International Students

To receive an I-20 Form, international students must complete the following 8 steps. All of the required documentation and the tuition deposit must be submitted by the following deadlines: Fall Semester - June 1, Spring Semester - November 1, Summer Semester - March 1. Transfer students from a college, university, or language school in the U.S. must complete admission requirements at least 30 days before the desired semester begins. Review important dates on the academic calendar.

Step 1: Submit an Application for Admission

Apply online at www.tctc.edu/apply - select the international application type.

Step 2: Pay the $30 Non-Refundable Application Fee

Step 3: Request High School Transcript

Send a certified English translation of your final, official transcript from secondary/high school with proof of graduation.

Step 4: Request College Transcripts

Send certified English translations of your final, official transcripts from any post-secondary colleges or universities attended. If the institutions are located outside the U.S., submit a professional credential evaluation from any member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES), www.naces.org. If requesting transfer of credits, a course-by-course report is required. The report must be sent directly to Tri-County's Admissions Office from the evaluation service.

Step 5: Submit Proof of English Proficiency

If you are from a country where English is the official language, you are considered to be proficient in English. Otherwise, choose from one of the following 4 options:

1. Send TOEFL scores from the Educational Testing Service (www.ets.org/toefl, Tri-County's code: 5789). Minimum TOEFL score requirements: score of 61 on internet-based (iBT); total of 500 with a minimum score of 50 on each of the 3 sections on the paper version.

2. Take the IELTS with a minimum overall band score of 6.0 (www.ieltsusa.org).

3. Submit an official report showing successful completion of an English language program in the U.S. For example, an official report from ELS Educational Services showing completion of ELS level 109. www.els.com

4. Send transcripts from other colleges or universities in the U.S. showing completion of appropriate English courses at the 100 level or higher with a minimum grade of "C."

Step 6: Provide Proof of Health Insurance

Provide proof of health insurance coverage for the first year in the U.S.

Step 7: Submit Proof of Financial Support

Choose from one of the following 2 options:

1. Provide a certified bank statement showing at least $19,750 (US dollars) available for the first year of study. This amount includes $7,944* of tuition and $11,800 of estimated living expenses.

2. Provide a notarized affidavit of support (Form I-134) from a U.S. citizen claiming financial responsibility.

Along with the bank statement or affidavit of support, complete and submit the International Financial Certification Form.

Step 8: Pay the Tuition Deposit

Pay a tuition deposit for 2 terms - $7,944* (refundable before the term starts).

*Tuition rate is based upon 12 credit hours per term.  Tuition amounts are subject to change.

Send all correspondence to complete your application (steps 3-7) along with a copy of the biographical page of your passport to Tri-County Technical College, Attn: International Admissions, Post Office Box 587, Pendleton, SC 29670.

Once the international admission process is complete, an acceptance packet is mailed that includes the I-20 Form, which is used to apply for the F1 student visa. After receiving the I-20 Form, the SEVIS I-901 needs to be paid at www.fmjfee.com. Be sure to print and keep a receipt! Then the student visa must be obtained from the U.S. embassy or consulate. Check the embassy or consulate websites at usembassy.state.gov. The websites have directions for the student visa application process, including how to make an appointment for the visa interview.

After arriving in the U.S., meet with Tri-County's International Student Advisor, Brian McGuinness, to ensure all immigration and admission requirements are fulfilled. Call Admissions at 864-646-1550 to make an appointment.

If you have questions or need additional information, contact Brian McGuinness at 864-646-2061 or bmcguinn@tctc.edu.