International Students FAQ

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. 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.