| Course Level: | Bachelor's | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Program: | Art & Humanities | |
| Course Duration: | 4 Years | |
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | Class 12th | |
| Course Level: | Bachelor's | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Program: | Art & Humanities | |
| Course Duration: | 4 Years | |
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | Class 12th | |
Full Name: Gavilan Joint Community College
Location: Gilroy, California, with additional sites in Morgan Hill and Hollister
Established: 1919 (originally as San Benito County Junior College)
Type: Public community college
Website: N/A
Offers Associate degrees (AA/AS) and certificates in a variety of fields
Prepares students for:
Transfer to 4-year universities (like CSU or UC systems)
Career/technical training
Continuing education
Popular programs:
Nursing
Aviation
Digital Media
Business
Computer Science
Gavilan College does accept international students and issues Form I-20 for student visas (F-1).
Offers support for ESL (English as a Second Language) learners
International student services include:
Orientation
Academic advising
Cultural activities
California residents: ~$46 per unit
Non-residents / International students: ~$290+ per unit
Additional costs: books, health fees, housing, etc.
Clubs and student organizations
Athletics: teams in sports like basketball, football, and volleyball
Student services: counseling, tutoring, financial aid, career center
Gilroy is known as the “Garlic Capital of the World”
Located in Santa Clara County, near Silicon Valley
Close to San Jose, Santa Cruz, and Monterey Bay
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Mathematics
Computer Science
Engineering
Accounting
Business Administration
Marketing
Entrepreneurship
Management
Aviation Maintenance Technology
Cosmetology
Administration of Justice (Criminal Justice)
Child Development
Digital Media Arts
Computer Graphics and Design
Water Resources Management
Registered Nursing (RN)
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Health Education
Allied Health Programs
Art & Art History
Theater Arts
Music
English
Philosophy
Spanish
Psychology
Sociology
Political Science
Economics
History
Ethnic Studies
English as a Second Language (ESL)
Speech & Communication Studies
World Languages (Spanish, French, etc.)
Associate of Arts (AA)
Associate of Science (AS)
Associate Degrees for Transfer (AD-T) to CSU schools
Career Certificates and Skills Certificates for shorter-term training
Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees/Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Business Administration (ADT) |
2 years |
~$7,000 – $8,500 |
|
Computer Science (ADT) |
2 years |
~$7,000 – $8,500 |
|
Psychology (ADT) |
2 years |
~$7,000 – $8,500 |
|
Communication Studies (ADT) |
2 years |
~$7,000 – $8,500 |
|
Early Childhood Education (ADT) |
2 years |
~$7,000 – $8,500 |
|
Sociology (ADT) |
2 years |
~$7,000 – $8,500 |
|
Administration of Justice (ADT) |
2 years |
~$7,000 – $8,500 |
|
Art History (ADT) |
2 years |
~$7,000 – $8,500 |
|
Biology (ADT) |
2 years |
~$7,000 – $8,500 |
|
English (ADT) |
2 years |
~$7,000 – $8,500 |
International students at Gavilan can enroll in Associate Degree programs or Certificate programs, typically lasting two years. These programs are designed to either:
Prepare students for transfer to a 4-year university (such as CSU or UC schools) to complete a Bachelor's degree.
Provide career training and technical skills for the workforce.
Popular fields include:
Business Administration
Computer Science
Digital Media
Nursing and Health Sciences
Aviation Maintenance
Early Childhood Education
Gavilan College offers a number of services specifically for international students, including:
International Student Office for visa support and academic advising
Orientation programs
English as a Second Language (ESL) courses
Cultural events and student life activities
Students are issued a Form I-20 to apply for an F-1 student visa.
International students pay non-resident tuition, which is around $290+ per unit. For a full-time course load (about 24–30 units per year), annual tuition is roughly $7,000 to $9,000 USD.
Additional costs may include:
Health insurance (required)
Housing and meals
Books and supplies
Gavilan College is located in Gilroy, California, a small city near San Jose and Silicon Valley. The area is safe and student-friendly, with access to beautiful natural areas and cultural events. Gilroy is also known for its garlic festival and friendly community.
Decide which Associate Degree or Certificate Program you want to apply for. Popular options include Business, Computer Science, Digital Media, Nursing, and ESL.
You need to submit:
International Student Application form (available on the Gavilan website)
Copy of your passport (biographical page)
Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or ESL placement)
Official high school transcripts (translated into English)
Financial statement or bank letter showing sufficient funds (usually $20,000+ USD for one year)
There may be a non-refundable application fee (check the latest on the college's website).
If accepted, Gavilan will issue you a Form I-20, which is required to apply for your F-1 student visa.
Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee
Schedule a visa interview at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate
Take your Form I-20, passport, financial documents, and admission letter to the interview
Attend International Student Orientation at Gavilan
Register for classes
Get help with housing, transportation, and campus life
Fall Semester (August start): Apply by around June 1
Spring Semester (January start): Apply by around November 1
Gavilan College offers two main intakes for international students:
Fall Semester
Starts: August
Application Deadline: Around June 1
Spring Semester
Starts: January
Application Deadline: Around November 1
(There is no summer intake for new international students.)
