Prospective international students are those applying for an F-1 Student Visa, which requires that CTC issue the Form I-20. The International Student Services Office (ISSO) issues the Form I-20 when admission has been granted to the student.
Prospective students holding other non-immigrant visas must meet USCIS guidelines and/or initiate a change of status procedure available at USCIS ELIS. They must be in legal status, and are not allowed to register for semester-credit classes until the change of status has been approved. For specific information, email the International Student Services office at ctc.international@ctcd.edu.
To apply for international student admission (F-1 visa status) to Central Texas College, Killeen, Texas, the applicants must submit the documents listed below at least 90 days prior to registration of the intended entry semester. Certified documents must be originals. However, electronic scans will be allowed for initial consideration.
- Complete and sign a CTC Application for Admission.
- Complete and sign a CTC International Student Application for Admission.
- Submit records of previous education. All foreign documents must be official and include an English translation completed through one of the foreign educational credential evaluation services. The National Association of Credential Evaluations Services (NACES) provides a list of member organizations who perform evaluation services.
- Official high school diploma. Diploma must show date of graduation or official GED test scores verifying high school completion.
- Official copies of transcripts from U.S. regionally accredited colleges or universities previously attended, if applicable.
- Submit a CTC Sponsor’s Statement for International Students, which indicates at least $23,000 one (1) year is available for college tuition, fees and living expenses.
- Submit two passport-sized photos.
- Submit $500 tuition deposit. If the applicant does not attend, 80 percent is refundable.
- Submit official TOEFL scores 79+ibt or IELTS- 6.5+Language testing is required of all students from countries using another language and/or English. All students must meet English language proficiency via completion of the CTC ESOL program, IELTS or TOEFL testing. Students are not permitted to enroll in freshman-entry level credit courses until such time they have taken the TSIA2. Students will not be permitted to enroll in designated college ready academic courses until the student has demonstrated college readiness in the applicable subject area (reading, writing, and/ or mathematics). Students who have not taken the TOEFL, IELTS or the CTC-approved English Language Proficiency test available at CTC must register for entry- level ESOL classes.
- Submit proof of Bacterial Meningitis vaccination no older than 5 years, 10 days before registration.
- Prior to registration, submit proof of Health/Accident Insurance for each semester. Foreign policies must be translated in English, with all information to include the expiration date translated. The insurance policy must cover the student while attending CTC and provide a minimum medical expense benefit of at least $100,000. Information for health insurance vendors can be obtained from the CTC International Student Services Office. Students must take the Texas Success Initiative Assessment before registering for solid credit classes, and they may be required to complete additional Developmental Studies courses.
- Submit a copy of your current passport.
NOTE If the visa is denied, or you are unable to attend for any other reason, CTC will refund 80 percent of the original tuition deposit ($400) with a written request for refund. The remaining 20 percent is not returned as it covers processing fees. If the visa is granted, 100% of the tuition deposit will be applied to tuition. The Residence Hall deposit is nonrefundable.
International Transfer Students
In addition to the requirements for all international applicants, prospective international transfer students must provide the following documents:
- Completed original Certification of Good Standing from previous school. Student must complete Section I of this form. The International Student Advisor (DSO) at the school last attended completes Section II of the form before sending it to the CTC Director, ISS. Student must be in good academic standing and in-status with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in order to be admitted to CTC.
- Photocopy of Form I-20 issued by previous school attended.
- Copy of passport and visa.
- Copy of current college transcript.
Change of Status Application
Individuals applying for a Change of Status must meet the same deadlines and admission requirements as any other prospective international student. A request for a Change of Status application will be denied when the individual’s current status is due to expire within 60 days.
Responsibility of Prospective and Current International Students
Central Texas College is not responsible for an individual’s immigration status. It is the responsibility of the prospective or current student to remain in status with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Residence Hall Application Process for International Students
The following documents are required for international students who wish to reside in the CTC Residence Hall on campus.
- Complete Residence Hall Application. Complete all items, attach a passport-size photo and sign and date the form.
- $105 nonrefundable Residence Hall application and background check fee receipt must be included to reserve a room. Early arrival is required for new international students for pretesting and registration. This does not include early check in to the Residence Hall. Be prepared to stay off campus from mid-December to mid-January (Winter Break) and Spring Break while the campus is closed for the holidays.
