International Admissions Policy

The Art Institutes are authorized under federal law to admit non-immigrant alien students.

All international applicants to The Art Institute of California, San Francisco must meet the same admissions standards as all other students (see section under Admissions Requirements).  The Art Institute of California, San Francisco can not accept applications from international students for diploma programs.

Regardless of the country of birth or citizenship, immigrant or nonimmigrant status, all applicants to The Art Institute of California, San Francisco 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 a 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 acceptable proof of English Language Proficiency standards.

Minimum Acceptable Proof of English Language Proficiency Standard - T.O.E.F.L

AS/BS: 500 (Paper); 173 (Computer); 61 (Internet Based Test [i-BT])

Masters: 550 (Paper); 213 (Computer); 79-80 (Internet Based Test [i-BT])

Please contact the Admissions office for acceptable alternatives to the T.O.E.F.L.

Admissions Requirements for Non- Immigrant Students

An international student seeking to enroll at The Art Institute of California, San Francisco in valid student nonimmigrant status must submit each of the following items:

1. A complete and signed Application for Admission Form including two 150-word essays.
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. Proof of English language proficiency.  (See International Admissions Policy for acceptable proof.)
5. A completed and signed Sponsor’s Statement of Financial Support (this statement is not required if the student is self-sponsored).
6. Official Bank Statements. Bank statements must verify sufficient funds to cover the cost of the educational program for the first year as well as all living expenses.
7. 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).
8. All applicants residing in the United States at the time of application must submit: 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).
9. For all applicants residing in the United States at the time of application in F, M, or J nonimmigrant classification: written confirmation of nonimmigrant status at previous school attended before transferring to The Art Institutes.
10. Proof of Health Insurance. Students who do not possess health insurance upon applying to The Art Institutes must be prepared to purchase health insurance through an approved Art Institute provider upon commencement of studies. If an international student is transferring from a college or university in the United States, the International Student Transfer Clearance Form is also required.
11. A $50 non-refundable application fee and a $100 enrollment fee within 10 days of submitting an enrollment agreement.

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