International Students

MECC is a non-residential community college; no on-campus student housing is available.  International students will be responsible for making their own living arrangements.

Federal regulations [8CFR214.3(g)(3)(iii)] stipulates that every term and no later than 30 days after the deadline for enrolling in classes, all schools must report through SEVIS the following information:

  • Whether the student has enrolled at the school, dropped below a full course of study without prior authorization of the DSO, or failed to enroll in classes,
  • The current address of each enrolled student; and,
  • The start date of the student’s next session, term, or semester.

International students are required to enroll in a full course of study with at least 12 credit hours in residence.  All tuition/fees for the term are due by the published deadline.  If tuition/fees are not paid in accordance with the published payment deadline, you will be dropped from your classes, which could result in a violation of your F-1 visa status.

MECC’s International Student Services Office is located on the first floor of Robb Hall in Room 106.

Please refer to the Admission Checklist for a list of the forms and documents required for admission.

MECC Admission Checklist

The following documents must be received by the semester deadline.  Acceptance letters will not be processed, or the Form I-20 issued until all paperwork has been received:

  1. MECC Application for Admission. (http://www.apply.vccs.edu/applications/VCCS/apply.html?application_id=4088)
  2. MECC I-20 Application
  3. Transcripts from high schools/colleges. Please provide a copy with an official English translation, if applicable.
  4. Evidence of English proficiency (TOEFL: Score of 61 iBT)
  5. Sponsor(s) Affidavit of Support
  6. Financial Application: Bank Verification of Deposit for Sponsor(s)
  7. Copy of Passport and I-94 Card
  8. Proof of Health Insurance (No later than the end of the first week of classes)

*F-1 Transfer Students must submit these additional documents:

  1. I-20 From Previous Institution
  2. F-1 Visa or I-539 Approval Notice
  3. Transcripts from Previous Institution

Application Deadlines     

Semester Deadline Date
Fall June 1st
Spring October 1st
Summer March 1st

For actual semester start dates, visit the MECC website:  staff.ntbw.net

Financial Requirements 

F-1 applicants must provide evidence that sufficient funds are available to cover all educational and living expenses while studying at MECC.  Financial support must meet or exceed MECC’s estimated costs identified below:

 

Estimated Annual Expenses  
*Tuition (Estimate: 12 credits per semester per year – $357.60 per credit): $8,582.40
Books & Supplies: $1,500.00
**Room & Board (Housing, Food, and Transportation): $10,800.00
Health Insurance: $1,500.00
TOTAL: $22,382.40

 

* Summer tuition is not included in the estimate above. 

**Actual living expenses may be higher based on utilities and personal spending habits.

 

NOTE:  Additional funds are required for each F-2 Dependent:  Spouse: $6,000; Child: $4,000.

 Tuition rates are subject to change without notice.  MECC is a non-residential community college; no on-campus student housing is available.  You will be responsible for making your own living arrangements. 

 

 

Sponsor’s Affidavit of Support

 A sponsor may be a parent, family member, or another person who will provide financial support.  It is not necessary that a financial sponsor reside in the U.S.  If there is more than one sponsor, please make a copy of the document in the MECC International Student Admission Application Packet for each sponsor to complete.  An individual financial sponsor may provide complete or partial support for the student, but the student’s total financial support must equal or exceed the total estimated costs.

 

English Proficiency Requirements

To demonstrate English proficiency, applicants must provide one (1) of the following:

  • A minimum international TOEFL score of 61 iBT;
  • SAT – Minimum Score ERW 450;
  • ACT – Minimum Score 18;
  • If in the U.S., successful completion of the MECC Placement Test;
  • Transcripts from an accredited U.S. college/university for Freshman Composition;
  • Evidence of possession of a U.S. college/university degree (Associate’s, Bachelor’s, etc.).

*English proficiency requirements are subject to change without notice.  Except for presentation of transcripts showing successful completion of Freshman Composition at an accredited U.S. college/university or evidence of possession of a U.S.

Health Insurance Requirements

All MECC F-1 students must carry health insurance for themselves and all dependents in F-2 status.  Evidence of health insurance coverage for the entire semester must be submitted during the student’s first week of classes and must be continuously maintained the entire time the student is enrolled at MECC, even during the summer.  If proof of health insurance is not submitted by the end of the first week of classes this could result in a violation of your F-1 visa status.

Approved insurance policies must meet minimum requirements as specified below:

  • Medical benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness; pregnancy and prescription coverage; emergency room coverage to the full benefit of the policy.
  • Repatriation of remains in the amount of $25,000.
  • Expenses associated with the medical evacuation to the student’s home country in the amount of $25,000.
  • A deductible not to exceed $300 per accident or illness.
  • A provision for co-insurance/co-payment of not more than 25% of the covered benefits per accident or illness.

*Students who enter the United States with government health insurance policies must provide the International Student Officer with a detailed description of policy benefits, in English, to demonstrate that the policy benefits meet the above requirements.

Degree Programs

MECC is authorized by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) to admit F-1 students and issue the Form I-20 ONLY for the programs listed below.

(NOTE:  F-1 students may not be issued an I-20 for any of the Health Professions.) 

 *These programs are selective admission programs.  Applicants wishing to apply to selective admission programs will need to apply for the General Studies Associates of Science Program.  

 

Associates of Science (AA&S)

Business Administration

General Studies

Pre-Teacher Education

Science

Associates of Applied Science (AAS)

Administrative Support Technology

Computer-Aided Drafting & Design Technology

Computer Networking

Computer Software

Manufacturing Technology

Corrections

Emergency Medical Services

Energy Technology

Environmental Science

Forest Science

Management

Nursing*

Paralegal

Police Science

Respiratory Therapy*

Technical Studies

Certificates

Air Conditioning & Refrigeration

Practical Nursing*

Welding