FAQ

How many International Students attend CalArts?

International students comprise approximately 11% of the student body at CalArts, with about 32 countries represented.  Some of the countries represented are: Korea 39%, Canada 8%, Japan 5%, and Mexico 3%.

If I transfer from another university in my home country, will my credits count at CalArts?

Most courses taken at a government recognized College or University will transfer to CalArts. If you are applying to an MFA program and have completed a three year Bachelor Degree, your degree may not be equivalent to a US Bachelor Degree. Original academic transcripts must be reviewed to determine your exact year level.

My transcripts are not in English and I only can get one copy. Can I send a photocopy of what I have?

CalArts does not accept photocopies of transcripts unless it is a certified, official transcript, signed by a Public Notary. All transcripts must be translated into English by an official, certified translator. Self-translations are not acceptable.

As an international student, am I eligible to receive financial aid?

International students are eligible for institutional funds; however, funds are limited and awarding is very competitive. Most CalArts Scholarships do not cover a student’s entire tuition. All awards are based on merit. In order to be considered for CalArts funds, you must complete the International Student Financial Aid Application. You may download the application at: http://calarts.edu/financialaid/internationalstudents

 It is also wise to contact your local government agencies for government-sponsored scholarship or grant programs and government educational loans. You should also visit the International Education Financial Aid Web site, a searchable database of scholarships specifically for international student: http://www.iefa.org/

If I studied in the US for two years or more, do I have to take the TOEFL?

In general, students who have studied at an English speaking institution for two or more years at the time of application do not need to submit a TOEFL score.  However, CalArts reserves the right to ask you to take the TOEFL at any point during the application process if we feel your language skills may impede your progress in your course of study.

What is the TOEFL score requirement and what is the 4-digit “school code” for sending the score?

CalArts requires a score of 80 IBT (Internet Based Test) for undergraduate admission. For graduate admission, the score requirement is 100 IBT.  The computer based (CBT), and paper based (PBT) versions of the TOEFL are no longer being considered. The only exception to this is if the IBT TOEFL is not available in the country you are applying from. Our “school code” which ETS will request for sending a score, is 4049. The “department code” can be left blank.

I plan to take the TOEFL in the next coming weeks, but my score will not reach CalArts until after the January deadline. Will my application still be considered?

CalArts will not be able to review your application until your TOEFL score arrives. Applicants who have not submitted a TOEFL score by the deadline will be reviewed on a space available basis. If the program you have applied to becomes full before the score arrives, your application may not be considered.

I have taken the TOEFL but the score is lower than your requirement. Will my application be considered?

Yes, CalArts will consider a low TOEFL score, however we will not consider your application if you do not send any score at all. Please be aware that if you have a low score, CalArts may request that you take the test again. For this reason we recommend that those of you with low scores continue to study for the TOEFL , and sign up for the next available test date as soon as possible.

When do I need to submit the Declaration of Finances? Will my application be considered without this?

Although the Declaration of Finances form will be sent to you as soon as you apply, it is not necessary to submit the form until after you have been accepted.  The reason we send the form early on is to give you plenty of time to prepare the necessary funds in the event of your acceptance.

I know the Declaration of Finances requires that I show $50,000 in support.  I only have $30,000 to declare.  Can I get a job when I get to the US to pay for my living expenses?  Can I count this potential income towards the $50,000?

USCIS guidelines do not authorize students with an F-1 visa to work off campus.  There are limited on campus jobs for a maximum or 20 hours a week, but these jobs cannot serve as a guarantee of self-support.  

I have been accepted to CalArts. When will the International Student Advisor send me my I-20?

The earliest that an F-1 visa can be granted is 90 days before the first day of school. Applicants for the fall semester generally will receive their I-20 in late May or early June, provided that the student’s file is complete.

I have been accepted for the fall semester.  When do I need to start looking for housing?

New student housing applications become available May 1 of each academic year.  Campus housing is granted on a first come first serve basis and students are advised to return their applications as soon as possible. All students seeking on-campus housing should request a housing application directly from the housing office:

California Institute of the Arts

Attn: Housing Office

24700 McBean
Parkway

Valencia,
CA 91355

Tel: 661-253-7897

Fax: 661-255-2758

International students are strongly recommended to obtain on-campus housing for their first year. Obtaining off campus housing while you are outside the country is virtually impossible, and most off campus housing would require the use of a car.  Please check the Student Affairs website for listings of available housing in the area.