Current International Students

Study at DCCC: A Global Community

Delaware County Community College (DCCC) is a public, accredited two-year college located just outside Philadelphia in southeastern Pennsylvania. The College serves thousands of students annually and welcomes international students from around the world in a supportive and diverse learning environment.

DCCC offers affordable tuition, small class sizes, personalized academic support, and transfer pathways to four-year colleges and universities. Students can choose from a variety of associate degree and certificate programs designed to prepare them for career success or transfer opportunities.

International students enjoy a safe and welcoming campus community with access to modern learning facilities, student clubs and organizations, academic advising, and dedicated international student support services. Located approximately 22 kilometers (14 miles) from the historic and vibrant city of Philadelphia, students can experience the cultural, educational, and professional opportunities of a major U.S. city while studying in a suburban setting.

Delaware County Community College is authorized to issue the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Form I-20 to qualified applicants seeking F-1 student status. The College also welcomes students who hold other eligible visa classifications. For questions regarding admission requirements, visa documents, or enrollment, students may contact the Office of Admissions admiss@dccc.eduat . If you’re a current student and have questions about your status or need support, email srichards10@dccc.edu.

Intercultural Friendship Program

The Intercultural Friendship Program matches interested incoming international students with current students for semester-length, one-to-one friendship opportunities.

Learn More

Two smiling students pose together indoors, one wearing a beige scarf and the other in a red lace top. Their expressions convey warmth and friendship, highlighting a diverse and inclusive environment.

Important Dates for New International Students

Semester	Application Deadline	Orientation Start Date	Classes Begin	Final Exams
Fall 2026	August 1, 2026	August 14, 2026	August 24, 2026	December 5-11, 2026
Spring 2027	November 1, 2026	January 6, 2027	January 13, 2027	May 4-10, 2027
Summer 2027	April 1, 2027	June 1, 2027	June 9, 2027	August 12, 2027
Fall 2027	July 1, 2027	August 13, 2027	August 30, 2027	December 11-17, 2027

Advantages for International Students

– Small classes (average of 20 students)
– No TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, or ACT required
– Excellent English as a Second Language (ESL) program, tutoring included
– Individual attention from professors and one-on-one advising
– Transfer Agreements with more than 40 universities and colleges
– Transfer scholarships and guaranteed admission with select partner schools
– Full-time Office of International Student Engagement & Belonging
– High-tech labs, classrooms, and equipment
– More than 25 clubs, sports teams, and organizations
– Access to Philadelphia, New York City, and hundreds of nearby colleges and universities

Full-Time Enrollment Requirement

Among other regulations, F-1 international students must study full time during fall and spring semesters. Students must enroll in and remain enrolled in a minimum of 12 credits (with no more than 3 credits of online courses) in order to be considered full time. Students are not required to study full-time during the summer semester, however if Summer ESL is their first semester, then they must be enrolled full-time. Most international students enroll in 12-15 credits per semester, and most associate degrees require ~60-65 credits to complete.

*International students will be required to register for ALL classes in-person or at least 9 credits in-person and 3 or more credits online. If a student registers for a hybrid course, the class must meet in-person at least two days a week for the class to be considered in-person.*International students will be required to register for ALL classes in-person or at least 9 credits in-person and 3 or more credits online. If a student registers for a hybrid course, the class must meet in-person at least two days a week for the class to be considered in-person.

Insurance Requirement

The College automatically enrolls international students in a health insurance plan. International students must accept this insurance. No waivers can be made. The College implements this policy to best and most efficiently safeguard students’ health needs. Students may wish to obtain their own supplemental insurance to increase their maximum total coverage. The required insurance will be added to the student’s account, after the completion of orientation. It will take 10-14 days to reflect on your student account.

*Cost is subject to change each academic year.

Success stories

Aerik India

“Education in the U.S. is known all around the world. Studying in the United States doesn’t simply give you a substantial degree. Living in and examining the U.S. where your language isn’t spoken is challenging, requires bravery and an inspirational state of mind.”

Close-up portrait of a young woman wearing a floral-patterned top and a dark jacket, smiling softly with a blurred background.

Esther Nigeria

“From all the courses that I’ve taken so far along the way, DCCC surely employs the best set of professors that I can ever imagine. But most importantly, as a community college, I would say they should be one of the most diverse schools across Pennsylvania.”

Black and white photo of a person standing next to a University of Pennsylvania Law School sign mounted on a brick wall with decorative ironwork.

Chan Woo South Korea

“The United States is the land of dreams. If I am ready to learn and acquire high goals, I believe anyone can be successful. Do not be scared of a new challenge! If you want [to study abroad], come and face it!”