International Student Information and Admissions Requirements
The following is information for those prospective international students (residents of other countries) who are considering attending Dakota County Technical College (DCTC). The information is specifically for those who would like to study in the United States on an F-1 (Student) visa.
Is DCTC the right college for me?
To answer this question, consider these things:
Dakota County Technical College (DCTC) is a two-year, state (public) college and is part of Minnesota State. DCTC is regionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
As a technical college, DCTC's mission is education for employment and achieves this by providing practical, hands-on training for very specific careers.
DCTC has over 50 different programs of study/majors to pick from. See our list of Programs and Majors to see if we offer the career training you are seeking. NOTE: International students should not consider pursuing a program that can be done entirely online (those indicated by a world/globe icon).
DCTC's programs can lead to certificates, diplomas, Associate of Applied Science (AAS) or Associate of Science (AS) degrees. Although DCTC does not award bachelors degrees, international students could continue their education by transferring to four year colleges or universities.
DCTC is located in Rosemount, Minnesota — a Twin Cities (Minneapolis-Saint Paul) suburb in the southeast corner of the metropolitan area.
International students must be responsible for their own housing and transportation arrangements. DCTC does not have student dormitories or apartments. There is very little public transportation to and from our main campus. For area housing information our Housing and Apartment Resource List.
English Proficiency Requirement
DCTC does not offer English Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) training for international students. Consequently, international student applicants must demonstrate proficiency of the English language prior to being accepted to the college.
Acceptable Forms of Proof of English Proficiency:
If coming from outside of the United States: Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 61 on internet-based test, 173 on the computer test or 500 on the paper test. Scores must be two years old or less. TOEFL information can be found at: www.ets.org/toefl. Note: DCTC’s TOEFL institutional code is 7231.
If already in the United States:ACCUPLACER Reading Comprehension score of 45 AND a Sentence Skills score of 70. Scores must be three years old or less. ACCUPLACER information can be found at: www.dctc.edu/support-services/accuplacer.
A college-level English Composition course taken at a regionally accredited United States college or university with a grade of "C" or better.
Citizens from the following countries DO NOT have to show proof of English Proficiency (but will still need to take the ACCUPLACER test upon arrival):
Australia
Canada (except Quebec)
England
Ireland
New Zealand
Northern Ireland
Scotland
Wales
Financial Considerations
International students are required to demonstrate they have sufficient funds to meet all educational and personal expenses for the duration of their F-1 status. F-1 visa holders are NOT eligible for financial aid from the U.S. government. Although students may qualify for some DCTC scholarships, F-1 visa holders are required show they have at least the amount necessary to cover tuition, fees and living expenses for the first academic year. Work cannot be authorized for an international student until completion of one academic year and then only under appropriate circumstances.
Estimated Annual Expenses (estimated for 2018-2019)
Tuition and Fees (based on 30 credits taken in one academic year)
$6,000
Off-Campus Living Expenses (housing, food, miscellaneous)
$12,500
Transportation
$1,600
Books and Supplies (varies by program)
$1,400
Health Insurance (required for enrollment – purchased through the college)
$1,500
TOTAL ESTIMATED ANNUAL EXPENSES*
$23,000
* Students with dependents must add $3,500 for a spouse and $2,500 for each child to the total.
Sources of Funding and Supporting Documents
Prior to being accepted at DCTC, international student applicants must identify where the funds to cover the $23,000 is coming from and submit a signed DCTC Financial Responsibility Form. International students will need to provide supporting documents upon request and should be prepared with such documents when meeting with an U.S. embassy or consulate official. Typically, depending upon the source of the funding, the supporting documents are as follows:
SOURCE
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS
Personal funds/self-supporting
3 months of bank statements
Parents/Family
Signed statement of support & 3 months of bank statements
Sponsor
Affidavit of Support Form I-134 (available at www.uscis.gov ) w/ supporting documents
All of the following requirements must be met by the admissions deadlines to be accepted to the college and before an I-20 form is issued. NOTE: Acceptance to certain programs is on a first-come, first-served, space available basis. International students will not be accepted to programs that can be done entirely online.
International Admissions Deadlines
Fall Semester (classes begin in late August)June 1st
Spring Semester (classes begin in early January)November 1st
Pay the one-time, nonrefundable $20 Application Fee (must be payable in U.S. dollars via check, cash or money-order – cannot be paid online at this time)
Provide proof of English Proficiency
Official TOEFL scores (61 or higher is required) OR
ACCUPLACER qualifying scores on Reading Comprehension (45 or higher) AND Sentence Skill (70 or higher) OR
Official U.S. college or university transcript with an English composition/writing course with a "C" or better
Provide copy of passport, birth certificate and/or visa
Provide proof of high school completion (copy of high school certificate/transcript translated into English)
Send official U.S. college transcripts (if applicable). Courses/degrees taken or completed at non-U.S. colleges or universities can be sent to www.wes.org OR www.ece.org for U.S. equivalency evaluation
Provide documentation of immunization and vaccination history
Students with an F-1 visa who are transferring to DCTC must provide an F-1 Transfer Form, a copy of their original I-20, a copy of their visa and a copy of their I-94 form.
Post Admissions/Enrollment Process
The following is the sequence of events and expectations once an international student has been accepted to DCTC:
An I-20 Form and an acceptance letter will be sent directly to the international student.
The student will pay a $200 SEVIS fee prior to their appointment at an U.S. embassy or consulate office. (more information on this will be provided in the acceptance letter).
Once the SEVIS fee is paid, international students must contact the U.S. embassy or consulate office in their county to arrange for a visa appointment.
If the F-1 visa is granted, students should plan on arriving in the United States and in Minnesota no earlier than 30 days and no later than 10 days prior to the start of classes.
Students need to secure their own housing and transportation arrangements prior to arrival. Provide the Office of Admissions with your new local address.
Upon arrival, the student should contact one of the International Student Admissions Advisor (see below) to arrange for an orientation/registration appointment.
Provide the Office of Admissions a copy of your signed and stamped I-20 Form, F-1 visa and your I-94 customs form (received at a U.S. airport).
Make arrangements to take the ACCUPLACER Course Placement test prior to registering for classes.
International students are required to be enrolled full time every semester during their stay. Work with an Enrollment Advisor to register for at least 12 credits.
Pay the first semester’s tuition and fees immediately after registering for classes.
Pay the premium for the required Health Insurance for International Students (approximately $1100) prior to start of classes. More information on health insurance is available by contacting Coralee Cronin at crcronin@stcloudstate.edu or 320-308-4855.
Abide by college policies regarding student conduct and satisfactory academic progress standards.
Graduating and want that verified for a family members visa interview? Each student can request two letters verifying their graduation.
