International Students
Welcome to SUNY Schenectady
SUNY Schenectady County Community College (SUNY Schenectady) welcomes international students. We believe in a diverse student population and encourage international students to join our community through the wide variety of courses and activities offered in and out of the classroom!
International students are invited to reach out to the Office of Admissions on WhatsApp.
The College accepts applications for admission from international students for the Fall and Spring semesters. Students attending the College on a student visa (F1) as authorized by an I-20 Certificate of Eligibility are considered to be international students. Applicants who are permanent residents of the United States should follow the normal admissions procedures and are not considered to be international students.
Application Deadline
- Applications for the Fall semester must be complete by July 15.
- Applications for the Spring semester must be complete by December 1.
- We cannot accept international students into the summer term.
Acceptance of international students is based on the following factors:
- Complete the free application to SUNY Schenectady.
- The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Duolingo is required prior to Admission. The minimum acceptable score on the computer based TOEFL is 213. The minimum acceptable score on the internet-based test is 79. These are equivalent to the paper based TOEFL score of 550. The minimum score for the IELTS is 6.5. The minimum score for Duolingo is 110. The testing requirement may be waived for students from countries where English is the primary language or when a student has successfully completed English Composition courses at an accredited U.S. college.
- Students must have academic credentials at a level appropriate for entrance in college level study. Either equivalency to a U.S. secondary school graduation (completion of 12th grade) or completion of the equivalent of a U.S. college degree must be provided. The Full Opportunity Program regarding admission to the College does not apply to international students.
- Submit transcript evaluation. In order to verify that a student has met the admissions requirement of the College, the Admissions Office requires that an evaluation agency verify your secondary school records. Either equivalency to a U.S. secondary school graduation (completion of U.S. 12th grade) or competition of the equivalent of a U.S. college degree must be shown. Evaluations can be completed by WES, ECE, or other NACES approved members. The evaluation report, along with an official copy of the transcript must be in your file by the International Student application deadline. If the student holds an associate’s or bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution, an official copy of the transcript sent directly from the college to SUNY Schenectady will substitute for the above.
- Provide a scanned copy of their current, valid passport to the Admissions Office. If the student is already in the U.S. on a visa they will be required to submit a scanned copy of this document, as well. You may provide these documents via mail or email. Students currently in the U.S. may bring documents to the Admissions Office to be photocopied. Privacy is our primary concern and all received documents are safely secured once received.
- Complete and submit the SUNY International Financial Statement. Students must be able to certify the availability of $25,519 (U.S. currency) per each 12 month period to support their cost of tuition, fees, books, room, board, and other living expenses while in attendance at the College. Students are required to provide a bank statement that demonstrates full availability of these funds or present a notarized statement from a bank official that acknowledges the availability of these funds before admission will be considered.
- Complete and submit the SUNY Schenectady International Student Information Form to the Admissions Office.
- Supply proof of all required immunizations. Find SUNY Schenectady's Immunization forms.
- Health Insurance is required and the cost of the premiums will be added to your student
account. If you have already purchased comparable insurance, please submit proof of insurance
to the Admissions Office. The College will then determine if your existing policy
is comparable. If your policy is deemed to be comparable, then you will not be assessed
the health insurance charges. In addition, accident insurance is required for all
students. The fee schedule is based on the 2024-25 school year, and is subject to change.
Term
Cost to Participant
Annual
$2,532.32
Fall Semester
$1,066.67
Spring Semester
$1,052.73
Summer
$641.40
Monthly
$211.03
Short Term (Up to 16 days)
$111.54
- Obtain a Form I-20. After you are accepted please confirm your intentions to attend SUNY Schenectady by contacting the Admissions Office in order to have your Form I-20 processed. More information on obtaining a visa.
- Submit payment for all SEVIS fees. Students will be able to pay the I-901 fee after they have received the Form I-20 but before making an appointment with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. https://www.fmjfee.com/
- Schedule your Interview Appointment with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. To find the location closest to you visit USEmbassy.gov. Follow their instructions on how to schedule the appointment, this includes additional documents and photo. Check the Visa appointment wait times.
Additional Information
International Students are not eligible for any form of financial aid for attendance at SUNY Schenectady County Community College. Students attending the College on a student visa must pay non-resident tuition regardless of the length of time that they have resided in New York State. See the current Tuition and Fees at SUNY Schenectady.
International Students who entered the country with an F-1 Visa or who changed their immigration status to F-1 while in the United States are required to report to the Division of Student Affairs (Elston Hall, Room 222) every semester to assure maintenance of status. All F-1 students who transfer to SUNY Schenectady must also apply for a SUNY Schenectady Form I-20 Certificate of Eligibility within 15 days of registering for classes.
We are here to help answer any questions you may have. Contact the Admissions Office directly at +1-518-381-1366, email admissions@sunysccc.edu, or reach out on WhatsApp.