Steps to Apply for Non-Profit Sponsored In-State Tuition

Students or applicants who need to submit documentation to International Student Services should do this via the secure Electronic Document Submission Process or mailed to International Student Services/Center for the Global Learner at Durham Tech (1637 E. Lawson St, Durham, NC 27703). Email international@durhamtech.edu with questions.

Note: Undocumented students or those approved for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) do not currently qualify for non-profit sponsorship.

The North Carolina General Statute 115D-39 (c) states: “… a person sponsored under this subsection who is lawfully admitted to the United States is eligible for the State resident community college tuition rate. For purposes of this subsection, a North Carolina(NC) nonprofit entity is a charitable or religious corporation as defined in G.S. 55A-1-40 that is incorporated in NC and that is exempt from taxation under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or a civic league incorporated in NC under Chapter 55A of the General Statutes that is exempt from taxation under section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code. A nonresident of the United States is sponsored by a NC nonprofit entity if the student resides in NC while attending the community college and the NC nonprofit entity provides a signed affidavit to the community college verifying that the entity accepts financial responsibility for the student's tuition and any other required educational fees. Any NC nonprofit entity that sponsors a nonresident of the United States under this subsection may sponsor no more than five nonresident students annually under this subsection. This subsection does not make a person a resident of NC for any other purpose.”

International Student Services, located in the White Building (Building 1), room 1-148, must receive the sponsorship letter and any other required documentation 1 (one) one week prior to the advertised payment deadline.

The last day to submit sponsor letters is one week before classes begin. No Exceptions.Letters can be submitted via the CGL Secure Electronic Document Submission System, sent by mail to International Student Services, 1637 E. Lawson St, Durham, NC, 27703) or delivered in a sealed envelope to the International Student Services office.

A student who has identified a non-profit organization that is willing to sponsor their studies at Durham Tech must follow the steps listed below. Begin these steps before registration each semester to allow time for processing.

  1. The student must have up-to-date/unexpired immigration documents on file with International Student Service (ISS). If you are uncertain that your documents are up-to-date/unexpired contact ISS.
     
  2. First-time sponsors must complete and submit a vendor application and W-9 form (online). A copy of an IRS Tax Exemption letter which shows approval of non-profit status (as defined in G.S. 55A-1-40) for the organization must also be submitted for first-time sponsors.
     
  3. An organization may not sponsor more than five students per year at the in-state tuition rate.
     
  4. A new non-profit sponsorship letter must be submitted each semester and/or mini-session. The letter must be on organizational letterhead and contain the following information: (See sample letter):
    • Non-profit organization name, address (must be located in North Carolina), phone number and email
    • Student name and Durham Tech ID Number
    • Applicable semester (example: Fall 2018)
    • Statement that the organization agrees to be billed directly, and will pay the student’s full tuition amount directly to Durham Technical Community College
    • Ink signature of organization’s representative and a date
       
  5. The student’s classes may be dropped if the letter is not turned in at least one week prior to the registration payment deadline. If dropped, the student will need to re-register for classes.
     
  6. After the documentation is reviewed for completeness, the Business Office will update the student’s account to reflect the change to the in-state tuition rate for the sponsor. This change may not be seen immediately on the account.
     
  7. The sponsor will be billed 1-2 months after the start of the term. (Approximate dates: Fall-October; Spring-March; Summer-July). The student or employer can request an invoice from the Business Office Cashier’s Window (Building 1, room 159), by calling 919-536-7201, or by emailing accountsreceivable@durhamtech.edu.

    Payment must be made by the non-profit by check or credit card from the organizational account or the account of the person who signed the letter. Payments cannot be made by cash, cashier's check, money orders, from a student’s account, or from a student’s Nelnet payment plan set up by the employer.
     
  8. If the organization fails to pay promptly, a hold will be placed on the student's account. The student cannot receive non-profit sponsorship again from that sponsor until the balance is paid.
     
  9. If the student withdraws or is withdrawn from a class, the sponsor is responsible for any tuition and fees on the student’s account per the Withdrawal and Refund Deadline information.

Note for Mini-Session II: If a student registers for a second mini-session course, they must contact International Student Services so the Business Office will include the billing for all classes in the invoice to the sponsor.  If a student registers for a second mini-session after the bill has been issued to the organization, the student will need to contact the Business Office so a second bill can be sent to the non-profit. An updated sponsorship letter for Mini-Session II will also need to be turned in to the Business Office.

If you have any questions, please contact International Student Services, located in the White Building (Building 1), room 1-148, via email at international@durhamtech.edu, or by phone at 919-536-7264, extension 3228.