Admissions

International Admissions

Start Creating On Day One.

At the Academy, you don’t wait to start your creative journey. You jump in. Sketching. Shaping. Building your future from the first day.

English fluency shouldn’t block creative fluency, which is why we don’t require any form of test score to enroll.* Our courses—online or on campus—are built for momentum, taught by working artists, and backed by support teachers who help international students break down language barriers, understand assignments, and level up their work. Taught by working artists. Backed by support teachers who help international students break down language barriers, understand assignments, and level up their work.

We offer 14 STEM-designated programs. That means you can apply for up to three years of OPT (Optional Practical Training) in the U.S., giving you more time to sharpen your skills and launch your career. You’ll explore tools like creative AI, collaborate across disciplines, and graduate with a portfolio that proves you can think critically and work professionally.

Need more language support? You’ll join our English for Art Purposes (EAP) program. You’ll learn the grammar, the vocabulary, the critique skills, and the cultural awareness you need to thrive in U.S. classrooms and studios.

* The Masters in Art Education does have a minimum score requirement. Speak to your admission’s specialist to find out more if you are choosing to pursue this degree.

Applications are currently open for all 2026 terms

  • Application close dates vary based on semester:
    • Spring 2026 – February 9th, 2026
    • Summer 2026 – June 19th, 2026
    • Fall 2026 – September 15th, 2026
    • Intersession
      • Winter Intersession 2026 – January 2nd, 2026
      • Summer Intersession 2026 – May 22nd, 2026

English For Art Purposes Classes (EAP)

This is where language meets craft.

In our focused, high-impact EAP classes, you’ll strengthen your English with one goal: to empower your creative voice. You’ll learn how to:

  • Speak up in critiques with clarity and conviction
  • Understand lectures and complex concepts
  • Build the vocabulary that drives your discipline forward

And it doesn’t stop there. After you complete EAP, free workshops in conversation and writing keep your skills sharp so your communication grows with your craft.

Learn More
International Students

STEM at ArtU

Art. Design. Tech. One future-forward education.

We offer more than 30 programs, all rooted in art, powered by design, and recognized as STEM.

At the Academy, we believe technical skill and creative thinking are equally important. Our STEM-designated degrees integrate design innovation into science, tech, and engineering, giving you a true STEAM education.

If you’re an international student on an F-1 visa, that means more than a degree. It means up to 36 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT). More time. More experience. More opportunities to turn your talent into real-world impact.

View Our STEM Degrees
Study Abroad

Apply Online or By Mail

Incoming international students can apply online or download a form (either the International Undergraduate Form or the International Graduate Form), print it, and mail it to:

Academy of Art University
Attn: International Admissions
79 New Montgomery Street
San Francisco, CA 94105

Things You’ll Need

    • Official high school transcripts and diploma
    • College transcripts (if applicable) must show the classes/subjects, grades, credits, and number of hours completed for each class

  • An official bank letter (from student, family/parents/sponsor) must show a minimum balance of $68,000 USD or equivalent. *Financial aid is not available for international students, and students should not depend on employment in the United States for financial support while attending the Academy.

  • Applicants and sponsors must complete the Affidavit of Support Form

  • All international students are required to take the TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Assessment before attending classes at the university. If you choose to take Duolingo, then you need to start an account with Duolingo, practice and take the test, and request your best score to be sent to our university. All scores/results must be received by the university two weeks before the start of the semester.

    • Step 1: Contact intladmissions@academyart.edu for your Academy of Art University Student ID number before taking the test. (The Academy will reach out to you with an invitation to take the Duolingo test.)
    • Step 2: Submit your score to Academy of Art University through Duolingo web site by clicking the “Send Score” button on your test results.
    • Photocopy of your I-20, F-1 visa, passport, EAD/OPT (if any)
    • International Student Advisor/DSO name and email

  • The registration fee is $50. The registration fee is non-refundable and non-transferrable.

    Pay the Enrollment Fee

    The enrollment fee is $100. The enrollment fee is non-refundable and non-transferrable.

    Pay the $50 Application Fee*

    We accept:

    • Payment via Flywire. To begin the payment process, visit AcademyArt.Flywire.com
    • Check or money order made payable to “Academy of Art University”
    • Visa, Mastercard, and Discover credit cards

    *The application fee is non-refundable and non-transferrable.

    Pay the International Student Services Fee*

    $300 for onsite students

    *The international student fee is non-refundable and non-transferrable.

    Pay the $2,500 Tuition Deposit

    In order to complete your application please submit these requirements. These requirements must be met in order for you to be registered for the first semester.

    1. You are not required to submit a language proficiency score/result to apply for an Admissions. However, we recommend you to take the Duolingo as soon as possible before arriving at the university and submit your result for English assessment.
    2. You must show a official bank letter showing that you have the necessary funds to go to school and live in San Francisco California. As an international student you must show proof of at least $68,000 USD for 1 academic year (Fall & Spring) of tuition and housing expenses.
    3. You must submit an original transcript showing proof of your graduation from secondary school, and if applying to the graduate school, proof of a Bachelors Degree or the equivalent.
    4. You will be required to pay a refundable enrollment deposit of $2500.00 USD, to secure your place at the Academy of Art University (please pay with a credit card through http://academyart.flywire.com/. All refunds will be returned within 45 days of our receipt of a formal notice that you will not attend the Academy of Art University.

    Once these requirements have been met, you will be issued an I-20 , the document you will use to obtain a visa for entrance into the United States.

    • Undergraduate Applicants: An art portfolio is not required for admission, but it will help the admission process
    • Graduate Applicants: An art portfolio in your chosen discipline is required with detailed descriptions for all international graduate school applicants