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International Students

International Students are students who are not United States citizens or permanent residents and are citizens of another country.

Meridian Community College considers international students for admission as freshmen and transfer students. All international student admission requirements must be completed by the application deadline.

  • The application deadline for the fall semester (August) is May 1.


Meridian Community College reserves the right to deny or limit admission to international applicants based on institutional readiness, applicant eligibility, and the integrity of application materials. The College may take additional steps to verify documentation and intent and may deny admission when there is a reasonable concern regarding the authenticity of submitted materials or the applicant's ability to meet academic or visa requirements. All decisions will be made in compliance with applicable federal regulations and in a consistent, non-discriminatory manner.

Prospective students can access free government resources that explain the rules and regulations governing the nonimmigrant student process in the United States by visiting studyinthestates.dhs.gov.

International Student Admission

Admission to MCC includes the submission of forms and documents required by the College as well as items identified as required by the Immigration and Naturalization Service of the United States Department of Justice. All forms and correspondence with the College must be submitted in English.

It is the student's responsibility to research and select an insurance provider and coverage plan, which should be maintained throughout enrollment at MCC. The US does not have a socialized healthcare system, and medical expenses can accumulate quickly. While this is not required, it is highly recommended.

International students must submit the following documents to the MCC Office of International Admissions prior to the issuance of an I-20 document:

 

  • A completed International Student Application for Admission.

  • A copy of the student's valid passport.

  • A certified, translated and official transcript of the secondary scholastic record, which includes a graduation or completion date OR transcript equivalent as determined on a case-by-case basis by International Admissions.

    • Applicants can use an evaluation company such as InCred or The Evaluation Company (formerly Spantran) to have their high school credentials evaluated. Note: This is not a translation service.

  • Evidence of proficiency in the English language demonstrated by a minimum score of 61 on the Internet-based TOEFL, a score of 95 or higher on the Duolingo English Test, or a 6.0 on the IELTS.

    • Official test scores should be sent directly to MCC from the TOEFL testing center, the Duolingo service, or IELTS.

  • Applicants must submit a completed Statement of Finances form demonstrating sufficient resources to cover all educational and living expenses while enrolled.

    • Supporting documentation, including official bank statements or bank-issued letters for each listed sponsor verifying account ownership, type, and available balances, must be provided in English and may be subject to additional verification to substantiate the availability and credibility of funds.

  • Additional documents may be required depending on the student's circumstances and/or country of origin.

Other Requirements:

  • International students are required to enroll in, and maintain enrollment in, a minimum of 12 credit hours during each semester of study (15 credit hours if on an athletic scholarship).

    • At least 9 of the credit hours must be on-campus, face-to-face classes (not online classes).

  • To maintain status as an F1 student, the student must maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA each semester.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

MCC does not currently offer scholarships or grants for international students, with one exception: athletic scholarships, which are awarded at each coach's discretion to recruited student-athletes.

  • International students are not eligible for federal financial aid, including Pell Grants and student loans, which are limited to U.S. citizens and certain qualifying non-citizens.

Yes. MCC has a variety of men's and women's teams. International students are eligible to try out for any team, and some come to MCC as recruited athletes. You can find information about our teams here.

No. International students must be present on campus and enrolled in at least 12 on-campus credit hours each term (15 on-campus credit hours if on an athletic scholarship). Additional online classes may be added once that requirement is met.

Yes, they may apply for a limited number of on-campus jobs (assistantships), capped at 20 hours per week at minimum wage.

  • To apply, students must contact their DSO to begin the Federal Work Authorization process. Obtaining a Social Security card for work authorization is largely the student's responsibility, and those who receive authorization will need to open a U.S. bank account for direct deposit.

  • Off-campus employment is not permitted except in rare, extreme circumstances, which require USCIS authorization and at least one year of enrollment.

Yes. Accepted international students may apply for Campus Housing at MCC.

  • Students may also live off-campus, but arranging and maintaining off-campus housing is the student's responsibility, and any address change must be reported to the DSO.

