Located in Orlando, Florida, Valencia College is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and was named the best community college in the nation as the inaugural winner of the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. As a community college, Valencia primarily offers two-year associate degrees, which transfer to university bachelor’s programs. Compared to a Florida public university, the level of education at Valencia is just the same, but the tuition is 40% less, the class sizes are typically smaller and there are more support resources.
With more than 100 countries represented on its campuses, Valencia welcomes students from all over the world. The college’s dedicated International Student Services team can assist you with everything from admissions and immigration to academic advising and university transfer.
Valencia College provides an Intensive English Program for students 15 years old and above. We accept students at all language levels from beginner to advanced. Students interested in a degree at Valencia who need to improve their English can start with the Intensive English Program and then transfer into a Valencia degree seeking program.
The program is accredited by the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation (CEA) which is recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education as a national accrediting agency for English Language Programs and institutions in the U.S. Achieving accreditation through the CEA requires meeting certain standards. Accreditation is not an easy process, and CEA-accredited programs that are among the best, not only in the U.S. but worldwide.
Successful completion of at least 4 sessions at the Valencia College Intensive English Program (IEP) with a grade of “B” or better in level 6 or higher. Students who completed the required IEP coursework on or after May 2019 are eligible to benefit from the terms of the IEP to EAP Bridge Agreement. Starting in Fall 2019, IEP students who have completed the necessary IEP courses and meet the agreed-upon requirements will be eligible to start coursework in EAP per the Bridge Agreement.
At Valencia, you improve your English language skills quickly. There are nine-course levels, from beginner to advanced, with start dates every two weeks. Most international students will complete 16 weeks of IEP before transferring to the Associate degree program.
Associate Degree at Valencia (2 Years)
Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree fulfills the first two years of a bachelor’s degree
Associate in Science (A.S.) degree prepares you to enter directly into a specialized career field
Bachelor’s Degree at a University (2 Years)
Guaranteed transfer to one of Florida’s 12 public universities
Guaranteed transfer to the University of Central Florida in Orlando
Or earn your Bachelor’s degree available from Valencia College with the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology, the Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.S.) in Computing Technology and Software Development, or the Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.S.) in Business and Organizational Leadership
Valencia College Global Achievers Award
The Valencia College Global Achievers Award recognizes new, high-achieving, international students who are entering their freshman year. The award amount is $500-$2,500 and is based on merit achievement at the secondary level. A minimum 3.0 grade point average is required. We will evaluate your high school grade point average upon submission of your transcripts. The award is nonrenewable, applied to the first term tuition and fees, and is only open to applicants that have never attended university.
Valencia College Global Achievers Transfer Award
The Valencia College Global Achievers Transfer Award recognizes new, high-achieving, international college transfer students who are entering Valencia College. The award is $500-$1,000 and is based on merit achievement at the college level. A minimum 2.5 grade point average is required. You will have to submit your official college or university transcripts to Valencia College from all schools attended. College or university transcripts from non-U.S. schools will need to have a course-by-course evaluation completed by a professional evaluation company that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). The award is nonrenewable, applied to the first term tuition and fees, and is only open to applicants that have prior international college credits or transferring credits from a US college or university.
Valencia College Global Achievers Intensive English Transfer Award
The Valencia College Global Achievers Award recognizes new, high-achieving, international students who are transferring exclusively from Valencia College’s Intensive English program. The award is $500-$1,000. The award is nonrenewable, applied to the first term tuition and fees, and is only open to applicants that are transferring exclusively from the IEP program. The scholarship is competitive.
UnionWest at Creative Village student housing at Downtown Campus allows you to live where you learn and includes many safety features. Living on campus gives you plenty of opportunities—from getting involved in campus activities and events to interacting with a diverse group of students to residing in a modern, upscale unit. Housing is shared by both Valencia College and UCF students, with several floorplans to choose from.
Benefits of living at UnionWest:
All-inclusive rent that covers utilities, internet and a fully furnished unit
Private or shared bedrooms and bathrooms
Resident-only club room with lounge, study areas, and gaming/media center
Outdoor patio overlooking downtown Orlando and Creative Village Park
Valencia offers plenty of opportunities to meet other students, make friends and get involved on campus. So, join in and make the most of your college experience.
Even prior to becoming a Valencia Student, ISS is here for you. The friendly staff can assist with the admissions process, documentation, academic advising, and other individual needs. Furthermore, ISS provides immigration sessions and workshops to new and returning international students.