International Students

All foreign transcripts must be evaluated and translated by a U.S. company. The college will only accept evaluations from NACES members.

Electronic transcript evaluations directly from the NACES member should be sent to pac-intl@alamo.edu and pac-admin@alamo.edu.

The college will only accept evaluations sent directly to us by the NACES member. We do not accept evaluations from applicants. 

Note: There is no guarantee transfer credit can or will be given. All evaluations are subject to review and approval by the college.

International Student (F-1 Visa) Estimated Cost of Attendance

International students are assessed at the current Non-Resident tuition and general fee rates, plus the Student Activity Fee.

Tuition and fees are subject to change by the Texas State Legislature and the Alamo Colleges Board of Trustees without prior notice.

Estimated International Student cost of attendance for one academic year (fall and spring) of full-time enrollment (12 credit hours):

Housing

Palo Alto College does not offer on-campus housing. International students are responsible for making their own living arrangements. Housing generally needs to be arranged after a student has arrived in San Antonio. It is recommended that students arrive at least four weeks before the start of classes to find suitable living accommodations and to make the necessary rental and transportation arrangements.  

Transportation Information

• VIA Metropolitan Transit
• VIA goMobile Mobile Pass 

International Student Health Insurance

The Alamo Colleges does not provide health insurance; therefore, international students must purchase health insurance individually for the duration of their program of study at Palo Alto College. The cost of healthcare in the United States is extremely high. Health insurance can help protect international students and their dependents from high costs and out-of-pocket expenses. You are strongly advised to purchase a comprehensive health care plan that covers preventive care, such as routine exams.

Below is a list of companies from which you can purchase health insurance; however, you can select a different insurance as long as it provides comprehensive health care coverage.

• Alamo Colleges|InternationalStudentInsurance
• ISO International Student Health Insurance 

For questions about the health care plans, you should contact the insurance company.

How does Palo Alto College define an international student?
An international student is an individual who holds a valid non-immigrant visa allowing for study in the United States.

I already hold a non-immigrant visa; can I study at Palo Alto College?
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.

Can I study at Palo Alto College with an active Tourist/Business Visa (B2/B1)?
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.

How do you apply as an international student to Palo Alto College?
Please click select and complete one of the I-20 forms on our page for admissions consideration at Palo Alto College.

Is there a fee to apply as an international student?
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.

Who can help with the international student enrollment steps?
For assistance, please contact International Student Services at pac-intl@alamo.edu

Does Palo Alto College accept transcripts from colleges and universities in a foreign country?
Yes.  Palo Alto 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.

Where can I find an agency or company that evaluates foreign credentials?
For a list of NACES members, go to: National Association of Credential Evaluation Services. 

Which type of evaluation(s) should I select?
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.

How much money do I need to satisfy the Financial Resources requirement for F-1 visa applicants?
The amount needed to meet the Financial Resources requirement is $25,000 to cover one-year (two semester) tuition, fees and living expenses for student and an additional $5,000 per dependent.

How long will it take to issue my form I-20?
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 Palo Alto College regarding your status.

Once I receive my form I-20 how do I get my student F-1 visa?
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”.

Do I need any vaccinations?
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. 

Do I need health insurance?
It is highly recommended that all international students attending San Antonio College have appropriate health insurance for the duration of the program of study.

Do I have to attend an International Student Orientation?
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.

How many credit hours am I required to register for?
To maintain your F-1 visa status, you must enroll in a minimum of 12 credit hours every fall and spring semester.

What are tuition payment options?
Pay online with a credit card or check through your ACES student account. Cash payments are accepted at the 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.

Can international students apply for financial aid or scholarships?
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.

Can international students work with an F-1 visa?
No, the F-1 visa is a student visa, not a work visa. If you have questions about employment, please contact your International Student Services advisor.

Can international students take online courses?
As per federal regulations, F-1 visa students can take one online 3-credit class per semester. Please contact your International Student Services advisor to discuss your specific needs.

What does remote learning or instruction mean for international students?
Remote learning or synchronous Instruction is the same as a standard course, only conducted online through Zoom instead of an in-person class. Students will log in during class hours and be lectured face-to-face with an instructor digitally. Canvas and additional remote-access tools may be used.

Online or asynchronous instruction refers to a traditional, fully distanced, online course. Students will have a series of tasks or modules to complete each week but may do so on their own time. Online courses are delivered entirely on Canvas, though they may use additional online tools.

The maximum number of credits Zoom (Synchronous) or online (Asynchronous) international students are permitted to take each fall and spring semester is 3 credits.

What do I need to access Zoom?
To access remote learning, you will need a computer, internet, and access to your ACES account.