International Applicants

There are two distinct groups of international applicants that include students abroad who are interested in traveling to the U.S. on an F-1 student visa (including students who are already in the U.S. on an F-1 student visa currently studying at another U.S. school) and students in the U.S. who currently hold some other type of immigration status or attended school outside the US.

Steps to Enrollment:

Please note that these are general steps to enrollment and will be tailored to your situation, once your application is processed.  Please allow 7-10 business days for your application to be processed.  Once processed, you can follow your status on Check Admission Status.  If you do not have a Social Security number, we can use your GHC ID# to log into your account.  Please follow up with the Admissions Office at admitme@highlands.edu for more information.

  1. Complete online application and pay $30 non-refundable application processing fee.
  2. Submit transcripts:
    • If high school, college, university or technical school is outside the U.S., a credential evaluation is required.
    • GHC accepts official evaluation reports from any NACES members or AICE members.
  3. If you are applying for in-state tuition, submit Verification of Lawful Presence. Please note that F-1 applicants do not qualify for in-state tuition.
  4. Prove English Language Proficiency. English Language Proficiency is required for students who are non-native speakers of English or who transfer from an institution of higher education outside the U.S. where English was not the language of instruction are required to show English language proficiency. English Language Proficiency can be satisfied by English transfer credit, 4 units of college prep English earned at an accredited U.S. high school, or any of the assessment tests listed in the chart below:
    Minimum Acceptable Scores Required for Admissions
    TOEFL IELTS SAT ACT Accuplacer
    ets.org ielts.org collegeboard.org act.org testing@highlands.edu
    Internet Based (iBT)
    80    		 6.5 Evidence Based
    Reading & Writing
    480    		 ACT English
    17    		 Reading score 237
    & WritePlace score 4

F-1 Student Visa Category:

In order to qualify for and obtain an I-20 (certificate of eligibility for international visitors pursuing an academic degree from a U.S. college or university) you must meet the academic criteria for admissibility as well as provide proof that funding is available to cover your living and educational expenses for the duration of your enrollment at Georgia Highlands College. Once admitted, you must follow the rules and regulations required by the USCIS Customs and Immigration Services in order to maintain your F-1 student visa status.

Required F-1 International Student Forms:

 

All Other International Students:

You must meet the academic criteria for admissibility.