Study in the U.S. at Western Iowa Tech
Western Iowa Tech's program for international students helps students from all over the globe adjust to living in the U.S., improve their English, and get a quality, affordable education.
While living on our beautiful campus in Sioux City, Iowa, you can train for a job in two years or less with a vocational degree or take classes to earn a transfer major. A transfer major helps you prepare to transfer to a 4-year college or university to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree.
Our program helps you gain confidence using English and explore college and career options while studying in a supportive community college setting. By the end of the program, you’ll have the English and academic skills you need to succeed in college and your future career.
International Student Application Deadlines
| Semester | Student Type | Acceptance Deadline |
| Fall (August-December) | New F-1 Transfer F-1 |
July 1st August 1st |
| Spring (January-May) | New F-1 Transfer F-1 |
November 1st December 1st |
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Students must complete the application and submit all documents prior to the acceptance deadline for the semester they wish to begin. Western Iowa Tech has the right to refuse applications or documentation that are suspected of forgery or fraud. |
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Important Dates
All international students must remain until the identified end of semester as indicated on our Important Dates page.
International Student Admission
Start your educational and personal journey as an international student at Western Iowa Tech Community College by using this step-by-step admissions guide.
Note: Use a general email address, not a school-related email address. This application does not need to be completed in one session. Save your login information so you can complete the application at any time.
Be sure to select the option to apply as an International Student.
After creating an account, complete the International Student Application to Western Iowa Tech.
To complete your application, you’ll need to submit several important documents in PDF format. All documents must be in English and will be uploaded to your International Student Western Iowa Tech application.
Required PDF documents include:
- High School (Secondary School) Transcript/Certificate: All high school documents need to be translated. If the transcript is not in English, you must then get your transcript evaluated by a credential evaluation service such as World Education Services or Educational Credential Evaluators, or The Evaluation Company. The Evaluation Company (TEC) is our recommended international transcript evaluation service. They have created a custom application for Western Iowa Tech that will make sure you select the right kind of evaluation at a discounted rate. You can access their application here: TEC Application - Western Iowa Tech Community College.
- Copy of your Passport: A scanned color copy of the ID/photo page from your current passport.
- F-1 Visa Page: If you're a transfer student, provide a copy of your current F-1 visa.
- Financial Proof: A bank statement showing a balance $19,918 USD. The bank statement must include an official bank stamp verifying authenticity. If you are bringing a dependent, add $2,497.50 USD per dependent to the bank statement.
- Pledge of Financial Support form: If the student is being sponsored, an Pledge of Financial Support form will need to be completed.
After reviewing your application materials, we'll notify you of your accpetance status via the email provided in your application. Please allow ten business days for processing time.
Upon acceptance, you'll receive your Form 1-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status", which is necessary to apply for an F-1 student visa to enter the United States.
Submit your I-901 Fee Payment.
To apply for an F-1 visa, schedule an appointment with a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home country, and bring your Form I-20 along with any other required documents.
Once your visa has been approved, you can secure your F-1 status and confirm your enrollment at Western Iowa Tech, by submitting $2,500 USD annually by date July 15. This payment process will be applied directly to your student account balance each year.
NOTE: This deposit is refundable if you decide not to attend Western Iowa Tech.
To submit your payment:
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To pay online:
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Log in to your MyWIT student portal
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Locate the Finances card
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Click on the Student Payment Center link for options to pay or enroll in the Western Iowa Tech Payment Plan.
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To pay by phone, or if you are having difficulties with an online payment:
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Pay with the Western Iowa Tech cashier at +1-712-274-8733, Ext. 1210 (Cashier) during regular business hours Central time zone.
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Please Do Not Delay
Make plans now to complete the required payments so you can register for classes and start your education. If you have questions or need assistance, contact the International Studies Office right away.
Make Your Travel Arrangements
Once you’ve obtained your Visa you can make travel arrangements. Before you book your flight contact internationalstudents@witcc.edu to confirm important dates such as Residence Life move-in, orientation, and the first date of the class.
You should seek Sioux City, Iowa as your final destination. Sioux Gateway Airport (SUX) is the closest airport and only 15 minutes from Western Iowa Tech.
Note: You will need to make arrangements for transportation from the airport you choose.
Another note: Visa regulations prohibit students from arriving more than 30 days in advance of the Program Start Date listed on your Form I-20.
Please be sure to bring any necessities with you on your travels. You will need to bring enough money and personal items to last your first week as you may not be able to open a bank account immediately. It is best to bring travelers’ checks or a credit card rather than large amounts of cash.
International Student Cost of Attendance
Review the information below to assist you in budgeting and understanding the costs of studying in the U.S. at Western Iowa Tech.
| Financial Proof | $19,918 USD (bank balance) |
| Estimated Tuition and Fees | $8128/year |
| Estimated Student Housing and Meal Plan | $6900-$9850/year |
| Estimated Personal Expenses, Health Insurance, and Transportation | $4996 per year |
Financial Proof: A bank statement showing a minimum balance of $19,918 USD.
Estimated Tuition and Fees (16 credits per semester, 32 credits total, at $190 per credit hour): $8128/year
To maintain your F-1 visa status, you are required to enroll in at least 12 credit hours per semester, however to complete your degree in two years, you will need to take 16 credits per semester. Tuition and fees will change based on the number of credits you're enrolled in each semester.
Estimated Student Housing and Meal Plan: $6900-$9850/year.
NOTE: Western Iowa Tech does not provide meals Friday evening through Sunday evening and holidays including winter and summer breaks.
Estimated Personal Expenses, Health Insurance, and Transportation: $4996 per year. If you plan to bring dependents, your required funds will be an additional $4996 for each dependent per year.
Note: International students with an F-1 visa are not eligible for federal financial aid.
We have several wonderful housing options for students looking to live on campus. Choose from 4-bedroom suites for 4 people, or 1-2 bedroom apartments.
NOTE: All Western Iowa Tech international student athletes are required to live on campus.
To apply for housing at Western Iowa Tech:
- Complete the student housing application.
- Submit the $20 non-refundable application fee and the $250 down payment.
- Pay online after applying.
- Mail to:
Western Iowa Tech Community College
Attn: Cashier's office
4647 Stone Ave.
Sioux City, IA 51106. - Call the Cashier's Office at 712.274.8733 ext. 1210
- To apply for the Housing Scholarship you must be registered for classes. Application deadline is June 1 annually.
- You will receive your housing assignment, move-in dates, and roommate information once you have submitted the housing application, housing deposit, and application fee.
If you have dependents (such as a spouse or children) who will be joining you in the U.S. while you study at Western Iowa Tech, email the International Office. You will be sent a Form I-20 for each dependent.
Western Iowa Tech does NOT have family housing.
Federal regulations require international students to maintain enrollment in at least 12 credit hours during fall and spring semesters.
Contact the International Office to for more information or to request a reduced course load.
Maintaining your Status
For more information about maintaining your status while you study in the US, review studyinthestates.dhs.gov/students/maintaining-status.
