Maine College of Art & Design welcomes international applicants. In addition to the application process, you need to submit additional materials to support your candidacy, as well as to enroll and apply for a Student Visa.
Due to the time involved in fulfilling legal requirements, we advise you to complete your application by the earliest deadline. If offered admission, we also advise you to enroll as soon as possible. Any delays from filing errors may impact your ability to begin the program on time.
As a reminder, all currency listed on our documents and website are in US dollars.
Application
In addition to the application checklist, we ask you to have your transcripts evaluated and to demonstrate proficiency in English.
Transcripts
If you are submitting transcripts from institutions outside of the US, they need to be evaluated by a member of the National Association of Credit Evaluation Services, such as World Education Services.
All documents must be in English and converted into a 4.0 GPA scale, therefore official evaluations are required.
Demonstration of English Proficiency
You are also asked to demonstrate proficiency in written and spoken English. The following are acceptable forms of documentation and their minimum test scores, if applicable:
- Graduation from a US high school with at least two (2) years of high school English, not in conjunction with English as a Second Language (ESL), and documentation of a B average or higher.
- Completion of two (2) consecutive semesters of English Composition taken at a regionally accredited US college while carrying a full-time course load, not in conjunction with ESL. A minimum grade of B is required in each semester.
- Completion of the equivalent of two (2) years at an English speaking higher education institution and a minimum 3.0 GPA. A school official should provide a written statement that English is their primary language of instruction as documentation.
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
- Written Test: 550
- Internet Test: 79
- Pearson PTE Test: 53
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS): 6.5
- Duolingo English Test: 100
Evaluated transcripts, demonstration of English Proficiency, and other documents can be delivered electronically to GraduateAdmissions@meca.edu, or by mail to the following address:
Maine College of Art
Attn: Salt Admissions
522 Congress Street
Portland, ME 04101
United States
Enrollment
After paying the 300 USD Enrollment Fee, you need to complete a document outlining your financial resources, submit proof of the resources, and provide a scanned copy of your passport.
These documents will be used to issue your I-20 form, which you will use to apply for a Student Visa (F-1) at your local US consulate or embassy.
Declaration of Finances (DOF)
The United States Citizen and Immigration Service requires international students to demonstrate their ability to financially support themselves during their stay in the United States.
The amount declared in your DOF must be able to cover tuition, fees and living expenses for one academic year of study. The completed DOF must be dated within a year of your enrollment.
To complete your DOF requirements, please contact Associate Director of Admissions Emily Brighi at ebrighi@meca.edu.
Verification of Finances (VOF)
All funds declared on the DOF must be supported by a VOF. This can be a bank statement from your own bank account or your sponsor's bank account (e.g. your parents or your partner).
All documents must be in English and the funds declared should be in US dollars or the equivalent under current exchange rates supplied by the bank. The VOF must be dated within a year of enrollment.
Scanned Copy of Passport
For your I-20 to be processed, we need a scanned copy of your passport in color. Make sure the entire document is legible and the information matches what you provide in your DOF.
Note: if your mailing address is different from the address provided in the DOF, please let us know so we can properly mail your I-20 form.
To ensure prompt processing, please submit your DOF, VOF and scanned copy of passport to GraduateAdmissions@meca.edu.
Questions?
If you have questions about the application and enrollment process as an international applicant, you can contact our Associate Director of Admissions Emily Brighi at ebrighi@meca.edu.