International Student Admissions Steps
What is a International Student?
An international student is anyone who is in a non-immigrant visa status, including H-1B visa holders. If you are not a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, refugee, or asylee, you would be classified as an international student and should complete the international application for admission.
The first step to get started at TSC is to complete your ApplyTexas Application. You can apply online by simply following the link below:
Contact your previous school(s) to request your official transcript(s) be sent electronically. Transcripts from another country are required to be translated and/or evaluated by a recognized service by NACES and include all original seals and/or signatures.
For more information about NACES Members visit NACES.
We only accept the evaluation and translations of the companies who are listed under NACES. SPANTRAN is our preferred company for evaluations TSC SPANTRAN.
Submit Official High School or “Constancia” or University transcripts. Unofficial copies of foreign transcripts are only accepted if student recently graduated or has not graduated.
Upon Arriving to the United States, meet with the Designated School Official and Enrollment Coach. Our College Enrollment Coaches will provide you with exceptional guidance and support as you launch your future with us, such as registering for classes and signing up for Orientation.
Enrollment Coaches will assist you in selecting a program of study and developing your degree plan.
International Student Orientation is a mandatory orientation that all new International students are required to attend to ease the transition to Texas Southmost College.
During the orientation, you will learn about how to get involved with student life on campus and about other college services.
Testing
Depending on your student status and degree path, you may need to submit English proficiency scores and/or state-mandated assessment tests.
English Language Proficiency (TOEFL iBT)
Students applying under an F-1 or M-1 Visa must demonstrate English proficiency.
- Requirement: TSC strictly accepts the TOEFL iBT (Internet-based Test) with a minimum score of 61.
- Official Scores: TOEFL scores must be sent directly to TSC from ETS/TOEFL. Test scores are valid for two (2) years from the test date.
- Exemption: F-1 or M-1 visa students transferring directly from a U.S. high school are not required to take the TOEFL iBT.
- More Info: Visit www.toefl.org for test dates, locations, and registration.
Texas Success Initiative (TSI) Assessment
All incoming students must satisfy state-mandated placement requirements in reading, writing, and math through the TSIA2, unless exempt.
- Registering for the TSI: If you need to take the TSI, you can schedule an in-person or online exam through the TSC Marketplace:
- Score Submission: Any previous TSI test scores must be submitted directly to the TSC Testing Office. Scores remain valid for five (5) years.
Please Note: Students enrolling in Level 1 Certificate or Workforce programs are not required to take the TSI. Unsure which category your program falls under?
View our Programs Page to check your requirements.
DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED FOR ISSUE OF I-20
- Valid passport for more than 3 months
- Government Issued ID and if available B1/B2 or non-immigrant Visa
- Transfer students need to submit current documents (Passport, F1 Visa, I-94, and I-20)
- Financial Documentation: Affidavit of Support from the student’s sponsor, parent(s), or guardian, which must be signed and notarized, guaranteeing the student’s ability to pay expenses, such as tuition and fees.
- Financial Statement from a bank or other financial entity, documenting the availability of funds.
- For information about the financial requirements for the specific school year contact:
Submit Immunization Proof
If you are under 22 years of age and haven’t been previously enrolled in a Fall or Spring semester at TSC, you must provide proof of a bacterial meningitis immunization for all on-campus courses.