Prospective International Students

Global High School Scholars

Our Global High School Scholars program allows motivated high school students from around the world to enroll in a variety of online college courses offered by Foothill College and De Anza College while completing their secondary education in their home countries.

By successfully completing a course, you earn U.S. college credit that appears on an official Foothill or De Anza College transcript and may be transferable to universities in the United States and internationally, depending on each institution’s transfer policies.

Beyond the credit itself, you gain early exposure to the U.S. college academic environment. You’ll learn how to engage with college professors, manage university-level assignments, participate in online discussions, and meet academic expectations similar to those of full-time college students.

For many students, this experience builds confidence, strengthens university applications, and provides a smoother transition to future undergraduate study, whether in the U.S. or elsewhere.

Fequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply?

Eligible students must be currently enrolled in high school and able to study and complete college-level coursework in English.

How do I apply?

High school students who are interested in taking online classes through the Global High School Scholars program must complete our online application HERE.

Once your application is reviewed, you will receive detailed next steps and guidance on course registration and enrollment.

What classes can I take?

International students can take most Foothill College or De Anza College courses online as long as prerequisites are met. Many students abroad choose ESL, general education, transfer level, or major related classes. We strongly recommend starting with either ESL or general education courses because they are flexible, widely transferable, and help you build a strong academic foundation while you explore interests. They also keep more options open when you apply to universities later.

How do I find the online class(es)?

Search the FOOTHILL CLASS SCHEDULE or DE ANZA CLASS SCHEDULE and filter for classes listed as Fully Online. Check whether the course is synchronous (meets at set days/times each week) or asynchronous (no live meetings) and choose what works best for you. We strongly recommend that you take asynchronous classes to avoid time zone issues.

Do I need to take an assessment?

Yes, some courses, including Math and ESL/English, require you to complete a self-guided placement process prior to registering. If you want to register for Math, ESL/English or another course with a prerequisite, follow instructions for assessment on the Foothill Assessment website or the De Anza Assessment website.

When can I register?

Registration opens approximately two months prior to the quarter start date. Once your individual registration time is available, it will be posted in the Student Registration app in MyPortal. Review the Foothill Academic Calendar or De Anza Academic Calendar for a general outline of all important dates by quarter.

How can I register?

Please review the Foothill Registration Guide and De Anza Registration Guide for detailed steps on how to access MyPortal and enroll in classes. If you come across any issues, contact the International Student Programs office at Foothill or De Anza for assistance.

Can I drop a class after registering?

Yes. Drops must be done through MyPortal. For fall, winter and spring quarters, dropping within the first two weeks of the quarter removes it from your record and will allow you to request a refund. Dropping a class after the second week may result in a W (withdraw) or other grade, and you will be responsible for paying tuition fees. Refer to your class schedule to confirm drop deadlines.

How do I pay my tuition?

Tuition is due as soon as you register for your course(s). You will be able to view your balance and pay your tuition directly online after you have registered in classes. You may be dropped from the course for nonpayment. You can review current tuition rates for nonresidents on the Foothill Cashier website or the De Anza cashier website. You will find payment options and instructions HERE.

How much time per week will I have to spend on my online classes?

One unit is equivalent to three hours per week. For most academic courses, this breaks down to one hour of class time (time spent on lecture or online course readings, videos, materials) and 2 hours of additional study time (time spent completing course assignments) per week.

What should I know about Academic Integrity when taking classes online?

Academic Integrity means that all the work you submit in your online classes is truly your own effort. Even though you are studying remotely, you are expected to follow the same standards as any on-campus student. This includes completing quizzes and exams without unauthorized help, not using AI tools or websites to generate answers unless your instructor clearly allows it, properly citing any sources you use, and avoiding sharing assignments or test answers with others. If you are ever unsure whether something is allowed, ask your instructor before submitting the work. To learn more about your responsibilities, please refer to Foothill Policy on Academic Integrity or De Anza Policy on Academic Integrity.

Will I be considered a transfer student when I apply to universities?

Taking online classes in high school does not make you a transfer applicant. You will apply to universities as a first-year/ freshman unless you decide to continue at Foothill after high school—we would love that!

What if I decide to apply for admission as a regular full-time student to start my bachelor's degree at Foothill?

When you are ready to take it to the next level and enroll with us as a full-time student, you will submit the regular application for international students HERE.