International Students

We are very proud to have been ranked as the #2 fine arts graduate program in the nation by U.S. News and World Report.

We are very proud to have been ranked as the #2 fine arts graduate program in the nation by U.S. News and World Report. 

World University Rankings - Top 15

#9 school in the world for art and design

67 countries represented on campus

1213 International Students;
33% International;
67 countries represented on campus

SAIC Named the Top Producer of Fulbright Students for 2018–19

SAIC Named the Top Producer of Fulbright Students for 2018–19

2020-21 Freshman International Viewbook
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Office of Undergraduate Admissions
36 S. Wabash Ave., suite 1201
Chicago, IL 60603 
Phone: 800.232.7242 or 312.629.6100
Fax: 312.629.6101
Email: admiss@saic.edu

 

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As one of the world's most prestigious art schools, we have been welcoming international students to campus since our founding in 1866. We greatly value the diversity of opinions that students from across the globe bring to our community. International students come to SAIC to pursue their undergraduate and graduate degrees, post-baccalaureate certificates and even pre-college courses while still in high school.

SAIC defines an international student as a non-US Citizen, or non-US Permanent Green Card Holder. International students usually need an F-1 Student Visa, or J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa to study in the United States.

 

Why Choose SAIC?

  • Rankings compiled by U.S. News & World Report consistently place SAIC among the top graduate fine arts programs in the U.S.
  • SAIC has been ranked among the top three schools for Fiber Arts, Visual Communication Design, Painting and Drawing, Photography, and Sculpture
  • We were named the "most influential art school in the United States" by Columbia University's National Arts Journalism Survey.
  • The Global Language Monitor ranked SAIC as the #5 college in the U.S. This is the highest ever general college ranking for an art school.

Welcoming, Diverse and Culturally Rich

Chicago Bean and Skyline

Chicago, the United States' third largest city, is one of the most important cultural and artistic cities in the world. The School of the Art Institute is located in its vibrant downtown. You will feel right at home in a city that regularly hosts over half a million college students from around the world.

Our campus, comprised of nine buildings, is in the middle of Chicago's tourist district, just steps away from Millennium Park, miles of lakefront, the city's museums, and a luxurious stretch of shopping better known as the Magnificent Mile. 

Like many cities around the world, Chicago has an easy to navigate public transportation system that includes a subway, elevated trains, and buses that will bring you out to experience any of our 77 culturally diverse neighborhoods. Unlike U.S. coastal cities, Chicago is a very affordable place to live.

As you explore, you'll find that our city is very welcoming to young creatives through pop-up spaces, apartment galleries, and artist collectives, which often co-exist with centuries-old cultural institutions and established galleries. And, of course, as the birthplace of the skyscraper, we are known for our architecture. Beyond the arts, Chicago is a foodie's paradise, a music lover's Nirvana, and, if you don't who the Cubs and the Bars are now... you will.

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The Art Institute of Chicago is the school's museum and it holds the third largest collection of art in the world. In 2014, TripAdvisor reviewers ranked the Art Institute of Chicago as the top museum in the world.

See also: SAIC Admissions Events for all prospective students!

Mini Class for International Students: Jump Start Your Portfolio with Professor Jason Dunda

Saturday, December 19, 2020
India : 9:30am-11:30am IST
China: 12-2pm CST
Korea & Japan: 1pm-3pm KST/JST
Watch now

Do you need some inspiration and motivation to finish a few more pieces for your portfolio? Are you having creative block and need a little help to think of ideas for new artwork? Would you like to have the inside scoop to make sure you do your best work finishing your SAIC merit scholarship portfolio? Join highly acclaimed SAIC professor and multi-disciplinary artist Jason Dunda. Jason will take you behind the scenes in his and other artists’ studios to reveal how creative professionals use their research to create art. He will also reveal all the secrets of how to successfully showcase process and ideation in a successful portfolio for your SAIC application. Class will be followed by a live Q&A session with Jason and staff from the SAIC International Admissions team! Jason will also provide all participants with an optional research exercise they may complete in their own time.

