An international student (a first-time freshman, a transfer student, a transient student, or a re-admit student) must apply for admission to the College before the student may enroll in a course. To begin the admission procedure, the student must apply through the Admissions Office (PO Box 227, Gadsden, AL 35902). For more information, telephone 256.549.8210, email international@gadsdenstate.edu or visit the International webpage.
Admission Requirements
To be admitted to GSCC, an international student must submit to the International Programs Office each of the following:
- A certified original translated and evaluated copy of the student’s high school transcript, showing that the average grade was at least “C.” (Any accredited credential evaluation service may be used for evaluation). A high school diploma/transcript is not required for admission to the Alabama Language Institute.
- English language proficiency as evidenced by a minimum score of 5.5 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), a total score of 61 on the Internet-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), a 2A on the Step EIKEN Test in Practical English Proficiency, a total score of 500 on the paper-based TOEFL, or a 95 on the Duolingo English Test. Exceptions are as follows:
- Exception #1: (1) A student from a country where English is the native language or from a country exempt from an English proficiency test or (2) a student who has graduated from an accredited high school in the United States or from an accredited American high school overseas or (3) a student who is applying for admission to the Alabama Language Institute (ALI) is exempt from providing evidence of English language proficiency. For more information about the ALI program, a student should see the section on “Alabama Language Institute” in this catalog.
- Exception #2: A student who (1) has completed one full term in the Alabama Language Institute at the highest levels (Levels 5/6) in Speaking/Listening, Reading, Grammar, Composition, and either Advanced Vocabulary or TOEFL Strategies; (2) has passed all skill areas with at least a “B”; and (3) has a written recommendation from the ALI faculty to enter college may enroll in the College without further evidence of English language proficiency.
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The ACCS Medical Record Form completed and signed by a physician attesting to the student’s good health and documenting required vaccinations and a current TB test or chest x-ray showing no active tuberculosis;
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Affidavit of Support in the form of a certified statement from a person who assumes full responsibility for the student’s financial support with a signed declaration by the sponsor’s bank. All forms can be downloaded here.
An international transfer student (that is, a student seeking enrollment to GSCC and who has attended one or more U.S. colleges and/or universities) must also ensure that an official academic record transcript is sent directly to GSCC from each college and/or university that the student attended. In addition, the student must submit a completed Transfer Clearance Form.
Student who attended a foreign university must have their transcripts evaluated by World Education Services (WES), P.O. Box 745, Old Chelsea Station, New York, NY 10113-0745; website: www.wes.org/ or any accredited credential evaluation service. The credential evaluation service should send the evaluation directly to Gadsden State Community College, Registrar, P.O. Box 227, Gadsden, AL 35902-0227.
All students holding an F-1 or M-1 visa must purchase health insurance approved through Gadsden State. Insurance must be maintained during all periods of enrollment, vacation and OPT. Health insurance coverage information may be obtained from the Admissions Office. Students who do not comply with this requirement will be blocked from registration, blocked from sending a Gadsden State transcript and not registered in SEVIS.
A student from a country where former students have experienced difficulty in obtaining funds may be required by Gadsden State to deposit a semester’s worth of educational funds with the College when the student applies for admission. These funds will be held by the college only until the student’s first semester’s expenses are satisfied at which time the college will refund all excess funds to the student.
Procedure for Making Application as an International Student
To Apply:
Alabama Language Institute
- Apply for Admission; select "S" for student type.
- Complete the ACCS Medical Record Form.
- Have sponsor complete an Affidavit of Support Form with a signed declaration by the sponsor’s bank.
Gadsden State Community College
- Apply for Admission; select "S" for student type.
- Complete the ACCS Medical Record Form.
- Have sponsor complete an Affidavit of Support Form with a signed declaration by the sponsor’s bank.
- Provide a diploma and sealed official high school/college transcripts along with an official English translation of both. The transcript must be certified to demonstrate equivalency with U.S. high school credentials.
- Submit accepted evidence of English language proficiency (see Exceptions above).
An international student approved for enrollment in regular Gadsden State courses must take the Placement Test to determine the correct placement in English and mathematics.