New Zealand, Nevis & St. Kitts, South Africa, St. Vincent, Trinidad & Tobago, Turks & Caicos, United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Northern Ireland & Wales), & the United States.
   • The applicant graduated from a secondary school in the United States and has shown basic proficiency through the College’s placement exam.

   
   Test scores should be sent to the SCC Admissions Center.

4. Pay Tuition

   International students are required to submit a tuition deposit covering two semesters prior to receiving an I-20 form. Contact the SCC Business Office to pay tuition.

5. Submit Required Documents

   Once the following documents are submitted, SCC will issue an I-20 form.

   
   

   • A certified English translation/evaluation of high school and/or college transcripts.
     • High school - document by document
     • College - course by course
       
       

   • An official copy of the TOEFL report, unless approved for exemption, showing a minimum of 500 (paper-administered exam) or a score of 63 (internet computer-administered exam). 
     
     
   • Provide an Affidavit of Support (signed and notarized).
     
     
   • Evidence of a tuition deposit made to the College.
     

    

   • Certified or notarized bank letter verifying that a minimum of $21,182.00 USD is available to finance the first year of education. The letter must be submitted on bank stationary and notarized by a bank officer. Letter must be dated within the last three months and funds must be stated in U.S. currency equivalency.
     
     
   • Proof of medical insurance.

6. Obtain Visa

   • Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee. Payment is required prior to the visa appointment with the U.S. Embassy. 
     
     
   • To obtain your visa, you must bring the following documents to your visa appointment with the U.S. Embassy-
     • I-20 Form
     • Letter of acceptance from SCC
     • Proof of payment for SEVIS I-901 fee.
       
       
   • Find the U.S. Embassy closest to your home; make an appointment for the visa interview prior to your travel to the U.S. (The earliest date of entry into the U.S. is usually 30 days prior to the start dated on your Form I-20).
     
     
   • At the port of entry to the U.S., you will be interviewed again and the Arrival/Departure Form I-94 will be issued.

7. Make an appointment with advisor

   Contact the SCC International Student Advisor of arrival and make appointment to complete requirements. Please bring all documents with you. Provide advisor with medical clearance form.

8. Meet Entrance Requirements

   Meet with an admissions specialist at SCC to determine if you should complete the placement skills assessment, or see if you are eligible for other options in placement requirements. 
   
   View details of all options for placement requirement

   Download chart of placement requirement options (PDF)

9. Confirm Acceptance and Attend Orientation

   Confirm your acceptance by visiting with an admissions specialist at any of our five campuses.

   Log into your MySCC Portal to complete the online New Student Orientation (NSO). For more information email nsonotifications@sccsc.edu

10. Register for Classes

    Meet with an Academic Advisor who will assist you with registering for classes. Lawful Presence in the United States must be verified before enrollment (view Lawful Presence Policy).

11. Pay Fees

    Visit the Business Office to confirm that your tuition and fees are paid. Once paid, you will receive your parking decal. Then have your SCC student ID made in the Admissions Center, and purchase books for classed at The Book Inn.

    Congratulations! You are now ready for classes!