Getting started at Iowa Western is easy. Simply complete the Application for Admission, for free, and start working on the next steps.

• Online Application

You will need to send an official, original transcript, for any high school, secondary school, college or university you have attended. Be sure to enclose an official English translation of all transcripts from one of our approved agencies: World Education Services (WES) or Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE).

• World Education Services
• Educational Credential Evaluators

It is important to begin preparing for how you will pay for college early, and international students are not eligible to receive federal student aid. As part of the admissions process, you will need to provide proof of financial support by completing the Financial Affidavit and submitting it directly to Iowa Western along with an official, original bank statement. In order to be accepted, bank statements may be no more than 90 days old upon receipt.

• Financial Affidavit

Once you apply to the college, submit transcripts and complete the Financial Affidavit, we can process  the form I-20. In order to send you the I-20 and the other admissions documents needed to apply for a Visa, you will need to complete the Express Mail and Document Fee to pay for shipping and handling. All documents will be sent via United Parcel Service (UPS), and the I-20 will be shipped in separate packages.

• Express Mail and Cocument Fee Form

Upon receiving the I-20, you will need to make an appointment to apply for a student Visa with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home country. A Visa is required to enter the United States, and most international students enter on an F-1 Visa. Applying for a Visa requires time and preparation, so be sure to start early, and refer to the U.S. Embassy website in your country for more information.

• U.S. Embassies, Consulates, and Diplomatic Missions

Once you have your visa, you may begin making your travel arrangements. It is a good idea to make travel arrangements early, as airline flights are filled quickly during the student travel season. Please note that visa regulations prohibit students from arriving more than 30 days in advance of the date of arrival on their Form I-20.

Students Who Are Currently in the US

You must have your current visa status verified by your current school by having them complete the transfer form for both the school you are presently attending and for the school to which you wish to transfer.

Canadian Students

Canadian students do not need a student visa. However, they do need to complete the financial affidavit form. Once students have completed this form, they are issued an I-20 form. This form must be presented to the Port of Authority (Customs) agent upon your first entrance to the U.S. to attend Iowa Western Community College. At this time, the Customs agent will issue you an I-94 form. You must have both of these forms - the I-20 and I-94 - with you whenever you intend to cross the border. They enable you to enter and leave the United States as you wish.

You need to complete a skills assessment test called the COMPASS. If you have taken the ACT, ASSET, or SAT recently, you can submit those scores in lieu of taking the COMPASS test. Test scores cannot be more than two years old at the start of the term for which you are accepted. If you have completed math or English courses at another institution, your scores may be waived, unless your program requires minimum scores for admission. Your scores will be used to place you into appropriate level Math and English courses. To schedule COMPASS, email testing@iwcc.edu or call 712.325.3277.

• Testing Center

Once you apply and submit test scores, you are ready to register for classes. We’ll be in touch with you regarding your options for registration, but you will want to plan in advance. Usually, registration for the Fall semester begins in mid-April, registration for the Spring semester begins mid-November, and registration for the Summer sessions begins in February. When you register for classes, our advisors will help you with so much more than course selection; we’ll assist you with career and transfer planning advice, financial aid and payment, ordering textbooks, and more. We’ve made registration as simple and convenient as possible by offering four options:

• Attend a VIP Registration Event. The best way to register for classes, VIP Registration Events consist of small groups of students who register for classes together with the assistance of an advisor. You’ll also meet some future classmates. We even offer special financial aid sessions for parents. Register for a VIP even online (link to VIP Registration Form) or contact us.
• Make an Appointment with an Admissions Advisor.
• Stop in during Office Hours.
• Register for Classes Online. Contact us for assistance.