Online Application Instructions

1. Select the Correct Application Type

• If you are applying for Language Training in the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program, select the EAP Application.

• If you are applying for a college or seminary degree program, select the College and Seminary Application.

2. International Student (F-1) Question

• Once the application opens, select “YES” for the question:
  “Are you applying as an International Student on an F-1 visa?”

3. Select Your Application Category

• Choose the category that applies to your situation:

  • Applying from Home Country

  • Change of Status (COS)

  • Transfer from Another School to SFBC

    1. F-1 applicants transferring the Form I-20 from another school to South Florida Bible College must submit the F1 Transfer Form.

    2. F-1 TRANSFER FORM - This form is used by international student applicants (F-1 immigration status) to determine if the Form I-20 can be transferred to South Florida Bible College (SFBC) upon acceptance. The Designated School Official (DSO) from the current school cannot release the SEVIS record to SFBC until the applicant provides the official acceptance letter from the International Admissions Office.

4. EAP Program Schedule Selection (EAP applicants only)

• Select your preferred class schedule:

  • Morning

  • Evening

  • No Preference

5. Select Your Intended Start Term

• Choose one of the following options:

  • Fall (August to December)

  • Spring (January to May)

  • Summer (May to August)

  • I will begin classes in the first available semester following approval from immigration authorities

Transfer Credits for College & Seminary Applicants

You must request your official transcripts from each school you intend to transfer credits from. SFBC cannot request them on your behalf.

• • If completed inside the U.S.: Official transcripts can be emailed to admissions@sfbc.edu or mailed in a sealed envelope from the school or an approved agency to:

South Florida Bible College
Attn: Admissions
2200 SW 10th Street
Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

• If you completed courses in another country and wish to transfer the credits, you must request a course-by-course evaluation or a degree evaluation from a member organization of NACES. For a list of approved evaluators, visit www.naces.org

For EAP Applicants:

• All EAP applicants will take an English Placement Test to determine the level at which they will begin their coursework.

For College & Seminary Applicants:

• All applicants must take an English Placement Test.

• To be admitted directly into a College or Seminary program, applicants must achieve a score above the required minimum.

• Applicants who do not meet the minimum English requirement will be admitted into the EAP program instead.

• Applicants who meet or exceed the English minimum will also need to take the PERT placement test to determine their Math, Reading, and Writing levels.

Financial Affidavit of Support: This online Dynamic Form is used by international student applicants (F1 or M1 visa) to provide proof of financial support for their studies at Broward College. Applicants will state if they have a financial sponsor(s) or if they are using personal funds. Applicants who have more than one source of financial sponsorship will need to submit a Financial Affidavit of Support for each sponsor. The sponsor's bank statement or letter MUST be attached to the Financial Affidavit.

Most recent bank letter/statement: The account holder must be the same as the sponsor listed on the financial affidavit. If using a bank statement, you only need to submit the summary page showing the bank name, account holder, date of the statement, available account balance, and currency. If the currency is not shown on the bank statement or letter, ISSO will calculate conversion to USD based on the currency of the country where the bank is located. We do not accept 401K plans or other retirement accounts, life insurance policies, tax return documents, paystubs, or other payroll documents.

• Estimated Annual Cost of Education:

  • Associate (freshman and sophomore level classes) - $22,500 (USD)

  • Associate in Science in Professional Pilot Technology - $50,000 (USD)

  • Bachelor (junior and senior-level classes) - $27,500 (USD)

  • Language Training program - $22,500 (USD)

  • $7,000 (USD) is required per dependent accompanying the F1

Students who start in Summer or Spring will need to expect first-year tuition costs of $15,000 to $20,000. See Estimated Cost of Attendance for additional information.

Fees are subject to change without notice.

Affidavit of Support for Living Expenses: This form is OPTIONAL and used by international student applicants living with a relative or family friend in South Florida. The person signing the form will be responsible for all living expenses (i.e. housing, transportation, food, etc.). When using this form, the sponsor providing the Financial Affidavit of Support can deduct the following amounts from the total funds required: (1) $12,500 (USD) for the student and (2) $7,000 (USD) for each dependent, if applicable.

Disclaimer: Students who use the Affidavit of Support for Living Expenses may be required to present Form I-134 (Affidavit of Support) to the embassy when applying for the F-1 student visa. Students must contact the American Embassy, before going for the interview, to make sure he/she is bringing all the necessary financial documents. The I-134 is presented to the embassy, not Broward College.

Applications are reviewed once all forms with the required documentation and test scores are received and approved by International Admissions. The estimated review time is 3-5 weeks. Priority is given to applications for the immediate upcoming term. The International Admissions Office endeavors to process all applications as quickly as possible. 

The International Admissions Office at SFBC will notify accepted applicants by email.

