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Prospective Students

Learn more about becoming an international student at SBCC!

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Our Programs

Academic Program

Academic Program

 

Associate Degree or Certificate
Outdoor buildings in another country

Study Abroad   

 

Gap year or one semester
study abroad

Transfer Students   

 

Transferring from another U.S. institution
Transfer from US institutution

Concurrent Enrollment   

 

Enroll at SBCC while at another U.S. institution

Applying FAQ's

  • Admission requirements can be found in detail here.

  • No. TOEFL and IELTS are not required. However, proof of English Proficiency is required for admission to the Academic Program. There are over a dozen options to demonstrate your English proficiency, which are listed here: English Proficiency Requirement.

  • Yes. A High School diploma is not required for students 18 years old or older.

    If you are under 18 years old, you will need to submit a high school diploma.

  • If classes at your current school are still in session, you can submit a transcript showing only your completed courses and available grades. Students should submit complete transcripts with their final grades once they become available. You can also bring your final transcripts with you to SBCC. Official high school and/or college transcripts in a sealed envelope are needed for athletic eligibility, course pre-requisite challenges, university transfer planning, and other academic planning purposes. 

  • No. You are required to show proof of funding for one semester only.

     

  • We accept government grants/loans as a funding source, as long as SBCC is not required to bill/invoice the government agency to receive payments for tuition and fees. 
  • You pay about $5,400 per semester. Payments are made per semester and not yearly. You can take a look at the breakdown of costs of studies here.
  • We do not offer scholarships for applicants or new international students. Currently registered SBCC students are eligible to apply for some scholarships during the month of January of every year. Students should not plan to rely on SBCC scholarships as a source of funding. 
  • Yes. You can only work on-campus for a maximum of 19.5 hours per week. 
  • No. The SBCC-endorsed health insurance plan is mandatory for all students and cannot be waived.
  • Students who start their SBCC program with no transfer credits typically take 2 to 3 years to complete an Associate degree and/or transfer requirements towards a Bachelor’s degree. Factors that determine the length of your program include: the number of English and math classes you need, your major, the number of credits you successfully complete each semester, attendance in one or both summer sessions, and your transfer goals. 
  • Students are required to be enrolled in 12 units (4-5 classes) per semester in order to maintain F-1 visa status. 
  • Admission decisions are sent within 10 business days to the email address listed on your application. 
  • An I-20 form will be issued to you upon acceptance to SBCC for your consulate visa appointment.

  • The acceptance packet is mailed to the address listed on your application via regular airmail, which can take up to two weeks to arrive. Alternatively, you can order express shipping to receive your I-20 via UPS, DHL, or FedEx for an additional cost. Note: Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, all I-20 forms are being sent via email.

  • No. SBCC does not have on-campus dormitories. All students are required to find housing on their own, but we offer recommendations here.