International Students

Thank you for your interest in Southwest Virginia Community College (SWCC).  We look forward to helping you with your educational endeavors. 

The information on this page will assist you with the necessary steps to request an I-20.

Submit all completed documentation to:
Southwest Virginia Community College
Admissions Office
PO Box 1101
Richlands, VA 24641
Phone:  276-964-7293 or 276-964-7301
Fax: 276-963-3450

Admissions Deadlines

STUDENTS APPLYING FROM OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES

• FALL:  June 15
• SPRING: October 15
• SUMMER: April 1
• *Subject to course availability.
• For semester start dates, refer to the Academic Calendar.

F-1 TRANSFER STUDENTS ALREADY STUDYING IN THE UNITED STATES

• FALL: July 15
• SPRING: November 15
• SUMMER: May 1
• For semester start dates, refer to the Academic Calendar.

Admission Checklist

The following documents must be received before an acceptance letter can be processed and the Form I-20 issued:

• SWCC Application for Admission (when applying make sure you pick an Associates program)
• I-20 Application
• Financial Affidavit of Support (Bank statement or documentation of support)
  Note: International students are not allowed to work while attending the first year of school.
• Demonstration of English proficiency (TOEFL Test) is required with score 500 (paper-based), 173 (computer-based), 61 (internet-based))
• Transcripts from high schools/colleges translated by one of the agencies at https://www.naces.org/members. (you need to make sure to request a course-by-course translation).
• Copy of the identification page of a valid passport
• We strongly encourage students to obtain health insurance to cover medical care before coming to study in the US.  However, presently, health insurance is not required to study at SWCC. The college does not offer a health insurance plan for international students. Due to the high cost of health care in the United States, it is strongly recommended that you obtain health insurance for the duration of your stay in the United States.

*F-1 Transfer Students must submit these additional documents:

• Copy of current form I-20, F-1 visa, most recent I-94, and identification page of valid passport
• Copy of I-539 Approval Notice if you have been approved for change of status to F-1
• Academic transcripts from your current school
• International Transfer Form and SEVIS release date – from current institution

English Proficiency Requirements

For non-native English speakers, Southwest Virginia Community College requires a demonstration of English proficiency.  To demonstrate English proficiency, applicants must provide one (1) of the following TOEFL Test:

• Internet-based a minimum score of 61
• Paper-based a minimum score of 500
• Computer-based a minimum score of 173

Degree Programs

SWCC is authorized by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) to admit F-1 students and issue Form I-20 ONLY for the programs listed below.

*Applicants wishing to apply to degree programs with a pre-admission designation will be initially issued a General Studies I-20 until the applicant demonstrates that they have met all prerequisites for these specialized programs.

Financial Requirements

F-1 applicants must provide evidence that sufficient funds are available to cover all educational and living expenses while studying at SWCC.  Financial support must meet or exceed SWCC’s estimated costs identified below:

Estimated Annual Expenses:

*Textbooks may cost more (or less) per semester, depending on course requirements.

This 12-month budget is only an estimate of living expenses and is based on a Fall and Spring enrollment of 15 credits.

Summer tuition is not included. 

Actual living expenses may be higher based on utilities and personal spending habits. It includes Utilities, transportation, food, clothing, health insurance, and other miscellaneous expenses.

Additional Funds Required for Dependents: Spouse: $6,000; Child $4,000

**Tuition rates are subject to change without notice.  SWCC is a non-residential community college; no on-campus student housing is available. You will be responsible for making your own living arrangements.