School of Visual Arts

How to Apply

We accept 25-30 students each year and applications submitted after the deadline will be reviewed on a space-available basis.

In order to apply, applicants must complete the online application form and submit the non-refundable $80 application fee.

The following application materials are required:

Online Application

All Graduate applicants are required to complete the online application form and submit the non-refundable $80 application fee using a credit card.

Bachelor’s Degree

Official Transcripts are required from each college or university attended.

To be considered, official transcripts must be submitted in an unopened envelope that is stamped and sealed by the college registrar of the issuing institution.

Transcripts should be mailed or delivered by the applicant or university to the Graduate Admissions Office.

The School of Visual Arts now accepts secure electronic transcripts from Parchment, National Student Clearinghouse, and Scrip-Safe. Check with the registrar's office at your institution to see if your school is a member.

Important Note: Please be sure that all electronic transcript submissions are directed to Graduate Admissions

Transcripts from foreign institutions must be officially translated into English and U.S. grading equivalencies.

Applicants who have attended institutions outside of the United States must prove that their educational background is equivalent to a U.S. Bachelor’s degree. Transcripts must be evaluated by ECE or WES.

English Proficiency

In addition to the general application requirements, international applicants whose primary/native language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in written and spoken English. The following are acceptable ways to demonstrate English proficiency:

A minimum score of 70 (internet-based or paper-delivered) Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

• The CEEB code for the School of Visual Arts is 2835. This is the code that must be supplied to ETS in order to have TOEFL scores mailed to SVA
• A minimum score of 6.5 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
• IELTS is jointly managed by the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations (Cambridge ESOL), British Council, and IDP Education Australia: IELTS Australia
• A minimum score of 6 in all categories of the English proficiency examination administered by the New York University American Language Institute in New York
• A minimum score of 53 on the Pearson PTE Academic. For more information on taking the PTE

SVA will consider waiving the English proficiency exam requirement for students who have earned a degree at a regionally accredited U.S. college or university. Students seeking this waiver must submit a written request with their application materials.

Resume/CV

Applicants must submit a resume that should include professional experience as well as related activities, such as research, awards, and exhibitions.

Letters of Recommendation

Three letters of recommendation from instructors or practicing professionals. Letters of recommendation can be uploaded through the online application portal, and emailed by the recommender to Graduate Admission.

Personal Interview

Once your application has been processed you will be notified if an interview is required. Please note that not all applicants are interviewed.

This college is authorized under Federal law to enroll nonimmigrant alien students.

This information is for students who plan to enter the United States for the first time to study. If you are currently in the U.S. on an F-1 visa and have a valid I-20 issued by another school, please complete the I-20 transfer process. Further details are available at the U.S. Department of State.

Canadian citizens are required to obtain F-1 status in order to study in the U.S. legally, but they do not need to apply for a visa stamp at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. In order to obtain F-1 status, you must show the I-20 form issued by SVA, proof of SEVIS fee payment, and supporting financial documentation to the Customs and Border Protection officer at the port of entry when you enter the U.S. Do not enter the U.S. as a visitor, the Visa Waiver Program or as a B-1/B-2 Visitor because full-time study is prohibited under the visitor visa status.

Students Who are Currently in the U.S. on a F-1 Visa

If you already have a valid F-1 visa and are enrolled in another SEVP-approved institution in the U.S., you must have your I-20 sponsorship transferred to SVA.

Download the I-20 Transfer Form. Have the international student advisor at your current or previous school fill out and sign the form. Upload the completed form in the Terra Dotta Student Portal when applying for your new I-20 from SVA.

Your SEVIS record will be transferred to SVA when the release date is reached. The release date is determined by your previous school. If you have a valid F-1 status, SVA will issue the transfer I-20.

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