Welcome! Holyoke Community College (HCC) enrolls a diverse group of men and women whose backgrounds and talents enhance the HCC educational experience. With a wealth of support services for first-year college students, returning college students and speakers of other languages, international students thrive at HCC. Many of our students have gone on to study at baccalaureate colleges and universities throughout the United States. We look forward to making your HCC experience positive and rewarding!
Students from outside the United States who are interested in studying at HCC must complete the International Student Application. Deadlines for application are May 1 for the fall semester (classes begin in September) and November 1 for the spring semester (classes begin in January). The International Student Application for fall 2013 will be posted on this page in February 2013.
A $100 (USD) application fee (non-refundable) must accompany the International Student Application. The fee should be payable to Holyoke Community College in the form of a bank draft drawn on a U.S. bank or an international postal money order in U.S. currency. Do not send cash or personal checks.
Submit an official copy of your high school transcript and/or leaving certificate. Transcripts should be in English. If not, we will require a certified translation. In addition, all international high school records must be evaluated by a credential evaluation agency. A list of approved agencies can be found at www.naces.org.
If you want to enter an advanced level course or seek to transfer courses to HCC—including “A” levels, a 13th year of secondary school, international baccalaureate degrees, adult education courses, or university-level work—you must submit official or attested transcripts directly from the institution to Holyoke Community College. The transcripts must be in English. If not, we will require a certified translation. An official "course-by-course" evaluation report must be sent directly to HCC from the credential evaluation agency for students seeking college or university transfer credit. Students are strongly encouraged to send course descriptions for any course they are interested in transferring to HCC. A list of credential evaluation agencies can be found at www.naces.org.
Applicants whose native language is not English must take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). A minimum score of 61 (Internet-Based test), 173 (Computer-Based test) or 500 (Paper-Based test) is required for admission to HCC. To register for the TOEFL and for test locations, please visit www.toefl.org. TOEFL scores must be sent to the Admissions Office at Holyoke Community College. HCC's Institution (DI) Code is 3437. TOEFL scores must be within two (2) years of the May 1st application deadline. English as a Second Language (ESL) students that meet English proficiency requirements will be tested at HCC and placed into appropriate ESL classes, if necessary.
If you are currently studying in the United States with F-1 non-immigrant status and wish to transfer to HCC, you must complete a Transfer-In Status Verification Form. International transfer students must be in good financial and academic standing with their current institution and that institution must release the student via the USCIS SEVIS database to Holyoke Community College.
All students seeking an F-1 visa are required to submit a notarized affidavit of parental/sponsor support. Each sponsor is required to fill out a form, have it notarized, and mail it to HCC at the address below.
Request a letter from the bank of your parent(s) or sponsor, affirming that a minimum of $22,000 USD is on deposit. If funds are not in a U.S. bank, the letter must specify what currency the balance is in. The letter must document the length of time the account has been with the bank. Bank documentation must be originals that are signed and sealed by a bank official, and be on official letterhead. Please note: Faxes and e-mails are not acceptable.
All documentation must be mailed to: Holyoke Community College, Admissions Office, 303 Homestead Avenue, Holyoke, MA 01040
Once accepted, if you have not previously taken a placement test, you will need to take the Computerized Placement Test (CPT). The CPT assesses your skill level in writing, reading, and math to ensure your success. Also, while you’re at the Assessment Center, we’ll take your photo for your college identification card.
English as a Second Language (ESL) placement testing is available for non-native English speakers. ESL placement testing assesses reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. Students will be placed into the appropriate level of ESL courses, if necessary.
Placement testing is not needed if you have successfully completed a college level math and English class at another college. If that’s you, make sure your evaluated college transcripts are sent to the Admissions Office as soon as possible. Upon arrival on campus, you may contact the HCC Assessment Center to arrange to have your photo taken for your student ID card.
When you’ve completed your CPT or ESL placement testing, you will meet with an advisor. If you were allowed to waive the CPT (because you had taken the test within the last two years or had completed college-level coursework), you’ll need to contact the Advising Center to make an appointment. During the meeting with your advisor, you’ll review your educational plan, choose courses, and register for classes. Keep in mind, F-1 students must maintain a full-time course load (12 credits or more) during every required semester.
Massachusetts law (Chapter 76, Section 15C) requires all students carrying 12 or more credits to submit proof, within 30 days of registering for courses, of the following immunizations: MMR (measles, mumps, rubella: 2 shots), Tdap (tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis: must be within last 10 years), Hepatitis B (3 shots), and chickenpox (2 shots). Documentation of positive antibody titers for measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis B, and varicella is acceptable. Immunization records can be obtained from your high school, physician’s office, or other colleges attended, and must be submitted to HCC Health Services Office (Frost 105) for review. If needed, low cost vaccines are available at HCC Health Services.
Prior to the start of your first semester at HCC, you’ll receive a packet of information including the date and time of your orientation. Orientation will cover everything from academic policies to registering your car, accessing the college computer network, locating campus resources and services, and securing a student ID and bus pass. It’s also a great opportunity to meet other students, get familiar with the campus, and pick up your books. While you’re on campus, stop by the Office of Public Safety to register and get your parking permit.
You can pay your tuition and fees online at MyHCC, by mail, or in person at the Bursar’s Office. HCC also has a payment plan available. Follow the Paying for College link for more information. Please note: International students will be charged the non-resident/international tuition and fee rate. There are no financial aid or loans available for F-1 candidates or candidates on other types of non-immigrant visas.
The week before classes begin, log in to MyHCC to check for any changes and print your class schedule.
We are always available to answer your questions and assist with the process of applying to HCC! Please contact jcochran@hcc.edu in the Admissions Office for further assistance.
Holyoke Community College
303 Homestead Ave. Holyoke, MA 01040
(413) 538-7000
