International Students FAQ

We welcome your interest as an International Student!

Our staff is here to assist you. Our admission requirements conform to 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 finances are usually all that is required for admission.

How To Apply

Complete the International Student Admissions form or download the International Student Application (pdf). Email your completed application to iep@gccaz.edu.

Application deadlines

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

Mail transcripts to:

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

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

GCC 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. Glendale Community College is not permitted to act in the place of the parent or guardian.

Frequently Asked Questions about International Study

The approximate cost of one year of study at the Maricopa Community Colleges:

This is a rough estimate of costs and not a projected actual cost.
  Lower-Division Upper-Division
Out-of-state tuition and fees: $9,115 $10,279
Textbooks & Health Insurance:  $3,904 $3,904
Living expenses (off-campus):  $17,200 $17,200
Total $30,219 $31,383

Bringing Money
Don’t bring money in foreign currencies or a lot of cash. Bring a combination of a $5,000 bank draft (used to open a bank account), traveler’s checks, and a small amount of cash in U.S. currency to use until you set up a bank account.

Open a Bank Account
Our staff can help you find a bank and open an account. Bring your passport, another form of identification, an address, and money to deposit into your bank account. The money you deposit from travelers’ checks will be accessible right away.

Credit Card Payments
If you prefer, you may pay for your tuition and fees with a major credit card such as VISA, MasterCard or Discover. If you want to use a credit card, bring one with you from your home country.

Scholarships
The United States government does not offer scholarships to incoming students from other countries unless it is a special program. You may apply for GCC scholarships beginning your second semester.

Most international students are interested in college programs that create a path to transfer to a university. Community colleges offer the first two years of a traditional four-year Bachelor's degree program and Concurrent Enrollment Programs (CEP) that allow you to complete your bachelor's degree while enrolled at the community college. Costs are typically far less at a community college.

Glendale Community College offers university transfer, technical and job training, and special interest programs.

If you need to improve your English language skills, apply for the English as a Second Language (ESL) Program (pdf). Students admitted to the ESL program are automatically admitted as full-time students.

Apply at least three months before you plan to travel. Your visa can only be issued 90 days prior to the start of your educational program.

You may appeal the decision. In most cases, you will need to provide additional new documentation that was not presented with the initial application. Please call us for more information.