FAQ

What can I study at Pima Community College?
We offer courses in more than 70 fields of study. You can study English in English-as-a-Second Language classes.

What is an F-1 visa and how can I get one?
The F-1 is a student visa issued by the U.S. consulate or embassy in your country. You must first apply to Pima or any other American college or university. When you've received an I-20 form and a letter of acceptance, you can schedule an interview at a consulate or embassy to apply for the visa.

What is needed to apply to Pima College?
Find forms and information on applications at Admissions.  You can send your admissions documents by mail or fax.

How much does it cost to go to Pima?
The current Affidavit of Support provides detailed cost estimates and is updated annually.  Applicants to Pima must submit an Affidavit of Support proving they have financial support for one year.  For the 2007/08 academic year, the total cost  without dependents was approximately $17,650. 

Do I have to purchase health insurance through Pima College?
You may use your own insurance from your home country if it will cover your medical expenses in the U.S. All Pima students must have health insurance.

Does Pima offer scholarships or financial aid?
International students cannot get financial aid provided by the U.S. government. Try finding other scholarship sources on the Internet; for example, at Edupass.

What is the application deadline?
At least eight weeks before a new term starts. We have three terms, or semesters.

• Fall usually starts at the end of August.
• Spring starts in early January.
• Summer semester usually starts at the end of May.

Find out how long it takes to get an appointment for a student visa at the U.S. consulate or embassy in your country. Then you can calculate the time you need to apply.

How long will it take to get an I-20?
It depends on your admission to Pima. You must meet all international admissions requirements before we process your I-20. Make sure you submit your completed documents on time. We issue I-20 and acceptance packets promptly.

How can I pay the $25 international application fee?

• Get from a U.S. banking affiliate a check or money order for $25 (U.S.) made payable to Pima Community College.
• Pay by credit card when you submit a credit card authorization form.
• Do not send cash or international postal money orders.
• Application fees cannot be refunded, waived or transferred to a future application.

What score do I need on the TOEFL?
An official TOEFL score of 133 (computer-based) or 450 (paper-based) is required for an academic program. The test is not required for study of English-as-a-Second Language.

What is an Affidavit of Support?
It is a legal document that shows that you have enough available funds while you are attending Pima. The support can come from a combination of your and a sponsor's financial resources. It is required to attend Pima.

Does Pima have dorms or on-campus housing?
No. You may search for apartment or home rentals through local apartment guides and newspaper classified ads. The International Student Services Office can help you.

How many credits do I need to maintain my full-time F-1 student status?
You must register for at least 12 credits during each of the fall and spring semesters. If you arrive on a summer I-20, you must register for six credits in the summer semester. You must also maintain a grade point average of 2.0.