Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Prospective Students
What degree programs does SJCC offer?
What support services are available to international students?
When is the application deadline?
What is the application fee?
What do I need to submit to be considered for admissions?
How can I obtain an application?
What is the approximate cost to study at SJCC?
Does SJCC offer on campus dormitories?
Does SJCC offer an English Learning Program?
Do I need to take the TOEFL?
Where can I obtain information about the TOEFL?
How can my TOEFL score be sent to SJCC?
What is the minimum TOEFL score requirement?
When will I find out about my admission status?
When am I officially accepted for admission?
Can I choose how many units of courses I want to take?
How long can I study at SJCC?
I am studying at another U.S. school. I want to take a class at SJCC. What documents do I need to bring to the International Student Advisor?
Transferring from U.S. School
What is the application process if I am already studying at a U.S. college?
If I am accepted, how do I inform the former U.S. college that I am transferring to SJCC?
Students Accepted for Admission
What visa/documents do I need in order to study in the U.S.?
How do I maintain good BCIS (Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services) standing at SJCC?
What health immunizations do I need?
Do I need to purchase health insurance?
Can I work while I am in the U.S.?
When should I arrive at the college?
I applied for a F-1 visa, but was denied. Will SJCC defer my attendance?
Who do I notify when I arrive at SJCC?
What documents do I need to show the International Student Advisor?
Am I allowed to travel during my time here?
Prospective Students
What academic/degree programs does SJCC offer?
We offer certificates, associate degrees in arts (preparation for transfer to a four-year school), associate degrees in science (primarily career preparation), and coursework to transfer to a four-year school. You will find a list of the programs at Degrees & Certificates. [top]
International students are eligible to see meet with our international program staff who can assist students with scheduling classes and with academic, personal, and occupational counseling. [top]
When is the application deadline?
We offer two application deadlines each year. The deadline for Fall Semester is April 15th. The deadline for Spring Semester is October 15th. [top]
The non-refundable application processing fee is $100.00. [top]
What do I need to submit to be considered for admission?
- Completed International Student Application
- $100.00 non-refundable application processing fee (Make check or money order payable to San Jose City College )
- Official English detailed translations of all your secondary and post-secondary transcripts
- Official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Score
submitted to SJCC by the Educational Testing Service (ETS)
Minimum score: 500 paper-based; 173 electronic-based;
61 internet-based School Code: 4686 Dept Code: 00
- Certified bank letter (written by bank representative) indicating the
current balance in U.S. dollars from parents, sponsor or self (minimum $19108 USD) - Letter of financial support from parents or sponsor or a personal letter attesting self-sponsorship
- Passport-Size Photograph
- Statement of Purpose: Please write a detailed, accurate statement
of your academic and professional goals, why you wish to study
in the United States , and why you have chosen San Jose City College
Students applying from within the U.S. must also submit the following:- Copy of current visa, passport, and I-94 card
- Copy of your Form I-20
Please obtain the application for detailed admission information. [top]
How can I obtain an application?
You may download it on the international admissions website or email internationalprogram@sjcc.edu to request one. [top]What is the approximate cost to study at SJCC?
Approximate costs for attendance at San Jose City College for a two-semester period are:
[top]Cost Table Description Cost Tution $ 4872 Room and Board $ 9288 Books and Supplies $1422 Miscellaneous/Personal/Insurance $ 3488 Health Fees and Student Activity Fee $ 38 TOTAL ESTIMATED Cost $ 19108 Does SJCC offer on-campus dormitories?
No, students are responsible for arranging their living accommodations. [top]Does SJCC offer an English Learning Program?
No. Students are required to have a proficient level of English as determined by TOEFL prior to being admitted here. If a student does not meet the TOEFL requirement, the student should consider attending a language institute to improve his/her language skills. Some institutes provide automatic transfer to SJCC after completion of their English program. [top]Do I need to take the TOEFL?
A TOEFL score needs to be submitted by ETS for all students interested in obtaining admission to San Jose City College. Only students from countries where English is the primary language of instruction may be exempted from the TOEFL. If you believe you qualify for an exemption, please confirm it with the International Programs office. [top]Where can I obtain information about the TOEFL?
TOEFL information may be requested from the Educational Testing Service.TOEFL Services
P.O. Box 6151
Princeton, NJ 08541
www.toefl.orgHow can my TOEFL score be sent to SJCC?
When you take the TOEFL, on your answer sheet, mark 4686 for our Institution Code and 00 for Department Number on your answer sheet. [top]What is the minimum TOEFL score requirement?
Paper-based assessment = 500; Computer-based assessment = 173 Internet base = 61 [top]When will I find out about my admission status?
Upon receipt of your completed application and supporting documents, you will be notified of your admission status within four weeks. [top]When am I officially accepted for admission?
Can I choose how many units of courses I want to take?
You are officially accepted when you receive a letter of acceptance and an I-20 “Certificate of Eligibility” form signed by a school official. [top]
No. As an international student, you are required to enroll in a minimum of 12 units each semester. [top]How long can I study at SJCC?
It depends on your program of study. However, the maximum number of semesters you can study at SJCC is 5 semesters. Extensions may be possible under certain circumstances. [top]I am studying at another U.S. school. I want to take a class at SJCC. What documents do I need to bring to the International Student Advisor?
- Permission letter from your sponsoring school indicating your current BCIS standing and major
- Evidence that prerequisite (if any) for course has been met
- Valid I-20, passport, and visa
Transferring from U.S. School
What is the application process if I am already studying at a U.S. college?
Transfer students are also required to submit a completed International Student application and meet the application deadlines. [top]If I am admitted, how do I inform the former U.S. college that I am transferring to SJCC?
A Certification of F-1 Visa Status for Transfer Students form (pink) will be mailed to you. You must have the bottom portion completed and returned by a Designated School Official (DSO) to SJCC. The DSO should then release your record to SJCC. [top]Students Accepted for Admission
What visa/documents do I need in order to study in the U.S.?
You need to have a valid passport, I-94 Departure/Arrival card, F-1 visa and I-20. [top] How do I maintain good BCIS standing at SJCC?
Each semester you need to maintain a full course of study, 12 units. If there are any changes that might affect your international student status, you must notify the International Office. [top] What health immunizations do I need?
Within the first month of the semester, you will need to show proof of Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) (given on or after 1st birthday) and a recent tuberculin skin test (within one year). Health Services on campus can also provide these immunizations. [top]
Do I need to purchase health insurance?
Students are expected to purchase health insurance. The International Program can refer you to a benefit plan designed for international students. [top]
Can I work while I am in the U.S.?
Students may work on campus with the approval of the International Program. Only under rare circumstances may a student apply to work off campus. Students may apply to participate in Optical Practical Training (OPT), which will give students the opportunity to apply their learning in a work setting immediately the year following their completion of studies.[top] When should I arrive at the college?
Students should arrive by the orientation date, which is generally about 3 weeks before the start of the semester. [top]
I applied for a F-1 visa, but was denied. Will SJCC defer my attendance?
SJCC can defer your attendance for up to two semesters. Students should notify the International Program if they would like a deferment of attendance. [top]
Who do I notify when I arrive at SJCC?
When you arrive at SJCC, you should contact the International Program to schedule an appointment to complete your registration process.[top]
What documents do I need to show the International Student Advisor?
You need to present your I-94 Departure/Arrival Card, current I-20, visa, and passport. [top]
Am I allowed to travel during my time here?
During our school breaks, you are allowed to travel with the approval of the International Program. Please notify us so that we can provide you with supplemental documents to assist you in the reentry process should you travel outside the U.S. [top]