Enroll as a Non-US Student

As part of our enrollment process, Southwestern Community College reviews the immigration and residency status for all applicants. Please review the information below regarding enrollment for non-US citizens/Permanent Residents.

International Students:

Southwestern Community College will no longer enroll new International Students beginning the 2026-2027 academic year. This change will be effective for the Fall 2026 semester.

Currently enrolled International Students will be allowed to enroll for the 2026-2027 academic year in order to allow time to for program completion. But enrollment will not be available after the Summer 2027 term.

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Students:

1. Complete an application for admission
2. Submit proof of completion of a degree (High School or equivalent or college)
3. Submit official proof of your approval for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival 
   1. Valid EAD (work permit)
   2. Valid Approval notice from USCIS (Form I-821)
4. Take Placement Tests (if needed)
5. Meet with an advisor and register. 
6. Pay for courses
   1. As a DACA student, you will be charged out-of-state tuition rates.
   2. If you have an employer willing to sponsor your tuition at the in-state rate, you must bring the required documentation at least one week prior to the registration payment deadline.
   3. SCC offers a tuition payment plan.

Steps for Students without Documentation

SCC Admissions Policy for Undocumented Applicants follows the guidelines per the State Board of Community Colleges Code “23 SBCCC 02C .0301 Admission to Colleges” effective June 1, 2012.

SCC can admit an undocumented immigrant only if they earned a High School Equivalency Diploma, or attended and graduated from a United States public high school, Adult High School, private high school, or home school that operates in compliance with State or local law. (Applicants who have completed high school or college abroad will not be admitted.)

SCC will not classify any undocumented applicants as NC residents for tuition purposes, and so all applicants will be charged tuition at the out-of-state rate.

Students lawfully present in the US will have priority for registration; therefore, undocumented students will not be able to register for classes until after late registration. (right before classes begin)

Although there are restrictions on which programs Non-US Citizens can be admitted to, including those that require state licensure upon graduation, there are several options available at SCC. For more information or clarification please contact the Dean of Students at 828.339.4229 or Admissions at 828.339.4352.

Undocumented Students - Friendly Programs at SCC

1. Complete an application for admission
2. Submit proof of completion of a degree (must be from the US)
3. Take placement tests if needed
4. Meet with an advisor and register for classes
5. Pay for courses