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 speakers of other languages, international students thrive at HCC, and many have gone on to study at universities and liberal arts colleges in 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 (begins in September) and November 1 for the spring semester (begins in January).
Have an official copy of your high school transcript and/or leaving certificate sent directly from the institution to HCC (see address under Step 6). Transcripts should be in English. If not, we may require a translation.
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 should be in English. If not, we may require a translation. An official report must be sent directly to HCC from the accrediting 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 credentialed evaluating agencies can be found at www.naces.org.
If you are applying to one of HCC’s selective programs (A.S. Nursing, Practical Nursing Certificate, or A.S. Radiologic Technology), and you have not completed English Composition I and II from an accredited institution, you must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and have your scores sent to HCC. The minimum score is 550 on the paper/ pencil and 120 on the computerized exam.
Applicants to non-selective programs who do not submit TOEFL scores will be tested at HCC and placed into appropriate ESL classes, if necessary.
If you are currently studying in the United States on an F1 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 a F1 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 U.S. is on deposit. If funds are not in an American 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 are not acceptable.
All documentation must be mailed (faxes will not be accepted) 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 testing center, we’ll take your photo for your college identification card.
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 college transcripts are sent to the Admissions office as soon as possible, and contact the HCC test administrator to arrange to have your photo taken for your student ID card.
When you’ve completed your CPT, 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.
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 101) for review. If needed, low cost vaccines are available at HCC Health Services.
After you meet with your advisor and register for classes, you’ll receive a packet of information in the mail, 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.
The week before classes begin, logon 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 for further assistance.
Holyoke Community College
303 Homestead Ave. Holyoke, MA 01040
(413) 538-7000
