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Office of International Programs

Aloha, and Welcome to the Office of International Programs (OIP)!

Located on the beautiful island of O‘ahu, Leeward offers an ideal setting for your academic journey. With students from around the world, it’s the perfect place to earn a quality education, make lifelong friends, and explore Hawai‘i’s vibrant culture.

Our Pu‘uloa Campus is just 15 minutes from the airport, 18 minutes from Ko Olina, and 30 minutes from the North Shore. The diverse OIP team is here to support you every step of the way.

Join the Leeward ‘Ohana and unlock your potential in a thriving educational community dedicated to student success.

Why Choose Leeward?

Being in Hawai‘i, it’s one of the BEST Classrooms in the World!

NATURE

Aside from the well-known beaches, mountains, and volcanoes, Hawai’i is also home to 90% of native species that can only be found on the islands, allowing for one of the most interactive learning experiences in the world!

LOCATION

Considered the most isolated populated land mass on the planet and located more than 2,000 miles from the mainland United States, Hawai’i provides an educational and living experience that is truly unique!

CULTURE

From the Aloha Spirit of the Hawaiian culture, to the collective nature of most Asian cultures, as well as the predominantly individualistic approach of Western cultures; Hawai‘i provides an eccentric appreciation of others through its rich cultural diversity.

ESL Pathway Program

Leeward is the only UH Community College to offer an ESL pathway program. Gain insight to an American classroom culture and build a great foundation for your educational journey.

    • No TOEFL or IELTS test score required
    • Start at your level of English proficiency
      (Level I: Intermediate, Level II: Advanced)
    • All ESL Pathway courses are credit-bearing
    • Each level can be completed in one semester
    IPO students

    How to Apply

    The Office of International Programs is here to help you every step of the way through the admissions process. You’ll receive personal attention and guidance here at Leeward CC and become a valued and important member of our campus community. We look forward to meeting you!

    *Applicants must be 18 years old OR have completed secondary school prior to enrollment

    Required Documents:

    1. Leeward Community College Online Application
    2. Passport size picture of your self
    3. Transcripts
    4. English Proficiency Test Score – ESL Pathway Program Applicants may apply without an English Proficiency Test Score
    5. Financial Documents
    6. Copy of Immigration Documents if applicable (Passport, Visa, Form I-20/DS-2019, and I-94)
    Full-Time International Student Application

    STEP 1

    Submit an online application. If you are a first-time applicant, you will need to create an account before you can submit an application. This application is being used by all seven (7) University of Hawai‘i Community Colleges. From the “Add Program” section of the application, please be sure to select an academic major that is offered at “Leeward CC Main Campus – Pearl City, Oahu”. *There is a non-refundable $25 application fee. 

    STEP 2

    Submit other required documents listed on the International Student Checklist to the Office of International Programs (lccintl@hawaii.edu) via FileDrop

    Part-Time International Student Application

    STEP 1

    Submit an online application. If you are a first-time applicant, you will need to create an account before you can submit an application. This application is being used by all seven (7) University of Hawai‘i Community Colleges. From the “Add Program” section of the application, please be sure to select an academic major that is offered at “Leeward CC Main Campus – Pearl City, Oahu”. *There is a non-refundable $25 application fee. 

    STEP 2

    Submit the following documents to the Office of International Programs (lccintl@hawaii.edu) via FileDrop

    • Copy of passport photo page
    • Copy of F-1/J-1 visa or change of status approval notice from USCIS
    • Form I-94 
    • Copy of Form I-20 or Form DS-2019
    • A letter on school letterhead from a Designated School Official (DSO) at your school giving you permission to take the class(es) at Leeward Community College. The letter must include the class(es) that you wish to take. (F-1 student ONLY)

    FileDrop or Mail ALL of the documents to:

    Leeward Community College
    Office of International Programs
    96-045 Ala ‘Ike
    Pearl City, Hawai‘i 96782 

    Email: lccintl@hawaii.edu
    Phone: (808) 455-0570
    Note: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. However, we strongly recommend applying 3 months before the start of a semester.

    Program Costs

    F-1 international students are required to take a minimum of 12 credits during the Fall and Spring semesters – US$345/per credit.
    The summer session is mandatory for international students starting their studies at Leeward CC in the summer.

    Estimated Total Expenses for One Academic Year (9 months): $25,550.00

    FEE TYPE EXPENSES 1 ACADEMIC YEAR/9 MONTHS
    Tuition (If registered for 12 credits) $4,175.00 per semester $8,350.00
    Living Expenses $7,200.00 per semester $14,400
    Books and Insurance** $1,400 per semester $2,800
    Estimated Total Expenses Total $25,550.00

    For more information on scholarships and financial aid, click here.

