The Office of Audrey Panu, Assistant Director of Admissions for International Students, is located on the First Floor of 1622 Chestnut Street. Audrey Panu can be reached by telephone at 215-405-6363 or by email at apanu@edmc.edu.

English Language Proficiency Policy

All applicants to The Art Institute of Philadelphia 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 or the new TOEFL Internet-based equivalent. The minimum written TOEFL score required is 480 (or 157 on the computer-based TOEFL) for diploma programs OR 500 (or 173 on the computer-based TOEFL) for all associate- and bachelor-level degree programs. (Note: The TOEFL Code for The Art Institute of Philadelphia is 2033. You must send an official copy of your TOEFL score report to the school)

The Art Institute of Philadelphia recognizes the completion of the following English language program levels as meeting the English proficiency requirements for admission to our programs of study:

• Drexel University English Language Center's (ELC) Level 5 or above
• The ELS Language Centers'(ELS) Level 109 or above
• Kaplan Educational Center's Course Level ("Kaplevel") of High Intermediate
• The Pennsylvania Language Institute's (PLI) Level 9

Admission Requirements for Non-immigrant Students

International applicants to The Art Institute of Philadelphia must meet the same admissions standards as all other students (see Admissions Requirements).

Applicants seeking to enroll at The Art Institute of Philadelphia in valid student non-immigrant status must submit each of the following items:

1. A complete and signed Application for Admission Form including the 150-word essay;
2. A completed and signed Enrollment Agreement;
3. 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;
4. Fee for official credential evaluation of non-American educational credentials, if applicable;
5. Proof of English language proficiency (see English Language Proficiency Policy);
6. A completed and signed Sponsor’s Statement of Financial Support (this statement is not required if the student is self-sponsored);
7. Official Bank Statements. Bank statements (typically provided by the bank) must verify sufficient funds to cover the cost of the educational program as well as all living expenses;
8. A U.S. $50 non-refundable application fee and a U.S. $100 refundable tuition deposit;
9. 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);
10. 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);
11. 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 non-immigrant status at previous school attended before transferring to The Art Institute;
12. 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 Art Institute 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 Art Institute of Philadephia is authorized under federal law to admit nonimmigrant students.

All questions on the admission of international students should be directed to Audrey Panu, Assistant Director of Admissions at The Art Institute of Philadelphia. Audrey Panu can be reached by telephone at 215-405-6363 or by email at apanu@edmc.edu.