International Student Admissions

International Students Information

Big enough to serve you, small enough to know you.

Picture Yourself at Taft College

Are you trying to picture yourself as a college student in the USA? Taft College may be just the place for you!

About Us

Taft College, a two-year community college, is nestled among rolling hills at the southern edge of the oil and agriculturally rich San Joaquin Valley. Although one of the smallest campuses in the California Community College System, Taft College has academic programs and a low fee structure that attracts students from many states and nations. Fully accredited by the Western Association of Colleges and Universities, the college offers quality education, small class size, individual attention, outstanding staff, fine facilities, and a warm friendly atmosphere.

Our Community

The friendly community of Taft (see map) is small (population 20,000) but is located just 40 minutes away from Bakersfield (population 375,000) which has a state university (California State University, Bakersfield). California beaches, mountains, and the Los Angeles metropolitan area are within a 2 hour drive. A transit system allows students easy access to bus, train, and airplane services.

Facilities

The campus includes a library, learning resource center, cafeteria, counseling center, dental hygiene clinic, child care center, and science, technical arts, vocational education, and administration buildings. Other facilities include residence halls, gymnasium, tennis courts, Associated Students Organization club house, and athletic fields.

Academics

Taft College, a two-year community college, offers Associate in Arts and Associate in Science local and transfer degrees , occupational certificate programs, and preparation for transfer to four year universities.

Activities

A number of student clubs, including a scholastic honor society, are available for students. Student government, a campus newspaper, talent shows, art and photography exhibits, a song and poetry day, and athletic programs provide other outlets for students’ expression.

School Year

The college operates on a semester calendar, with the fall semester beginning in August and ending in mid-December. A month long recess precedes the spring semester which begins in January and ends in May. Summer classes are also available.

Housing

On campus housing is available on a first come, first served basis. To qualify, students must be enrolled in a minimum of 12 units and are required to participate in the food service program.
The residence halls have 24-hour supervision. An application and further information is available upon request.

Fees

Application Deadline – International students should file a completed application by June 1 of each academic year. A non-refundable application fee of $100 must be included with application.

Application for Admissions

All items must be received on or before June 1^st for admission into the fall term or November 1^st for admission into the spring term. Click here for International Application

Requirements needed to be considered for admission as an international student:

1. A fully completed International Student (F-1 Visa) Application for Admissions with the appropriate application processing fee. Application fee is non-refundable.
2. Completed Financial Assurance Form (included in international application) proving financial support. Applicants must be able to demonstrate access to the necessary funds to pay academic and living expenses for the duration of their studies.
3. Official Transcripts from all secondary schools, colleges or universities attended. The transcript must be a certified English translation and must indicate academic achievement at the equivalent of at least a United States high school education (12th grade). COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY transcript evaluations need to be “Detailed or Comprehensive” by NACES® (National Association of Credential Evaluation Services) or AICE® (Association of International Credential Evaluators) and include the following items: Course-by-Course Descriptions, General Statement, Grade Point Average, Lower and/or Upper Division Courses. Click here for foreign evaluation information
4. Applicants must demonstrate English Language Proficiency-student must have a: (Test of English as a Foreign Language) TOEFL examination score of 450 Written Based Test (WBT) or better; A score of 133 or better is required on the Computer Based Test (CBT) and 45 on the Internet Based Test (IBT).
5. All international students whose native language is not English must be enrolled continuously in an English course until completing English 1500. International students who present English placement scores that make them eligible to enroll in English 1500 may be exempt from the continuous English course enrollment requirement.
6. All international students must file annually a proof of freedom of communicable diseases, including tuberculosis. This must be done within four weeks of the student’s date of enrollment. Any expense incurred in obtaining this proof will be borne by the student.
7. Each international student applicant accepted for admission will be required to show proof of health and accident insurance or purchase health and accident insurance coverage for a minimum of one year. This insurance can be purchased at the time of registration.
8. Complete information regarding the residence halls and food service will be sent upon receipt of each application for admission if needed. The cost of the residence halls and food service is listed under the fee schedule. Click here for the residence hall handbook
9. A non-resident tuition fee will be charged for all international students enrolled. This fee is in addition to the regular enrollment fee.