International Admissions

From your first day as a student at the Academy, you will be immersed in art and design classes. We believe that gaining the skills you need to pursue an art and design career should not be based on how well you speak and write English.

Most of our “hands-on” on-campus and online classes—taught by working professionals—are designed to meet the needs of both native speakers and international students. To help you succeed, we place support teachers in many of our classes. Their sole function is to support our international students during and after class with help understanding concepts and ensuring homework reflects your understanding of the skills you are learning.

At the same time that you are studying art and design, we will work with you to acquire a command of written and spoken English. If needed, you will also be enrolled in our unique English For Art Purposes (EAP) program.

Applications are currently open for all 2025 & 2026 terms

Application close dates vary based on semester:
- Summer 2025 – June 21^st, 2025
- Fall 2025 – September 12^th, 2025
- Spring 2026 – February 9^th, 2026
- Summer 2026 – June 19^th, 2026
- Fall 2026 – September 15^th, 2026
- Intersession
  - Summer Intersession 2025 – May 27^th, 2025
  - Winter Intersession 2026 – January 2^nd, 2026
  - Summer Intersession 2026 – May 22^nd, 2026

English For Art Purposes Classes (EAP)

In these intimate EAP classes, you’ll study both written and spoken English, and learn to:

Express yourself clearly in critiques
Understand lectures
Improve your reading skills and vocabulary

We also offer free conversational and writing workshops after you have finished your EAP classes so that you can continue to improve your English throughout your time at the Academy.

STEM at ArtU

Academy of Art University offers over 30 STEM art and design degrees.

At the Academy, we integrate art and design thinking into all of our STEM majors to provide our students with a true STEAM (STEM + Art) education.

For international students with F-1 immigration status pursuing a STEM degree, the US offers an additional 24 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT) beyond the standard 12-month allotment.

Academy of Art University Major	Academic Degrees Offered
Advertising	BFA/MFA
Advertising & Branded Media Technology	MA
Animation & Visual Effects	BFA/MFA/MA
Architecture	BARCH/MARCH
Architectural Design	BA/MA
Communications & Media Technologies	BA/MA
Game Development	BFA/MFA/MA
Game Programming	BS
Graphic Design	BFA/MFA
Graphic Design & Digital Media	MA
Industrial Design	BFA/MFA/MA
Interior Architecture & Design	BFA/MFA/MA
Interaction & UI/UX Design	BFA/MFA/MA
Landscape Architecture	BFA/MFA/MA

Apply Online or By Mail

Incoming international students can apply online or by downloading either the International Undergraduate Form or the International Graduate Form and printing an application and mailing it to:

Academy of Art University
Attn: International Admissions

79 New Montgomery Street

San Francisco, CA 94105

DOWNLOAD UNDERGRAD INTL. APPLICATION

DOWNLOAD GRADUATE INTL. APPLICATION

Things You’ll Need…

Pay the Registration Fee

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.

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.
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 $64,000 USD for 1 academic year (Fall & Spring) of tuition and housing expenses.
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.
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.

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Adi Bhatotia - India - School of Brand Communications - Advertising

I worked in an ad agency back home for three years, and I thought, hey, I want an opportunity here in America, and San Francisco is the creative hub. My love for advertising has increased since I got to the Academy.

Subin Park - Korea - School of Brand Communications - Graphic Design

Typography, UX Design, I would recommend this school to any student studying design who wants to learn more about the real industry.

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Transfer Student Information

The Academy warmly welcomes International Students who wish to transfer into one of our 22 art and design schools. Whether you are transferring from another United States institution or an international school, the application process is simple and quick. Don’t wait to pursue your creative dreams.

Learn More

Anh Nguyen - Vietnam - School of Animation & Visual Effects

I studied 3D animation for my bachelor's and Production Management for my master's. What I like about Academy of Art is that the school provides a very special program. They create a very hands-on experience. Early on, you can work on projects that most places you couldn't work on until you finish school and start to work in a studio.

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