International Student - Apply
An international student is a citizen of a foreign country interested in studying at ECC on an F-1 or M-1 visa. Students must be enrolled full-time in a degree-seeking program or in the intensive English program.
ECC welcomes applications from international students interested in pursuing their education at the college. Please allow at least three months prior to attending to complete and send the required documents. Once you have met all the requirements below, set up an appointment with the International Student Services and Programs Office.
Requirements
- International student application and a $50 nonrefundable processing fee.
- Submit an official, original bank statement or letter on bank letterhead certifying the availability of $21,585 ($16,465 if living with relatives/sponsor) for first-year expenses at ECC, exclusive of travel expenses. Funds may be in a foreign or U.S. bank. A tuition increase may apply annually. Download annual budget sample
- Submit form I-134 (affadavit of support). Form should be completed by the primary sponsor. Download form
- Students must show proof of English proficiency by submitting official test results of the TOEFL, IELTS or CELSA, or submitting an official transcript showing graduation from a high school where English was the primary language of instruction, or submitting an official university transcript showing completion of English composition or the equivalent. How to obtain an evaluation»
English Proficiency Requirements
|
Academic Program |
Intensive English Program |
| TOEFL |
Paper-based
Computer-based
Internet-based |
550
213
79 |
549 or below
212 or below
78 or below |
| IELTS |
| Overall score |
6.5 |
6.0 or below |
Note: Students are required to meet course prerequisites prior to enrollment, which may include demonstration of minimum competencies in reading, writing or mathematics using the college’s placement tests. More»
- Certified English-translated copies of high school and college academic transcripts.
- Proof of health insurance is required after the F-1 visa is issued and prior to orientation. The U.S. does not have national healthcare.
- If you are transferring from another U.S. school, complete and submit transfer release form
How It Works
Once the required items are received, ECC will issue the Department of Homeland Security form I-20. The I-20 authorizes you to apply for a F-1 student visa at the local American Embassy or Consulate in your homeland. Once the F-1 student visa has been approved, you will be ready to travel to Elgin.
Note: When you arrive in Elgin, contact the international student advisor.
Deadlines for issuing an I-20: November 1 for the spring semester and June 15 for the fall semester. F-1 students currently in the U.S. who wish to transfer to ECC should contact the International Student Services and Programs Office for information.
- Make copies of all documents and keep for your records.
- Attend the orientation for all new international students. More»
- Direct all correspondence and documents to:
Elgin Community College
ATTN: International Student Services and Programs
1700 Spartan Drive, SRC 165E
Elgin, Illinois 60123-7193
Tel: +1-847-214-7809
Fax: +1-847-214-7484
international@elgin.edu
Useful Links
Coming to America
Learning at ECC
Note: Not all programs are available to international students.