FAQs for Applicants

Applying for Admission

• Can I apply online?

  Yes. If you are seeking an I-20 for F-1 visa status, you must apply by using the online ISP application.

• Can I apply to attend De Anza on a tourist visa (B visa)?

  No. B visa holders are not allowed to enroll in college courses in the U.S. 

  If you are in the U.S. on an B visa and you want to change your status to F-1 (without returning to your home country), please meet with our our staff during drop-in Admission Advising for further guidance.

• Can I be my own financial sponsor?

  Yes. You will need to provide your own original, official bank letter and be sure to electronically sign the Confidential Financial Statement on the online application.

• Can I change my major later after I submit my application?

  The major that you list on your application form will be printed on your I-20 form.  If you do not choose a major on your application, we will list your major as "Liberal Arts and Sciences." 

  You won't be able to change your major until you have completed your first quarter at De Anza and met with a counselor. However, you are free to start taking classes for your new or preferred major at any time.

• Do I need to take the SAT or ACT examinations?

  No. These tests are not required for admission to De Anza College.

• I already have a college degree.  Do I need to submit proof of English proficiency? 

  If you have a bachelor or master's degree from a U.S. institution, you won't need to submit other proof of English proficiency requirement for admission. If your degree is from your home country, you must submit proof of English proficiency.

• Does De Anza College offer housing for students?

  Yes! The Foothill-De Anza Community College District offers shared apartment-style student housing, though space is limited and you must be 18 years old and enrolled in classes to apply. More information about this and other housing options is available on  our housing webpage. 

Fees and Financial Aid

• Does De Anza offer scholarships or financial aid?

  As  an F-1 student, you are not eligible for financial aid. However, you can apply for certain scholarships after you begin your first quarter at De Anza. Note that scholarships are competetive and will not cover the full cost of attending.

• How can I pay the $75 application fee?

  You can pay by U.S. or international funds, using a credit or debit card or bank account when you submit your online application.

• When are tuition and fees due?

  If You Are an F-1 Student (Studying In Person)

  You must do one of the following:

  • You must pay your tuition and fees by the second Friday of the fall, winter or spring quarter in which you are enrolled. For summer session, you must pay fees immediately upon registering for classes
  • Sign up for a payment plan through the cashier's office and make regular payments

  If you don’t:

  • You may not be able to register for classes for the upcoming quarter and have a hold placed on your account.

  If You Are Studying Online from Outside the U.S.

   

  Before your classes begin, you must:

  • Pay your full balance, OR
  • Sign up for a payment plan through the Cashier’s Office before classes begin (you can link to the college website)

  If you don’t:

  • You will be dropped from your classes

• Am I considered a California resident if I have lived here for a year or more?

  No. If you are attending on an F-1 visa, you cannot be considered a California resident, regardless of how long you remain in the state.

  If your status changes and you become a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you should notify ISP to end your F-1 status and then contact the Admissions and Records office.

• Can I get an exemption from the health insurance requirement?

  If you are attending on an F-1 visa, you must purchase the health insurance plan selected by the Foothill-De Anza college district.  Waivers are granted only under very specific circumstances. Contact the ISP office for more information about this.