Apply to Whatcom Community College

Thank you for considering Whatcom Community College!

This application process is for international students who wish to study at Whatcom Community College. Note: U.S. citizens and others who are not applying as international students should apply through the General WCC Admissions Portal.

The information below applies to students who plan to begin studying online from outside the U.S. as well as students who plan to study on campus with an F-1 student visa.

Visit this page to learn more about International Online Learning.

How to Apply for Admission as an International Student

Submit your application through the International Admissions Portal.

You will need to create an account using an email address you check regularly, as important updates will be sent by email.

In the portal, you will

Fill out and submit your application form
Upload all required documents
If you have any questions or issues with the admissions portal, please contact Sandra Kimura (skimura@whatcom.edu) for assistance.

Next Steps After Applying
Complete English assessment (after applying, if required)
Receive I-20 and letter of acceptance
Apply for F-1 Visa
Apply for Cedar Hall or Homestay
Submit Arrival Information

Application Checklist

All required documents are uploaded through the International Admissions Portal once you create an account. It is best to apply once you have all of the documents ready, as we cannot process an application until all required documents have been received.

Note: All documents must be in English or include a certified English translation

Required for all applicants-both in-person (requesting an I-20) and online (international online learning) students

Completed Application for Admission (submitted through the International Admissions Portal)
Application fee: US $50.00 (non-refundable)
- Pay in person at the WCC Cashier's window with cash, check, or credit card; or online through the FlyWire payment portal and upload your receipt.
Transcripts for highest level of education (high school or college; scanned copies are accepted).
Copy of passport.

Required for applicants studying in-person (requesting an I-20)

Required for applicants who will be 16 or 17 years old at the time of arrival

Additional requirements for transfer students (Currently studying in the U.S.)

WCC Transfer-In Form
Copy of current I-20
Copy of I-94
Copy of visa

Financial documents

Acceptable documents include a bank statement from a checking or savings account, or a bank certificate/letter of verification.
Financial documents must be on official bank letterhead and not printed from a website.
Financial documents must be less than 6 months old.

Required if your sponsor is not an immediate family member: A signed letter of support along with financial documents.

English Language Proficiency

At Whatcom Community College, no test scores are required! We will help find the right English level with a free assessment.

How it works

Why take the assessment?

Placement: Start at the right level for your success
Immigration: If you plan to study in the U.S., completing the assessment allows us to issue an I-20 with the correct program of study.

Submitting English test scores (optional)

If you have test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, etc.), you may submit them. Meeting Whatcom Community College’s minimum requirements may allow you to start directly in academic classes, including English 101: Composition I.

English Proficiency Measure	Guaranteed enrollment in an academic class	Guaranteed enrollment in English 101
TOEFL	minimum 61	minimum 70 (minimum 20 for writing)
TOEFL ITP	minimum 500
IELTS	minimum 5.5	minimum 6.0 (no band lower than 5.5)
TOEIC	minimum 580
ELS		minimum 109
STEP/EIKEN	minimum 2A
Duolingo	minimum 90	minimum 95
Manchester Exam	ME 301	ME 360
Oxford ELLT ^{(Contact international@whatcom.edu for a test fee waiver code.)}	minimum 5	minimum 6
SAT		minimum 460 in Reading and Writing
Cambridge IGCSE (A or O levels)		minimum grade of C in English
EdExcel IGCSE (A or O levels)		minimum grade of C in English
Pearson Test of English		minimum 46
Oxford Elite Academy	Level 4	Level 5
International Baccalaureate		minimum score of 5 in English A: Literature or English A: Language
Completion of grade 12 (or equivalent) in US, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand		Passing grade in English

Our Commitment

We are committed to accurate placement and student success. Whether you begin in English language courses or start directly in college-level classes, WCC provides the support you need to be successful.