To apply:

1. Create an account. 

2. Fill out and submit the online application. Be sure to apply as “International Exchange” and select the appropriate academic program. 

Required application materials:

• Completed online application form
• Portfolio uploaded to SlideRoom
• Proof of English Proficiency (see below menu for more information)
• Applicants to BFA Photography & Video must also provide an artist’s statement, a statement of intent about why they wish to study abroad at SVA, and a transcript.

Complete the online application form, submit the portfolio online and submit all required documents to: 

Melinda Victoriano

Admissions

School of Visual Arts 

209 East 23 Street

New York, NY 10010

Application Deadlines

Fall Semester: May 1

Spring Semester: October 1

A portfolio of 20 images of current artwork is required for all applicants. Students are required to submit JPEGs of their work on SlideRoom. Please choose the program entitled “Exchange Program.”

A corresponding list (title, medium, date) is required and can be emailed to the Manager of SVA Global at exchange@sva.edu. 

Note that a $10 SlideRoom fee is required for this submission.

Official English proficiency exam results are required.

In addition to the general admission requirements, all international applicants whose primary/native language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in written and spoken English.

This requirement may be waived for native English speakers who are citizens of any of the following countries and attend schools where English is the primary language of instruction: England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Singapore, India, South Africa, and Common Wealth Caribbean (Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago).

Official test scores should be sent directly by the testing agency to the Admissions office. The following are acceptable ways to demonstrate English proficiency:

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL):
• Internet-based Test (IBT): A score of 80 or higher is required for consideration to our BFA Programs. 
• TOEFL IBT Home Edition: A score of 80 or higher is required for consideration to our BFA Programs.
• TOEFL Essentials Test: A score of 8.5 or higher is required for consideration to our BFA Programs
• SVA does not accept MyBEST TOEFL scores.
• SVA’s code is 2835. 
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS): A minimum score of 6.5. IELTS is jointly managed by University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations (Cambridge ESOL), the British Council, and IDP Education Australia: IELTS Australia. 
• Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency: A score of 176 or higher, earned within the last five years, is required for consideration to our BFA programs. Scores can be sent to SVA directly via the Cambridge English Student Portal.
• Pearson PTE Academic: A score of 53 or higher for consideration to our BFA Programs.
• Duolingo English Test: A score of 115 or higher is required for consideration to our BFA Programs. Scores can be sent to SVA directly via the Duolingo student portal.

All exchange applicants must demonstrate that they have at least $18,000 USD available to finance the cost of departmental fees, cost of living, and art supplies for one semester at SVA. Accepted applicants will be prompted by SVA’s International Student Office to use the Terra Dotta System. This system collects their financial information.

All exchange applicants must submit a statement or letter issued by a bank stating that the applicant and/or their sponsor(s) has at least $18,000 USD available to finance the cost of departmental fees, cost of living, and art supplies for one semester at SVA. Multiple statements or letters may be submitted to verify the availability of funds. All documents must be in English or accompanied by an official translation.

Application Fee: There is no application fee; it is free to apply.

Dates

Fall Semester: September–December

Spring Semester: January–May

Tuition

Students pay their home college tuition fee.

Health Insurance

$1,585, Fall 2024 Semester

$2,045 Spring 2025 Semester

The estimated cost of a semester exchange at SVA is $18,000 USD. Exchange students pay tuition to their home college or university, so no additional tuition fees apply. Other costs included in the expense estimate are:

• Housing/living expenses
• Meals
• Travel
• Supplies
• Health insurance

Departmental & course fees—see the Tuition and Fees page for details.

Fee

$9,350–$11,650 (per semester)

Deposit

Nonrefundable $400 placement fee

Estimated cost of living expenses for one semester is $18,000. This is the minimum amount that needs to be listed on a bank statement.

This school is authorized under Federal law to enroll nonimmigrant students.