Georgia Highlands College

Admissions - International Students

There are two distinct groups of international students that include students abroad who are interested in traveling to the U.S. on an F-1 student visa (including students who are already in the U.S. on an F-1 student visa currently studying at another U.S. school) and students in the U.S. who currently hold some other type of immigration status.

"I came to Georgia Highlands College from Peru to study nursing. The nursing program here at GHC has provided me with a challenging experience. As an international student, I have appreciated the support I got from faculty and I feel that I have a good start with my career in nursing” - Mariella Trauerzo

Admissions Requirements

F-1 Student Visa Category:

In order to qualify for and obtain an I-20 (certificate of eligibility for international visitors pursuing an academic degree from a U.S. college or university) you must meet the academic criteria for admissibility as well as provide proof that funding is available to cover your living and educational expenses for the duration of your enrollment at Georgia Highlands College.  Once admitted, you must follow the rules and regulations required by the USCIS Customs and Immigration Services in order to maintain your F-1 student visa status.

Required F-1 International Student Forms:

All Other International Students:

You must meet the academic criteria for admissibility and provide proof of current immigration status.  If you do not have valid immigration documents, please contact the international student advisor in the Georgia Highlands College Admissions Office on the Floyd campus.

Required Other International Student Forms:

Academic Criteria for Admissibility:

Academic admissibility is based on your previous academic performance during high school and/or completion of college coursework, exemption of learning support requirements (http://www.highlands.edu/site/admissions#alert) as well as providing proof of English language proficiency (*if applicable).

Accredited U.S. High School Graduate:

It is the applicant’s responsibility to request an official, original transcript is to be mailed (or sent electronically through GACollege411.org) directly to Georgia Highlands College Office of Admissions and Registrar. The following admissions requirements are for any student that attended an accredited U.S. high school or a student that has already graduated from an accredited high school:

  • 2.0 GPA as Calculated by GHC within your core curriculum coursework
  • Passed all high school graduation exams (or equivalent EOCT testing)

International High School Graduate:

If high school is located outside of the U.S., you must submit an official evaluation from a recognized professional credential evaluation agency (see web link below for a list of recognized evaluation agencies).  It is the applicant’s responsibility to request an official, original transcript evaluation to be mailed directly to Georgia Highlands College Office of Admissions and Registrar.

Non-Accredited High School Graduates:

Students that have graduated from a non-accredited high school may be considered for admissions at GHC through one of the following options:

  • By taking the GED and attaining a passing score required by the State
  • By scoring at or above the average SAT I (critical reading (verbal) + math) score of the previous year’s fall semester first-time freshman class with at least a 450 critical reading (verbal) score and 450 math score or equivalent ACT scores.
  • Be considered as a Presidential Exception by obtaining a minimum score of 500 in both the SAT I critical reading (Verbal) and math score or equivalent ACT scores
  • By scoring in the top five percent of all students nationally on the SAT I or ACT

Transfer Students from U.S. College/University:

It is the applicant’s responsibility to request an official, original transcript to be mailed directly to Georgia Highlands College Office of Admissions and Registrar.

  • Students who transfer under 30 semester credit hours must meet freshman/non-traditional freshman academic criteria for admissibility and be eligible to return to their previous institution.
  • Students who transfer over 30 semester credit hours must be eligible to return to their previous institution.
  • Students dismissed from their current institution must sit out the allotted time (one semester for first dismissal, one year for second dismissal, and five years for third dismissal).

Transfer Students from International College/University:

It is the applicant’s responsibility to request an official, original transcript evaluation to be mailed directly to Georgia Highlands College Office of Admissions and Registrar.

  • If college, university or technical school is located outside of the U.S., you must submit an official evaluation from a recognized professional credential evaluation agency (see web link below for a list of recognized evaluation agencies).

Proof of English Language Proficiency:

  • For applicants whose first language is not English and applicants whose language of instruction throughout secondary school was not English, proof of English language proficiency is required. *NOTE: TOEFL/IELTS may be waived using SAT or ACT (see below), English transfer credit or 4 units of college prep English in high school.
Minimum Acceptable Scores Required
TOEFL IELTS
www.ets.org www.ielts.org
Paper Based - 550 6.5
Computer Based - 213  
Internet Based (iBT) - 80  

 Exemption of Learning Support:

  • Applicants seeking an I-20 for entry into the U.S. are required to submit minimum SAT or ACT scores
  • COMPASS scores and/or transfer credits may be considered for exemption of learning support for students who are already inside the U.S.
Minimum Acceptable Scores Required
SAT ACT
www.collegeboard.com www.act.org
SAT-Verbal = 480 ACT-English = 20
SAT-Math = 440 ACT Math = 18
 
Steps to Enrollment:
Step 1 Complete an admissions application and pay the $20 application fee
Step 2 Have official transcripts sent from “every” college attended whether you are seeking college credit or not for these courses.  *Official evaluation of international education credentials required
Step 3 If you will have less than 30 hours of transferrable coursework, have an official high school transcript sent. *Official evaluation of international education credentials required
Step 4 Submit TOEFL or SAT or ACT or IELTS scores (if applicable) to prove English language proficiency
Step 5 Have your health care provider complete the GHC Certificate of Immunization form
Step 6 Applicants who seek to be classified as in-state for tuition purposes, will be required to provide validation of residency and lawful presence in both the State of Georgia and the United States.
Step 7 Register to take the COMPASS exam through the Check Admissions Status link (if required)
Step 8 Register to attend Orientation through the Check Admissions Status link (at orientation you will meet with an academic advisor and register for classes)

Important Links:

International Education Credential Evaluators:



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