International Student Admission Requirements

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  1. Admission Requirements
  2. Immigration Document Requirements
  3. English Requirements
  4. International Student Deadlines
  5. Steps to Apply

Questions? We're happy to help.

Admission Requirements

All prospective students must provide: 

  • Copy of valid, unexpired passport.
  • Proof of high school diploma or its equivalency (uploaded directly into the application). Foreign transcripts must be evaluated through Educational Perspectives and translated into English, if needed.
  • All official transcripts from any United States high school or college/universities attended.
  • Proof of financial ability to attend Oakton (uploaded directly into the application).
    • An online Affidavit of Financial Support form must also be completed by a student's sponsor, or a student may sponsor themselves if they have sufficient funds. Once the application has been submitted, an online form will be emailed to the identified sponsor to complete. The sponsor must also upload proof of financial ability to support the student by providing a bank statement(s) displaying at least $29,500 USD total for the first academic year (for anticipated tuition, fees, housing, transportation, and living expenses). A conversion to US dollars must be provided if applicable.
  • Proof of English proficiency.
  • Applicants must be a new student residing overseas or must be in valid immigration status if they are already living in the United States. See below for specific immigration document requirements.

Immigration Document Requirements

  • Copy of valid, unexpired passport

  • Copy of valid, unexpired passport
  • Copy of current school’s I-20
  • Copy of most recent I-94
  • Copy of F-1 visa or USCIS change of status document, such as an I-797 receipt

  • Copy of valid, unexpired passport
  • Copy of current visa

English Language Requirements

All applicants are required to submit English Language proficiency. Oakton does not offer English as a Second Language program of study (ESL) for F-1 students, nor does the college issue I-20 forms for ESL study. Students must prove English proficiency in at least one of the following ways:

• A TOEFL IBT score of 68 or higher. TOEFL testing can be scheduled at Educational Testing Services, ets.org. TOEFL score reports are valid for two years. Oakton’s school code is 1573. The College must receive an “official” test report from TOEFL. Oakton does not accept Institutional TOEFL.

For more information or to arrange for testing, contact:

Educational Testing Service
P.O. Box 6155
Princeton, New Jersey 08541, USA
609.921.9000
ETS.org

• An Academic IELTS Overall Band score of 6.0 or higher. IELTS testing can be scheduled at IELTS.org. IELTS score reports are valid for two years.

• EGL 101 or its equivalency taken at a United States college or university. Please submit an official college/university transcript to Enrollment Services at: esoperations@oakton.edu

• High school diploma from a United States high school. Please submit an official high school transcript to Enrollment Services at: esoperations@oakton.edu

Note: Oakton College does not accept Duolingo test results to prove English Proficiency.

International Student Deadlines

Fall 2026 Semester
Dec 1 - May 
Classes begin August 17, 2026

Spring 2027 Semester
April 1 - Oct. 1 
Classes begin January 19, 2027

New or Transfer F1 students are not admitted for the summer term.

Useful Links

Steps to Apply as an International Student

If you are seeking an F-1 student visa, submit the International Student Application for Admission. If you are not seeking an F-1 student visa, you may apply using the general application process.

This non-refundable application fee of $50 is payable in U.S. dollars. It is paid after you apply.

Applicants must be a new student residing overseas or must be in valid immigration status if they are already living in the United States.

All applicants must upload a copy of their unexpired passport with their application. Students currently residing in the United States must also upload a:

  • copy of their most recent Form I-94
  • copy of their current F-1 visa or a copy of any other USCIS change of status documents, such as an I-797 receipt
  • and current I-20 (if transferring to Oakton as an F-1 student).

An online Affidavit of Financial Support form must also be completed by a student's sponsor, or a student may sponsor themselves if they have sufficient funds. Once the application has been submitted, an online form will be emailed to the identified sponsor to complete. The sponsor must also upload proof of financial ability to support the student by providing a bank statement(s) displaying at least $21,500 USD total for the first academic year (for anticipated tuition, fees, housing, transportation, and living expenses). A conversion to US dollars must be provided if applicable.

Official transcripts and credentials from all secondary and post-secondary schools (including any college or university work). Submit current or most recent transcripts. Credentials must show proof that you completed high school and include an explanation of the grading or marking system, as well as a certified English translation if applicable.

See above section "English Language Requirements."