South Carolina's International Student Policy Explained

does south carolina government take international students

The state of South Carolina is home to several universities that welcome international students, including the University of South Carolina and Clemson University. The University of South Carolina has a rich tradition of welcoming and supporting international applicants, with around 1,500 international students enrolled across a range of academic programs. Clemson University also offers services and support for international students, including assistance with visa applications and cultural adjustment. In addition to these universities, many South Carolina high schools also enrol foreign national students who participate in cultural exchange and academic study programs under the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1990. For international educators, the South Carolina Department of Education offers an Initial Certification for those with eligible immigration status and who have completed an educator preparation program.

Characteristics Values
International students in South Carolina ~1,500 international students studying 100 different majors and academic programs at the University of South Carolina
International students at Clemson University, South Carolina F-1/J-1 student status
International students at the University of South Carolina Required to submit documentation proving they can support nine months (one academic year) of study and living expenses
International freshman admission at the University of South Carolina Based primarily on a student's academic performance and English proficiency scores, if required
English proficiency scores at the University of South Carolina All international applicants are required to provide English language proficiency exam scores unless they are from a country where English is an official language, or they have earned a degree in a country where English is an official language
South Carolina Initial certificate International educators with eligible immigration status such as an H-1B Specialty Occupation visa or a Permanent Resident Card may apply

shunstudent

International students at the University of South Carolina

The University of South Carolina welcomes international students and has a rich tradition of supporting them. The university has around 1,500 international students enrolled, studying across 100 different majors and academic programs. The University of South Carolina is ranked 114th out of 1,279 colleges and universities for popularity with international students.

International students applying to the University of South Carolina must submit the following:

  • A completed application form (including an essay and activities section)
  • High school courses/grades for the senior year
  • English language proficiency exam scores (unless the student is from a country where English is an official language or has earned a degree in a country where English is the official language)
  • Documentation proving they have enough funding to support nine months (one academic year) of study and living expenses
  • Official secondary transcripts from all secondary schools (if the transcript is not in English, it must be translated)
  • Official documentation related to their international status, such as a visa

After admission, international students will work with the International Student and Scholar Support team to obtain an I-20 and apply for a student visa at a U.S. consulate. This team can also help students understand and make the most of their immigration status.

shunstudent

International applicants for educator certificates

International applicants seeking educator certificates in South Carolina must meet specific requirements and complete a detailed application process. Here is a step-by-step guide for international applicants aiming to obtain an educator certificate in the state of South Carolina:

Step 1: Eligibility

To be eligible for a South Carolina Initial Certificate, international educators must have completed an educator preparation program and hold a valid immigration status, such as an H-1B Specialty Occupation visa or a Permanent Resident Card. Additionally, applicants must have earned a bachelor's degree, which is a standard requirement for teaching in South Carolina.

Step 2: Application Process

The application process for international applicants involves several crucial steps:

  • Create a user account and submit a Standard Application through the My SC Educator Portal.
  • Provide documentation verifying your valid immigration status, such as a copy of your visa.
  • Obtain a course-by-course evaluation of your international credentials by an approved organization, such as AICE or NACES.
  • Submit official transcripts from all regionally accredited institutions attended in the United States, if applicable.
  • Complete the Fingerprinting and Criminal History Review Process as outlined in the Educator Portal.
  • Submit Experience Verification Forms for any teaching experience completed, especially if it is relevant to the equivalent of a U.S. teaching qualification.

Step 3: Certification Assessments

Step 4: Exchange Visitor Teacher Programs

The South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) offers Exchange Visitor Teacher Programs, where they sponsor teachers from other countries to teach in South Carolina under the International Certificate. This certificate is short-term, valid for one year, and may be extended based on the length of the approved exchange program. It provides an opportunity for international educators to gain experience in South Carolina schools while participating in J-1 programs.

Step 5: Alternative Pathways

International applicants holding a standard, current educator credential issued by another US state may be exempt from South Carolina's testing requirements. By providing documentation of passing scores on certification assessments from another state, applicants may be eligible for a South Carolina certificate without completing additional assessments.

