International Students

We believe that creative people speak the same language.

The Art Institute welcomes students from across United States and around the world. Over 1,300 international students — ranging in age from 17 to 50 - attend our schools. Our creative community is built upon the different backgrounds, creative vision and values all students bring to our schools.

We hope you will expand your academic and artistic horizons at one of our schools. We are available to help you with admissions and housing services and your cultural adjustment to studying in the United States.

International Admissions Policy

All international (nonimmigrant) applicants to an Art Institute school must meet the same admissions standards as all other students (Please refer to Admissions Requirements for all students in The Art Institute's Catalog).

English Language Proficiency Policy

All applicants to an Art Institute school whose first language is not English must demonstrate competence in the English language. Demonstration that English is an applicant's "first" language can be satisfied if the applicant submits a diploma from secondary school (or above) in a system in which English is the official language of instruction. If English is not the applicant's "first" language, the applicant will need to meet the minimum English Language Proficiency standard through submission of an official minimum score on the written Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or its TOEFL computer-based equivalent. The minimum written TOEFL score required is 480 for diploma programs OR 500 for all associate and bachelor level degree programs. Note: Schools with higher minimum TOEFL requirements should adjust required scores.

Applicants should contact the Admissions Office to determine other examinations for which official scores, equivalent to TOEFL, are acceptable as an alternative to TOEFL.

The above stated English language proficiency requirements are effective November 1, 2004.

Admissions Requirements for Nonimmigrant Students

Applicants seeking to enroll in valid student nonimmigrant status must submit each of the following items:

  • A completed and signed Application for Admission Form including required essay
  • A completed and signed Enrollment Agreement
  • Original or official copies of all educational transcripts (high school and, if applicable, university level academic records) and diplomas. These educational transcripts and diplomas must be prepared in English or include a complete and official English translation
  • Fee for official credential evaluation of non-American educational credentials, if applicable
  • Proof of English language proficiency (see English language proficiency policy)
  • A completed and signed Sponsor's Statement of Financial Support (This statement is not required if the student is self-sponsored)
  • Official Financial Statements. Financial statements (typically provided by a bank) must verify sufficient funds to cover the cost of the educational program as well as all living expenses
  • A U.S. $50 non-refundable application fee and a U.S. $100 refundable tuition deposit
  • A photocopy of the student's passport to provide proof of birth date and citizenship (Students outside the United States who have not yet acquired a passport will need to submit a copy of their birth certificate)
  • For all nonimmigrant applicants residing in the United States at the time of application: a photocopy of the visa page contained within the student's passport as well as a photocopy of the student's I/94 arrival departure record (both sides)
  • For all nonimmigrant applicants residing in the United States at the time of application in either F, M or J non-immigrant classification: written confirmation of nonimmigrant status at previous school attended before transferring to The Art Institute
  • Proof of Health Insurance. Students who do not possess health insurance upon applying to The Art Institute must be prepared to purchase health insurance through an approved provider upon commencement of studies

If an applicant seeking to enroll in valid student nonimmigrant status is transferring from a college or university in the United States, the International Student Transfer Clearance Form is also required.

If the applicant is accepted, he/she will be sent additional information regarding the student visa application process. The school is authorized under federal law to admit nonimmigrant students.

*Specific details regarding these additional requirements are available from the Admissions Office at each school.

International Student Assistance

Our advisors will help you to with housing, admissions and orientation services and can answer questions you may have about the student visa application process. Academic assistance and confidential counseling services are also available, if needed.

Internships

If an F-1 nonimmigrant student meets all federal regulator criteria, he or she may qualify for practical training experiences while they are enrolled or after graduation. M-1 students also have an opportunity to participate in internships following completion of their studies.