As an international student, you’ll find a friendly, diverse community that welcomes students from around the world.
International Student Admission Requirements
We are located just outside of Chicago, with campuses in the suburban towns of Des Plaines and Skokie. Our proximity to Chicago, allows Oakton students to enjoy opportunities to learn and intern in the city. Our facilities are newly renovated with high-tech classrooms and robust student services.
With more than 60 degree programs available, there is something for everyone here. Our class sizes are small, and faculty know their students by name. Oakton is especially well known for its healthcare, business, and STEM programs.
Oakton College is a Higher Learning Commission accredited two-year school that is known for its academic excellence and commitment to student success. We’ve received the designation of Leader College from Achieving the Dream for the past three years.
Learn more about Oakton and our transfer partnerships, which make transferring your college credits to or from a four-year school easy. And with students from several countries represented on campus, we authentically celebrate our global community’s cultures and perspectives.
Oakton College offers seven different types of associate degrees, as well as shorter certificates. Learn more about the different degree types here.
Once you are an admitted student, the Office of Advising, Transitions, and Student Success is here to answer all of your specific questions.
We have transfer partnerships with over 32 schools that ensure your credits work towards their baccalaureate (also known as four-year) degree.
Our general education core curriculum is transferrable with participating schools in Illinois, and our students also transfer nationally.
Oakton's tuition is about one third of the cost of the average public four-year school. After attending for one semester, international students are eligible to apply for the American Dream Scholarship (sponsored by our Student Government Association).
Our campuses are accessible by public transportation (train and bus). Many international students live in the city and commute to campus for classes (at the same rate as in-district tuition).
Oakton is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. Check out everything we're doing here to engage our diverse student community.
Enjoy a fitness center, the arts, athletics and over 30 active student clubs such as Japanese Club, Korean Club, Latinx Club, Muslim Student Association, Pilipino in Alliance Yearning for Opportunities (PAYO), South Asian Club and Students for Global Health and Sustainability.
If you’re not seeking an F-1 visa, apply using the standard application process. If you’re seeking an F-1 visa, the application process has a few additional components, and you’ll need to meet some extra requirements.
If you have questions along the way, please check our list of questions that international students ask, or contact us. We look forward to seeing you on campus!
Have questions about the application process for international students? We're here to help. Reach us at:
Office of Admission
Oakton College, Room 1740
1600 E. Golf Road,
Des Plaines, IL 60016
847.635.1700
admission@oakton.edu
Current International Students and Applicants:
Office of Admission
Oakton College
1600 E. Golf Road,
Des Plaines, IL 60016
847.635.1700
internationalstudents@oakton.edu
