No matter what your educational goals Richland Community College is here to help make them a reality. As an international student you may have concerns our local students do not and it is our aim to assist you in any way we can.
Richland Community College offers two types of degree programs. The Associate degree is equal to the first two years of a baccalaureate degree and an Associate in Applied Science degree is designed to prepare students for a career immediately after graduation. With the help of the office of Student Engagement, students are exposed to a comprehensive educational experience. Richland Community College has many advantages over four-year colleges, such as low tuition, small class sizes and individual career advisement. In March 1977, Richland Community College was authorized by the Office of Immigration and Naturalization as a school for attendance by non-immigrant students.
Richland Community College is located in Decatur, Illinois. Situated in central Illinois, three major cities are only a short drive away. The College campus is approximately 180 miles from Chicago, Illinois, 150 miles from Indianapolis, Indiana and 120 miles from St. Louis, Missouri.
International students must be 18 years or older to apply for admission to Richland Community College. Before an I-20 can be issued, individuals must satisfy the admissions criteria.
Visit the links below to learn more.
Admissions Criteria for International Students
Admissions Application
A completed Richland Community College application must be on file 60 days prior to the beginning of an academic term.
Prospective students must complete all items on the application and submit it to
Richland Community College
One College Park
Decatur, IL 62521
No application fee is required.
All admission forms and credentials must be received and on file 60 days prior to the beginning of an academic term.
Students applying from overseas should apply at least six months in advance to allow enough time to obtain a student visa.
English Proficiency
All students must demonstrate English proficiency. A TOEFL score of 500 or above (written exam), 173 or above (computerized exam), or 61 or above (Internet based exam) is required. When submitting TOEFL scores to Richland, the RCC ID number is 1976.
A student is exempt from the English proficiency test if schooling occurred in a country where English is a native language and instruction was done in English. To make arrangements to take the test, an interested person should write directly to the
Educational Testing Service
TOEFL Program
P.O. Box 6155
Princeton, NJ 08541-6155
USA
or contact the U.S. Embassy.
Academic Credentials
Applicants must have completed the equivalent of a high school diploma (12th grade). official academic credentials (high school and any other college or universities attended) must be mailed directly to Richland Community College and translated into English.
International students must have graduated from high school and meet all academic standards as set forth in the College Catalog. Also, International students must take a full-time load of classes (12 credit hours or more each semester) and be enrolled in a program of study.
Financial Resources
All applicants must furnish proof of adequate finances for the entire period of planned attendance. Copies of bank statements or an affidavit from an appropriate bank will meet this requirement.
Sponsorship
Applicants must provide a written and signed affidavit by a local sponsor.
SEVIS I901- Fee
The SEVIS website offers questions and answers about this fee. The fee must be paid and processed prior to the visa interview.
September 11
The events of September 11, 2001 have made obtaining a Student Visa in an individual’s native country more difficult. Anyone interested in obtaining a Student Visa and I-20 should check the Web site of the United State Consolate in his or her home country to ascertain if other documents are required for issuance of an F-1 Visa.