How to Apply to Be an International Student

Our staff is here to assist you. Our admission requirements comply with the regulations of the U.S. Government for issuing F-1 Student Visa documents. Evidence of high school completion, adequate English proficiency, and proof of sufficient financial resources are usually all that is required for admission. 

If you have a question about completing the application materials, please email Global Education Services at [email protected].

Application Deadlines

  • July 1 for the Fall Semester
  • November 1 for the Spring Semester

Steps to Apply

Visit the Maricopa International Admissions page to find the application and more information about becoming a student at GCC.

Submit an official, certified diploma or transcripts demonstrating that you have completed the equivalent of high school in the United States. In most countries, this is secondary education or the last years of schooling before entering university. All transcripts and records must be translated into English.

Mail transcripts to:

Glendale Community College
International Education Office
6000 W. Olive Ave.
Glendale, AZ 85302
USA

This requirement may be waived if your native language is English. If you are providing proof of English proficiency based on one of the test scores listed below, please note that the score reports must be official and sent directly to Glendale Community College in Arizona (Code Number 4338) from the testing service. 

Academic Programs

Applicants for admission to academic programs must meet one of the following criteria: 

  • A minimum TOEFL score of 70 on the Internet-based test
  • A minimum IELTS overall Band Score of 6.0 or higher
  • Duolingo minimum score 100 

English Language Program

Applicants for admission to the English Language Program must provide evidence of at least intermediate command of English by meeting one or more of the following criteria:

  • At least six years of English language instruction as shown by the applicant’s school transcript(s)
  • A minimum TOEFL score of 20 on the Internet-based test
  • A minimum IELTS overall Band Score of 2.0 or better
  • Duolingo minimum score 15
  • An original letter of recommendation from a teacher, school principal, headmaster/headmistress, or director of an English Language Institute attesting to the applicant’s proficiency at the intermediate level 

For information on dates and locations of TOEFL exam centers, contact the Educational Testing Center at: http://www.toefl.org. For IELTS information, visit https://www.ielts.org.

You or your sponsor must complete the statement of financial support. Include financial documentation, such as a bank statement, showing that the sponsor has sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses estimated at $30,219 per year (see estimated expenses on the application for more details). Tuition and fees are subject to change without notice. Please note that the American Embassy or Consulate will require another set of original financial documents.

After Acceptance, Apply for a Student F-1 VISA

Students accepted to GCC qualify for the I-20 Certificate of Eligibility needed to apply for a student (F-1) VISA.  Apply for your VISA at the United States consulate in your home country. When you get the VISA, make a photocopy of it and keep the copy in a safe place.

Students Under 18 Years Old

Maricopa Community Colleges recommends that students who are under the age of 18 (minors) have a guardian in the United States. In the event of a personal emergency, accident, illness, incarceration, etc., the State of Arizona will require the signature of a guardian before assistance such as hospitalization, legal counsel, etc., can be offered. Maricopa Community Colleges is not permitted to act in the place of a parent or guardian.