The Form I-20 will be processed according to your situation:

1. Applying for the F-1 Student Visa from Your Home Country:

   • Once accepted, the student will receive the acceptance letter and Form I-20 to apply for the F-1 visa at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

   • After the F-1 visa is approved, the student may travel to the United States no earlier than 30 days before the program start date listed on the I-20.

2. Transferring a Form I-20 from Another Institution:

   • Students transferring their Form I-20 from another school to SFBC must provide the SFBC acceptance letter to the Designated School Official (DSO) at their current school.

   • The transfer I-20 will be issued once the student’s SEVIS record has been released to SFBC and the student is registered for classes as required.

3. Changing Immigration Status in the United States (U.S.):

   • Students who wish to change their immigration status while in the U.S. should seek legal counsel to understand the process.

   • All original education records must be received by SFBC before ISSD processes the Form I-20 for Change of Status (COS).

   • Students are eligible to register for classes only after the F-1 status has been approved by USCIS.

Next Steps for All Students:

• Review all acceptance documents carefully to understand your responsibilities, including but not limited to:

  • Paying the SEVIS I-901 fee

  • Registering for classes

South Florida Bible College does not require international students to have health insurance as a condition of enrollment or class registration. However, we strongly encourage all F-1 students to obtain adequate health insurance coverage for the duration of their studies in the United States.

Medical care in the U.S. can be very expensive, and having appropriate insurance can help protect you financially in case of illness, injury, or emergency. Plans designed specifically for F-1 international students typically include coverage for:

• Medical expenses

• Medical evacuation

• Medical repatriation

Although SFBC does not mandate a specific coverage period, students are encouraged to maintain continuous coverage throughout their academic program, including school breaks, annual vacations, and Optional Practical Training (OPT). Students planning to participate in OPT should confirm with the insurance provider that their policy includes OPT coverage, as not all plans do.

Students arriving in the U.S. before their insurance policy becomes effective should consider purchasing short-term travel insurance to avoid gaps in coverage.

Below are resources and insurance providers that offer plans specifically designed for F-1 international students. These resources are provided for your convenience, and students are responsible for selecting and managing their own insurance coverage.

1. • International Student Insurance (ISI): https://www.internationalstudentinsurance.com

   • IMG (International Medical Group): https://www.imglobal.com/international-student-health-insurance

   • GeoBlue: https://www.geobluestudents.com

   • Student Health USA: https://www.studenthealthusa.com

   • PSI International Insurance: https://www.psiservice.com

1. Start Your Application

• Visit sfbc.edu and complete the online admissions application.

2. Check Your Email for the Application Link

• After submitting your initial information, you will receive an email from Populi with a link to access your application.

• Click the link in the email to continue and complete your application.

3. Carefully Complete and Review All Policies

• Carefully fill out and read all required policies before submitting your application.

• Be sure to select the correct category that applies to your situation:

  • Applying from Home Country

  • Change of Status

  • F-1 Transfer

4. View and Pay the Application Fee

• Once your application is submitted, you will see the $75 application fee if it has not already been paid.

• The application fee is:

  • $75

  • One-time

  • Non-refundable

Note about the application fee:
The term displayed may show the current term even if you applied for a future term. This is normal. The $75 application fee is applied to your account regardless of the term displayed.

View Tuition and Fees

• For detailed information on tuition, fees, and payment plans, visit SFBC Tuition & Fees.

• This will help you understand the cost of your program and plan accordingly before completing enrollment.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security regulations require all prospective F-1 students attending South Florida Bible College (SFBC) to pay the I-901 Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee.

F-2 dependents (a spouse and/or children under the age of 21) are not required to pay the I-901 SEVIS fee.

When to Pay

• Pay the I-901 SEVIS fee as soon as you receive your Form I-20 from SFBC.

• You must pay this fee before scheduling your visa appointment at a U.S. embassy or consulate or, if applicable, before filing a change of status application.

Payment Options

You may pay the I-901 SEVIS fee using one of the following methods:

• Credit or Debit Card

  • Visa, American Express, or MasterCard

  • Recommended if you are submitting the form online

• U.S. Check or Money Order

  • Checks are accepted subject to collection

  • If the check is not honored by the bank, a $35 fee will be charged

  • Be sure to write your SEVIS ID number and full name on the check or money order

• Western Union Quick Pay

  • You must complete Form I-901 online before going to Western Union

  • A coupon number is required to complete the payment

Important Payment Instructions

• If you complete Form I-901 online and choose to pay by check or international money order, you will be able to print a payment coupon.

  • The coupon includes a control number.

  • Write the control number, your name, and your SEVIS ID number on your check or money order and attach the coupon.

• If you submit a paper Form I-901, write your SEVIS ID number and name on your check or money order and attach it to the form before mailing.

After You Pay

• Print and save your SEVIS fee receipt.

• You will need this receipt for your visa interview, change of status application, and for your SFBC records.

Helpful Resources

• Step-by-step guide to paying the I-901 SEVIS fee

• Official information about the I-901 SEVIS fee

• I-901 SEVIS fee Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)