International Student Services

Frequently Asked Questions

See the college catalog or online admission information for details about admission policies and procedures.

Are there application deadlines?
When will I know if my application has been accepted?
The Savannah College of Art and Design accepts applications on a rolling basis; new students may enter any quarter. To ensure priority and adequate time for processing, early application is encouraged. See the suggested timeline for admission.

An I-20 application for a student visa may be issued only after a student has been accepted. 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 United States government restrictions, international students are not eligible for U.S. financial aid in the form of personal grants, loans, or work study funds; but college-funded work study jobs are available. SCAD offers some scholarships and fellowships 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.

Can I take English classes at SCAD?
English as a Second Language classes are offered to assist students in becoming more fluent in English. ESL courses focus on the verbal and written skills necessary for success in college and in a career. Required participation in ESL classes is determined by the ESL faculty based on results of the English placement test given 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. Students who wish to apply only to the ESL program should complete the ESL program application.
 
How do I apply for a scholarship or fellowship?
Scholarship and fellowships are awarded to accepted international students based on academic and/or artistic achievement. A portfolio of 10–20 examples of your work (photographs or slides) should be included for studio majors, video tapes for media and performing arts majors, or research papers for art history, architectural history, cinema studies or historic preservation majors. Scholarships and fellowships are highly competitive; early application is advised.
 
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 in the student’s home country.

The college 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 syllabuses 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 examination?
Copies of the TOEFL bulletin are usually available at United States educational commissions and foundations, United States Information Service offices, binational centers, and private organizations, such as the Institute of International Education. If you are unable to obtain a bulletin locally, you should request one from the Educational Testing Service:

TOEFL/TSE Publications
P.O. Box 6154
Princeton, NJ 08541-6154 USA
Phone: 609.771.1100
Fax: 609.771.7681
www.toefl.org

SCAD TOEFL requirements

When you take the test, be sure to request that your score be sent directly to SCAD. The SCAD institution code is 5631.

How can I contact SCAD if I have questions about my application?
The international admission office is happy to answer any questions about the application process Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. EST. Correspondence should be directed to:

International Admission
Savannah College of Art and Design
International Admission
P.O. Box 77300
Atlanta, GA 30357-1300 USA
Phone: 404.253.2700
Fax: 404.253.3466 (Indicate your fax number as well.)
E-mail: scadatl@scad.edu