Enhance your experience – involvement beyond the classroom is refreshing and a good way to make friends. Opportunities include: clubs, leadership development, recreational activities, performing and cultural arts, athletics, student government, fitness and more.
The choice is yours – we hope you'll chose Broward College.
Students are at the heart of everything we do. Always have been. Always will be.
ISSO holds webinars for interested students to learn more about Broward College and how to apply as an F1 visa international student. Hit the Sign Up button below to see a list of, and register for upcoming webinars.
ISSO remains fully operational with regular business hours. Due to COVID-19, some services will be provided remotely.
ON-CAMPUS HOURS: Monday thru Thursday – 8:00am to 5:00pm
REMOTE HOURS: Fridays – 8am to 4pm
ISSO QLESS Hours: Monday thru Thursday 10am to 5pm, Fridays 10am to 4pm
COVID DISCLAIMER: Broward College is committed to making sure that international students have the classes in the required modalities that will allow them to maintain their F1 status. Students who started their F1 status after March 9, 2020, are required to have at least one class (3 credits) on campus. Students need to be ready and willing to take face-to-face classes at the locations and times they are available.
The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) guidance for Fall 2021 has not yet been published. As soon as new requirements are announced, we will let F1 visa international students know.
Applying to Broward College as an international student is simple. Here you will find an outline of the admissions requirements, documents needed, international student application, and a guide on what to do after you apply.
COVID DISCLAIMER: Broward College is committed to making sure that international students have the classes in the required modalities that will allow them to maintain their F1 status. Students who started their F1 status after March 9, 2020, are required to have at least one class (3 credits) on campus. Students need to be ready and willing to take face-to-face classes at the locations and times they are available.
The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) guidance for Fall 2021 has not yet been published. As soon as new requirements are announced, we will let F1 visa international students know.
STEP 1: Apply online
STEP 2: Fill out and submit the electronic supporting document forms. Passports, bank statements, education records and other documents must be submitted to idocs@browad.edu.
STEP 3: Pay the $75 (USD) non-refundable application fee.
STEP 4: Complete any required testing.
STEP 5: Receive confirmation that all documents were provided and the application process is complete. The International Student Services Office (ISSO) will process the acceptance packet and send it to the applicant.
Associate of Applied Science (AAS) and Certificate programs: These programs require the M-1 vocational student visa, but not all programs/certificates qualify for the M-1 visa. Students interested in an AAS or certificate must contact the International Student Services Office (ISSO) at ISSO@broward.edu or 954-201-7228 BEFORE APPLYING.
Associate of Science (A.S.) in Health Science fields: These programs have limited access requiring specific admission criteria. Acceptance to Broward College does not guarantee acceptance to a Health Science program. International students are not eligible to receive an I-20 for a specific A.S. in a Health Sciences field without proof of acceptance from the Health Sciences Department. Students may apply for the Associate of Arts (A.A.) with a transfer major in Health Sciences to be able to take the pre-requisites necessary to apply for an A.S. degree in Health Sciences at a later time. Students who were previously awarded a bachelor's degree are NOT eligible to apply for an A.A. degree. In this case, the student may apply to the A.S. in Health Science Management in order to take the pre-requisites necessary to apply to the desired program later.
Associate of Science (A.S.) programs not available to international F1 visa students: International students are NOT eligible to enroll in certain programs, including, but not limited to, Automotive Service Management Technology, Marine Engineering Management, Emergency Medical Technician, Paramedic Technical Certificate, and Emergency Medical Services.
Bachelor's degree-seeking students: Must have earned a two-year degree or 60 credits before applying.
Students whose primary language is not English and wish to enroll in a degree program: Must provide proof of English proficiency. Students with a basic level of English proficiency can apply for the Language Training program (English as a Second Language) first. Upon completion of the language program, students can enroll in a college degree program.
Submit the electronic supporting document forms listed below. Passports, bank statements, education records and other documents must be submitted to idocs@broward.edu. Include the applicant's full name and BC student identification (ID) number. The estimated review period is 7 to 10 business days. During peak times, it may take 14 business days. Documents are reviewed in the order they were received.
International Student Supplemental Application: This form is used by international student applicants (F1 or M1 visa) to provide personal information required during the application process to Broward College.
Financial Affidavit of Support: This form is used by international student applicants (F1 or M1 visa) to provide proof of financial support for the duration of their studies at Broward College. Applicants will state if they have a financial sponsor(s) or they are using personal funds. Applicants who have more than one source of financial sponsorship will need to submit a Financial Affidavit of Support for each sponsor.
Most recent bank letter/statement: Account holder must be the same as sponsor listed on the financial affidavit. Bank letter/statement must show funds available to cover the estimated annual cost of education (tuition, lab fees, books, and living expenses). If using a bank statement, our office requires the page that shows the date, name of the bank, name of the sponsor, type of account, and the account balance. Additional pages showing daily transactions are not required.