India SAIC Day

Friday, October 30
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At SAIC, you won’t declare a major or have to choose a department to work in- you will start with an idea and choose from a range of media to fulfill your vision. You can combine sculpture, ceramics, and film for example, or concentrate on painting only. We know the experiences of international students and the transition for you is especially unique. Join us to hear from our Indian student community as they share their experiences on deciding to attend SAIC and what they considered before applying. You’ll also learn more about our distinct curriculum and what it means to be "interdisciplinary" from our esteemed faculty who will share their insights and more on the critique and studio environment of SAIC.
 

South Korea SAIC Day

Sunday, November 1
Watch now

At SAIC, you won’t declare a major or have to choose a department to work in- you will start with an idea and choose from a range of media to fulfill your vision. You can combine sculpture, ceramics, and film for example, or concentrate on painting only. We know the experiences of international students and the transition for you is especially unique. Join us to hear from our Korean student community and alumni as they share their experiences on deciding to attend SAIC and what they considered before applying. You’ll also learn more about our distinct curriculum and what it means to be "interdisciplinary" and more on the critique and studio environment of SAIC.

China SAIC Day

Monday, November 2
Watch now

At SAIC, you won’t declare a major or have to choose a department to work in- you will start with an idea and choose from a range of media to fulfill your vision. You can combine sculpture, ceramics, and film for example, or concentrate on painting only. We know the experiences of international students and the transition for you is especially unique. Join us to learn more about the SAIC experience as our current students share why they decided to attend SAIC and what to consider before applying. You’ll also learn more about our distinct curriculum and what it means to be "interdisciplinary" from our esteemed faculty who will share their insights and more on the critique and studio environment of SAIC.

International students are reviewed for merit-based scholarships during the admissions process. No additional application is necessary.

International students are eligible to work on-campus up to 20 hours per week during the Fall and Spring semesters, and 40 hours per week during the Summer and Winter sessions, without authorization from our International Affairs office. International students may not be employed off-campus unless authorized by an international student advisor (this includes unpaid and volunteer employment).

Students may review job listings at the careers and internships website, and apply directly to each office.

A listing of international scholarships and informational websites is available on the SAIC International Affairs website under Financial Resources.

Alternative/private loans are available to international students who can secure a co-signer who is a US Citizen or Permanent Resident and is considered creditworthy by the lender. Students may find helpful information on understanding the alternative/private loan process at finaid.org, or edupass.org. Students are encouraged to check with their home country for student loans before applying for alternative/private loans.

Our International Affairs team will help guide you through the immigration process. The two most common types of visas for our students are:

  1. The F-1 Student Visa, which is used by most students.
  2. The J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa (Student Category), which is designed for non-privately sponsored students, such as those whose funding comes from their government, the Fulbright Commission, or those who are SAIC exchange participants.

Canadian Citizens

While Canadian citizens also enter as F-1 students on SAIC-issued immigration documentation, Canadian students are exempt from the actual visa application process. 

Certificate of Eligibility (I-20)

The US government requires that all international applicants provide SAIC with evidence of your ability to pay a full year of tuition and living expenses before a Certificate of Eligibility (I-20) may be issued. To apply for your I-20, you will need to prepare the following documents:

  • Completed immigration and financial matters packet
  • Bank statement showing a full year of available funding
  • Copy of your passport biographical page
  • International declaration of intent

Learn more about immigration and visas on the International Affairs website.

The Office of International Affairs is highly experienced in supporting the needs and interests of students from diverse cultural backgrounds. We will assist you in meeting new friends, connecting to the community, and adjusting to a new culture. Our goal is to help turn Chicago and SAIC into your home.

Services we provide:

  • Orientations for new students held prior to each semester
  • Assistance with visas, pre-arrival and arrival concerns
  • Workshops on topics ranging from immigration regulations to resources for achieving academic, financial, and personal goals
  • Advice on Optional Practical Training after graduation

International Affairs
Phone: 312.629.6830
Fax: 312.629.6831
Email: intaff@saic.edu

An SAIC Early College Program student

Early College Programs at SAIC

Get a head start on your college credits or see first-hand what SAIC classes are like. Learn more about our Early College Program Online Summer Institute and Courses for High School students.

SAIC is closely monitoring the COVID-19 outbreak. While our physical offices are currently closed, our entire Admissions team is working, and ready to help you navigate your college search and selection process. Please feel free to call us at 312.629.6100, 800.232.7242, or email admiss@saic.edu with any questions you may have. SAIC is here for you!