Admission

SCAD is committed to the pursuit of excellence and welcomes applicants from the United States and abroad who have the same high standards. SCAD maintains selective admission policies, accounting for a student body that is enthusiastic about the programs of study and capable of advancing rapidly. Applicants who meet or exceed the minimum admission requirements are not guaranteed admission.

New students may enter fall (September), winter (January), spring (March) or summer (June), although most students begin in September. Summer course offerings may be limited. Online applications are preferred. Applicants also may download, complete and send the application with fee to the appropriate mailing address.*

All admitted students are automatically considered for institutional scholarships. These funds are limited and are awarded to the earliest qualifiers based on materials submitted for review. All students are encouraged to submit supplementary materials to enhance their application for admission and for scholarship consideration.

As soon as all application materials are received, the Admission Review Committee considers the applicant's qualifications and renders an admission decision. The applicant is notified immediately.

Admission is selective and early application is encouraged. Applications for admission are accepted at any time of year and must be received at least 30 days prior to the intended quarter of entry. Students needing a visa are encouraged to apply for admission at least 90 days prior to the intended quarter of entry.

Students applying for U.S. federal or state financial aid should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid online and use the SCAD code of 015022. These students also should complete the SCAD application for admission and submit all financial aid information at least 60 days prior to the intended entry term. Otherwise, these students should be prepared to pay first-quarter tuition, room and board through personal funds, as processing of federal or state monies may not be completed until after enrollment.

The administrative unit responsible for undergraduate, transfer and graduate admission decisions is the Admission Review Committee, which consists of enrollment management staff and administrators. Faculty members in the intended area of study also participate in review of applicants for graduate programs. The committee meets regularly to review applications and to render admission decisions on completed application files.

Exceptions to the general rules of admission may be made for applicants of unusual motivation and ability. Application materials cannot be returned.

SCAD reserves the right to verify all documents submitted in application for admission. Any falsification of admission documents, 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 the resident alien card.

Students planning to attend a SCAD location in a country where citizenship or permanent residency is not already established may need to apply for a student visa. Information is provided during the admission process.

* As a private institution, SCAD is not part of Hong Kong's Joint University Programmes Admission System (JUPAS). Students must apply for consideration for acceptance by completing a SCAD admission application and all other requirements.