International Students

The Art Institute of Boston welcomes applications from international students. Please visit our Application Guide for requirements and contact Kate Benson to assist you with the process: 617.585.6710.

Visa Requirements for International Students

Once you have been accepted for admission and submitted a $300 tuition deposit, AIB will issue an I-20 (refunded until May 1 for the fall and December 1 for the spring). You will need to submit the following documents in order to receive your I-20:

• IFDF (Immigration and Financial Declaration Form)
• Financial support and letter
• Passport copy

Application Completion Deadlines

Proof of Financial Support

Your proof of Financial Support includes an original, official bank statement written in English and signed by a bank officer showing funds in the equivalent of US Dollars available for at least your first year of school at AIB. For the 2011/2012 year, the amount that must be documented is $51,305. You will also need to provide a letter written by your sponsor indicating his/her relationship to you and his/her willingness to sponsor you for your school and living expenses. The letter must be signed and dated. 

Passport Copy

A copy of the identity and expiration date page of your passport (which needs to be valid 6 months into the future) must also be submitted. 

Financial Aid for International Students

Art Institute of Boston Merit Scholarships are available to international students on an individualized basis. Incoming freshman and transfer students will be notified of a merit scholarship award at the point of admission. 

International students are not eligible for Federal or State Financial Aid. International students with a US co-sponsor are eligible to apply for low interest loans through the Massachusetts Education Financial Authority (MEFA). 

Applicants from Canada do not need a US co-sponsor to apply for a MEFA loan. Canadian applicants may also seek out financial assistance through CanHELP, an alternative loan program for Canadian students who wish to study in the U.S. For more information about financial resources for Canadian applicants, visit CanHELP online.

In addition, all international applicants are encouraged to conduct scholarship research privately.

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