The process outlined above guides international applicants through the steps necessary to obtain an educator certificate in South Carolina. It is important for applicants to carefully review the requirements, prepare the necessary documentation, and stay informed about any updates or changes to the application process.

shunstudent

English proficiency requirements

The University of South Carolina welcomes international applicants and has a rich tradition of supporting them. The University offers a variety of resources for international students, including the International Student and Scholar Support program, which assists students in understanding and managing their immigration status. The University also provides access to Glacier, an online tax software package specifically designed for non-resident aliens.

In terms of English proficiency requirements, the University of South Carolina has specific criteria that international applicants must meet. All international applicants are required to provide English language proficiency exam scores unless they meet one of the following exemptions:

  • They are from a country where English is an official language.
  • They have earned a degree in a country where English is an official language.
  • They have completed a degree where the language of instruction was English, even if it is in a country where English is not the official language.

International freshman admission decisions are based primarily on a student's academic performance and English proficiency scores, if required. Students who are unable to obtain the minimum English proficiency score may consider the University's English Programs for Internationals (EPI), an intensive English program that can lead to conditional admission. Additionally, the University offers an International Accelerator Program, a one-year transition program for international students that leads to a four-year degree.

For graduate admissions, international applicants may need to submit documentation related to their international status, and specific requirements may vary by program. However, all international applicants, regardless of program, must submit English language proficiency exam scores unless they meet one of the exemptions mentioned above.

Furthermore, international students at the University of South Carolina are typically required to submit documentation proving they have sufficient funding to support nine months (one academic year) of study and living expenses. They must also navigate the visa application process and maintain their immigration status while in the United States. Clemson University, another institution in South Carolina, offers support to international students through their International Services office, assisting with visa applications, orientation, and cultural adjustment.

shunstudent

Visa and immigration status

International students at the University of South Carolina are required to submit documentation proving that they have enough funding to support nine months (one academic year) of study and living expenses. Undergraduate admission is based primarily on a student's academic performance and English proficiency scores, if required. All international applicants are required to provide English language proficiency exam scores unless they are from a country where English is an official language or they have earned a degree in a country where English is the official language. If you are unable to obtain a minimum English proficiency score, you can opt for the University's English Programs for Internationals.

International applicants for educator certification must submit a copy of their visa or other documentation verifying a valid immigration status. They must also provide a course-by-course evaluation of out-of-country credentials by an AICE or a NACES member organization. International educators holding a current educator credential issued by another US state may be eligible to apply for a South Carolina certificate without completion of South Carolina's testing requirements.

International students at Clemson University, South Carolina, can seek assistance from Clemson University International Services (IS) which works with the international student population from the moment they are accepted to Clemson until they successfully reach their academic goals. IS provides immigration documents for visa applications and meets with students on a one-on-one basis, or in large groups, to provide information about maintaining status, employment possibilities, travel and visas, and cultural adjustment.

shunstudent

International student support services

The University of South Carolina has a rich tradition of welcoming and supporting international applicants. The University has around 1,500 international students studying across 100 different majors and academic programs. The University's International Student and Scholar Support service helps international students understand and make the most of their immigration status in the United States. The service also helps admitted international students obtain an I-20 and apply for a student visa at a U.S. consulate.

International students at the University of South Carolina must submit documentation related to their international status, including English language proficiency exam scores unless they are from a country where English is an official language or have earned a degree in such a country. For F-1/J-1 students, specific documentation is required, while non-F-1/J-1 students must submit proof of their non-immigrant status.

Clemson University in South Carolina also provides immigration services and support for international students, faculty, and scholars.

Frequently asked questions

International students applying to the University of South Carolina must submit documentation proving they have enough funding for nine months of study and living expenses. They must also provide English language proficiency exam scores unless they are from a country where English is an official language or have earned a degree in a country where English is the official language.

International students in South Carolina are required to have a visa or other documentation verifying a valid immigration status. This could be an H-1B Specialty Occupation visa or a Permanent Resident Card. Students must also complete a Fingerprinting and Criminal History Review Process.

The University of South Carolina has an International Student and Scholar Support service to help students understand and make the most of their immigration status. They also offer an International Accelerator Program, a one-year transition program for international students that leads to a four-year degree.

Written by
Reviewed by

Explore related products

Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment