
The City College of San Francisco (CCSF) is a public two-year college that offers a variety of programs for international students, including an intensive academic English program for those who have not yet achieved the necessary English placement test scores for admissions into an academic program. CCSF is also authorized by the United States Department of Homeland Security to enroll qualified non-immigrant students. However, it is not clear whether international students can have free community college in San Francisco as there are fees that are not covered by the Free City program, which is funded by the City of San Francisco to make higher education more accessible to residents.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Name of the college | City College of San Francisco (CCSF) |
Type of college | Public two-year college |
Accreditation | Accrediting Commission of Community & Junior Colleges (ACCJC) of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges |
Number of international students | More than 1000 full-time students from over 90 countries |
Number of students in the intensive English program | More than 150 per semester |
Degrees conferred | Associate in Arts or Associate in Sciences |
Admission requirements for international students | Minimum TOEFL score of iBT 56, ITP 483, or IELTS score of 5.5 or Duolingo score of 85 |
Free tuition programs | Free City |
Eligibility for Free City | Students who qualify for in-state tuition in CA's Community Colleges and live in San Francisco |
Fees not covered by Free City | Health fee ($20), web registration fee ($3), student representation fee ($2), student activities fee ($7), and materials fees for some classes |
Office of International Programs (OIP) contact | Cloud Hall, Room 212 or via Zoom |
What You'll Learn
City College of San Francisco is fully accredited by ACCJC
The City College of San Francisco (CCSF) is a community college that offers free tuition for all residents of San Francisco through its Free City program. This program covers students who qualify for in-state tuition in California's community colleges and live in San Francisco. It is open to all residents, regardless of income, age, course of study, or academic standing. The Free City program also offers cash grants of $46 per unit.
CCSF is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC), which is part of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. The ACCJC is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a reliable authority on the quality of education offered by the institutions it accredits. It is also recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), which has established criteria for a quality review system for accrediting agencies.
The ACCJC has issued a warning to CCSF, requiring the Governing Board to consider the College's long-range fiscal implications when making financial decisions to ensure financial stability. The ACCJC also requires the Governing Board to act consistently with its policies and bylaws and to allow the Chancellor to implement and administer Board policies without interference. Despite this warning, CCSF remains accredited and will have the opportunity to address these issues in a follow-up report to the ACCJC.
CCSF is authorized by the United States Department of Homeland Security to enroll qualified non-immigrant students. The College has international students from over 80 countries, contributing to a diverse student body. The College's Office of International Programs (OIP) promotes international/global awareness and intercultural understanding through the development and implementation of programs that integrate international students into the CCSF community.
Understanding Immigration Status: International Students and Landed Immigrants
You may want to see also
International students must comply with F-1 visa regulations
To answer your question about free community college for international students in San Francisco, I found information about the City College of San Francisco (CCSF). CCSF is a fully accredited community college that admits international students. While CCSF does not offer free tuition for international students, it does offer a range of financial aid options, and most CCSF students are eligible for financial aid. There is also a program called Free City, which is funded by the City of San Francisco to make higher education more accessible to residents. However, this program only covers students who qualify for in-state tuition in California's community colleges and live in San Francisco.
Now, here is some information about F-1 visa regulations for international students:
International students on an F-1 visa must comply with specific regulations to maintain their status. Firstly, F-1 students must be enrolled in a full-time academic or language-training program at an accredited institution approved by the Student and Exchange Visitors Program (SEVP). The school must be authorized by the US government to accept foreign students. F-1 students are required to maintain satisfactory academic progress and attend all their classes. They must also have sufficient funds to support themselves throughout their entire program.
In terms of employment, F-1 students are not permitted to work off-campus during their first academic year. However, they may accept on-campus employment subject to certain conditions. After the first year, F-1 students may engage in three types of off-campus employment: Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) OPT Extension. Any off-campus employment must be related to the student's area of study and must be authorized by the Designated School Official (DSO) and USCIS.
F-1 students must also maintain their immigration status and purpose for coming to the United States, which is to study. They must not take any action that detracts from this purpose. Additionally, F-1 students must intend to register for classes in the academic term following their annual vacation and must complete at least one full academic year at an SEVP-certified school to be eligible for annual vacation. Once F-1 students complete their program, they have 60 days to leave the country or take steps to extend their stay, such as transferring to another school or changing their visa status.
