Golden West College
International Student Program

Newly Admitted International Students

Required Steps to Enrollment

We are so excited to welcome you to Golden West College!

Be sure to read and follow the instructions in the required steps to enrollment for the semester you have been admitted.

Haven't applied to GWC? Visit our Future Student page for more information on the application process.

Fall 2026 New Student Checklist
Spring 2026 New Student Checklist
Scholarship
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Next Steps for Admitted Students

I received admission from GWC. What do I do next?

Please follow the New Student Checklist for the semester you are admitted for:

Fall semester New Student Checklist
Spring semester New Student Checklist

Make sure you complete all of the steps!

Important Dates

April 2026: Fall 2026 Schedule is released and viewable
May 5, 2026: Fall 2026 semester course registration opens
July 11, 2026: The earliest date you can enter the U.S. with your I-20 & F-1 visa for Fall 2026
August 10, 2026: Last day to purchase Fall 2026 Health Insurance.
August 10, 2026: The latest date you can enter the U.S. for Fall 2026
August 18, 2026: Mandatory orientation date for Fall 2026
August 24, 2026: First day of classes for Fall 2026

Special Dates for Cosmetology Students

For students who are admitted to the Cosmetology program, please be sure to check your email and admission letter for specific dates.

Helpful Links for New Students

Here are some helpful links to get started at GWC.
Please be sure to refer to the Fall or Spring New Student Checklists for all the required steps.

MyGWC Guides for Registration:

Step by Step Guide for Registration
Step by Step Guide for Dropping a Class
How to Add a Class with an Add Code
How to Find Your Class Schedule (Web Schedule Bill)
How to Look Up Professor's Email

Tuition Payment:

Step by Step Guide for Payment (U.S. Bank Accounts)
Step by Step Guide for Payment (International Bank Accounts)
Non-Payment Drop Deadlines and Third Party Payment Plans

Health Insurance:

Mandatory Health Insurance provided by Compass Student Insurance through Cigna Global.
- Purchase here: www.studentinsuranceplan.info/gwc
The deadline to purchase your insurance:
- Fall 2026 Deadline: August 10
- Spring 2027 Deadline: January 10
Failure to enroll in the insurance by the deadline will result in a hold on your MyGWC account and you will be dropped from your classes.

Mandatory Orientation for Fall 2026: August 18, 2026

We can’t wait to meet you at the New International Student Orientation!

August 18, 2026 (Tuesday)
Please check your email for details
On-Campus

You will learn important information about maintaining your F-1 status, academic requirements, and more.

All-day attendance is required! Please be sure to show up on time.

Failure to attend will result in a hold on your MyGWC account and may impact your priority registration eligibility for future semesters.

Canvas Pre-Orientation Course

Join the mandatory online pre-orientation course on Canvas to get ready for the semester.

You should have received an invite from Canvas to sign up for: GWCNB International Student Program Online Orientation.

Log in to your Canvas account (https://canvas.cccd.edu/) to access the course.
You should see the online orientation course under the “Courses” tab.

Connect with New Students! GWC App