Frequently Asked Questions
What can I study at Pima Community College (PCC)?
Pima Community College offers courses in over 70 fields of study. The college catalog is online. Click here to see descriptions of programs. Pima College also offers ESL (English as a Second Language) classes.
What is an F-1 and how can I get an F-1 Visa?
An F-1 visa is a student visa issued by the U.S. Consulate or Embassy in your country. To be able to apply for an F-1 visa, you must first apply to an American university or college (for example Pima College) for admissions, receive an I-20 form and a letter of acceptance from Pima. When you have these documents, you then can schedule an interview at a Consulate or Embassy to obtain your F-1 visa.
What is needed to apply to Pima College?
Please go to “International Admissions” www.pima.edu/intadmit to read about the application process and download the necessary forms. You can send your admissions documents by mail or by fax.
How much does it cost to go to Pima?
When international students apply to Pima, they must show on an Affidavit of Support that they have financial support for one year ($ 16950 for the year 2004/2005). This includes the tuition cost of $ 2750 for each semester for the 2004/2005 school year; health insurance cost for each semester $ 325; an estimated $ 800 for books and supplies, and an estimated $ 10,000 for cost of living (apartment, food, etc.) for one year.
Do I have to purchase health insurance at Pima Community College?
All Pima students are required to have health insurance. If you have your own insurance from your home country and it will cover your medical expenses here in the U.S. , then you do not need to purchase health insurance from Pima.
Does Pima Community College offer scholarships or financial aid?
No, international students are not eligible for federal financial aid at Pima College. You may search for scholarship offers independently (for example at http://www.edupass.org/finaid).
What is the application deadline?
Pima College needs all application papers at least 8 weeks before a new term starts. The fall semester usually starts at the end of August and the spring semester starts in early January. The summer semester usually starts at the end of May. It is important for you to find out how long it takes to get an appointment for a student visa at the American Consulate in your country, so you can calculate the time needed to apply to Pima Community College.
How long will it take to get an I-20?
The time it takes to receive your new I-20 will depend on your admission to Pima Community College. You must meet all the international admissions requirements before your I-20 will be processed. Please make sure you submit your completed documents in a timely manner. Once your application has been approved, we will issue your new I-20 and acceptance packet promptly.
How can I pay the $ 25 international application fee?
Include a $25 (U.S. dollars) non-refundable application fee in the form of a check or money order drawn on a U.S. Banking Affiliate and made payable to Pima Community College. Do not send cash or international postal money orders. To pay by credit card you must send us the credit card authorization form. Application fees cannot be waived or transferred to a future application. Please visit http://wc.pima.edu/intadmit/int_admissions.htm for more information.
What is the TOEFL score requirement?
An official TOEFL score report of 133 (computer-based) or 450 (paper-based) is required for an academic program. TOEFL test is not required for ESL study.
What is an Affidavit of Support?
An Affidavit of Support is a legal document that you must provide to Pima Community College to show that you and/or a sponsor for you have enough available funds to support you while you are attending Pima Community College.
Does Pima Community College have dorms or on-campus housing?
No, PCC does not provide housing or dormitories on campus. You may search for apartments and home rentals through the local apartment guides and newspaper classified ads. Please contact the ISSO for more information on housing.
How many credits do I need to maintain my full time F-1 student status?
To maintain your status and to be within the laws of your full- time student visa, you must be registered for minimum 12 credits during the Fall and Spring semesters (6 credits in the summer if you arrive on a summer I-20). You must also maintain a grade point average of 2.0. Failure to do so will make you fall "out of status". |
