Step 1: Details & Additional Information
How do I demonstrate English proficiency?
The French Culinary Institute is required to collect proof of English language proficiency for all non-native speakers who wish to study here. There are three ways to demonstrate English language proficiency:
- TOEFL Score: Earn a score of at least 500 (paper version), 173 (computerized version), or 61 (Internet-based version) on the TOEFL exam. TOEFL scores may be submitted directly to The FCI through the Educational Testing Service (TOEFL code 9059). For information about the TOEFL, click here.
- Bachelor’s Degree: If you hold an undergraduate or graduate degree from a United States college or university, you can submit your official transcript or diploma as proof of English proficiency.
- English Language School: If you have attended an English language school you may provide documentation from the school that you have successfully completed coursework that is generally equivalent to a score of 500 on the TOEFL exam. This documentation will be reviewed by the international student advisor, and you will be notified if it is acceptable.
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How do I demonstrate Financial Resources?
You must prove that you have sufficient funds to pay for tuition plus the cost of living expenses while you are studying at The FCI. These funds may come from a variety of sources, including your own savings, a sponsor’s savings (parent, spouse, friend), or loans. A sponsor may also give you a place to stay and provide meals. Do not expect to work in the U.S. to help meet your expenses — M-1 students are NOT permitted to work while in school.
For the amount you are required to show, refer to the Budgets page. These amounts represent a modest average budget which does not include luxuries of any kind. They are the bare minimum and are not negotiable.
If you are applying for the visa in your home country, you may send copies of the documents to us—you’ll need the originals to apply for the visa. If you are applying to change your status in the United States, you must provide original documents.
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Requirements for Bank Certification for Savings
If the funds for your education expenses will be paid from a savings account (yours or a sponsor’s), you must provide a statement from a United States bank account dated within 6 months of the program start date, showing funds in U.S. dollars and mailed to you at your home address.
Or, you can provide a letter of certification from your bank that meets ALL of the following criteria:
- It is written in English on bank letterhead.
- The funds are stated in U.S. dollars. We cannot accept statements that do not specify balances unless it is stated to be a minimum of six figures in U.S. dollars.
- It is dated within 6 months of the program start date.
- It is signed by a bank official.
- It states assets, not income.
- Every person named on the bank account (other than the student) must provide a letter of support stating that the funds in the account can be used to pay your tuition plus living expenses. See below for more information.
For a sample form, click here.
Each bank has their own form for this purpose so, to ensure that the bank’s letter meets these requirements, please show them a copy of the above criteria.
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Requirements for Sponsor Letter of Support
Whenever funds are provided by a sponsor, the sponsor must provide written documentation that the funds are for the student’s education and living expenses. A sample form can be found here.
Or, you can have your sponsor write a letter that meets the following criteria:
- It is dated within 6 months of the program start date.
- It is written in English.
- It states the sponsor’s relationship to the student.
- It states specific bank account(s) to be used for support (identified by account number and name of bank).
- It states that the funds in that account are to be used for tuition and support.
- It is signed by the sponsor.
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Requirements for a Sponsor Providing Room and Board
If room and board are provided by a sponsor, the sponsor must write a letter that meets the following criteria:
- It is dated within 6 months of the program start date.
- It is dated and signed in the presence of a notary public.
- It is written in English.
- It states the sponsor’s relationship to the student.
- It states the location of the house or apartment.
- It states that the sponsor will provide room and board at no cost.
In addition, the sponsor must provide:
- a copy of the current, signed lease or title to the home that you’ll be staying in.
- recent (less than two months old) proof of income: this may be in the form of a letter from the sponsor’s employer stating income, an income tax return, a U.S. bank statement, or a recent pay stub.
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Requirements for Loans
If you will be borrowing money to help pay for school you must show proof that the loan has been approved before your I-20 can be issued.
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