ISO FAQs

An international student is an individual who holds a valid non-immigrant visa allowing 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 Services Office sac-iso@alamo.edu.

If a non-immigrant visa holder is eligible to domicile in the United States, he/she may be eligible to pay Texas resident tuition. For the list of eligible visas who can domicile, go to:

International students interested in attending San Antonio College are given the Michigan English Test (MET) 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 Services advisor 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.

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.

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. 

It is highly recommended that all international students attending San Antonio College have appropriate health insurance for the duration of the program of study. For more details go to Health Insurance.

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.

No, the F-1 visa is a student visa and not a work visa. Please contact your International Student Services advisor for questions regarding employment.

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.

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.

To access remote learning, you will need a computer, internet, and access to your ACES account.