Students who start in Summer or Spring will need to expect first year tuition costs of $15,000 to $20,000. See Estimated Cost of Attendance for additional information.
Fees are subject to change without notice.
Affidavit of Support for Living Expenses (THIS FORM IS OPTIONAL): Provide this form only if the applicant will be living with a relative or friend who will be responsible for all living expenses (i.e. housing, transportation, food, etc.) for the duration of the student's studies. If this form is provided, the financial sponsor can deduct USD $12,500 from the total funds required for the student and USD $7,000 for each dependent, if applicable.
Disclaimer: Student may be required to present Form I-134 (Affidavit of Support) when applying for the F-1 student visa. Student must contact the American Embassy, before going for the interview, to make sure he/she is bringing all the necessary financial documents.
Additional documents required from students transferring the I-20 from another school to Broward College:
Additional documents required if the applicant has dependents (spouse/child) that will be accompanying him/her to the U.S.:
High School (secondary education): Appropriate proof of high school graduation is required for acceptance. Only Hebrew, Arabic or Asian languages (e.g. Chinese languages and Japanese) must be translated into English. Translations must be completed by certified English translators. Student-athletes receiving a BC scholarship must provide a translation of the high school document.
Students with credentials from the British education system must provide four college preparatory subject passes (or three college preparatory plus two non-academic) on the GCE, CXC, BGCSE, WAEC, WASC, or HKCE exams in General Proficiency certificates.
Overseas high school transcripts are only required if the institution is regionally accredited in the United States.
University Transcripts (post-secondary education): Students who have attended a post-secondary institution must provide a copy of the official transcript even when courses are in progress. If the document is not in English, the applicant must also provide a translation from a certified English translator. A minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 or its equivalent is required.
IMPORTANT: Original documents will be required upon arrival at Broward College. Records from U.S. institutions must be OFFICIAL.
If ISSO is unable to verify the high school credential provided and the applicant believes that he or she has the equivalent to a standard high school graduation in the United States, the applicant is encouraged to provide a commercial evaluation of the document. We only accept evaluations completed by current members of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).
Bachelor degree applicants must have a commercial transcript evaluation of all university work completed outside the U.S., prior to admission.
Students from non-English speaking countries must take the Broward College language placement test (LOEP) online unless they have valid TOEFL, IELTS or other ELL test scores. See STEP 4 for more information and testing instructions.
If the applicant wants to receive a Form I-20 for a college degree program, placement must be at college level.
Applicants from Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, showing high school transcripts with the following English grades, are eligible to take the Post-Secondary Education Readiness Test (PERT). However, if the applicant does not place in college level, the Levels of English Proficiency (LOEP) test is required.
Applicants attending ELS Educational Services, Inc. may present proof of completion of level 109 or higher. The student is required to take the Levels of English Proficiency (LOEP) online for placement before acceptance.
Student records are private. Students who wish to authorize someone to act on their behalf during the application process ONLY, including, but not limited to asking questions about the application status, are required to provide this form. The student’s signature must match the passport.
Pay the $75 (USD) non-refundable application fee:
If the term displayed is different than the one you applied for, don't worry. You can pay for the application fee regardless of the term displayed. This is a one-time fee.
Students from non-English speaking countries must take the Broward College language placement test (LOEP) online unless they have valid TOEFL, IELTS or other ELL test scores eligible for EAP course placement.
Students from English speaking countries must take the PERT placement test unless they have valid SAT or ACT scores.
To schedule a placement test, send an email to Ms. Giovana Guevara at gguevara@broward.edu. The subject line of the email must say Testing Request. Make sure to include your name and Broward College student identification number in the email. For all other questions regarding the application process, email ISSO@broward.edu.
If the applicant wants to receive a Form I-20 for a college degree program, placement must be at college level.
Applicants from Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, showing high school transcripts with the following English grades, are eligible to take the Post-Secondary Education Readiness Test (PERT). However, if the applicant does not place in college level, the Levels of English Proficiency (LOEP) test is required.
Applicants attending ELS Educational Services, Inc. may present proof of completion of level 109 or higher. The student is required to take the Levels of English Proficiency (LOEP) online for placement before acceptance.
Once all documents are provided and the application process is complete, the International Student Services Office (ISSO) will process the acceptance packet.
Applying for the F-1 visa in the Home Country: The student will receive the acceptance letter and I-20 to apply for the student visa at the American Embassy or Consulate in his/her home country.
Once the F-1 student visa is approved, the student may travel to the United States no earlier than thirty (30) days before the program start date as stated on the I-20.
