International Students Enrollment Guide

Step 1: Submit an Application
Online Application: Complete the ESL application form.
Submit Required Documents: High school diploma, college transcript (if applicable), proof of financial support, passport personal information page.
Application Fee: Pay a $100 (USD) non-refundable application fee.
Application deadline: Fall Term: July 30; Spring Term: December 15.
* International students are advised to submit their applications at least 60 days in advance to allow for time to obtain their student visas.
Step 2: Receive an Admission Decision
Admission Review: Your application will be reviewed by the admissions team.
Conditional Admission: Some applicants may receive conditional acceptance pending additional information. Please note though that the I-20 can only be issued once all conditions are satisfied.
Step 3: Prepare Visa Documentation
Form I-20 Issuance: Upon acceptance, the college will issue your I-20 form, allowing you to apply for an F-1 student visa.
Visa Application: Submit your I-20 form, financial documentation, and other required materials to the U.S. embassy or consulate to secure your visa.
Step 4: Arrival and Orientation
Arrival at College: F1 students are permitted to arrive in the U.S up to 30 days before their program start date. You should plan to arrive at least 2-3 days before orientation to settle into the campus and be ready for your studies.
Orientation Program: Attend the international orientation to familiarize yourself with course registration, student services, dorm regulations, and campus resources.
Step 5: Placement Testing and Course Registration
Placement Testing: Complete English placement exams to assess your proficiency level.
Meet with an Academic Advisor: Work with an advisor to plan your course of study that’s in line with your goals.
Step 6: Begin Classes
Attend Classes: Start classes as scheduled and engage with all assignments.
Step 7: Complete Course Requirements
Academic Requirements: Maintain attendance, participate, and perform to meet all ESL and course requirements.
Exit Exam: Upon completion, you will sit another exam to assess whether you can progress to the next ESL level, or are ready for college-level courses.
Estimated costs for one academic year for ESL students USD
Tuition and Fees $8,000
Estimated Living Expenses $12,480
Estimated Personal Expenses $3,000
Total Estimated Cost $23,480

Note: Tuition payment is required prior to orientation to confirm your enrollment and ensure access to campus services.
These cost estimates are based on two sessions (16 weeks per session, 20 hours each week) for ESL students.
International students requiring a I-20 must provide bank statement showing enough funds to cover one full academic year and it is an estimate only. It is based on a student taking the minimum number of required courses and living on campus with full-meal plan. It does not include any money for shopping or dining at restaurants. It is for estimation purposes only, and actual student expenses may vary.

Payment for Tuition, General Fees and the Fees for Textbooks and Supplies (total $8,000) are due 5 weeks before the start of class. For those enrolling after this date, the tuition is due immediately.

Refund Schedule
14 days prior to start date 100%
14 days after start date 50%
after 2 weeks of class 0%
Payment and Refund Schedule - Spring Semester, 2026
Friday, January 23, 2026 100% Refund Deadline*
Friday, February 6, 2026 50% Refund Deadline*
Saturday, February 7, 2026 No Refund Period Begins

*A $300 processing fee will be withheld from the refundable amount.

Payment and Refund Schedule - Fall Semester, 2026
Friday, September 4, 2026 100% Refund Deadline*
Friday, September 18, 2026 50% Refund Deadline*
Saturday, September 19, 2026 No Refund Period Begins

*A $300 processing fee will be withheld from the refundable amount.

Intensive English Program
Contact Info

ESL - FTC Northern