- Submit proof of bacterial meningitis vaccination no older than 5 years old.
- Submit proof of COVID19 vaccination.
When both items have been submitted, you will be placed on the Residence Hall waiting list. Submitting an application does not guarantee assignment of a room. You may check the status of your application with the Residence Hall Manager at 254-526-1790.
NOTE To apply to Central Texas College, direct inquiries to the Director of International Student Services ctc.international@ctcd.edu, who will provide forms and instructions for completing the requirements listed above. The CTC web site (www.ctcd.edu) provides detailed information.
Community Non-Native Speakers
Community non-native English speaking students without scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language TOEFL 79+ibt or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS-6.5+) must take a CTC-approved English Language Proficiency Test at the college to determine English language proficiency. Students whose English Language Proficiency Test scores fall within the parameters of the English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) must enroll in the ESOL program through ESOL courses or a combination of ESOL and DIRW courses.
The Texas Administrative Code requires students to take the Texas Success Initiative Assessment 2.0 (TSIA2) (a) upon completion of developmental ESOL coursework, (b) when 15 semester credit hours of developmental ESOL are attempted, or (c) prior to enrolling in entry-level freshmen coursework, whichever comes first.
Students whose English Language Proficiency Test scores are high but just short of passing can take the Texas Success Initiative Assessment (TSIA) to supplement their English Language Proficiency Test scores and use both for placement as necessary.
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
Non-native English speakers are required to take the CTC-\ approved ESOL English Skills Assessment exam before beginning the English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) program. The exam may be taken once per year. Transfer students who have taken ESOL courses elsewhere and wish to continue ESOL at CTC must take the English Skills Assessment exam.
The ESOL program includes three levels each for Academic Listening and Speaking, Reading and Vocabulary, and Grammar/Writing. The English Skills Assessment exam provides individualized course placement into appropriate levels of grammar/writing, reading/vocabulary, and listening/speaking. Based on sufficient exam scores, students may be exempt from all or some ESOL courses ensuring that students do not take unnecessary courses.
Students whose English Language Proficiency Test scores fall within the parameters of the ESOL program must enroll in the ESOL program. Students enrolled in the ESOL program may receive a temporary waiver from taking the Texas Success Initiative Assessment 2.0 (TSIA2) until such time the student has attempted 15 semester credit hours of developmental ESOL courses or prior to enrolling in entry-level freshman coursework, whichever comes first.
Note: International students on a F-1 Student Visa should refer to the “International Students” section of this Catalog for testing requirements.
Placement Examinations
Student’s Status | Testing Requirements |
---|---|
If entering a CATE Center competency-based, open-entry LevelI Certificate program (42 semester hours or less), | waived from taking a TSIA2 approved assessment as longas courses are not taken outside the certificate program. |
If entering a Level I Certificate program(42 hours or less), | waived from taking a TSIA2 approved assessment as longas courses are not taken outside the certificate program.** |
If entering an Occupational Skills Achievement program for credit, | the credential is TSI waived under the Coordinating Board Rule 4.54b. |
If entering a CATE Centercompetency-based, open-entry, LevelII program (more than 40 hours and listed as Level II). | take the TSIA2 Assessment and Pre-Assessment unlessTSI exempt or waived. Refer to the Texas Success Initiative Exemptions section in this catalog. |
If entering a Level II Certificate program or an associate degree program, | must take the TSIA2 Assessment and Pre-Assessment unlessTSI exempt or waived. Referto Texas Success Initiative Exemptions section in this catalog. |
New International student (non-immigrant) or a Community Foreign Student (resident alien) and native language is not English, | must takethe CTC-approved English Skills Assessment examif TOEFL scoresare below 79 on the Internet-based test or below 6.5 on the IELTSor have nevertaken the TOEFL. |
* Contact CATE Center Advising located in the Sid M. Weiser CATE Center Building 253W, Room 20 , 254-526-1549 or cate.center@ctcd.edu for more information.
NOTE If you need special testing accommodations, contact the office for Disability Support Services in Student Services Building 215, Room 111 of the Central Campus or call 254-526-1195 before taking the test(s). Appropriate documentation of the disability is required.