International Admissions

International Admissions Requirements | Application Deadlines | Helpful Links

Southwestern Community College is one of Iowa’s smaller two-year community colleges, so at SWCC you'll receive a lot of individual attention. The campus setting is rural and located in Creston, Iowa (population 7,600). Creston is approximately 115 km southwest of Iowa’s capital city, Des Moines (population 191,000).

Southwestern provides educational offerings leading to gainful employment or coursework transferable to four-year colleges and universities to continue studies for an advanced degree. Detailed information about SWCC's programs and advanced degree offerings is available online or in the college catalog.

Please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., for questions regarding admission for international students.

International Admissions Requirements

International Student Application for Admission - Complete this online application if you are NOT a U.S. citizen or do not have a valid social security number.
Official Transcripts - Students must submit official records of attendance and final transcripts for all schools, English language programs, and colleges attended. NOTE: Each transcript must be in English and include the month, day, and year of graduation, as well as the signature of a school official.
Student/Sponsor Financial (Bank) Statement - Students are required to submit dated (three months/90 days from day of submission of the application for admissions) bank statements indicating that there are sufficient funds to pay for college. The bank statements need to have a minimum balance of $16,578. The bank statements need to be in English, and also the amounts need to be in U.S. dollars.
SWCC Financial Statement - Student must complete the SWCC Financial Statement to show evidence of ability to meet all educational and living expenses while attending Southwestern Community College. The student, family member, or sponsor is required to show financial support of approximately $16,578 (USD for the 2023-24 academic year) for the period of one year. This form must be notarized.
English Proficiency Form - If English is not the first/native language of the student applying for admissions into Southwestern Community College, then official TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) Exam with a minimum score of 61 on the internet-based test, 173 on the computer-based test, or 500 on the paper-based test; IELTS (International English Language Testing System) academic module score of 6; Duolingo with a minimum score of 85; or freshman-level English class completed at an approved United States college or university must be submitted.
Copy of Passport - Students should take a photo of their current passport, or scan a copy of the passport, and email it to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The photo or scan should be on the main page of the passport, with all of the student's relevant information.
International Student Deposit - A $2,000 deposit is required for international students. This deposit may be paid via phone with credit card or online through PayMyTuition (deposit is refundable, if the student decides not to attend, to the student applying for admissions, not the payer of the amount).
$150 Processing Fee - Students may pay the processing fee online at PayMyTuition or with a credit card by calling the SWCC business office at 641.782.1448.
Student Housing (Dorm) Application - The application for student housing must be completed if a student plans to live on campus. This needs to be done quickly as housing fills up fast. If a student plans to live off-campus, the student should notify This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., of their plans.
Student Housing Deposit - The student housing department requires a $150 deposit paid to Southwestern's business office at 641.782.1448. Payments are accepted by credit card or debit card. This must be paid before the student's housing spot is confirmed. Again, if a student plans to live off-campus, the student must notify This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..