Our collaboration with several colleges and universities allows allows your flight training hours to transfer as college credit. International students want to know whether this program is available to them. The answer is “yes,” which brings us to the “how” and “why” of it.
Quick Navigation to International Students Earning College Degrees
Why would international flight students want to earn a college degree in the U.S.?
Although a college degree is not required by many airlines, some flight students choose to earn a college degree because it can help boost opportunities and salary. There are many personal reasons for choosing to earn a degree. One reason foreign flight students choose to earn a college degree is the requirement of a Class 1 medical certificate by the FAA. Many flight students consider a college degree to be a back-up plan in case they ever develop a health condition that would put their Class 1 medical into jeopardy. This is a prudent approach to a career in aviation. Even if medical reasons ground you as a pilot, your college degree can offer many career opportunities.
How do international flight students earn a college degree in the U.S.?
Foreign students are required to take their flight training under an M-1 visa, which is required for a technical school like a flight school. Foreign students at Daytona State College (or any U.S. college) are required to have an F-1 visa. Because these visas have two distinct sets of guidelines, you cannot enroll simultaneously at Epic Flight Academy and at college. The most efficient way international flight students can transfer their flight training hours from Epic to Daytona State is to first complete the International Pilot Program at Epic.
How long does it take?
This takes less than one year. Following completion of all required hours to satisfy Daytona State College’s and other U.S. college’s requirements, you will return to you home country and apply for your F-1 visa. Then you can return as a full-time student at Daytona State College, MSU-Denver, Polk State College, Purdue Global, or Seminole State College.
An associate degree typically takes one to two years depending on how much time you can put into it. However, with your Epic transfer credits, it should only take you one year. Then, build on your associate’s degree to earn your Bachelor’s. This will take approximately 2 years.
What are the tuition costs at these colleges?
Tuition costs depend on your residency. If you lived in Florida for one year while completing your flight training, you will likely meet the requirements that define you as a legal Florida permanent resident. You will be required to verify this by providing required documents (e.g., Florida ID card, rent/utility receipts for one full year). You will find that tuition is surprisingly affordable even if you don’t qualify for in-state tuition rates.
What are the costs for a Bachelor’s degree?
After you earn your A.S. degree at Daytona State or another school, you can stay there to earn your Bachelor’s. Or, you can transfer your associate degree to another college toward your Bachelor’s. You will need to earn 60 credit hours to add to the 60 you have already earned from your Associate’s degree (120 total credit hours). The rates are slightly higher for the Bachelor’s programs. If you have already established Florida residency for your A.S. degree, you can earn your Bachelor’s degree at in-state tuition rates.
What are the next steps?
If you are already an international student who has trained at Epic or is currently training, email us to determine when you should enroll at Daytona State College. We will help with every detail of transferring your flight credits toward your college degree. If you have not yet started your flight training at Epic, what are you waiting for? Contact us now and let us help you achieve your dreams of becoming a pilot and earning a college degree!
Join the Forum Discussion on College Degrees Below!
Hi everyone, I’m looking for housing or roommates in New Smyrna Beach starting in June. A little about me: My name is Quentin Millar, and I’m 22 years old and graduating college in May. Outside of flying, I enjoy all kinds of outdoor activities, especially surfing, snowboarding, and exploring. I’m also in the gym regularly and work on cars in my free time. I’m pretty clean and like to keep my place in good shape, so I’d probably be the best fit with people who are the same way. Shoot me a message if you're interested: 480-287-4958
I am currently a college student in the Philippines taking Airline Operations Management. I came from a STEM strand in Senior High School (with a Commercial Flying track).
My school is requiring me to take additional ABM subjects in a summer term.
→ Since I plan to transfer to a STEM-based Aeronautical Science program, do I still need to complete these ABM subjects for admission or transfer evaluation?
How will my previous academic units be evaluated?
→ Can I transfer as a 3rd-year student, or will I go back to 1st year?
→ Is it possible to be admitted as an irregular student with partially credited units?
For international students:
→ Is on-campus housing required? If yes, Are there options or exemptions for living off-campus?
After completing the Aeronautical Science program:
→ Does the university support OPT for international students?
