International Students

International students are warmly received into the MIAD community and add significantly to the diversity of the student body. International students must meet all of the requirements as degree-seeking students. In addition, international students must speak English and are required to submit TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) scores of 550 (paper-based) or 213 (computer-based) or 79 (Internet-based) or more in order to be considered for admission into MIAD’s programs. Also, it is the students’ responsibility to have all post-secondary education transcripts translated into English and evaluated by a certified organization at their own expense. The MIAD Office of Admissions can provide a list of translation organizations. Please note this translation process can take several weeks.

Admissions Checklist for an International Student:

• Online Application and Optional Essay
• High School/Secondary School & College Transcripts
• Portfolio Review
• Interview
• TOEFL Exam or ELS Certification
• Verification of Finances Form
• English Translation & Evaluation of all Post-Secondary Transcripts

To be considered for admission as a degree-seeking student you must complete and/or submit the following to the MIAD Office of Admissions:

 Online Application and Optional Essay
Submit the completed online application form and an optional essay. The optional essay is a chance for you to tell us about yourself, or to upload an artist or designer statement. While not required, we encourage all applicants to use the essay as a way to introduce yourself, and let us know why you’re interested in pursuing a MIAD education. There is no fee for online applications.

Transcripts
Ask your high school/secondary and all post-secondary institutions attended to send an official copy of your transcripts to the MIAD Office of Admissions. For a transcript to be considered official it must be mailed from one educational facility to another. Students currently in high school must contact their high school again after graduation to forward a final official transcript indicating your senior year grades and confirming your graduation. If you received a high school equivalency, request your GED scores be sent from your State Board of Education. If you have earned a Bachelors Degree, you don’t need to send us a copy of your high school transcript. Instead you will need to submit a final transcript from the college where you earned your degree.

Portfolio of Original Artwork
A portfolio evaluation is required for all degree-seeking admissions candidates. The portfolio is one of the most important requirements in the admissions decision, and should contain 15-20 pieces of your strongest work. Your artwork reflects your visual sensitivity, your intellectual curiosity and creativity, your motivation, self-discipline and previous experience in the visual arts.

Interview
For international students, interviews may be conducted in-person, via phone, or at times via email depending on the applicant’s unique situation. MIAD’s Office of Admissions works with each applicant to determine the best option for conducting the interview.  

TOEFL or ELS Certification
In addition, international students must speak English and are required to submit TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) scores of 550 (paper-based) or 213 (computer-based) or 79 (Internet-based test) or more in order to be considered for admission into MIAD’s programs. Students may also be pursuing or hold ELS certification to apply for admissions to MIAD.

English Translation & Evaluation of all Post-Secondary Transcripts
Also, it is the students’ responsibility to have all post-secondary education transcripts translated into English and evaluated by a certified organization at their own expense. The MIAD Office of Admissions can provide a list of translation organizations. Please note this translation process can take several weeks.

Verification of Finances Form
International applicants should make realistic financial plans for proposed study in the United States. A notarized statement of funds available to support the duration of study at MIAD will be required. The Verification of Finances Form will be sent to the student upon receipt of the application for admissions. (Annual expenses for international students typically run $1500 higher than for domestic students due to travel costs.) Upon receiving all required application materials and a non-refundable $500 tuition deposit, MIAD will issue a United States Department of Immigration and Naturalization Service Form I-20.

I-20 Form
Before an international student can obtain an F-1 visa to travel to the United States, he or she must have a letter of acceptance from MIAD and the completed Form I-20 from MIAD. Students should make certain their passports and visas are in order before coming to the United States. It is advisable for international students to apply at least one year prior to the beginning of the school term during which they intend to study.

Insurance
MIAD requires all international students to have health insurance coverage. Proof of coverage must be provided prior to arrival. Any student who does not have health insurance coverage will automatically be enrolled in the student health insurance program offered to all MIAD students. International student visa applications are processed through an INS system called SEVIS. SEVIS is an interactive up-to-date database that tracks personal and academic information on non-immigrant students. To ensure that international students do not jeopardize their visa status, international students are required to attend a special orientation held by the International Programs Office regarding SEVIS requirements.

Employment
Employment for international students cannot be arranged during a student’s first calendar year in the United States under F-1 visa status. It is therefore unrealistic for international students to anticipate income from part-time work during the first year.