Welcome International Students

Welcome to the Technical College of the Lowcountry. We are a small technical college located in the Lowcountry region of South Carolina. Our Mather Campus can be found right outside of historic downtown Beaufort, South Carolina. Whether you are a current student studying with us, or a prospective student interested in pursuing your studies here with us, our Office of Admissions is dedicated to assist all international students with the admission process, visa information and other needs. For further assistance please feel free to reach out to us directly at admissions@tcl.edu. A member of our team will be happy to assist you and answer any questions you may have — No Matter What!


Application Deadlines

  • Fall Deadline: April 1
  • Spring Deadline: September 1

Please submit your application with all required documents together directly to admissions@tcl.edu. The Technical College of the Lowcountry will not accept applications that are incomplete. 


International Student Packet

Our International Student Packet can be found by clicking here. In order to complete your International Admissions process with the Technical College of the Lowcountry-we must have this packet completed in its entirety. Please ensure the documents are submitted to admissions@tcl.edu in addition to your online application.


Visa Status

Our office gets inquiries from people from all over the world with many types of visas. The first question we ask is “What is your visa status?”

F-1 Visa

Other Visa

Permanent Resident


Credential Evaluation

Students who have attended schools, colleges or universities outside of the United States are required to submit a professional credential evaluation to show the equivalent academic credential in the U.S. system of education. To be considered for transfer credit, the evaluation must be an official course-by-course report that is sent directly to us by the evaluation service or submitted in a sealed envelope. Visit Credential Evaluation for more information.


Why Study Here?

The Technical College of the Lowcountry is a public, two-year, multi-campus technical college that provides quality education and promotes economic development in Beaufort, Jasper, Colleton, and Hampton counties.

As an International Student with us, you have a variety of options available to you-including several Associates programs. These programs can prepare you to attend a four year institution, as they parallel the first two years of other university programs. You can complete the first two years at TCL and then transfer to a four-year institution to complete requirements for a bachelor’s degree.

Almost all international students are subject to out-of-state tuition and fees. One of the greatest benefits of starting your education with us is that it will save you a large amount in tuition costs. Tuition and fees at TCL are on average much lower than you would find at four-year institutions. This will make your education in the United States more affordable.

  • South Carolina Illegal Immigrant Reform Act of 2008
    • South Carolina Illegal Immigration Reform Act of 2008 prohibits those unlawfully in the United States from attending a public institution of higher education in South Carolina and from receiving a public higher education benefit. Click here for more information.

Study In The States

The Technical College of the Lowcountry recommends consulting with an Immigration Attorney in regards to change of immigration status prior to applying for an F-1 if you currently have a visa and are in the United States. The Department of Homeland Security provides this link which can provide additional information that you might find helpful as you navigate the international student process.


Office of Admissions International Student Coordinators:

PDSO: Allison Canning (acanning@tcl.edu)
DSO (New River Campus): admissions@tcl.edu