Why Study in Florida?

Known for its warm weather and beautiful beaches, Florida has a diverse mix of people, a thriving cultural and arts scene, and some of the best colleges and universities in the country. The “Sunshine State” is located in the Southeast region of the U.S. and is a top destination choice for many international students. 

As an international student entering the world of higher education, Florida offers a number of schools, colleges, and universities that are prepared to meet your unique needs. 

Featured Top Schools  

The colleges and universities featured in our 2022 Top Schools in Florida each offer their own unique experiences and advantages. Ultimately, the school you choose should be based on what you prioritize in your school search.

College of Central Florida

College of Central Florida (CF) is a great place to begin, continue, or complete your education. As one of the most affordable institutions in the U.S., CF is committed to providing an accessible education to students at all levels. 

Fast Facts of College of Central Florida 

• Affordable: The College of Central Florida is in the top 1% in affordability by the U.S. Department of Education.

• Programs: CF offers more than 140 academic pathways to choose from. Select from two-year Associate in Science degrees, two-year Associate in Arts degrees, or bachelor’s degree programs. 

• Student services: The International Student Services office helps with the F-1 Visa application process, admissions consulting, academic advising, free tutoring, and more!

• Transfer opportunity: The state of Florida guarantees that students who complete an associate’s degree at a public Florida college have the opportunity to earn a bachelor’s degree at a state university or Florida college offering four-year degrees.

Florida Institute of Technology 

Florida Institute of Technology (Florida Tech) is located in the beautiful city of Melbourne on Florida’s “Space Coast.” Florida Tech is a community of researchers, scholars, and learners from all around the world. With 60 years of ambition and achievement, they’ve paved the way for the next generation of students. 

Fast Facts of Florida Institute of Technology 

• Community: Community is everything at Florida Tech. It is a university of leaders and learners — a diverse community of students, staff, faculty, and alumni who are united in the pursuit of high-quality education. 

• Research-driven: One of the primary tenets of Florida Tech’s mission is advancing science and technology for the benefit of Earth and all of its inhabitants. 

• STEM excellence: Florida Tech is known as Florida’s STEM University. Science, technology, engineering, and math are in its DNA. 

• Programs: Florida Tech is a comprehensive, research-intensive national university offering more than 200 bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs, as well as associate and certificate programs that prepare students for careers in the future. 

Hillsborough Community College

Hillsborough Community College (HCC) is proud of its cultural and international diversity, and believes strongly in the importance of international education. They provide special international programs and services for international students and create a learning environment that prepares students for an increasingly interconnected and changing world. 

Fast Facts of Hillsborough Community College 

• Location: The Tampa Bay region is home to magnificent marine life, sports attractions, world-class cultural venues, and great shopping and dining. Enjoy year-round sunshine, a vibrant cultural scene, some of the best beaches in the world, and excellent higher education opportunities. 

• University transfer: HCC is a great place to start for international students. They help you explore your university options while you complete your first two years of university study. If you want to attend a selective four-year institution, HCC helps you get there! 

• Accommodation: Hawks Landing apartments nearby campus offer a great value, a convenient location, and most importantly, a fun living and learning atmosphere. The housing complex is only a few blocks away from shopping and restaurants, and within walking distance of Raymond James Stadium, home to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

• Student-centered experience: HCC’s commitment to students ranges from affordable tuition and flexible installment payment plans, to personalized, quality instruction in small class sizes.

University of Florida ELI

At the University of Florida English Language Institute (ELI) you can immerse yourself in the English language — live it, love it, master it, and make it a precise tool for your international encounters. Integrate your English learning with fun and educational activities after class every day and each weekend. 

Fast Facts of University of Florida ELI

• Instruction: Enjoy small classes of up to 15 students, a full-time program of 23 contact hours per week, individualized placement programs of your skill level, language assistants who meet your needs, electives in pronunciation, and TOEFL or IELTS preparation. 

• Admission requirements: Students who are at least 17 years old, show proof of secondary school completion, and provide a certificate of financial responsibility are eligible for admission. 

• Programs: University of Florida ELI has internationally known training and research programs in fields including agriculture, engineering, business, law, and medicine. 

• Cultural immersion: Find opportunities to practice spoken English; learn about U.S. culture; participate in social, cultural, or sporting activities; attend organized trips; and more! 

University of Miami IEP 

The University of Miami Intensive English Program (IEP) has been providing a home away from home for international students from all over the world since 1951. The mission of the University of Miami IEP is to prepare international students to enter a university in the U.S. by providing instruction in the English language and academic study skills.

Fast Facts of University of Miami IEP

• Location: University of Miami (UM) is located in Coral Gables, Florida. Called “The Beautiful City,” Coral Gables stands out as a rare beauty with its Mediterranean architectural style — and it’s only located 15 minutes from major cities like Miami! 

• Programs: UM has more than 100 degree programs, including majors in architecture, anthropology, biology, economics, accounting, entrepreneurship, broadcast journalism, media management, aerospace engineering, music education, nursing, history, and Latin America studies.

• Facilities: IEP students get access to all UM facilities including libraries, Olympic-sized swimming pool, fitness and workout center, and food facilities.

Valencia College

Valencia College was named the best two-year college in the U.S. as the inaugural winner of the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. Whether your goal is to transfer to a four-year university, complete a career program, or simply improve your English, Valencia has the solution for you. 

Fast Facts of Valencia College

• Programs: Based in Orlando, Florida, Valencia offers more than 100 degree programs as well as an Intensive English Program. Each program is crafted with the intent of finding excellence at every level. 

• Transfer opportunities: Valencia has one of the highest graduation rates in the country and provides guaranteed admission to one of the 12 four-year Florida State universities.

• Life in Orlando: Orlando is home to internationally recognized landmarks including Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Studios Florida, and SeaWorld Orlando. Surrounded by beaches, public parks, springs, and lakes for outdoor activities, you will have no shortage of locations to make the most of your study abroad.

• Affordable tuition: Valencia College offers 40% less tuition than at a state university. 

Conclusion

Schools and universities are constantly updating their academic offerings. Although we’ve selected these schools for our 2022 edition, that’s not to say that there aren’t other schools that may be a better fit for your academic goals. We wish you the best of luck in your school search, and ask that you stay tuned for future entries into our “Top Schools” series as we explore the top schools in states across the country.