→ Can I work as a CFI/CFII under OPT?
→ Does the school have a structured pathway to complete CFI/CFII right after CPL?
As a student pilot in the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology Zaria, I have lost interest in training in my present school, because of the unfriendlly nature of the instructor, I don't know if your training institution will give me the opportunity to train from zero to ATPL
If I go relocate to the Addison, TX location would I be able to enroll at MSU Denver for an online degree and still be eligible for the R-ATP?
I hold a Bachelor degree in Mathematics with Information Technology from a university in Kenya. My wish is to enter the aviation industry, but I lack finance to pay my tuition fee and other necessities including accommodation.
Is there any possible way I can access full scholarship and what are the requirements? My email:
[email protected] 1. I’m an undergraduate student in college offering information technology and i want to learn aviation engineering too, how’s this possible?
2. I’ve low income and is there any point where one can manage to offer courses and complete the training?
3. I’m very passionate about aviation, kindly help me.
These accommodations have just become available for an Epic Flight Academy student! First name: Luis
Phone number: +17867797930
Number of rooms: 2
City of room(s): Daytona Beach
Private bath: No
Private entrance: No
Smoking: No
Parking: Yes
Monthly rate: 900
Utilities included: No
Security deposit required: Yes Description: Furnished Private Room for Rent Two private bedrooms available, rented individually for $900/month each. ✨ What You Get
✔ Private bedroom (furnished) – bed + desk included
✔ Shared bathroom (between the two rooms)
✔ Furnished common areas – living room, dining room, kitchen
✔ High-speed internet included
✔ Solar panels = lower electric bill
✔ Full kitchen + laundry access
✔ Quiet, safe neighborhood
✔ Community Pool & Walking Trails 📍 Location: LPGA (newer community)
Close to:
✈️ Embry-Riddle
✈️ Phoenix East Aviation
✈️ ATP
✈️ Epic
✈️ TFA
🛒 Publix, Tanger Outlets, restaurants, I-95 👤 Ideal for
– Flight students
– CFIs
– College students 💲 Rent
$900/month per room
High Speed Internet included
Utilities split (very low due to solar)
Security deposit required
Application Fee: $50
I am a recent graduate of Don Bosco Technological Institute, studying Bachelor's Degree in Electronics and Communication.
My question is:
1. Can you guide me on how to apply for the aviation school, because I am so much interested?
2. Will you provide school fees and accommodation for those of us who wilI attend the aviation school?
Thank you.
Now I'm studying at Nanchang university of aeironotics in Aeironotical engineering
Can I go to the school directly if yes, what would be my degree
I have bachelor degree on Science Aviation Management which related field I can join ? Can I find job in Qatar or Kuwait ? How can I apply too
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About the Author
Tony Perna
Tony Perna is an expert in the aviation industry with a long history of achievements around the globe. He became both an FAA-certified commercial pilot and FAA-certified aviation maintenance technician early in his career. Tony holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Aviation Maintenance Management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (1973) and a Master’s degree in Aeronautical Science & Aviation Safety, also from ERAU (2003).
He has worked in aviation his entire life holding the following positions:
- Cessna Aircraft Company 1974-1979:
- Field Service Manager, European Marketing Center, Brussels
- Cessna Flight Crew Instructor (Former Cessna Training Academy)
- Supervisor of Cessna Technical Training (Former Cessna Training Academy)
- Manager Africa and Middle East Aircraft Sales and Support: Single/Multi-Engine aircraft and Citation Business Jet Sales and Support
- Sr. VP Marketing Cessna Distributor, Central Africa, 1979-1986
- CEO Cessna Aircraft Co. International Dist. Propeller and Citation, Caribbean Region, 1986-2000
- Advisor and Ground School Instructor, Epic Flight Academy, 2000-2011
- Logistics Manager, R2, North Star Aviation, Abu Dhabi, UAE 2011-2014
- Epic Flight Academy Advisory Board, 2014-Present
-
Tony Perna's experience as a pilot provided a strong foundation for a lifelong career in aviation. -
Tony's expertise includes work as an FAA-certified aircraft mechanic, which he shares regularly with Epic Flight Academy students.
