Catalog and Student Handbook 2023–2024 > Getting Started > Specific Application Requirements > Category of Student > 7. International Students > Requirements for International Student Enrollment

Requirements for International Student Enrollment

If you are an international student wishing to study at Del Mar College, you must complete the following procedures to be considered for admission. Once you obtain your F-1 or M-1 visa and begin studies, you must comply with all international student regulations in order to maintain the status of your visa and remain enrolled.

Submit all of the following documents:

• Completed application for admission by completing the online application found at the Apply Texas website (https://www.applytexas.org/). Paper applications are available at the Student Enrollment Center.
• Documentation of a meningitis vaccination if you are 21 years of age or younger and have not been enrolled for a least one fall or spring semester at Del Mar College.
• Official transcripts showing completion of secondary education and college work must be evaluated. All foreign transcripts are required to be evaluated into U.S. equivalency to show a minimum of a U.S. high school diploma. For foreign college credits obtained from an institution outside the boundaries and territories of the United States, a course-by-course evaluation must be completed. See the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) website (https://www.naces.org) for an approved agency. These agencies are independent and not affiliated with Del Mar College. Del Mar College reserves the right to determine acceptability and/or placement of international academic credit. Evaluation by an international evaluation agency does not guarantee acceptance or use at Del Mar College.
• Current financial statement showing proof of funds of at least $18,000 per academic year to cover your educational and living expenses. An additional $5,000 is required per dependent.
• Copy of your current passport (name, passport number, citizenship, etc.).
• The language of instruction at Del Mar College is English. If English is not your native language, you must submit official scores on a language proficiency exam from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) website (https://www.ets.org/toefl). Del Mar College accepts the TOEFL IBT (internet-based test) or the PBT (paper-based test) scores. Test takers should provide the following address to have their official scores sent to Del Mar College:

  Del Mar College
  Office of Admissions
  101 Baldwin Boulevard
  Corpus Christi, Texas 78404

You must show proficiency in English according to the following information:

• TOEFL paper 550; TOEFL IBT 79; TOEIC 780; or Academic IELTS overall band score 6.5 allows students to take the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) test for admission into college-transfer courses. Scores are valid for two years.
• Students who have recently taken approved college assessment tests (ACT, SAT, STAAR) may be exempt from all, or part of, the TSI Assessment. See the Assessment Requirements section of the Del Mar College website (https://www.delmar.edu/offices/testing/assessment-requirements.html) for more information.
• Students who do not meet one of the above requirements for English proficiency must take the ESOL Program's placement test for admission into the ESOL Program. Minimum scores on approved ESOL tests for admission into the Del Mar College ESOL Program are: TOEFL 347; TOEFL IBT 19, IELTS 2, TOEIC 255, COMPASS/ESL 42. Scores are valid for two years. You will be referred to the ESOL Program for testing and evaluation. Before beginning your academic program, you must take the Texas Success Initiative placement test.

Upon admission, you will be issued the I-20 form. Present this form and the receipt for the I-901 fee when you apply for your student visa.

If you are an international student transferring from a U.S. college or university, you must provide a current I-20 and visa in addition to the documents listed above. You will also need to submit the Transfer Clearance Form (obtained from the Registrar’s Office).

International students transferring from a U.S. college or university, must provide a transfer/transient clearance form, a current I-94, I-20, and a passport in addition to the documents listed below. DMC will not accept an international student with a "terminated" status in SEVIS, or who is not in good academic standing at their current institution. Students who have completed an Associate degree (or higher) at a U.S. or foreign institution will not be accepted for admissions. Students accepted for admissions may only pursue one major, thus, may only complete one Associate degree.

Del Mar College does not provide housing though there are several real estate agents and housing locator services in Corpus Christi that may assist you in securing accommodations.

As an F-1 or M-1 student, you are not eligible for financial aid. However, you may be eligible to apply for scholarships. Also, you may not work without permission. If you are in an academic program, you may be eligible to work on a part-time basis on campus. After one academic year you may be eligible to work off campus; however, specific criteria must be met, and authorization is required by the U.S. government.

For more information email enroll@delmar.edu.