To apply for an Associate Degree or Certificate program, you’ll need to meet the following:
Must have completed high school/secondary education
Provide official transcripts (translated into English if needed)
No SAT or ACT required
You must demonstrate English ability through one of the following:
TOEFL iBT: 45+
IELTS: 5.0+
Duolingo: 75+
Completion of ESL courses at an approved language school
Gavilan may also offer an English Placement Test for on-campus ESL programs
Submit a bank statement or financial affidavit showing you have around $20,000 USD available to cover tuition, living expenses, and other costs for one academic year
A valid passport
Once admitted, Gavilan will issue a Form I-20 for you to apply for an F-1 Student Visa
Completed International Application
Copy of passport
High school transcripts
English test scores (if required)
Proof of financial support
Application fee (if any)
Scholarship Name |
Eligibility |
Amount (USD) |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Gavilan College Foundation Scholarships |
All students (incl. international) |
$250 – $1,500+ |
Based on merit, need, or field of study |
|
Associated Student Body (ASB) Scholarship |
Active student leaders |
N/A |
For students involved in campus activities |
|
Department-Specific Awards |
Students in programs like Nursing, Business, Digital Media |
N/A |
Based on academic performance or faculty nomination |
|
External Scholarships |
Open to all (apply separately) |
N/A |
Can apply to scholarships like Fastweb, IEFA |
|
Transfer Scholarships (Post-Gavilan) |
Students transferring to 4-year colleges |
$1,000 – $5,000+ |
Offered by CSU/UC or other universities |
|
Facility Type |
Details |
Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
On-Campus Housing |
No on-campus dormitories or housing |
N/A |
|
Off-Campus Housing |
Apartments, shared housing, homestays in Gilroy and nearby cities |
$800 – $1,200/month |
|
Homestay Programs |
Living with a local American host family (includes meals) |
~$900 – $1,100/month (incl. meals) |
|
Housing Assistance |
College provides referrals and resources for finding local rentals |
Free support |
|
Campus Facilities |
Classrooms, labs, library, student center, cafeteria, bookstore, gym |
Included in tuition/fees |
|
Student Services |
Counseling, tutoring, transfer support, career center, health services |
Included in tuition/fees |
|
Transportation |
Free or discounted local bus passes for students |
(often free or low-cost) |
Gavilan has a close-knit student body, making it easier to build connections with classmates, professors, and advisors. The college emphasizes student success and provides plenty of academic and personal support services.
There are a variety of student-run clubs and organizations focused on:
Cultural diversity
Leadership
Social justice
Academic interests (like STEM, Business, and Arts)
Sports and recreational activities
If you don’t find a club you like, you can even start your own!
The campus hosts regular events such as:
Cultural celebrations
Guest speakers
Music and theater performances
Movie nights and game nights
Leadership workshops
These events are great opportunities for students to relax, network, and experience American college culture.
Gavilan College has competitive sports teams known as the Rams, including:
Football
Basketball
Volleyball
Baseball
Soccer
There are also opportunities for intramural and recreational sports if you're not into competitive athletics.
Counseling for academic, personal, and career guidance
Tutoring centers
Transfer Center to help students move on to 4-year universities
Career Services for internships and job placement
Health and Wellness Services including mental health support
Gavilan is known for its diverse student population, welcoming students from different cultural, ethnic, and international backgrounds. It’s an inclusive space where everyone is encouraged to grow and participate.
One of Gavilan's strongest outcomes is helping students transfer to top universities, such as:
California State University (CSU) campuses
University of California (UC) system (like UC Berkeley, UC Davis)
Private universities like Santa Clara University or University of San Francisco
They offer Associate Degrees for Transfer (ADT) which guarantee admission to many CSU campuses.
Gavilan has a Career & Transfer Center that helps students with:
Resume and cover letter writing
Job search strategies
Internship opportunities
Interview preparation
Career fairs and employer networking events
Some technical and vocational programs at Gavilan are designed for direct employment after graduation. These include:
Nursing (Registered Nurse & CNA)
Aviation Maintenance Technology
Cosmetology
Digital Media
Administration of Justice (Criminal Justice)
Computer Graphics and Design
Graduates from these programs often find entry-level positions in their fields soon after completing their studies.
While Gavilan doesn’t publish exact placement rates like some 4-year universities, many career programs report strong employment outcomes, especially in fields like:
Healthcare
Law enforcement
IT support
Cosmetology and trades
Gavilan College has an open admissions policy, meaning it accepts 100% of applicants who meet the basic eligibility requirements.
As a public community college, Gavilan is committed to providing access to higher education for all students, including:
Recent high school graduates
Adult learners
International students (who meet visa and language requirements)
There are no entrance exams like SAT/ACT required, and most applicants are accepted as long as they:
Have completed high school (or equivalent)
Submit the required documents
Meet visa and English proficiency requirements (for international students)
Address:
5055 Santa Teresa Blvd, Gilroy, CA 95020, USA