Air-Gun Ownership: International Students' Legal Rights and Restrictions
You may want to see also
International students can enrol in the Intensive English Program
The Intensive English Program is an academic-focused English program designed for international students who have not yet achieved the required English placement test scores for admission into an academic program. The program offers intensive training in English, including reading, writing, grammar, speaking, and listening skills. It also emphasizes study skills such as note-taking, library use, test-taking, and academic listening skills. The program prepares students to become effective and confident speakers of English in academic institutions, professional settings, and everyday life.
The IEP classes are taught in-person at the main Ocean Campus, and the instructors are highly trained and respected for their excellence in teaching. They have advanced degrees and extensive international teaching and studying experience. The program is supported by the American Association of Intensive English Programs (AAIEP) and is authorized by the United States Department of Homeland Security to enroll qualified non-immigrant students.
International students wishing to enrol in the IEP must pay a $50 application fee and a $75 DHL express delivery fee (non-refundable). Additionally, all students must pay a $20 health service fee and are required to have health insurance. Students under F-1 status are also required to purchase mandatory F-1 Health Insurance. The college provides personalized international academic counselling to assist international students with educational planning and course selection.
The City College of San Francisco also offers various support services for international students, including a dedicated student health centre, career counselling, and disabled student programs. There are also opportunities for homestays, residence clubs, and on-campus cafeterias to meet students' basic needs. The college is committed to providing a respectful and safe learning environment that respects racial and social justice.
Understanding Tax Residency Status for International Students
You may want to see also
International students can apply for financial aid
The City College of San Francisco (CCSF) is a public two-year college that offers a variety of programs to international students. The college is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Community & Junior Colleges (ACCJC) of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
In addition to the Free City program, CCSF offers other financial aid options for international students. The college has an Office of International Programs (OIP) that provides support and resources for international students, including information on financial aid. The OIP can be contacted in-person or via a virtual help counter on Zoom.
CCSF also offers an Intensive English Program (IEP) for international students who need to improve their English language skills before enrolling in an academic program. The IEP is supported by the American Association of Intensive English Programs (AAIEP).
It is important to note that international students on F-1 visas may have restrictions on the amount of work they can do outside of the college, and therefore may have limited income to pay for their studies. However, CCSF offers a variety of programs and resources to help international students finance their education.
International Students: Can They Become State Residents?
You may want to see also
International students must pay a £20 health service fee
The City College of San Francisco (CCSF) is a fully accredited community college that admits international students without reference to a quota. The college offers various programs for international students, including an Associate's Degree, Certificate, and/or Transfer programs, as well as an Intensive English Program (IEP).
CCSF also offers financial aid and support services to its students, including the Free City program, which is funded by the City of San Francisco to make higher education more accessible to residents. However, it is important to note that Free City does not cover all CCSF fees, and students are still responsible for certain semester fees, such as the health fee.
International students at CCSF must pay a health service fee, which is separate from the tuition and other fees. The health fee is a mandatory monthly fee that contributes to the student's health care coverage while studying in the respective country or province. The fee amount and payment methods may vary depending on the location of the educational institution.
In the case of CCSF, the health fee is $20 per semester, as mentioned on their website. This fee is separate from the tuition and other mandatory fees, and it is the responsibility of the student to ensure timely payment.
For international students studying in British Columbia, Canada, the health fee is associated with the province's Medical Services Plan (MSP). Students studying on a valid permit for at least six months of the year are required to enrol in MSP and pay the monthly health fee. The fee amount has varied over the years, with a $37.50 monthly fee effective from September 1, 2019, and an increase to $75 per month from January 1, 2020, with the elimination of MSP premiums.
International students in British Columbia can pay the health fee online, in person, or by mail. They must provide their international student health fee account number, which can be found on their invoice. Late payments may result in additional fees and penalties, and it is important for students to stay up to date with their fee payments to maintain their health care coverage.
Working in the USA: Post-Graduation Options for International Students
You may want to see also