Transferring the I-20: If the student is transferring the I-20 from another institution to Broward College, the International Student Services Office (ISSO) will process the acceptance letter. The student will bring the letter to the Designated School Official (DSO) at his/her current institution who will release the I-20 electronically in SEVIS (Student & Exchange Visitor Information System) to Broward College. The DSO will not release the I-20 to Broward College until the student provides the acceptance letter.
Changing the current immigration status: If the student intends to do a change of immigration status in the United States, he or she needs to seek legal counsel to understand the process. The International Student Services Office (ISSO) will process the I-20 for the change of status after meeting with the applicant. International students are only eligible to register for classes once the change of status is approved by USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services).
STEP 1: Provide proof of Health Insurance Coverage (form included in the acceptance packet)
STEP 2: Provide the documents stated on page 2 of your acceptance letter:
STEP 3: Meet with your International Student Academic Advisor to discuss:
VIRTUAL REMOTE TESTING is available. You can take the placement test and register for classes before arriving to the United States. Send an email to Giovana Guevara at gguevara@broward.edu for more information.
STEP 4: Pay for classes in full before the deadline. The payment deadline information is available once you register for classes.
Students who want to pay for their tuition with funds coming from abroad, can only send the total amount due for the term.
International Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) Payment Notification and instructions.
STEP 5: Obtain your student ID card in the Student Life Office
STEP 6: Apply for your parking permit online
The SEVIS fee is required of all foreign nationals who come to the United States for the purpose of pursuing a full course of study in institutions such as colleges, universities and language training programs. It is payable one time for each single educational program in which an F-1 or F-3 student participates, extending from the time the student is granted F-1 or F-3 status to the time the student falls out of status, changes status or departs the U.S. for an extended period of time.
SEVIS fee payments are used by the United States Department of Homeland Security to fund the Student and Exchange Visitor Program. This program makes it possible for international students and exchange visitors to attend schools in the United States. The fee also funds the Student Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), a computer system employed to track international students and exchange visitors during their stays in the United States.
You will need to pay the SEVIS fee if you were issued an I-20. This fee is separate from and in addition to the visa application fee. The SEVIS fee must be paid by the Internet or by mail. It cannot be paid at a U.S. embassy or consulate and it cannot be paid at the port of entry.
The fee can be paid by one of two means:
Whether you pay by mail or on line, you must bring a copy of the receipt form I-797 with you to the embassy or consulate when you are applying for the student visa.
Yes. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has posted guidance for Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) stakeholders about COVID-19. A list of frequently asked questions is available online. And SEVP continues to receive questions from schools and students.
Clarifying Questions for Fall 2020 Based on March 9 Spring Guidance Broadcast.
Frequently Asked Questions for SEVP Stakeholders about COVID-19.
July 24, 2020 Broadcast Message: Follow-up: ICE continues March Guidance for Fall School Term.
We accept international students (F1 and M1 visas) in the FALL (August), SPRING (January) and SUMMER (May) Terms. Students are required to begin classes in session 1 of the desired term.
Term | Session | Deadline |
---|---|---|
International students must start classes in session 1 |
(1) complete the online application (2) provide all supporting documents by email to ISSO@broward.edu |
|
FALL | Session 1 August - December | July 15 |
SPRING | Session 1 January - May | November 15 |
SUMMER | Session 1 May - August | April 15 |
Yes, we issue the I-20 once the applicant has been admitted to the College. The application processing time is one week. During peak times it may take two weeks.
Proof of English proficiency is required when (1) English is not the primary language of the applicant and (2) the person is applying for a college degree program. View a list of acceptable tests.
Language Training program applicants are required to take the Levels of English Proficiency (LOEP) test as part of the application process.
Applicants must have a basic level of English proficiency to successfully take the LOEP test.
