International Students

This school is authorized under Federal law to enroll nonimmigrant alien students. This college is SEVIS approved.

Panola College has a $50 non-refundable application fee for international students.

Application deadlines are as follows:

  • To attend during Spring semester (January-May), the application deadline is November 1.
  • To attend during Fall semester (August-December), the application deadline is June 1.

The following requirements must be completed and on file in the Student Success Center at least 60 days prior to the first class day of the semester for which the applicant is seeking admission. Issuance of the I-20 shall not be considered until all requirements are completed.

The following documents are needed to determine a student’s eligibility for admission to Panola College:

  1. A completed application for admission, available here–click on Two Year/Community College application.
  2. A completed Panola College supplemental application for admission.
  3. An official copy of the high school/secondary school transcript in the native language.
  4. A certified English translation of the transcript which includes completed courses, grades, and date of graduation. The transcript should reflect at least the equivalent of an American high school diploma.
  5. Complete one of the three English Language Skills Tests below (scores must be less than 2 years old):
    1. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) with a minimum score of 525 (paper-based), 197 (computer-based), or 71 (Internet-based) if the native language is other than English. Test results must be sent to Panola College (institution #6572) directly from the testing company. Visit the ETS site for more information and to register for the exam.
    2. IELTS Academic with a score of 5.5 (computer-based only). Visit the IELTS site for more information.
    3. iTEP Academic with a minimum score of 3.5 (computer-based only). Visit the ITEP Exam site for more information.

The following documents are needed before an I-20 can be issued to a student:

  1. Copy of biographical page of passport.
  2. If the student is currently in the U.S., a copy of the current visa is required.
  3. Documentation of adequate financial resources: The estimated cost for an academic year of nine months with a 12-hour academic load each semester is $18,200 USD (subject to change). This amount includes out-of-state tuition, fees, textbooks, residence hall fees, residence hall deposit, meals, personal expenses, and insurance for a single student. Checks drafted on accounts outside of the U.S. will not be accepted. The student should complete and submit the International Student Financial Statement. The statement requires the signature of the applicant, the applicant’s sponsor and the sponsor’s bank official and must have an official seal. A bank statement, in English, from your bank and/or the sponsor’s bank should also be submitted with this form.

The following documents are required before the student will be able to enroll in classes at Panola College:

  1. Immunization records
    1. Completed Panola College medical form.
    2. Beginning January 1, 2012, Texas State law requires the following: entering students under 22 years of age must provide documentation of receiving an initial bacterial meningitis vaccination dose or booster within the last 5 years. This includes all new and transfer students, as well as former students who are re-enrolling after a break in enrollment. Students must show proof of having the vaccination at least 10 days prior to the start of the semester. Students who plan to live on campus must submit documentation of a bacterial meningitis vaccination regardless of age.
  2. The TSI Assessment is designed to help institutions determine whether, and at what level, incoming students are prepared to enroll and succeed in entry-level college courses, as well as offer preparatory intervention options. Scores should be sent to Panola College if the test is taken at another location. Non-U.S. citizens are liable for all TSI requirements on the same basis as U.S. citizens.
  3. Submit evidence of health insurance coverage valid through the end of the academic year. If insurance coverage is not immediately available, a letter must be submitted stating that all expenses associated with health care will be assumed by the sponsor until such coverage can be obtained. Resubmit evidence for each academic year thereafter. Panola College offers no health facility on campus.

College Transfer Students

In addition to the previously listed items, note the following requirements:

  1. Notify previous school/college of transfer. Secure the Transfer Clearance Form from Panola College and give it to the International Student Advisor at the previous school. The advisor must complete and return the form to Panola College.
  2. Provide a copy of current I-20.
  3. Transcripts - Transfer from a college/university outside the United States: coursework is considered on a case-by-case basis. The student will be required to furnish an evaluation of his/her courses by a member of NACES (National Association of Credential Evaluation Services). Please refer to the NACES website for a complete listing of members. Among the members, Panola College recommends using Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc., World Education Services, Inc. or Global Credential Evaluators, Inc. for evaluation of your transcript.
    1. If official transcripts indicate English proficiency, the TOEFL requirement may be waived.
    2. Official transcripts must verify that the student:
      1. Has a minimum GPA of 2.0
      2. Was “in-status” for the semester immediately preceding this transfer.