International Student Admissions
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT PROGRAM
HOW TO APPLY
ESTIMATED COSTS
CONTACT US
Forrest Akers
Assistant Director of International Recruitment, Admissions & Services
Office: Dellwood Hall, Room 7
Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm
(Closed on Fridays during summer)
Phone: 541-888-7185
Email
Becoming an International Student at Southwestern:
Complete our free online International Student Application.
Submit copies of the following documents by Email.
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- High School Transcripts. If you are still in high school, please send us a copy of your current transcripts. You may send us your final copy after you graduate high school.
- Proof of English Proficiency. If your native language is not English, you must submit scores from one of the following exams: Duolingo (85), TOEFL (50 iBT), Pearson Test of English Academic (45), IELTS (5.5 overall bandwidth), TOEIC (600), or proof of English language instruction in the US for a minimum of one academic year. Please email any questions regarding the English proficiency requirement at Southwestern.
- Official Bank Statement or Letter showing proof of at least USD $22,000
- Signed Sponsor Affidavit
- Copy of current Passport
After completing steps 1 and 2, the Southwestern International Students Office will send you an official letter of acceptance and the I-20 form for your U.S. F-1 visa application. After receiving your F-1 visa from a U.S. Embassy or Consulate, you will need to:
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- Complete your Student Housing application
- Email the ISP Office a copy of your MMR Immunization Record
- Email the ISP Office proof of Health Insurance for the USA
Health Insurance Requirements for International Students at Southwestern
At Southwestern, health insurance is mandatory for all F-1 visa students. This requirement ensures you are protected against the high cost of healthcare in the United States.
Why is Health Insurance Required?
Healthcare expenses in the U.S. can be exceptionally high, even for routine medical care. Having health insurance safeguards you from these potentially overwhelming costs, ensuring access to necessary medical services when you need them.
Requirements for International Student Athletes
If you are a student athlete, your health insurance must also cover sports- or athletic-related injuries and activities in the U.S. This coverage is essential for participating in Southwestern athletics.
Important Guidelines
- Insurance Provider: International students must purchase health insurance through a U.S.-based provider. Unfortunately, local healthcare providers (hospitals, clinics, and doctor’s offices) do not accept insurance policies purchased from outside the U.S.
- Oregon Health Plan (OHP): F-1 visa students are not eligible for the Oregon Health Plan. Attempting to enroll in OHP may negatively impact your visa status. Please avoid signing up for this program to maintain compliance with immigration regulations.
Recommended Health Insurance Providers
- ISI International Student Insurance: Affordable insurance plans for international student athletes & non-athletes. For athletes, make sure the plan also covers intercollegiate sports activities.
- Global Care Elite: Intercollegiate sports coverage and plans for non-athletes, as well.
For Transfer Students from other U.S. Colleges or Universities ONLY:
If you are planning to transfer to Southwestern Oregon Community College from another college, university or post-secondary institution in the U.S., please send us copies of the following documents as well:
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- Copy of all prior I-20(s), Passport, and Visa
- Official Transcript(s) from previous colleges or universities**
- SEVIS Transfer Clearance Form: This form will be emailed to you after the admission decision is reached.
*Southwestern Oregon Community College’s TOEFL Code is 4729
**Please mail all official university or college transcripts to:
Southwestern Oregon Community College
Attn: Transcript Evaluator
1988 Newmark Avenue
Coos Bay, OR 97420
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT PROGRAM
HOW TO APPLY
ESTIMATED COSTS
CONTACT US
Forrest Akers
Director of International Recruitment & Academic Partnerships
Office: Dellwood Hall, Room 7
Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm
(Closed on Fridays during summer)
Phone: 541-888-7185
Email
ADMISSIONS DEADLINES*
(INCLUDING ALL DOCUMENTS AND ADMISSIONS FEES)
| Term | Classes Begin | Outside U.S. | Within U.S. |
| Winter 2025-26 | January 5 | November 1 | December 1 |
| Spring 2025-26 | March 30 | February 1 | March 1 |
| Fall 2026-27 | September 14 | August 1 | September 1 |
*If, for whatever reason, a prospective international student cannot meet the above submission deadlines for their desired term of enrollment, please contact the International Student Programs office by Email. Extensions to any of the above deadlines are generally not allowed and exceptions can only be considered on a case-by-case basis provided the student can show proof of a legitimate hardship that has resulted in his or her inability to complete the admission requirements before the deadline period for the relevant term.
