International Student Admission
Dear Prospective Student,
Florida Gulf Coast University is authorized under Federal law to enroll non-immigrant students. The term International Student refers to any student who is not a permanent resident or naturalized citizen of the United States. We are pleased to have your interest in becoming an International Student at Florida Gulf Coast University. Florida Gulf Coast University opened for its first classes August 25, 1997, and we have enrolled a growing number of international students from throughout the world. We look forward to you joining our exciting new academic community. Applications to the university are made through the Office of Admissions.
The Office of Global Initiatives and International Services provides support services for International Students, who have been admitted to the university. This includes: orientation to living and studying in the U.S., assistance with cross-cultural adjustment and transition issues, information on and assistance with U.S. Immigration documents and regulations, and integrates international students into the university and community experience.
Academic Calendar: Florida Gulf Coast University operates on a semester basis. Fall semester begins in late August and ends in mid December. Spring semester begins in early January and ends in late April or early May. There are three summer sessions; two that begin in May and one that begins in June. Summer sessions condense an intensive level of academic study into a short time period.
FGCU requires that International Students, who are enrolling as first-time-in-college, begin enrollment in the Fall or Spring semester. This offers a better opportunity to become familiar with the university, the pace of academic study and to maintain the appropriate course sequence required for the degree. Some programs admit students to begin studies only at specified terms. Summer enrollment exceptions may be permitted on a case-by-case basis as determined by the Office of Admissions. Degree program requirements, immigration regulations and other factors may determine a specified term of enrollment.
Credits: Students may enroll for a particular number of semester hours or credits. Most courses earn three or four hours. A course that earns three hours means that a student will generally attend that class for three hours each week. All International Students are required to be enrolled full time (12 hours or more for undergraduate students and 9 hours or more for graduate students) during the fall and spring semesters. Students must earn a minimum of 120 semester hours for a B.A. degree and some B.S. degrees. Graduate degrees (Master’s) vary in the number of hours required according to the individual program.
Scholarships and Financial Aid: International Students are not eligible for Florida State or U.S. Federal Financial Aid. However, International Students may apply for other scholarships through the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office at (239) 590-7920; email: mailto:FASO@fgcu.edu Internet: Financial Aid and Scholarships Office.
For Tuition Waiver information please browse this web page, or call (239) 590-7689.
International Students from certain countries may apply for partial tuition exemptions through the SUS (State University System) Linkage program. Information on these tuition waivers is available from the Office of Global Initiatives and International Services at (239) 590-7925; email: InternationalServices@fgcu.edu ; Internet: Office of Global Initiatives and International Services.
International students may also want to seek scholarships and other forms of financial support from home country governments, employers, family and foundations associated with the student’s selected field of study.
Immunization Record: All International students must provide proof of vaccination against Rubella and Measles (MMR) as described in the immunization policy before registering for classes. The Florida Legislature, recognizing the potential fatal nature of hepatitis B and meningococcal diseases, has enacted legislation effective July 1, 2008, that all new matriculating students must provide documentation of vaccinations against meningococcal meningitis and hepatitis B OR provide a signed waiver for each declined vaccination. This is in addition to the existing requirements for measles and rubella (MMR) vaccines. A student is unable to waive out of the MMR requirement. For more information on required immunizations, please visit the web page of Student Health Services.
Health Insurance: International students are required to carry a personal health insurance policy that meets the requirements of the State of Florida. Proof of the health insurance is not needed for admission purposes but must be provided to the university prior to registration for classes. Information on an approved health insurance carrier can be obtained from the Office of Global Initiatives and International Services. Students who currently have a health insurance policy must demonstrate to Florida Gulf Coast University that the policy meets the requirements of the State of Florida.
Housing and Transportation: International students are encouraged to consider living in the on-campus student residence halls. Living on campus promotes the student's involvement in the academic and social community of the university. For residence hall information and applications please contact Housing and Residence Life at (239) 590-1700, email address: housing@fgcu.edu. International Students may also arrange their own accommodations in area apartments, with relatives or with a U.S. sponsor. A sponsor who hosts an international student should sign the Financial Statement form to verify that they are providing the room and board as a form of financial support to the student. The Office of Student Life (239) 590-7940 can provide information on off-campus housing or visit http://www.aptsforrent.com/.
Students living off-campus will need to provide their own transportation to the campus. A local bus provides limited service between the campus and the area community. International students who plan to drive or own automobiles are responsible for meeting all drivers' license, registration and insurance requirements of the State of Florida.
Visa Information and I-20 Forms: The Office of Admissions issues the I-20 Form (the certificate of eligibility to study in the US) to International Students who intend to pursue full time studies to obtain a degree (undergraduate or graduate). Florida Gulf Coast University will not issue an I-20 Form to any student who does not meet the university admission and U.S. immigration requirements. International Students must present the I-20 Form to a U.S. Embassy or Consulate when applying for a student visa (generally this will be an F-1 visa). If you currently have a U.S. visa, and are in the U.S., please list your visa information on the university admission application. You may be required to complete a Visa Clearance Form (see Transfer Student information) or submit additional immigration forms. You may also need to present your I-94 Card, your passport, a U.S. visa and any other immigration documents you currently hold, to the Office of Admissions.
If you currently have a visa other than an F-1 visa, you should consult the Office of Admissions to discuss your immigration status. Each visa category has restrictions on whether or not the visa holder can enroll at the university. Prospective students who have visas, passports or other immigration documents that are expired may need to seek services of an immigration attorney. Florida Gulf Coast University does not provide legal advice on immigration matters. Prospective students who are determined to be "out of status" with immigration, cannot be admitted to the university.
We look forward to having you become part of Florida Gulf Coast University.
Sincerely yours,
R. Marc Laviolette
Director of Admissions
Florida Gulf Coast University
Elaine Hozdik
Director of International Services
Florida Gulf Coast University
