You're in good company
Some of the worlds most talented, ambitious and hard working students have chosen RIT. Students of all cultures and backgrounds, from 50 states and more than 100 countries, find that RIT offers a productive environment for intellectual and personal development. RIT is committed to diversity, and we seek a diverse population of students. It is typical for more than one fifth of our entering freshman to come from minority or international student groups each year.

Our staff members are interested in helping you pursue your education at RIT. Here are some questions we frequently receive from students and their families:

• Am I considered an international applicant?
• When should I apply for admission?
• How do I apply for admission?
• What exams do I need to take?
• How can I qualify for scholarships or financial assistance?
• What do I need to do to receive an I-20 to apply for a student visa?
• What do Canadian applicants need to know?
• What resources are available for International Students?
• Once at RIT, who will help me on things like immigration, cultural, academic and personal matters?

You should apply as an international student if you need a visa in order to study or live in the United States. If you are a US citizen, dual US citizen or permanent resident of the US, you are not considered an international applicant.

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When should I apply for admission?

International applications are considered on a rolling basis. However, it is best to apply well in advance of the quarter you are interested in beginning your studies. It is recommended you apply:

• by February 1st for fall quarter (August/September)
• by July 1st for winter quarter (November/December)
• by December 1st for spring quarter (March)
• by January 1st for summer quarter (June)

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How do I apply for admission?

• Complete RIT's online application OR send in the International Application for Admission

• An application fee of $USD 50

• Send originals or certified copies of all academic documents (transcripts, mark sheets, degree certificates, diplomas, examination results such as the SAT, ACT, TOEFL, IELTS)

• Send a declaration of financial support (a letter from your sponsor indicating the actual amount available for your support in US dollars AND an original bank statement showing exact dollar amounts available which should be at least $27,000 US, although $37,000 is recommended)

• Applicants who have already enrolled in a college/university/polytechnic are considered transfer applicants and must send official transcripts or mark sheets from all post-secondary institutions attended, including “A” level results if applicable. Those who have completed less than one year of full-time university study must also submit official secondary school results. Descriptions of courses taken as found in the university catalogue must be sent (in English) to be considered for transfer credit.

• Applicants to programs in the School of Art, Design or American Crafts must submit a portfolio. Transfer applicants to the School or Photographic Arts and Sciences who have taken photography courses must also submit examples of their work through a portfolio. Click here to learn more about Portfolio guidelines.

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What exams do I need to take?

Students whose native language is not English must submit results from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). All admitted students scoring below 550 on the TOEFL will take the Michigan Test of English usage upon arrival at RIT. The results of this test will determine if English instruction for non-native speakers will be required before a student may begin academic courses.

It is highly recommended that all freshman international applicants also take the SAT or ACT. If you wish to be considered for the International Scholarship, you must submit SAT or ACT results.

Note: When completing the information for the TOEFL score report, please include RIT's institutional code of 2760 so that your scores arrive at RIT's Admissions Office.

TOEFL/IELTS is not required for applicants from the following countries (SAT/ACT is required for freshman applicants from these countries):

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How can I qualify for scholarships or financial assistance?

International scholarships will be awarded to highly qualified freshman and transfer applicants. All applicants are considered for merit scholarships, which typically range from $3,000 to $12,000 per academic year and is renewable with a 2.5 or higher RIT grade point average. Freshman international applicants are encouraged to submit SAT or ACT results. Scholarships awards are only offered upon admission to RIT.

RIT offers limited need-based scholarships for international undergraduate students. To apply, students must demonstrate financial resources of at least $27,000 USD and complete the College Board International Student Financial Aid Application.

Students who are awarded merit or need-based scholarships may use scholarships awarded as part of the documentation of support. The total support, which may include the merit or need-based scholarships if applicable, must total at least $36,000USD in order for RIT to issue the I-20 or DS-2019 forms necessary to apply for a student visa.

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What do I need to do to receive an I-20 to apply for a student visa?

If you have completed your most recent studies outside of the US and have demonstrated adequate resources to cover the entire cost of attending RIT for one year, an I-20 will be sent with your acceptance letter.

If you will begin your studies at RIT within 5 months of attending a US secondary school, college or university, you will be asked to complete a SEVIS Transfer form with the assistance of your International Counselor. This form will be mailed to you following receipt of your acceptance letter.

Once we receive the SEVIS Transfer form, an acceptable Declaration of Financial Support, and you have sent RIT a non-refundable $300 enrollment deposit, your SEVIS record will be transferred from your previous school to RIT and an I-20 will be sent to you.

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What do Canadian applicants need to know?

Canadian applicants should also follow the instructions above. However, Canadian applicants can apply for other forms of need-based financial aid (grants and work study) offered by RIT. It is not necessary for Canadian applicants to submit a Declaration of Financial support with their initial application. Upon acceptance, a Financial Aid application will be sent to you. Once this is completed and returned to RIT, you will be considered for financial aid. Once your financial aid package has been awarded, you will need to submit a Declaration of Financial Support (see above) for the difference between the total cost of attendance for one year and your financial aid award. Once this financial documentation has been provided, an I-20 will be issued to you.

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What resources are available for International Students?

• International Student Services
• English Language Center

Educational Advising Centers are available throughout the world to assist you with the application process, to help prepare you for standardized tests, and to address your questions about studying in another country.

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If you have already submitted your application and have specific questions, please contact an International Admissions Counselor.