Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon Portland Community College

International Student Admissions

PCC is the largest institution of higher education in Oregon and one of the top 20 community colleges in the country. It has more than 85 academic programs (including ESL), many opportunities for student activities, on-campus jobs, sports, and transfer to top universities (2+2).

We have students from over 65 different countries around the world who study at PCC.

Dates and Deadlines

Summer 2024
Student group Application Deadlines Application Help
Outside US / Initial April 10, 2024 (11pm PST) Apply Now!

Application instructions

English

Español

Tiếng Việt

Inside US / Transfer May 27, 2024 (11pm PST)

All dates could be subject to change.

  • Financial documents cannot be dated before: August 11, 2023
  • Orientation week – mandatory attendance all days: June 10 – 14, 2024
  • First day of class: June 24, 2024
Fall 2024
Student group Application Deadlines Application help
Outside US / Initial July 9, 2024 (11pm PST) Apply Now!

Application instructions

English

Español

Tiếng Việt

Inside US / Transfer August 26, 2024 (11pm PST)

All dates could be subject to change.

  • Financial documents cannot be dated before: November 11, 2023
  • Orientation week – mandatory attendance all days: September 9 – 13, 2024
  • First day of class: September 23, 2024
Winter 2025
Student group Application Deadlines Application help
Outside US / Initial October 9, 2024 Apply Now!

Application instructions

English

Español

Tiếng Việt

Inside US / Transfer November 24, 2024

All dates could be subject to change.

  • Financial documents cannot be dated before: February 18, 2024
  • Orientation week – mandatory attendance all days: December 9 – 13, 2024
  • First day of class: January 6, 2025
Spring 2025
Student group Application Deadlines Application Help
Outside US / Initial Coming Soon Application instructions

English

Español

Tiếng Việt

Inside US / Transfer Coming Soon

All dates could be subject to change.

  • Financial documents cannot be dated before: Coming Soon
  • Orientation week – mandatory attendance all days: Coming Soon
  • First day of class: Coming Soon

Common Questions

How do I apply to PCC?
  • It is very simple to apply. Complete the online application and upload the required documents (copy of your passport, transcripts, and financial documents, etc.). We do not require SAT/ACT/TOEFL/IELTS testing scores. There is no application fee or mailing fee. Ready to apply? Apply now!
What if I do not have English proficiency?
  • English proficiency is NOT required for admission to PCC, but you may be exempted from the ESOL placement testing and ESOL program if you are able to show proof of English proficiency in a document from this list [pdf].

Orientation Placement Flowchart

What does it cost to apply to PCC?
  • It is free to apply to PCC – we do not have an application fee.
  • Students will need to pay their SEVIS fee (I-901) after they are admitted to PCC and before their visa interview.
How can I prepare for my visa interview?
  • A consular officer will interview you to determine your qualifications for a student visa, and may request additional documents and questions around such as evidence of:
    • Your academic preparation, such as:
      • Transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates from schools you attended; and
      • Standardized test scores required by your U.S. school;
    • Your intent to depart the United States upon completion of the course of study; and
    • How you will pay all educational, living and travel costs.

    Review the instructions for how to apply for a visa on the website of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you will apply.

When will I get my I-20 from PCC?
  • Once your application is complete, with all required documents submitted, the OISS Admissions team will review your application. Please make sure to log into the application portal regularly until you are admitted to see if there are any requests for new documents to be resubmitted, as well as status updates. The sooner you can resubmit any necessary documents, the sooner we can finish your application. Once your application is complete and we have all of the correct documents, it can take up to 4 weeks for an admissions decision.Apply to PCC
I have been admitted to PCC, but I want to wait and start in another term at PCC. What should I do?
  • Congratulations on your acceptance to PCC! You can defer (or move) your acceptance to another term by contacting our International Admissions team.
What is the orientation hold?
  • Each international student admitted to PCC must attend our mandatory orientation. You can find out more on our Orientation webpage. Once you have completed Orientation Week, your hold will be removed.
Do I have to pay for tuition before I arrive?
  • No, new F-1 international students will learn how to pay their tuition and fees during Orientation. New F-1 international students have until the first day of classes to pay their tuition and fees in their first term. Each term after, students must follow the tuition payment deadline on the payment due dates webpage.
When can I register for classes?
  • New F-1 international students will register for classes during Orientation week.
Can I work?
  • F-1 international students are allowed to work on-campus, part-time (up to 20 hours per week) while studying. There are many job opportunities for students such as working in the library, cafeteria, office of international student services, tutoring, etc.
Can I bring family members or dependents?
  • Yes, students who wish to bring their spouse and or children with them must include that information in the application. An I-20 will be created for the student, plus all dependents listed. Additional finances are required when requesting to bring dependents.

This page is maintained by the International Admissions Coordinator. (03/2024)

More Information

Click to see the 4 easy steps to apply to PCC in English, Español, and Tiếng Việt!Applying to PCCClick to find fast facts about PCC in English, Español, Tiếng Việt!One Pager

Click to view our eBrochuree-Brochure imageFind more about PCC in your language!

Contact Us

Contact our Recruitment team for questions about:

  • Programs
  • Questions before applying

Contact our International Admissions Team for questions about:

  • Your application status
  • Submitted documents
  • Updated contact information