ISO FAQs

An international student is an individual who holds a valid F-1 student visa for study in the United States.

There are non-immigrant visas that allow individuals to study in the U.S. Visit “Non-immigrants Who Can Study?” for the list of eligible visas.

Per federal regulations, B-1 and B-2 nonimmigrants (i.e., visitors who are in the United States for business and pleasure purposes) are prohibited from enrolling in a course of study at a U.S. Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school. Visit the Department of Homeland Security webpage Study in the States for detailed information regarding B-1/2 Visitors who want to enroll in school.

Please click here International Admission Requirements for information regarding international student admission at San Antonio College.

There is a one-time $100 non-refundable processing fee for international student applicants. There is no fee for the Apply Texas admission application.  You can pay the International Student Application fee in the Alamo Colleges District Marketplace Mall.

For assistance, please contact the International Student Office sac-iso@alamo.edu.

International students interested in attending San Antonio College are given the Michigan exam to determine English proficiency prior to admission. The Michigan exam determines a student’s level of proficiency in English and the amount of additional English language instruction needed, if any.

To ensure all students have a strong English language foundation before taking academic courses, SAC provides English as a Second Language classes at its Center for English Learning. Once students complete their ESL program, they can transition into a degree program.

Please contact the International Student Office for information regarding deferred admission.

Yes.  The San Antonio College will accept foreign transcripts that have been evaluated by a member of National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).

Please note: Some evaluation services require the document to be translated into English before they can complete the evaluation.

For a list of NACES members, go to: National Association of Credential Evaluation Services. 

Admission requires a general evaluation stating your documents are equivalent to that of a U.S. high school or U.S. college or university. For transfer credit, you must request a detailed or course-by-course evaluation. 

Please note: there is no guarantee transfer credit can or will be awarded.

Please refer to the International Student Cost of Attendance page for the current financial requirements.

Generally, the form I-20 is issued approximately two weeks after all required documents have been received. You can contact the International Student Services advisor at the College you will attend for additional information. 

Once you receive your form I-20 you must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee and complete the online Visa Application, form DS-160, then schedule an interview with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home country. For additional information click “Student Visas”.

Texas State Law (SB 1107) established the requirement for students under the age of 22 years entering any Texas institution of higher education to provide proper documentation showing they have received the bacterial meningitis vaccination within five years and at least 10 calendar days before the beginning of the semester. The bacterial meningitis vaccination expires five years after the date it is received. The vaccination must be within five years on the first day of classes for the starting semester. 

Yes. In accordance with Alamo Colleges District requirements, international students must maintain health insurance for the full duration of their program. Please refer to the Health Insurance page for more information.

All F-1 visa students are required to attend the F-1 Visa Compliance Seminar. Once accepted, the International Student Services Office will send additional information.

To maintain your F-1 visa status, you must enroll in a minimum of 12 credit hours every fall and spring semester.

Pay online with a credit card or check through your ACES student account. Cash payments are accepted at Business Office. You can also make arrangements to pay your tuition with a payment plan. Once a payment plan has been set up, you can schedule additional payments to be automatically deducted from your checking account or applied to a credit card. Remember, if you choose this option, all payments will be made prior to the payment deadline and no additional actions are necessary. Visit the Business Office for more information on paying your tuition.

F-1 students are not eligible to apply for federal aid such as the Pell Grant; however, there may be limited state funding available. Please contact your International Student Services advisor for more information.

F-1 students may be eligible for limited employment with proper authorization. All employment must be approved. Please contact the International Student Office for more information.

F-1 students are limited to one 3-credit online, hybrid, or Zoom course per semester. Please contact the International Student Office for more information.