Binational and International Programs
International students and their voices are a core part of the diverse community at Southwestern College. Our Office of Binational and International Programs plays a central role in ensuring all feel welcome here, and if you have any questions at all about the international admissions process, our team is here to walk you through every step.
Binational and International Programs
Learn about programs for binational (US/Mexico) and international students at Southwestern College.What’s the International Admissions Process
Gather Your Documents
Applying for college does require certain things you’ll need. Review the “What You Will Need” section below very closely to ensure you don’t miss anything.
Apply for School
Once you’re ready to apply and have everything you need, you can get going! Please review the application deadlines.
Get Started!
You will find whether or not you’ve been accepted approximately 30 days after the application deadline. Before enrolling in a class, international students have several requirements, including attending a pre-semester orientation.
Schedule an appointment with an International Admissions Advisor
What You Will Need to Apply as an International Student
Here’s what you’ll need for international admissions at Southwestern College. If you are looking for some more detail or information, we encourage you to contact our staff. We will be happy to help you through the process!
- Online F-1 International Student Application: Submit all your documents via our online application.
- Proof of English Proficiency: Applicants must verify English Proficiency through one of the following:
- TOEFL: Test of English as a Foreign Language - Minimum score of 50 iBT (internet-based test). ETS must send the score directly to Southwestern College. Our ETS code is 4726
- IELTS: International English Language Testing System - Minimum score of 5.5 IELTS Academic. IELTS must send the scores directly to Southwestern College.
- Duolingo English Test - Minimum score of 75 Duolingo English Test. Select Southwestern College (California) to send the test score directly to us.
- Official transcripts or diplomas from a U.S. High School with the date of graduation posted.
- Official transcripts from a U.S. college or university showing completion of a college-level English composition course.
- Completion of Level 108 or higher at Q International School.
- High School Transcripts:
- Submit your official High School diploma or certificate directly to Southwestern College. If the documentation is not in English, you must also submit a certified English translation.
- Evidence of Financial Support: You must provide evidence of sufficient financial support to pay for your tuition, books, supplies, and living expenses for two semesters. The total estimated cost is $30,431 U.S. Dollars.
- For Transfer Students: To verify your present status, you must send a copy of your I-20, a copy of your F-1 visa, a copy of your most recent I-94, and a Transfer Verification Form.
Application Deadlines
| F-1 International Students |
F-1 Transfer Students | F-1 Border Commuter Students | |
| Summer 2023: | April 5, 2023 | May 5, 2023 | May 5, 2023 |
| Fall 2023: | June 30, 2023 | July 28, 2023 | July 28, 2023 |
| Spring 2024: |
December 1, 2023 | January 2, 2023 | January 2, 2023 |
Required Documents
F-1 International Students
| Document | Description | |
|---|---|---|
| Application Checklist | List of documents required to apply as an F-1 International Students who will reside in the U.S. for the duration of the program of study at SWC. | |
| Affidavit of Support | Students must submit the Affidavit of Support form with a signature from your sponsor. This form serves as proof that the person who signs it is willing and able to financially support you as an International Student for the entirety of your studies at SWC. |
F-1 Transfer Students
| Document | Description | |
|---|---|---|
| Application Checklist | For students who are currently studying in the U.S. at a language school, college or university who want to transfer to SWC. | |
| Affidavit of Support | F-1 Transfer Students must submit the Affidavit of Support form with a signature from your sponsor. This form serves as proof that the person who signs it is willing and able to financially support you as an International Student for the entirety of your studies at SWC. |
F-1 Border Commuter/Fronterizo Students
| Document | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Application Checklist |
Mexican nationals who are border commuters. For students who live close to the U.S./Mexico border and will attend SWC while residing in Mexico. |
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Requisitos de Registro |
Para estudiantes que son ciudadanos mexicanos y cruzaran la frontera desde México a los Estados Unidos para asistir a clases, mientras mantienen residencia permanente en México. |
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Affidavit of Support |
Students must submit the Affidavit of Support form with a signature from your sponsor. This form serves as proof that the person who signs it is willing and able to financially support you as an International Student for the entirety of your studies at Southwestern College. |
|
| Comprobante de Soporte Financiero |
Los estudiantes deben presentar el formulario de Comprobante de Soporte Financiero con la firma de su patrocinador. Este documento sirve como prueba de que el patrocinador está dispuesto y tiene la capacidad financiera de cubrir los gastos del estudiante internacional durante todo el tiempo de estudios en SWC. |
Ready to Apply?
F-1 International Student Application
Students who will reside in the U.S. must submit the F-1 International Student Application.
F-1 Border Commuter International Student Application
Students who are Mexican nationals, and will commute from Mexico to the U.S. for classes, must submit the F-1 Border Commuter International Student Application. The application deadline is one month before the start of the semester.