F1 or M1 Visa Students

Please Note: For students coming directly from their home country to study, we do not recommend making travel arrangements to come to the U.S. until after you receive your student visa from the embassy or consulate. Any money invested in travel may be lost if your visa is denied, or your I-20 or visa processing is delayed.

Students must complete ALL requirements by October 1st for spring term, March 1st for summer term, or June 1st for fall term. Students holding or applying for F-1 or M-1 visas MUST apply as degree-seeking students. These students will be required to pay out-of-state tuition, and must fulfill the following requirements:

Step 1 - Apply for Admission

Fill out the application for admission online, send it to us by mail, or bring it to the Office of Admissions at Vol State in the Administration Building, Room 108 along with the $10 nonrefundable application fee. Students will also need to provide:

• Official copies of academic records from secondary schools and higher education institutions, showing graduation or completion dates if applicable. Transcripts or records which are not in English should be accompanied by notarized or certified translations. (Students wishing to receive transfer credit for courses taken outside the United States may be required to submit course descriptions, or have their educational credentials assessed by an evaluation service.)

Step 2 - Take the TOFEL

You must achieve a minimum score of 500 on the paper-based TOEFL or a 173 on the computer version, and have the official scores sent to VSCC. These students may opt to take the MELAB instead of the TOEFL, but a minimum score of 72 is required. An applicant whose native language is not English may be exempted from the TOEFL or MELAB requirement, provided that student has satisfied all freshman English composition requirements with a grade of "C" or better at a regionally accredited college or university in the United States. A similar exemption may be made for students who graduated from high school in the United States or from secondary school in another country where the native language is English.

Step 3 - Submit an Affidavit of Support

The form must be completed by the student's sponsor, and signed or notarized by the sponsor's bank. The first year fees and expenses total $19,966.00. This figure is an estimate and is subject to change. The affidavit should indicate that the sponsor has at least this amount available. Additional funds are required if the student plans to bring a spouse or dependent into the country.

Step 4 - Get Vaccinations

Forms are available from the Office of Admissions & Records

• Submit a tuberculosis immunization certificate from a licensed physician or other qualified medical authority. The certification must be received by the Admissions and Records Office at least 30 days prior to registration.
• Proof of 2 Measles, Mumps, & Rubella vaccinations after your first birthday

Step 5 - Submit Required Paperwork

Turn in copies of all relevant immigration paperwork. If you are not sure what is required, call the Office of Admissions & Records for more information (615-230-3688).

Step 6 - Schedule Testing

All degree-seeking international students will need to schedule an appointment to take the ACT Compass placement test at Vol State. The test is given almost on a daily basis. Please call the Testing Office at 615-230-3484 to schedule a time.

See our Testing FAQ for additional information on the web.

Step 7 - Purchase Insurance

Health insurance is available through the State University and Community College System of Tennessee. You will not be allowed to register for classes until the insurance has been purchased.

Step 8 - See an Advisor

Volunteer State Community College strongly encourages all students see their advisor before registering for classes. Once you have applied for admission, if you missed Orientation, you can call the Advising Center and we will tell you how to contact your advisor. The Advising Center assigns each student an advisor by major or if you have not decided on a major, you may speak to an advisor in our Advising Center in W-105 or call 615-230-3237.

Step 9 - Get Registered

Once you've tested and seen your advisor, you are eligible to register for classes. You can register through the PRIDE phone registration system or through PRIDE Online. Please see How to Register or give us a call at 615-230-3688 for further information. Remember, we're here to help.