International Students

Admissions Application

How to Apply:

• An admissions application and all required documents must be received before an I-20 can be issued.
• Student's permanent foreign address is required.
• Students must have completed secondary school (high school). 
• There is a $40 non-refundable application fee.
• Students must complete the online New Student Orientation.

New Student Orientation

More information about becoming an F-1 student can be found at Study in the States.

You need to submit a SEVIS I-20 Request form if you are a new student applying for initial status with GCSC, transferring from another institution, updated a change in your status, or requesting reinstatement.

The Request for I-20 Form should be completed by the student and provide all the accurate information of the student. Complete this form and provide attached copies of your passport and visa. Incomplete forms will be denied. 

 Allow up to 48 hours for the International Student Specialist  to review your I-20 Request Form and attached documents. Once a decision has been made, you will be notified through your GCSC email account.

Once approved, your I-20 will be sent in the mail. Other mailing options are available at the link below.

Minimum total scores of 79 on the internet-based, 213 on the computer-based and 550 on the paper-based test or 6 hours of college English is required, if the native language is not English. TOEFL scores must be sent  directly from ETS (ETS Code for GCSC:  5271).

International students should plan to take the TOEFL at least three (3) months prior to the intended term of enrollment in order to assure the official test score report is received at least thirty (30) days before the beginning of the term.

Students must be able to bear the cost of study and living expenses. A Statement of Financial Responsibility must be completed and notarized. An official bank statement with funds available to you in excess of $23,122.00 (US currency) must be attached to the statement of financial responsibility. Students should know that $23,122.00 is needed each year to cover living expenses, tuition and fees. Financial Statements will need to be updated on a yearly basis or as changes occur. (If you provided the original statement in July, you will need to provide a new statement the following July.)

Documentary evidence of means of financial support must be provided to the College for admission purposes and issuance of the Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20).

The Statement of Financial Responsibility indicates that you have or your sponsor has an account of at least $23,122.00 (USD) and that this money is to be used to support you while you study at Gulf Coast State College. The Statement of Financial Responsibility must be certified authentic (notarized) and an official bank statement must be attached. The statement must be dated no more than 6 months from the term deadline date. 

Federal financial aid is not available to international students. Tuition and fees must be paid by the beginning of each term.

Transcripts from foreign institutions must be evaluated by any current NACES member. It is the responsibility of the student to bear all associated costs and fees.

Please ensure the evaluated transcripts are sent directly to Gulf Coast State College from the NACES member.

Gulf Coast will determine transferable credits. If the academic institution you attended does not issue documents in English, you must submit precise word for word translations of all your credentials. 

• High school graduates only, please submit your original high school transcript to a NACES approved company for a document-by-document evaluation.
• University students, please submit university original transcripts to a NACES approved company for a course-by-course evaluation, in addition to the high school transcripts. Additional high school documents may be required. Acceptance of transfer courses is subject to approval by Gulf Coast State College.

You are able to use any NACES member of your choice. Some NACES members  who offer additional incentives and perks have reached out to us to provide direct links to their services. These extra benefits can only be applied by accessing the member website directly from the link!  Feel free to browse the NACES website and member list, or the individual links below:

Students must provide proof of medical coverage for an entire semester before registering for courses. Medical coverage may not expire during the semester. We suggest that you purchase medical coverage for an entire year to avoid putting your Active Status with GCSC at risk. 

The Proof of Medical Coverage form, that includes the effective date and expiration date of coverages, must be submitted prior at the start of the semester. This must be updated every year or as changes occur.

Submit a copy of your valid passport on the I-20 Request Form.

Use the International Student Additional Document form to submit new versions of this document as needed.

Once you receive a copy of your I-20 from Gulf Coast State College, you can schedule your VISA interview.

Use the International Student Additional Document form to submit new versions of your VISA status. Use this form to submit related documents such as any request  for change of status.

If you are transferring from another U.S. college or university, please complete the Transfer In Request form and email GCSCInternational@gulfcoast.edu about any other steps needed. 

Becoming an international student takes a lot of work! We are dedicated to assisting you through the process. We have created the following checklist to help guide you through the important forms and deadlines mentioned above:

1. Apply to GCSC using the International Student application (dates are listed in the chart at the end of the page) and complete New Student Orientation.

2. Have your transcripts (high school and prior college) evaluated by a NACES member and sent to GCSC. Request the evaluation to be done at least 3 months prior to the start of your first semester.

3. Plan to take the TOEFL exam, if needed, at least 3 months prior to the start of your first semester. Scores must be submitted to GCSC at least 30 days before start of term.

4. Complete the Statement of Financial Responsibility. This form must be notarized and submitted before an I-20 will be issued.

5. Complete the Authorization to Request I-94 form.

6. Complete the SEVIS I-20 Request form. This form must contain your current VISA and passport information.

7. Once you are issued an I-20, you must immediately sign and date the student attestation on the first page. Each international student issued an Initial Status Form I-20 is responsible for paying the required $350 SEVIS I-901 fee. To pay the fee, please go to the payment website below:
   
   SEVIS I-901 Fee Payment Website

8. All non-immigrants coming to the United States for the purpose of studying must obtain an F-1 student visa. This visa status is necessary to travel to the United States. This document can be acquired at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home country or residence and is placed in your valid passport.

   International travelers who are citizens of Canada and Bermuda who meet all necessary requirements are eligible to travel to the United States without a visa. Visit the U.S. Department of State - Bureau of Cultural Affairs for more information on this process.

9. Apply for F-1 Visa and schedule your interview. These actions can be done at your local U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

10. When you have been granted an F-1 Visa and have concrete travel arrangements to the United States, you must submit documentation of your travel arrangements such as modality of travel and dates to the country by using the Additional Document Upload form.

11. Entering the United States: A visa does not guarantee entry into the United States. A visa allows a foreign citizen to travel to a U.S. port-of-entry and request permission to enter the United States. The Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the port-of-entry have authority to permit or deny admission into the United States. Your travel ability is dependent on your I-20 status that has been issued to you.

    Initial Status I-20: Students with Initial Status can enter the U.S. no more than 30 days prior to the program start date indicated on your I-20.

    Transfer Pending I-20: Students with a Transfer Pending I-20 can travel within and enter the U.S. with no limitation prior to your program start date listed on your I-20.

12. Read and sign the International F-1 Student Responsibilities form prior to meeting with the International Student Specialist for check in. This form will be reviewed at the appointment with the ISS at Gulf Coast State College.

13. Required Immigration Check In: You are required to complete an Immigration check in prior to your program start date. To complete this requirement, you must schedule an appointment with the International Student Specialist. You can make this appointment via e-mail at GCSCInternational@gulfcoast.edu or mlong@gulfcoast.edu. 

We look forward to you studying at Gulf Coast State College and joining the Commodore family!