    **International Students are required to purchase a mandatory health insurance plan offered by Leeward CC.

    Outbound Study Abroad Programs

    University of Hawai‘i Community Colleges Study Abroad Programs
    The University of Hawai‘i Community Colleges offer various study abroad programs and scholarships. All eligible UH Community College students are encouraged to apply. For more information about their programs and scholarships, please visit their website.

    Student Exchange Programs

    Study one semester or one year; pay UHCC full-time 12-credits tuition (no international tuition) while you are away. Eligible for $3,000 for one semester or $6,000 for one year Honda Study Abroad Scholarship.

    Program Specific Requirements

    Eligibility Honda
    Scholarship
    Hakuoh Study Tour Monbukagakusho
    (April 2024)
    Student Exchange Program
    (Aichi, Hakuoh, Hirosaki, Jinwen, Niigata, North Island, Otemon, Ryukyus, Yamagata)
    UHCC Student Yes Yes Yes Yes
    Hawai‘i Resident Yes Yes N/A Yes
    U.S. Citizen Yes Yes Yes Yes
    HS Diploma/GED N/A N/A Yes N/A
    Enrollment Credits 6+ 12 N/A 12
    Minimum Cumulative GPA 3.5 2.5 N/A 3.0
    UHCC Semester Completed 1 1 N/A N/A
    Age Requirement N/A 18+ Born on/after
    April 2, 1999
    N/A
    Language Requirement N/A N/A N/A 2 years for Aichi and Hakuoh programs

    Short-term Study Tours

    • Hakuoh University International Study Tour – Learn Japanese culture and language
      Dates: TBA – Spend 9 days in Oyama City, Tochigi Prefecture. Summer program will provide students the opportunity to learn Japanese culture and language, to make new friends, visit historical sites, and experience a visit with a Host family.
    • The University of Niigata Prefecture International Joint Summer Seminar
      Dates: TBA – All the relevant program fees including local transportation, field trips, and cultural exchanges will be covered by The University of Niigata Prefecture. Each participant is responsible for their travel expenses to and from Niigata and meals during the program.

    Leeward Community College Study Abroad Programs
    Students pay Leeward tuition and receive Leeward credits.

    Participate in Affiliated Study Abroad Programs
    These are programs provided by our partners, AIFS, API, CISabroad, and TEAN.  As students from an Affiliated Institution, Leeward students receive a discount on the published price of these programs.  NO Leeward tuition is paid for these programs, and students are responsible on their own for requesting transfer credits through the Leeward Admission & Records Office. The transfer of these credits is not facilitated or guaranteed by the Office of International Programs.

    Summer and Semester-long programs throughout Australia and New Zealand, Asia, Latin America, and Europe (with scholarships available!)

    STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM PROVIDER WEBSITE
    AIFS Study Abroad www.aifsabroad.com
    API Abroad www.apistudyabroad.com
    Asia Exchange
    Asia Exchange offers study abroad programs in various fields in interesting Asian destinations including 12 locations in total in six different countries. Leeward has agreed with Asia Exchange that more affordable European fees do apply instead of non-European fees. We guarantee that when you apply, you will receive an acceptance decision within a week.
    www.asiaexchange.org
    CSI Abroad www.cisabroad.com
    The EDUCATION ABROAD Network
    Our Study abroad affiliates offer programs to: Argentina, Australia, Bhutan, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Czech Republic, England, Fiji, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Scotland, Spain, United Arab Emirates
    Costs vary depending on location and program length
    www.educationabroadnetwork.org
    SEMESTER AT SEA www.semesteratsea.org
    • UHCC Honda Study Abroad Scholarship
      Scholarship provides funding support to study overseas while incorporating an international educational experience into their academic program of study.

               Awards range from $4,000 – $8,000. Additional funds are available to meet program costs, term of study and location.

    • Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship
      The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program (Gilman Program) is a program of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. To apply for a Gilman scholarship, applicants must meet the eligibility requirements. 
    • The Congress Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX)
      The Congress Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) provides merit-based scholarships to recent vocational graduates and young professionals for a one-year professional study and training experience in their fields of interest in Germany.

    Customized Short-term Programs

    Leeward Community College collaborates with international secondary and post-secondary institutions to develop mutually beneficial partnerships and visiting programs. The Office of International Programs designs and implements both new and existing international partnerships and short-term visiting programs based on shared institutional values and program offerings.

    If your institution is interested in developing a customized short-term program with Leeward Community College or would like additional information, please contact the International Programs Office at (808) 455-0570 or email lccintl@hawaii.edu.

    CONTACT INFO

    Leeward Community College
    International Programs
    96-045 Ala Ike
    Pearl City, Hawaii 96782
    Phone: (808) 455-0570
    Fax: (808) 455-0568
    lccintl@hawaii.edu

    Office hours:

    Monday-Thursday 8:30 am – 3:30 pm
    Friday 8:30 am – 12:00 pm