Information for New First-Time-in-College International Students

(not for Transfer Students) New Students

Thank you for your interest in attending the State College of Florida (SCF). The international student site contains very important information regarding your admission to the College. Please read all of the information carefully. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact the Coordinator of Educational Records for assistance. The checklist below reviews all of the necessary forms and paperwork that must be submitted prior to the issuance of the I-20.

Admission Information

I. Required Documents

The international applicant who wishes to study at SCF must have completed secondary education which is equivalent to high school graduation in the U.S.

You must submit the following items to the Educational Records office at least ninety (90) days prior to the beginning of the term for which you are applying:

1. A completed SCF Admissions Application and $75.00 (USD) application fee. Make sure you have indicated the program of study you wish to pursue at the college. Certificate programs listed on the application are not approved by the U.S. government for students on the F-1 Student Visa.

2. Finances: Submit documentary evidence of means of financial support of at least $30,000 (U.S. dollars or equivalent). Click here for Financial Requirements.

The official bank letter must be issued on bank stationery indicating you have or your sponsor has an account of least $30,000 (USD). The bank letter must in English or translated into English and be less than three months old when submitted to SCF. If a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien has agreed to sponsor you for a portion or all of the funding, the U. S. immigration form I-134 Affidavit of Support will be required along with a supporting letter or bank statement from a financial institution in their name.

3. Official educational transcripts and diploma/graduation documents.

All U.S. and foreign educational institutions attended must be listed on the application for admission. This includes secondary schools and graduation date, plus all post-secondary education.

International High school graduates: Must provide proof of successful completion of the equivalent of U.S. high school graduation. This requirement is satisfied by submitting an original copy of a document evaluation completed by a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Service (NACES). The document evaluation must be submitted to the Educational Records office for consideration. The list of companies in below International colleges and universities.
U.S. High school graduates must ask their high school to send us an official transcript with the graduation date.
University students:

U.S. colleges must request official, final transcripts be sent directly to the Educational Records office from each college.

International colleges or universities must be evaluated by a credential evaluation company and an original course-by-course evaluation submitted to the Educational Records office for transfer consideration. Please be aware that a course syllabus or description, along with English translations, are also necessary to determine if credit will be applicable to any SCF program. No action can be taken until these items are received.

Credential evaluation information click here.

4. English language proficiency must be demonstrated by one of the following means:

Acceptable TOEFL scores sent directly to SCF:   Computer-based test - 173

                                                                                       Written-Based test - 500

                                                                                        Internet-Based test - 61

Official U.S. high school transcript, with graduation date or U.S. state issued G.E.D. scores, in English.

Official or certified transcripts/diplomas/examinations from countries where the entire secondary educational system is in English.

Successful completion on an Intensive English Program from a U.S. college or university or from an ELS Language Center at level nine.

Successful completion of an associate degree or higher from a U.S. college or university. Official transcripts sent directly from the school(s) required.

II. Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20)

Once all of the above has been has been received and approved the college will begin preparing the Form I-20 packet for the applicant to take to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate to obtain an F-1 visa for entry into the U.S. as a student. Please note that the U.S. government does not permit an I-20 to be created more that 120 days prior to the first day of the term the applicant plans to attend. You will need to provide the SEVIS I901 fee* payment receipt.

*For more information on SEVIS I-901 click here.

III. Arrival at the State College of Florida

The U.S. governament permits students to arrive in the U.S. up to 30 days before the start of the semester they plan to attend. You will need this time to become familiar with the area and find and secure housing and transportation. SCF requires that you have taken the college placement test, if necessary, scheduled or attended a new student orientation, registered for 12 credit hours or more and paid all tuition and fees at least one week prior to the start of the term.

Please stop by the Educational Records office before classes begin with your stamped I-20, I-94, passport and visa.

Health/Accident Insurance: This site lists Health/Accident Insurance Companies as well as the required Health/Accident Insurance Form. This form must be submitted with the above required documents or submitted upon arrival in the United States. This form should be on file in the Educational Records Office after the I-20 has been issued to the student AND BEFORE THE FIRST DAY OF CLASS. Failure to do so will prevent any future class registration until the Health/Accident Insurance Form is submitted and approved.
Housing: SCF does not have student dormitories and all students need to locate their own housing: