Students from around the world come to AMDA each year with a shared passion to excel and a common aspiration to become the leading artists of their generation. Our AMDA community is made up of diverse students and alumni who represent more than 80 countries. We welcome and embrace cultural diversity on both our Los Angeles and New York City campuses and online. Rest assured that your time at AMDA will be a transformative experience!
International
AMDA offers international student scholarships and grants. However, these cannot be offered until you have been accepted, so it is important to provide all required documents in a timely fashion.
In addition to the admission requirements for each undergraduate or graduate program, international students must complete the following additional requirements:
To be considered for admission to AMDA's programs, you will need to submit your academic records (transcripts).
AMDA requires official academic transcripts (in English) from all secondary and post-secondary institutions you have attended which should include your date of graduation and a calculated U.S. GPA (Grade Point Average). A minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale (or its equivalent) is required for all programs.
If your academic transcripts use a U.S. grading system, you may submit using one of the options below. Academic transcripts are only considered official if sent directly by the institution using one of the following methods:
Electronically through one of these options:
Email from school official to docs@amda.edu
Common App
National Student Clearinghouse
SCOIR
eSCRIP-SAFE
ScribOrder e-Transcripts
By Mail via registered mail or courier to the address provided:
AMDA-Records Department
211 W 61 St Street
New York, NY 10023
If your academic transcripts use a grading system different from the U.S., you will need to have them evaluated by a NACES-approved credential evaluation agency. Some recommended agencies include IEE, TEC, GCEU, IERF, WES, and ECE.
If you choose International Education Evaluations (IEE) to do your evaluation, please use the IEE Application for AMDA
If you choose The Evaluation Company (TEC) to do your evaluation, please use the TEC Application For AMDA
If you choose ECE to do your evaluation, please use the ECE Application for AMDA (NY) or the ECE Application for AMDA (LA) depending on which campus you plan to attend.
The evaluation MUST include a course-by-course breakdown, verification of completion, graduation date, and a calculated U.S. GPA equivalent.
Note: You will be responsible for any fees associated with these services.
Translated unofficial academic transcripts can be submitted by email to docs@amda.edu to expedite your application review.
However, any offer of admission will be conditional upon receiving and verifying your final official transcripts & evaluations later.
The ability to communicate fluently in English is essential to academic success at AMDA: all courses are taught in English and AMDA doesn't offer English language training. If English isn't your native language, you will need to demonstrate proficiency through one of the following options:
Test results must be completed within two years of application and sent directly to AMDA from one of the approved testing services below.
Test Name | Minimum Score |
|---|---|
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) | 70 iBT |
International English Language Testing System (IELTS): (Academic Test) | 6.0 |
Duolingo English Test | 95 |
Cambridge English Language Assessment | B2 |
Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) | 50 |
ACT: English | 20 |
SAT: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing | 550 |
International Baccalaureate Assessment: (English Language B) | 5 - Higher Level (HL) |
Completion of an ESL program at a partnered institution or another accredited ESL pathway program*. AMDA's degree programs require the successful completion of a “High Advanced” level of ESL training for academic purposes.
*Important note: All independent ESL pathway programs must be accredited by the Commission on English Language Accreditation (CEA) or by the American Council of Continuing Education and Training (ACCET). This does not apply to ESL programs affiliated with regionally or nationally accredited institutions of higher education.
A high school diploma from a four-year U.S. high school (with a letter verifying graduation without ESL support) - GEDs not accepted.
A transferable non-ESL English composition course (completed with a "C" or better) from a regionally/nationally accredited U.S. college/university.
An associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree from a U.S. institution (domestic or overseas campus).
Contact your advisor for any questions about proficiency exams or documentation not listed here.
To be considered for admission to AMDA's Graduate Degree programs, please submit transcripts (in English) for completed undergraduate degree and any graduate coursework attempted or completed. The minimum grade point average (GPA) expected for AMDA's graduate programs is 3.0 out of 4.0 or its equivalent in other grading systems.
If your academic transcripts use a U.S. grading system, you may submit using one of the options below. Academic transcripts are only considered official if sent directly by the institution using one of the following methods:
Electronically through one of these options:
Email from school official to docs@amda.edu
Common App
National Student Clearinghouse
SCOIR
eSCRIP-SAFE
ScribOrder e-Transcripts
By Mail via registered mail or courier to the address provided:
AMDA-Records Department
211 W 61 St Street
New York, NY 10023
If your academic transcripts use a grading system different from the U.S., you will need to have them evaluated by a NACES-approved credential evaluation agency. Some recommended agencies include IEE, Spantran, GCEU, IERF, WES, and ECE.
If you choose International Education Evaluations (IEE) to do your evaluation, please use the IEE Application for AMDA
If you choose Spantran to do your evaluation, please use the Spantran Application For AMDA
If you choose ECE to do your evaluation, please use the ECE Application for AMDA (NY) or the ECE Application for AMDA (LA) depending on which campus you plan to attend.
The evaluation MUST include a course-by-course breakdown, verification of completion, graduation date, and a calculated U.S. GPA equivalent.
Note: You will be responsible for any fees associated with these services.
The ability to communicate fluently in English is essential to academic success at AMDA: all courses are taught in English and AMDA doesn't offer English language training. If English isn't your native language, you will need to demonstrate proficiency through one of the following options:
Test results must be completed within two years of application and sent directly to AMDA from one of the approved testing services below.
Test Name | Minimum Score |
|---|---|
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) | 80 iBT |
International English Language Testing System (IELTS): (Academic Test) | 6.5 |
Duolingo English Test | 105 |
Cambridge English Language Assessment | C1 |
Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) | 60 |
ACT: English | 20 |
Completion of an ESL program at a partnered institution or another accredited ESL pathway program*. AMDA's degree programs require the successful completion of a “High Advanced” level of ESL training for academic purposes.
*Important note: All independent ESL pathway programs must be accredited by the Commission on English Language Accreditation (CEA) or by the American Council of Continuing Education and Training (ACCET). This does not apply to ESL programs affiliated with regionally or nationally accredited institutions of higher education.
Contact your advisor for any questions about proficiency exams or documentation not listed here.
Special Events
For prospective international students to learn more about AMDA, we offer unique virtual engagement events. You may choose from two options: Virtual Information Sessions or One-on-One Consultations.
Coming to America
In order to apply for the F-1 student visa from the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country, you will need a valid Form I-20 issued by AMDA. In order to eventually receive an AMDA I-20, you must complete the I-20 application form and provide all required information and supporting documents requested. A critical part of the application is providing original and certified translations of documents (if not in English) proving that you or your parents/sponsors have the monetary funds to support your education at AMDA, including living expenses. Funding for the first year must be in cash or other liquid funds. Funding sources for all additional years of study must be identified and proven.
The I-20 application should not be submitted until the following have been completed:
Received an Acceptance letter from AMDA
Indicated that you will be attending AMDA
Paid the program and housing deposit
Accepted the AMDA payment plan
Provided supporting documents proving financial ability
The more complete and the sooner this information is received by AMDA, the quicker the I-20 can be issued.
Depending on your country of citizenship, the F-1 visa application process at the U.S. embassy/consulate may take some time. The moment you receive your I-20 from AMDA, you should immediately apply for a multiple-entry F-1 student visa. Please see additional information from the U.S. Department of State. Please watch a video on the F-1 student visa process, produced by EducationUSA, to be better prepared. Note that Canadian citizens do not need an F-1 visa to enter the U.S. but they still need to obtain an AMDA I-20 and pay the SEVIS I-901 fee.
The F-1 visa, stamped on your passport, is your invitation to visit the U.S. The visa, together with the Form I-20 must be presented to the Customs & Border Protection Officer at the port of entry. To maintain your student status and keep your I-20 valid, you must be enrolled in full time study at AMDA for the duration of your program. Other requirements will be explained to you by your International Student Advisor upon arrival at AMDA. Even if you already have a visa, you may enter the U.S. not earlier than 30 days before Orientation week. After graduation, you may stay up to 60 days to prepare for departure, unless you have been approved for Optional Practical Training (OPT) or you have been admitted to another SEVP-authorized school.
For a list of possible questions you might be asked during your F-1 student visa interview, please visit International Student. You need to be prepared to answer these questions in English in a brief, concise and coherent manner.
AMDA has put together a list of frequently asked questions (FAQ) for our international students. If you still have questions, please email AdmissionsTeam@amda.edu or call +1 323-490-1284.
"International students" are those students who require an F-1 nonimmigrant visa classification to study in the U.S. You cannot study on the B-1/B-2 Tourist Visa. Legal permanent residents of the United States, residents of U.S. territories, and naturalized citizens are not considered international students.
Yes. International Baccalaureate (IB) courses may be evaluated for potential transfer credit by submitting an official academic record (transcripts) to AMDA. Only IB courses with HIGH LEVEL (HL) designation and assessment score of 5 and above may be considered for transfer. Approved transfer credit may be used to satisfy only the General Education requirements for Undergraduate programs. Courses listed under the category of Standard Level (SL) will not be considered for evaluation.
Please visit Cambridge Assessment English, ELASH 2 (for Latin America and the Caribbean), IELTS, or TOEFL for information about testing sites around the world.
For a list of possible questions you might be asked during your F-1 student visa interview, please visit International Student. You need to be prepared to answer these questions in English in a brief, concise and coherent manner.
Yes, there will be a specific International Student overview during orientation. For details, please visit our Orientation page.
Yes. As an international student, you are eligible for an AMDA scholarship. Scholarships can range up to $20,000 per year based on the results of your application and creative works.
Research what scholarships outside of AMDA are available to you. Contact your Ministry of Education, Ministry of Culture, or your country's equivalent of a National Arts Council to see if AMDA is approved to receive funds on your behalf for your studies. In some countries, banks provide low interest education loans for students planning to study in the U.S. Here are other resources for potential scholarships:
FASTWEB, The Institute of International Education, Rotary International, and NAFSA: Association of International Educators.
There are special search engines that help students find and/or apply for scholarships. Be very careful before providing any confidential information on the internet. Research the organization or company that is promoting the grant for legitimacy before proceeding.
A loan from a U.S. bank is an option to cover your remaining balance. However, such loans require a cosigner willing to assist you. A cosigner may be a relative, friend, or personal contact, who is a U.S. citizen. Such loans are credit-based and not guaranteed. More information can be viewed on the Financial Aid & Scholarships page.
Yes, international students may apply for these positions without additional approval from the USCIS. During orientation, you will be given information about on-campus work-study. International students are not allowed to work off-campus.
Optional Practical Training is a benefit attached to the F-1 visa. If granted approval by the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS), F-1 students may remain in the U.S. for an additional year after graduation in order to receive practical training to complement classroom education. Employment must be related to the student's program of study. Prior financial planning for the one-year OPT period is recommended: approximately $15,000 to $18,000 to cover living expenses.
Each campus has a dedicated International Student Advisor (ISA)/Designated School Official (DSO). During international student orientation, the ISA/DSO will explain immigration regulations and your reporting responsibilities as an F-1 student. Your ISA maintains office hours to address your questions and concerns, as well as assist in the day-to-day lifestyle changes you may face as a student in a new culture. Your advisor can explain processes and etiquette in the U.S. educational system and direct you to other campus representatives that can appropriately advise and/or assist you.
AMDA offers Student Housing at both campuses. AMDA Housing provides conveniently located community living. You will receive instructions for making your housing arrangements upon confirmation of your enrollment to AMDA. To indicate interest, a housing deposit is required, which can be paid at the same time as your program deposit.