Test |
Score Range |
Placement Test Upon Arrival |
English Placement Testing Details |
Request/Verify Official Score Report Link |
ACT |
Reading = 19 to 36 AND English = 17 to 36 |
College Level English Placement Met |
No additional English placement test required |
Link |
Reading = 0 to 18 |
PERT |
Students whose native language is other than English and completed two (2) years of regular high school English in the United States or in a American high school abroad accredited in the United States. If scores are below college ready on the PERT, student will be required to take the LOEP. |
||
LOEP |
Students whose native language is other than English and who did not complete two (2) years of regular high school English in the United States or in a American high school abroad accredited in the United States. If additional language training is required, we will change the I-20 from an associate's degree to the Language Training program. |
|||
160 - 230 |
PERT |
If scores are below college ready on the PERT, student will be required to take the LOEP. |
Link |
|
80 - 159 |
LOEP |
If additional language training is required, we will change the I-20 from an associate's degree to the Language Training program. |
||
ECCE |
650 1,000 |
PERT |
If scores are below college ready on the PERT, student will be required to take the LOEP. |
|
0 - 649 |
LOEP |
If additional language training is required, we will change the I-20 from an associate's degree to the Language Training program. |
||
ECPE |
650 - 1,000 |
PERT |
If scores are below college ready on the PERT, student will be required to take the LOEP. |
Link |
0 - 649 |
LOEP |
If additional language training is required, we will change the I-20 from an associate's degree to the Language Training program. |
||
GTEC CBT |
1,076 - 1,4000 |
PERT |
If scores are below college ready on the PERT, student will be required to take the LOEP. |
|
0 - 1,075 |
LOEP |
If additional language training is required, we will change the I-20 from an associate's degree to the Language Training program. |
||
IELTS Academic |
5.5 - 9.0 |
PERT |
If scores are below college ready on the PERT, student will be required to take the LOEP. |
Link |
0.0 - 5.0 |
LOEP |
If additional language training is required, we will change the I-20 from an associate's degree to the Language Training program. |
||
iTEP Academic |
3.5 - 6.0 |
PERT |
If scores are below college ready on the PERT, student will be required to take the LOEP. |
Link |
0.0 - 3.4 |
LOEP |
If additional language training is required, we will change the I-20 from an associate's degree to the Language Training program. |
||
MELAB |
69 - 99 |
PERT |
If scores are below college ready on the PERT, student will be required to take the LOEP. |
|
0 - 68 |
LOEP |
If additional language training is required, we will change the I-20 from an associate's degree to the Language Training program. |
||
MET |
53 - 80 |
PERT |
If scores are below college ready on the PERT, student will be required to take the LOEP. |
Link |
0 - 52 |
LOEP |
If additional language training is required, we will change the I-20 from an associate's degree to the Language Training program. |
||
PTE Academic |
51 - 90 |
PERT |
If scores are below college ready on the PERT, student will be required to take the LOEP. |
Link |
10 - 50 |
LOEP |
If additional language training is required, we will change the I-20 from an associate's degree to the Language Training program. |
||
SAT |
Reading Test = 24 to 40 |
College Level English Placement Met |
No additional English placement test required |
Link |
Reading Test = 0 to 23 |
PERT |
Students whose native language is other than English and completed two (2) years of regular high school English in the United States or in a American high school abroad accredited in the United States. If scores are below college ready on the PERT, student will be required to take the LOEP. |
||
LOEP |
Students whose native language is other than English and who did not complete two (2) years of regular high school English in the United States or in a American high school abroad accredited in the United States. If additional language training is required, we will change the I-20 from an associate's degree to the Language Training program. |
|||
STEP Eiken |
2A Level CSE Score |
PERT |
If scores are below college ready on the PERT, student will be required to take the LOEP. |
Link |
0 - 2,303 |
LOEP |
If additional language training is required, we will change the I-20 from an associate's degree to the Language Training program. |
||
TOEFL IBT |
61 - 120 |
PERT |
If scores are below college ready on the PERT, student will be required to take the LOEP. |
|
0 - 60 |
LOEP |
If additional language training is required, we will change the I-20 from an associate's degree to the Language Training program. |
||
TOEFL ITP Level 1 |
500 - 677 |
PERT |
If scores are below college ready on the PERT, student will be required to take the LOEP. |
Must be sent to BC from the administering institution |
310 - 499 |
LOEP |
If additional language training is required, we will change the I-20 from an associate's degree to the Language Training program. |
You will take the Levels of English Proficiency (LOEP) test as part of the application process when:
The test can be taken remotely.
The LOEP test will determine if you have at least a basic level of English proficiency to successfully enroll in our Language Training program: English for Academic Purposes (EAP) classes.
Yes. The English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program is for students who already have some basic understanding of English. It is an ideal option for degree-seeking students. The program offers English language courses that are designed to prepare non-native speakers for a degree program at Broward College.The EAP program consists of fifteen courses in three main skill-areas: Grammar & Writing, Listening & Speaking, and Reading & Vocabulary.
Learn more about the EAP program.
International student applicants are encourage to request to take the test remotely in their home countries to verify their proficiency before making the decision to travel to the United States (U.S.). Send an email to ISSO@broward.edu to request the remote testing information.
Once you complete the Language Training program, you are already admitted to study an Associate’s degree with us (the first two-years of a Bachelor’s degree).
No, you do NOT need to re-apply.
International students are self-funded. We require financial documents with sufficient funds to cover the estimated annual cost of education: 24 credits (tuition), lab fees, books and living expenses.
Office Hours
Day |
Hours |
Monday - Thursday |
Working virtually |
Friday |
Working virtually |
Saturday |
Closed |
Sunday |
Closed |
Designated School Officials (DSOs) are available from 8 AM to 4 PM.
Appointments are available from 9 AM to 3:30 PM.