What are the requirements for admission to GateWay Community College?

• You must be 18 years of age, or older.
• You must complete the Admission Packet.
• You must be a graduate with an equivalency to the12th grade in the U.S.
• You must be proficient in English.
• You must provide sufficient financial support.

How do I show English Proficiency?

You must have a minimum of 500 on the TOEFL or a 173 computer-based score.

If I am an undergraduate student, what is the cost for the first year?

• International students who apply to study at GateWay Community College must prove that they have $18,000, equivalent to U.S. dollars, available for their first year of study. This is referred to as the "evidence of financial support."
• The cost of tuition and books for one semester will be approximately $3,500, U.S. dollars.  This would calculate to be approximately $7,000 U.S. dollars for one complete year.  Tuition is $220 U.S. dollars, per credit, and you must enroll for a minimum of 12 (twelve) credits for the Fall and the Spring semesters-there is no exception to this policy.
• We estimate your living expenses to be a minimum of $10,000 U.S. dollars for one year.

Does GateWay Community College have an English as a Second Language (ESL) program?

No, we do not have an ESL program; however, we do offer some ESL courses. (Please be aware that we do not issue an I-20 for students to come to GateWay to learn English.)

How do I apply to GateWay Community College?

You can request an application via E-mail or by phone, or you can access online. Once you have been accepted to GateWay Community College, you will be sent an I-20. You must use your I-20 and your acceptance letter to apply to U. S. Immigration for an F-1 student visa.

Is there an application fee?

No, there is no application fee to apply to GateWay Community College.

Do I need to make a deposit for my tuition to the college before I arrive?

No, we do not accept deposits.  You will pay your tuition/fees after you arrive to enroll for your classes at GateWay Community College.

What is the procedure once I receive the I-20?

After you receive your acceptance letter from GateWay Community College, along with the I-20, you will then need to contact the American Embassy/Consulate in your home country to make an appointment for your interview.

What is needed/expected from the Embassy/Consulate?

• You will need to show that you have sufficient financial support. 
• You will need to show that you clearly understand your major course of study and that you understand how it will benefit you when you return to your home country.
• You will also be required to show that you have strong ties to your home country to confirm your intent to return after you complete your studies.

What if I am denied the F1 Visa?

Answer:   You may ask us to issue you a new I-20 for the following semester and you may try again.  (Please be aware that you will again be required to pay all fees.)

I received my F1 Visa-what's next?

• You need to make travel arrangements to come to Phoenix, Arizona.  You need to arrive at least one week prior to the start date of the semester.
• You may contact GateWay Community College to arrange to pick you up at the airport or at the bus station.  (Please be aware that we require at least three working days, prior to your arrival, to schedule your transportation.

Does GateWay have housing or do you arrange for housing?

• No, GateWay Community College is a commuter campus and we do not have housing for students.  There are many apartment complexes within walking distance of the college. To assist you, an informative housing brochure will be included in your admission packet.
• If you have not already secured a place to stay when you arrive, we suggest you plan to stay in a hotel close by.
  

What classes will I take?

When you arrive at the college, you will need to take an assessment test for course placement for English, reading, and mathematics.  This assessment will indicate in which level of these classes you will need to begin.
· It may indicate you will need to take some review classes before you actually begin your advance studies.

Why is health insurance important and why is it needed?

• The cost of health care in the United States, while of high quality, is also expensive. You simply may not receive the best treatment if you cannot prove that you have the ability to pay medical bills. Without insurance, you could also face financial hardship if you have a serious accident or illness. This, in turn, could prevent you from completing your studies in the U.S.
• Health insurance is important to anyone living in the United States. Health care in the U.S. is very expensive and insurance is the best way to be certain that expenses are covered. Unpaid medical bills damage the relationship between the community and international students, as well as the reputation of international students.
• Many care providers will not give health care to someone who does not have insurance, or they will ask for full payment at the time of service. Insurance takes care of expenses and assures both the doctor and the patient that bills will be paid.
  · In the past, students have purchased health insurance that has been inadequate, creating a burden on the local health care system, as well as on students and their families.
• All international students will be required to purchase a medical insurance plan through the Maricopa Community Colleges District.  The International Student Advisor has information regarding the GateWay Community College "Mandatory Insurance Program."

Does GateWay have an orientation program for international students?

Yes, all new F1 students are required to attend an orientation.  We will review college policies, regulations, and resources, as well as immigration policies and regulations.