If I’m accepted to the Museum School, what type of visa am I eligible to receive?
International applicants to the Museum School are eligible to receive an F-1 Visa. An F-1 Visa is a non-immigrant visa issued for temporary admittance to the United States for the sole purpose of pursuing a full course of study toward a specific educational or professional objective at an approved academic institution.

Can I study part-time?
No. United States immigration regulations mandate that F-1 Visa holders must be enrolled in a full-time course of study for the duration of their stay in the U.S. Only under very special circumstances are F-1 Visa holders permitted to study less than full-time.

Can I apply for a Merit Scholarship?
Yes, international students are eligible to receive a Merit Scholarship. All undergraduate applications that are complete and received in the Admissions Office by March 1^st are automatically considered for a Merit Scholarship. Merit awards are based solely upon the student’s portfolio. More…

What is the required TOEFL score?
In order to be accepted into any program of study at the Museum School, you must have a minimum TOEFL score of 550 on the paper-based test, 213 on the computer-based test or 79 on the internet-based test. The TOEFL requirement is waived for any international student who has completed two or more years of study at an accredited English-speaking institution.

What is a Statement of Financial Ability?
A Statement of Financial Ability is a document, or a set of documents, showing that you have the financial resources necessary to attend the Museum School for at least one full year (totaling about $46,000 USD). The financial statement is required before the SMFA can issue a Form I-20 for the student. You will also need to show the documents when you apply for the F-1 Visa. Funding may come from private bank accounts, private/government aid, grants, or any scholarships that you have been awarded. It is critical that you submit original documents (officially translated, if necessary) in order to prove each source of funding.

Do my application materials (such as my transcripts, letters of recommendation, immunization records, statements of financial eligibility, etc.) need to be translated?
All application materials sent to the Museum School must be official copies in English. If any of your official materials are not in English, you must submit the original document along with an officially translated copy.

Can I work while I am a student at the Museum School?
Students on an F-1 Visa may work on-campus up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and 40 hours per week during breaks and holidays. Off-campus employment opportunities for F-1 students are very limited. However, after an F-1 student has been in F-1 status for one full academic year, he or she may be eligible for certain benefits that would allow off-campus employment that is related to the student’s field of study. All international students who wish to obtain employment should first speak with the School’s International Student Advisor in the Student Affairs Office to determine eligibility.

After graduation, can I stay in the United States?
Upon completion of studies, an F-1 student is granted a 60-day grace period in which to prepare for departure from the U.S. or to transfer to another program of study. F-1 students may also be eligible to remain in the country and seek employment in their field of study for up to 12 months through a benefit called Optional Practical Training.