International Student Admission Requirements:

• Application for admission to Polk Community College, including the application fee paid in U.S. dollars.
• International Student Application
• Affidavit of Financial Support - including the student's or sponsor's most recent bank statement showing finances are available for the student's education. A letter of employment may be requested from the sponsor's employer to verify employment and income source.
• Health certification form. Proof of good physical and mental health are required before an I-20 form is issued.
• Demonstration of English Proficiency by any one of the following:

  Students from countries where English is the native language are considered proficient in English and are required to complete an Affidavit of English Language. Check with the International Student Advisor for a list of countries exempt from English proficiency requirements. Official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores from Educational Testing Services. A paper- and-pencil exam score of 525 or higher is acceptable or a computerized exam score of 195 or higher is acceptable. An Advanced Placement (AP) score of 4 or higher on the International English Language exam will be accepted in lieu of TOEFL scores. TOEFL will be waived for those students who have completed the highest level of an accredited Intensive English Language program. Documentation required. An official transcript showing five or more years of successful study in an accredited institution where English is the only language of instruction.

• Official high school, upper secondary and post secondary transcripts from accredited high
  schools, colleges and universities. If transcripts are in a language other than English, a certified English translation must also be provided. A certified translation service in the United States or the Ministry of Education in the home country may provide the translation.
• Evaluation of foreign transcripts - Transcripts from international institutions must be evaluated for both equivalency to U.S. high school graduation and for consideration of college transfer credit. The cost of the transcript evaluation is the responsibility of the student. Specific instructions for obtaining this evaluation are included with the International Student Application packet.
• Proof of medical insurance. Insurance must include basic medical coverage. Also highly recommended is coverage for medical evacuation and repatriation services.

• Application for admission to Polk Community College, including the application fee paid in U.S. dollars.
• Official high school, upper secondary and post secondary transcripts from accredited high schools, colleges and universities. If transcripts are in a language other than English, a certified English translation must also be provided. A certified translation service in the United States or the Ministry of Education in the home country may provide the translation.
• Evaluation of foreign transcripts - Transcripts from international institutions must be evaluated for both equivalency to U.S. high school graduation and for consideration of college transfer credit. The cost of the transcript evaluation is the responsibility of the student. Specific instructions for obtaining this evaluation are included with the International Student Application packet.
• Demonstration of English Proficiency by any one of the following:

  Students from countries where English is the native language are considered proficient in English and are required to complete an Affidavit of English Language. Check with the International Student Advisor for a list of countries exempt from English proficiency requirements. Official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores from Educational Testing Services. A paper- and-pencil exam score of 525 or higher is acceptable or a computerized exam score of 195 or higher is acceptable. An Advanced Placement (AP) score of 4 or higher on the International English Language exam will be accepted in lieu of TOEFL scores.  TOEFL will be waived for those students who have completed the highest level of an accredited Intensive English Language program. Documentation required.   An official transcript showing three or more years of successful study in an accredited institution where English is the only language of instruction. A passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended length of study in the United States. A photocopy of a valid visa, I-94 card and unexpired passport must be made by the International Student Advisor showing proof of eligibility to attend school.  International students interested in attending Polk Community College should request an International Student Application packet

TRANSFER OF CREDIT TO PCC
College credit earned at other institutions recognized by a U.S. Department of Education approved Regional Accrediting Body (accredited institutions) may transfer to Polk Community College in accordance with specific guidelines:

• Credits earned at accredited institutions within Florida's State University System (SUS), Florida community colleges, nonpublic accredited institutions participating in the Florida Statewide Course Numbering System (SCNS) for which there are comparable courses at PCC, are posted to the student's PCC academic record. Such credit is applied toward degree requirements, toward electives, or, in some cases, is credit earned in excess of degree requirements. Florida Statute 246.013(1).
•  The College will accept transfer credit from other institutions if the award of credit from such institutions is recommended as generally acceptable by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers as evidenced in the publication "Transfer Credit Practices of Designated Educational Institutions."
• In either case, an award will be made provided that the credit earned is in an area and on a level normally included within the first two years of college and a grade of "D" or higher has been achieved. However, some courses require a grade of "C" or better for degree purposes.
• Failing grades are recorded and are included in the student's grade point average.
• Transcripts from international institutions including those in the English language require an official evaluation at the expense of the student from an external agency as recommended by PCC.
• Credits earned at Polk Community College are based on the semester hour; therefore, all transfer work is converted to equivalent semester hours.
• Credits at the upper division are not accepted for transfer.
• Courses for which there is no equivalent or value toward degree programs are not posted.

• When applying for admission, degree-seeking students can initiate the request for credit by providing appropriate supporting documents.
• All required documents must be submitted together with the DD214, if separating from the military, or together with the DD295 if a current member of the service. One of these two documents is required.
• All requests for military credit awards must be made in the student's initial semester of attendance with PCC.
• The student will be mailed a copy of the evaluation of credits once it is completed.

• full - 12 or more credit hours
• 3/4 -  9 to 11 credit hours
• 1/2 - 6 to 8 credit hours
•  tuition only - 1 to 5 credit hours. 

   All veterans and dependents, except those on vocational rehabilitation, are responsible for paying all college fees within the appropriate deadlines. Registration fees may be deferred, when necessary, up to sixty days or ten days less than the length of the term, whichever is earlier. Fees may be deferred only once per academic year.