Group of six dental hygienist students smiling.

Apply and Register at Foothill College

Getting Started

Welcome to Foothill College! No matter where you’re starting from or where you’re headed, we’re here to support your academic, career, and personal goals with flexible classes and an open, welcoming admissions process.

Apply for Admission

Foothill College operates on the quarter system, including a shortened summer session, and offers in-person, online, and hybrid courses. With open admission, Foothill welcomes students pursuing degrees or certificates, planning to transfer, or seeking professional or personal enrichment.

View the academic calendar for key dates, then get started by reviewing priority registration steps and selecting your student type.


Steps to Enroll for Priority Registration

To receive your earliest date to register, complete priority registration steps as listed. However completing these steps is not required to enroll in classes. Completing priority registration steps has shown higher success in achieving your goals.

Please Note: High school students and students with a college degree are not eligible for priority registration.

All new students should apply with the Foothill College Online Application, except for the following:

  1. International Student Applicants applying for F1 Visa or transferring F1
    See International Student Program Application
  2. Apprenticeship Program Applicants
    See Trade Apprenticeship Application Steps
  3. High School Student Applicants (currently in grades 9-12)
    See High School Dual Enrollment Steps

Prior to Applying

Online Application

You have three options to meet the orientation requirement.

  1. Complete the Online Orientation
  2. Take the Counseling 5 course (1-unit course)
  3. Attend an in-person College Kickstart Event (held in summer for fall registration, and during winter and spring registration)
  • If you attended high school in the United States and reported your high school GPA on your CCCApply application, you will have an automatic placement based on your self-reported information.
  • If you did not attend high school in the United States or you do not have a high school GPA, you can complete the guided self-placement.
  • If you've already completed some credit coursework at another college or university, submit a Prerequisite Clearance form.

Which Assessment Method is Best for You?

  • Register for classes prior to this step, but it is highly encouraged to meet with a counselor to develop an education plan.
  • By completing these steps, you will gain priority enrollment, meaning your registration time will be earlier than that of student who did not complete these steps.
  • If you have never registered for classes, learn what steps you'll need to take
  • Register with MyPortal.
  • Pay your fees as soon as possible after registering. If you need help paying for college, we offer financial aid options and payment plans. Remember that you may be dropped from your classes if you do not pay in a timely manner.
  • If you are a high school graduate or equivalent, first-time-to-college student, and plan to take 12 units or more (full-time status), you are eligible to have the cost of tuition and fees fully paid for your first year at Foothill. Learn more about Foothill College Promise!

What Kind of Student Are You?

We know every student’s path is different. Maybe you’re transferring from another college, taking classes while in high school, or a military veteran starting college for the first time. Perhaps you’re returning to Foothill after a few quarters away, or you’re a college graduate taking a class for personal enrichment. Let us know your situation, and we’ll help point you in the right direction.

Please Note: If you a returning student who missed a quarter, you'll need to reapply.

Black graduation cap decorated with purple and white flowers and butterfly designs. It reads "Smarter this time."

Undocumented Dreamers

AB 540 is a California law that allows all students who qualify, including undocumented students, to pay in-state tuition fees at all public colleges and universities in California.

 Middle-aged man with glasses works on a laptop at an outdoor picnic table, with a coffee cup beside him,

Adult Learners

Has it been a while since you’ve been in the classroom? Want to take classes while balancing work or other responsibilities? Explore the steps to apply for admission and discover resources designed to help you get started at Foothill College as an adult student.

White male student in a baseball cap, Black female student in casual layers, and white female student with headphones walking together with backpacks and books.

Graduating High School Seniors

Congratulations, graduating seniors—we’re excited you’re here! We invite you to make Foothill College your next destination as you begin the next chapter of your educational and life journey.

Asian female college student standing while other students sit around her.

Current High School Students

High school students enrolled in grades 9-12 can enroll in Foothill College classes for free! Dual Enrollment at Foothill College gives motivated high school students the chance to experience college early—earning both high school and college credit at the same time.

Five international students sitting outdoors on campus: a Black female student with short locs in a white T-shirt, a white male student in a light blue button-down, an Asian female student in a T-shirt and colorful striped skirt, a Latino male student in a dark shirt, and a Muslim female student wearing a hijab and long-sleeve top.

International Students

Our International Program caters specifically to international students on F-1 visas, providing counseling and assistance to more than 700 students from more than 70 different countries.

Brown-skinned man in military camouflage hugging another person indoors.

Military Veterans

Supportive counselors and staff in our Veterans Resource Center understand your needs and will help you transition your military skills to civilian life. If you have served in the military or are a military dependent and are eligible, follow these steps.

Black female student wearing a tan jacket and seated in a wheelchair while working at a desktop computer.

Students with a Disability

Our Disability Resource Center (DRC) provides extensive support services if you identify as a student with needs for special accommodations. Contact us to get started.

Image Description

Keep Exploring

Love Your Learning at Foothill College.