The college welcomes students from around the world and is authorized under federal law to enroll eligible nonimmigrant students. International Student Services (ISS) supports international students throughout their academic journey by providing admissions assistance, academic guidance, cultural programming, and regulatory compliance oversight in accordance with federal regulations.
Nonimmigrant (International) Students
Valencia College is authorized to enroll students on F and J nonimmigrant visas. Application materials must be submitted by the International Application Priority Deadline for the term of intended enrollment. Deadline dates are published in the Academic Calendar.
Students seeking admission on an F-1 visa must meet the following requirements.
Application and Academic Credentials
- Submit the online International Student Application.
- Pay the required non-refundable application fee for associate degree programs.
- Provide evidence of completion of the equivalent of a U.S. high school diploma.
- Official secondary school transcripts and graduation documents must be submitted in English or accompanied by an official English translation.
- Information regarding foreign credential evaluation is available on the Transcript Requirements and Evaluation page of this Catalog.
English Language Proficiency
Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency by submitting qualifying scores from one of the following exams, taken within two years of the intended term of enrollment:
- TOEFL iBT, iBT Paper Edition, or iBT Home Edition: minimum score of 45
- IELTS: minimum overall score of 5.5
- ACCUPLACER ESL (LOEP): minimum score of 80
- SAT Writing and Language: minimum score of 25 and SAT Reading: minimum score of 24
- ACT English: minimum score of 17 and ACT Reading: minimum score of 19
- Duolingo English Test: minimum score of 80
English proficiency is not required if one of the following applies:
- English is the official language of the applicant's country of citizenship.
- The applicant has successfully completed Freshman English Composition or its equivalent with a grade of C or higher.
- The applicant has earned an Associate or Bachelor's degree from an institution where English was the language of instruction. Official transcripts are required.
- Completion of 2 sessions in Intensive English Program Level 6 or Level 8 with a grade of B or higher.
Placement Testing
International students may be required to complete placement testing, including the PERT exam, to determine appropriate academic placement. Placement information is published in the Entry Testing and Placement and Mandatory Courses section of this Catalog.
Required Financial Documentation and Health Insurance
- F and J applicants must submit copy of passport
- F-1 visa applicants must submit a bank statement or bank letter, in English or with an English translation, demonstrating sufficient financial resources to attend Valencia College.
- An affidavit of support is required for any financial sponsor.
- F-1 students must purchase and maintain health insurance through Valencia College's approved provider for the duration of enrollment, as required by College policy.
Transfer Students and Dependents
- F-1 students transferring an I-20 from another institution must submit copies of their passport, visa, I-94 record, and all previously issued I-20 forms.
- Applicants with F-2 dependents must submit additional financial documentation and copies of passports, visas, I-94 records, and prior I-20s for each dependent.
Program Restrictions
International students on F-1 status are not eligible to apply for the programs listed below because they are offered primarily online:
- A.S. Accelerated Nursing Program
- A.S. Concurrent Nursing Program
- A.S. Cybersecurity and Network Engineering Technology
- A.S. Emergency Medical Services
- A.S. Health Information Technology
- A.S. Property Management
- B.A.S. Computing Technology and Software Development
- B.A.S. Public Safety Administration
- B.S. Elementary Education
- B.S. Nursing
- B.S. Radiologic and Imaging Sciences
- B.S. Cardiopulmonary Sciences
- Allied Health Technical Certificates
- Public Safety Certificate Programs
Additional Information and Support
Detailed application instructions, document requirements, deadlines, and compliance information are available on the International Student website. Students with questions regarding international admission requirements should contact International Student Services for assistance.