International students have access to the same services and activities as all MCC students, including:

Tuition is paid through the MCC Business Office in Hardin Hall (see their website for payment methods).

Payment plan options depend on where the student lives:

  • Campus Housing students: full payment up front or an automatic-withdrawal payment plan.

  • Off-campus students: automatic-withdrawal payment plan, full payment up front, or partial payment up front with the balance due by mid-semester.

  • Students should have reliable access to a personal electronic device (desktop, laptop, or tablet) since internet access is essential for coursework and assignments.

    • Computer labs are available in the Student Succes Center, but should not be a student's only means of access.

    • Students should also keep a reliable personal email account and check their student email regularly for messages from instructors, school officials, and the International Admissions team.

  • A personal mobile phone capable of local and international calls is helpful, though not required.

  • Everyday supplies like notebooks, pens, and calculators can be purchased at the MCC Bookstore if students prefer not to pack them.

Travel Tips

  • Keep all essential documents and items — passport, I-20 or DS-2019, and any regular medications — in your carry-on bag.

  • Monitor travel restrictions issued by your country and the U.S., along with any updates from your airline.

  • Book your flights early. Semester start and end dates are included in your acceptance email and each semester's communications, and are also listed on our Academic Calendar. Plan return trips between semesters in advance for the best dates and prices.

  • Arrange your own transportation from the airport to campus. MCC does not provide transportation, and you are responsible for arriving on time.

  • Put MCC's address and phone number on your luggage tags and inside your bags, in case a tag is lost. If your luggage is delayed, give the airline our address for delivery:

    • Address: 910 Hwy 19 North, Meridian, MS 39307

    • Phone Number: 601-483-8241

  • Campus Housing move-in dates are emailed to student's in advance each semester. If you arrive before move-in, you are responsible for your own accommodations.

  • Bring a power adapter for your laptop and devices — the U.S. electric grid differs from Europe and many other regions.

Frequently Asked Pre-Departure Questions

  • Meridian has two major healthcare systems — Ochsner Rush Health and Baptist Anderson Regional Medical Center — each with a hospital and multiple clinics, plus several dental and optometry offices.

  • Research how U.S. healthcare differs from your home country's, and contact your international student health insurance provider for help finding services.

Meridian is in the southeastern U.S., a region known for warm, humid weather. The warm season runs roughly April through October, with high heat and frequent storms from May through August. Winters (November–February) are usually mild and drier.

For warm weather (spring and summer):

  • Temperatures reach 70–80°F (21–26°C) by mid-April and can climb above 100°F (37°C) in summer.

  • Pack light, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen, plus sandals or shoes you can wear without socks.

  • Keep a light jacket or cardigan handy — air-conditioned spaces like classrooms are often kept cold.

  • Stay hydrated with water or electrolyte drinks, and move into the shade or air conditioning when overheated.

Cool weather (late fall and winter):

  • Temperatures range from the 60°F (15°C) down to 30°F (-1°C), and can swing sharply from day to day.
  • Bring sweaters, a warm coat, and a scarf, gloves, and hat for December–February.
  • Dress in layers — indoor central heating can make heavier clothing uncomfortable inside.
  • Pack lotion and lip balm; winter air is dry and can cause skin to crack.

MCC has a dedicated campus police force on site 24/7. For a full overview of campus security, visit the MCC Campus Police page.

  • MCC is a single, centralized campus. All buildings — including the Damon Fitness Center, Quave Student Life Center, L.O. Todd Library, and sports facilities — are reachable on foot via lit, paved sidewalks. A few campus buildings across the road are accessible by signaled crosswalk.

  • Meridian has limited public transit, so plan for taxis, ride-hailing services, or rides with classmates to get around town. 

  • Transportation to off-campus athletic events is arranged by the team's coach.

Meridian offers restaurants, parks, events, and attractions throughout Lauderdale County.

Go online to visitmeridian.com to explore what's available.

 

For more information:
Office of International Admissions
International@meridiancc.edu