International

SCAD students choose from more than 40 degree programs and nearly 60 minors to customize an unparalleled art and design education that suits their creative talents. About 15 percent of SCAD students are international, and they represent more than 100 countries-China, South Korea, Taiwan, India and Colombia, to name just a few. Through a variety of resources offered to international students and a focus on global industry partnerships, SCAD provides a vibrant, international university environment.
 

SCAD welcomes students from throughout the world. International applicants should adhere to requirements relevant to first-year freshman, undergraduate transfer, or graduate applicants. SCAD is authorized under federal law to enroll nonimmigrant international students who show evidence of proficiency in the English language and who certify means of financial support for their studies. Documentation of financial support for the first year is required for SCAD to begin the process for an international applicant to obtain a visa. Submission of official certification of sources and funds at the time of application is strongly encouraged and may expedite the visa process. SCAD eLearning applicants residing outside the United States are not required to submit certification of sources and funds.

Although international students are not eligible to receive federal or state financial aid, all admitted students are automatically considered for institutional scholarships. These funds are limited and are awarded to the earliest qualifiers.

SCAD reserves the right to verify all documents submitted in application for admission. Any falsification of admission documents or portfolio or audition materials constitutes grounds for termination of application procedures or dismissal from SCAD. Permanent residents must submit proof of legal residency such as a copy of a resident alien card. A copy of the first page of each international applicant's passport is requested, though not required. A copy of the first page of the passport for any dependent accompanying the international applicant also is requested. These documents are used to verify correct spelling of names, correct birth dates, and other information vital to student registration.

In order to protect students from unexpected costs of health care, SCAD requires all enrolled international students on F-1 visas to have adequate medical insurance. These students must enroll in the SCAD international health insurance plan and the charges are automatically added to the student account. The 2011-12 fee for health insurance is US$1,092 per year (including coverage and administrative fees) for F-1 students studying at U.S. SCAD locations; and US$80 per quarter for students studying at SCAD Hong Kong who are not right to abode or Hong Kong citizens. Exemptions may be granted for students who are already covered under certain government- or embassy-sponsored plans.

 

• Undergraduate admission requirements
• Transfer admission requirements
• Graduate admission requirements

 

English is the language of instruction for all courses. An acceptable score on the TOEFL, IELTS, ACTFL or SAT is required for admission if English is not the student's first language.* For students whose native language is English, or whose academic transcripts show extensive study in an institution in which English is the language of instruction, no additional proof of English proficiency is required for admission but applicants may be asked to take an English proficiency test upon enrollment at the university.

All new international students who have not been granted a waiver from ESL are required to take an English language proficiency test upon arrival at SCAD. Students are placed in the appropriate level of English as a Second Language, as determined by their scores on the test. ESL classes focus on oral fluency, listening and reading comprehension, grammatical accuracy, and formal and informal writing. Students wishing only to take ESL courses must submit a separate application form and should contact the admission office for information.
  

*  Minimum acceptable scores include 50 on the Internet-based TOEFL; 4.5 on the IELTS; intermediate low-, novice high-, mid- and low-proficiency on the ACTFL writing proficiency test.

• About ESL
• Apply to the ESL Program
  
• ESL courses
• ESL instructors
• ESL waiver
• TOEFL (SCAD Code: 5631)
  
• IELTS
• ACTFL

 

International students on F-1 visas attending SCAD within the United States must follow the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services rules pertaining to online courses. The rules, which are outlined on Page 2 of the SEVLS I-20, include the following regarding registration in online coursework: Registration in an online course is allowed, but 50 percent or more of classes taken in a quarter must be in a classroom (not online). Typically, this means international students could take only one online course out of a total of three courses. For more information on this or other academic matters related to international status, students should contact SCAD's international student services office.

 

Are there application deadlines? When will I know if my application has been accepted?
Application materials are due at least 30 days prior to the start of the quarter in which the student intends to enroll. The Admission Review Committee may make a decision on your application as soon as all the required information is received. For SCAD Savannah and SCAD Atlanta students, an I-20 application for a student visa may be issued only after a student has been accepted and has provided the required certification of financial support. SCAD Hong Kong students may begin the visa application process after receiving acceptance to SCAD. New students may enter at the beginning of any quarter, although graduate students are strongly encouraged to begin their studies in the fall quarter.

Can I receive financial aid or scholarships?
Because of U.S. government restrictions, international students are not eligible for U.S. financial aid in the form of personal grants, loans, or work-study funds; but university-funded work-study jobs are available at some locations. SCAD offers some scholarships for international students; however, these do not fully cover the cost of tuition or living expenses. International students must have sufficient financial resources for the full course of study. The Student Financial Assistance Agency of Hong Kong covers certain types of financial aid for eligible Hong Kong residents including the Non-means-tested Loan Scheme (NLS) and Student Travel Subsidy Scheme.

Can I take English classes at SCAD?
English is the official language of instruction at all SCAD locations. English as a Second Language classes are offered in Savannah or Atlanta and online through eLearning to assist students in becoming more fluent in English. ESL courses focus on the verbal and written skills necessary for success at SCAD and in a career. Required participation in ESL classes is determined by the ESL faculty based on results of the English placement test administered at the time of enrollment to all international students whose first language is not English.

Students who have applied to a degree program at SCAD do not need to apply to the ESL program.

How do I apply for a scholarship or fellowship?
Applicants are automatically reviewed for scholarship eligibility based on materials submitted. Scholarships and fellowships are awarded to accepted international students based on academic and/or artistic achievement.

How do I get transfer credit at SCAD?
Transfer credit may be awarded to students who have already completed college-level courses. Credit is awarded only from accredited institutions or institutions recognized by the Ministry of Education or equivalent agency in the student's home country.

The university awards a maximum of two years worth of transfer credits to a student. Students must submit their academic transcripts for a transfer credit review. To ensure that the maximum amount is awarded, it is recommended that students include course descriptions and syllabi from all classes they wish to transfer. Additionally, a portfolio review may be required to award transfer credit for drawing, painting or other studio coursework.

How can I obtain information about the TOEFL, IELTS or ACTFL examination?
Information regarding these examinations, including testing dates and fees, is available online. When you take the test, request that your score be sent directly to SCAD. SCAD's TOEFL institution code is 5631.

• TOEFL
  
• IELTS
• ACTFL

 
What is the climate like at SCAD?
In Savannah, winter temperatures average 49 degrees Fahrenheit, summer temperatures average 82 degrees and average rainfall is 49 inches. In Atlanta, winter temperatures average 41 degrees Fahrenheit, summer temperatures average 79 degrees and average rainfall is 51 inches. In Hong Kong, winter temperatures average 60 degrees Fahrenheit, summer temperatures average 90 degrees and average rainfall is 94 inches.