International Students

Blue Ridge is a two-year, non-residential, commuter college. We welcome applications from qualified international students who meet our academic, financial, and language requirements.

General Information

  • The College is served by public transportation to selected cities.  Students can access the BRCC Shuttle schedule online or pick up a copy at the Houff Student Center Information Desk.  
  • The College does not operate dormitories, nor does it assume responsibility for locating and securing adequate housing for students.
  • International students are classified as out-of-state students for tuition payment purposes. 
  • Financial Aid is not available to international students. 
  • Tuition payment plans are not available.
  • College policies and procedures apply equally to all students regardless of immigration status.

Admission Requirements for International Students

Before we are able to process a request for admission to the college and issue a form I-20 for the F-1 Visa, the following documents must be submitted 60 days prior to the beginning of the semester in which you wish to enroll: 

  1. Completed BRCC Application for Admission Form AND supplemental form for International students (printed clearly in ink or typewritten).
  2. The equivalent of an American high school diploma. Official records of all secondary-school studies and all studies beyond secondary-school level must be submitted in the native language with official English translations from a U.S.-based credential evaluation service. The following are examples of services that may be used:
  3. Official TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) scores, with a minimum score of 550 paper-based or a minimum score of 213 computer-based as requirements. Please request that your official scores be sent directly to Blue Ridge Community College. Our CEEB code is 5083. Testing may not be more than two years old. For more information contact:
  4. Verification of financial support sufficient to enroll as a full-time student without the need to work off campus. We require the minimum amount of $12,000.00 for a single international student per academic year of nine months. This does not include transportation costs. (Please complete the Declaration/Certification of Finances Form and return along with all appropriate verifying documents). This information needs to be in English and $US.
  5. Health Insurance coverage: Health care is very expensive in the United States. Blue Ridge Community College requires that all international students purchase a health insurance policy. 

BRCC Requirements

International students who receive a form I-20 must:

  1. Complete the College's assessment tests for English and mathematics.
  2. Register for and complete with a satisfactory grade at least 12 credit hours for each semester.
  3. Be accepted into a program of study at the college.
  4. File a copy of Passport and I-94 Card with expiration date, (if applicable) with the Admissions and Records Office.
  5. Must have BRCC's Designated School Official (DSO) sign your form I-20 two (2) weeks in advance of traveling outside the United States. Student must be in good standing. This must be completed to allow reentry.

Application documents should be mailed to:

Office of Admissions and Records
Blue Ridge Community College
Box 80
Weyers Cave, VA  24486 

Admissions & Records Contact Information:

Offices: Houff Student Center
Hours: M-F - 8:15 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
(540) 453-2287/ 213-7002, ext. 2287 / 943-7002, ext. 2287
CEEB Code #5083