International Students
Arizona Western College is home to international students from over 40 countries. We welcome all students interested in studying abroad with us. Our friendly staff is eager to help with the entire application process—from your initial inquiry to your arrival and all throughout your stay in the U.S. We do our best to make your experience as an international student as rewarding as possible. We think you will find Arizona Western College the perfect place to call your home away from home.
To be guaranteed consideration for admission, the application and required supplemental documents must be received by:
Fall Semester (Aug–Dec): June 15, 2026 | Spring Semester (Jan–May): November 30, 2026
Working together with a Designated School Official(DSO)
New Students
- Apply for Admissions
- F-1 Students must choose an associate’s degree.
- M-1 Students must choose a certificate program.
- Required Supplemental Documents:
- Financial Verification
- Affidavit of Support: Bank Statement or LOI. Students must demonstrate an ability to pay for their studies either through their personal bank statement, scholarship, or a sponsor bank statement, or a combination of these, to a total of USD $15, 000. Note: A Letter of Intent for Sponsorship is required if a sponsor is being used.
- Color Copy of International Passport
- Official High School Transcript (Translated into English) Note: Athletes must submit an official certificate of completion or a diploma to be eligible for competition.
- Proof of medical Insurance.
- Financial Verification
- Apply for an F-1 Visa.
- Activate your student account.
- Register for 12 credits or more in the program of study.
- Arrive on campus before the session starts date.
- Check in with the DSO/ International Student Coordinator at the beginning of each semester to maintain status.
Important: All international students must have medical insurance, including coverage for repatriation of remains. AWC provides the necessary insurance coverage through a group plan, or students may purchase their own. If you choose to purchase your own personal insurance, you must inform the International Office about your coverage and provide a copy of your insurance card. If you don't provide your own insurance within a week of classes, you will be added to our AWC international group insurance at your own expense.
Important: Effective July 1, 2025, all first-year students will be required to live in on-campus housing for their first academic year. This policy is designed to support your academic success and ease your transition into college life by fostering a strong sense of community and access to campus resources. In addition, we strongly advise all incoming students to enroll in ORI 101-004: Strategies for Success. This course is designed to help you build essential academic skills, set personal goals, and make the most of your college experience. Although this course is targeted at international and club leaders, it is open to any AWC student!
Active Students
- Registration
- Must meet with DSO to register for each session.
- Must be registered for 12 credits in the program of study to maintain status.
- Do not add or drop classes without talking to the advisor and your DSO.
- Emergencies
- Communicate with DSO immediately.
- If you cannot arrive before the session start date, you must communicate with DSO.
- Campus Employment
- Must be authorized and supported by the International Student Office/ DSO.
- Leaving the Country (USA):
- Before you leave the country, your I-20 has to be signed by your DSO.
- The travel Endorsement signature is good for one year.
- Make sure you are meeting the VISA requirements for any country you wish to visit. IE: Mexico
- Authorized Early Withdrawal: You cannot spend more than 5 months out of the United States/ SEVIS status will be terminated or completed, depending on the case. If your SEVIS record (I-20) is completed or terminated, you will need to work closely with SEVIS for possible reactivation. Communicate with DSO for support.
- Transferring
- Complete Transfer Out Request form.
- Graduate in Fall/ December – Must transfer before the spring session start date.
- Graduate in Spring/ May -- Must transfer within 60 days after graduation.
- If you do not find an institution to transfer you, come see your DSO to extend your program end date to avoid the status being terminated for failure to enroll (especially for athletes).
Border Commuter
- Apply for Admission
- Affidavit of Support: Provides a Financial proof of $5,000/Bank statement from the parent or whoever wants to financially support the student through his study
- Color Copy of International Passport
- Official High School Transcript (Translated into English) Note: Athletes must submit an official certificate of completion or a diploma to be eligible for competition.
Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
An I-20 is a Certificate of Eligibility issued by a school, which states an international student has met the admission requirements, financial criteria and has been accepted for a full course of study. It does not guarantee a student will receive a visa or gain entrance to the United States.
Campus housing is based on availability.
The professional advisors will assist you in selecting your classes.
If you have not already wired your funds to Arizona Western College before your arrival, you must pay your tuition when you register for classes.
No, financial assistance is not available for international students.
No. F-1 students are non-immigrant students. Non-immigrant students are temporarily present in the U.S. and are not eligible for in-state tuition.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services allow international students to work on campus for up to 20 hours per week while classes are in session. During vacations, students can work up to 40 hours per week. There are limited jobs available at AWC, and the college does not guarantee students a job.
If you were physically in the U.S. in F or M status anytime between January 1 - December 31, 2025, you're obligated to send one form, Form 8843, to the U.S. tax agency IRS (Internal Revenue Service), even if you had no income. For the current year's tax season, if you earn over $0 of US source income, you may need to file a federal tax return with the IRS. Depending on your individual circumstances, you may also need to file a state tax return(s).
How to File:
We have teamed up with Sprintax https://www.sprintax.com/azw to provide you with easy-to-use tax preparation software designed for non-resident students in the U.S.
Note: Staff at AWC are not qualified or allowed to provide individual tax advice.