Thank you for choosing Gulf Coast Community College (GCCC). You will find very important information regarding our admissions policies. The information below shows the steps needed and the necessary documents that must be submitted before your I-20 can be issued.
Term Deadlines
International applicants should begin their admissions process at the earliest possible date in advance of the intended term of enrollment. Three to six months lead time is recommended to assure enrollment as requested.
Admission Deadlines
Term
Start Date
End Date
Application Deadline Date
FALL
August
-
December
May 26
SPRING
January
-
May
October 2
SUMMER
May
-
August
February 15
Tuition & Fees
* Fees are subject to change.
Per Credit Hour
Per Semester (12 credit hours)
$308.96
$3,707.52
Admission Information
(This information is for International Students only. If you are a Permanent Resident Alien, please complete standard application by clicking here.)
Required Documents
You must submit the following items to the International Student Services Office at least ninety (90) days prior to the beginning of the term for which you are applying:
Note: Please keep in mind the following when completing your application:
• Review our Academic programs
• An incomplete application and/or missing required documents will delay the admission process.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ADMISSION FORM
An admissions application and all required documents must be received before an I-20 can be issued. Your permanent foreign address is required. Students must have completed secondary school (high school).
* There is a $20 non-refundable application fee.
Minimum total scores of 79 on the Internet-based, 213 on the Computer-based and 550 on the paper-based test or 6 hours of college English is required if the native language is not English.
International students should plan to take the TOEFL at least three (3) months prior to the intended term of enrollment in order to assure the official test score report is received at least thirty (30) days before the beginning of the term.
Students must be able to bear the cost of study and living expenses. A Statement of Financial Responsibility must be completed and notarized. An official bank statement with funds available to you in excess of $15,000 (US currency) must be attached to the statement of financial responsibility. Students should know that $15,000 is needed each year to cover living expenses, tuition and fees.
Documentary evidence of means of financial support must be provided to the College for admission purposes and issuance of the Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20).
The Statement of Financial Responsibility indicates that you have or your sponsor has an account of at least $15,000 (USD) and that this money is to be used to support you while you study at
Gulf Coast Community College. The Statement of Financial Responsibility must be certified authentic (notarized) and an official bank statement must be attached. The statement must be dated no more than 6 months from the term deadline date.
Federal financial aid is not available to international students. Tuition and fees must be paid by the beginning of each term.
FOREIGN TRANSCRIPTS
Transcripts from foreign institutions must be evaluated by World Education Services (WES). It is the responsibility of the student to bear all associated costs and fees. Gulf Coast will determine transferable credits. If the academic institution you attended does not issue documents in English, you must submit precise word for word translations of all your credentials. To have your documents translated, you may contact University Language Services (ULS) by using the link below.
High school graduates only please submit your original high school transcript to WES for evaluation.
University students please submit university original transcripts to WES for evaluation. Additional high school documents may be required. Acceptance of transfer courses is subject to approval by the Gulf Coast Community College.
All students transferring in or out of Gulf Coast Community College must complete the International Transfer Request form before a students SEVIS record can be transferred. If you TRANSFERRING IN to Gulf Coast, a letter from your transferring school is required. This letter must state you are in compliance with your F-1 status and you are eligible for transfer.
The SEVIS fee should be paid after you receive your I-20. Receipt of fee payment must be presented with your I-20 before your Embassy will issue an F-1 Visa.
The Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20) will be provided to each admitted student following completion of all admissions requirements. This document is taken to a United States Embassy or Consulate to obtain an F-1 visa to enter the United States as a student. Your statement of financial responsibility, SEVIS
I-901 fee payment receipt, valid passport, and proof of ties to home country must also be presented at your appointment at the US Embassy/Consulate.
ARRIVAL INFORMATION
International students, after receiving confirmation of acceptance to the College, can arrive in the United States approximately 30 days before the beginning of the intended term of enrollment. This is necessary in order to be tested, advised and registered into courses. In addition, this arrival time allows the foreign student the time needed to locate suitable housing in the community and be ready for the first day of classes.
International students must report to the International Student Representative located in the Admissions Office no later than 30 days after arriving in the United States. Please bring the following documents with you when you visit the International Student Representative: your stamped I-20, I-94, and passport.
HOUSING & TRANSPORTATION
GCCC does not provide student housing facilities for local or international students. However, each college campus will try to assist students to locate housing in the community. Students should arrive in Panama City about 30 days prior to the beginning of the term in order to arrange accommodations. International students must bring sufficient funds to pay at least three months of rent in advance at the time housing is located. Click here for additional information on Local Housing and Transportation.
Each student must provide their local address and telephone number to the International Student Services office immediately upon arrival. Changes of address must also be immediately provided to the College.
PROOF OF INSURANCE
Each semester before registration, all international students must provide proof of Medical coverage while attending Gulf Coast Community College. The coverage must be for a full year, and it must be renewed each year in order for a student to register for courses.
International students are required to attend college full time and earn 12 or more credit hours each term and make satisfactory progress each term toward the degree objectives as stipulated in the Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20). International students may not work without proper authorization according to immigration regulations. When visa students do not enroll, are not attending full time, maintain poor classroom attendance, make unsatisfactory academic progress, or become employed without proper authorization, they will be reported to DHS as being out of status.
In addition, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services [USCIS] requires that International students fulfill the following conditions as well as pursue a full course of study at the educational institution they are authorized to attend.
Do not transfer schools or work off campus without United States Citizenship and Immigration Services' permission
Keep a current passport that is valid for at least six month into the future;
Keep a valid I-20
Notify USCIS within 10 days of an address change.
EMPLOYMENT
See the International Students representative in the Admissions Office before you begin on campus employment. Off campus employment is not permitted unless first approved by the USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services).
Thank you for choosing Gulf Coast Community College (GCCC). You will find very important information regarding our admissions policies. The information below shows the steps needed and the necessary documents that must be submitted before your I-20 can be issued.