We are proud of our diverse community of both students and faculty at NewSchool of Architecture & Design. Our International Enrollment Team is here to walk you through every step of the application process, from your first questions to your first day of class. Feel free to contact us as you begin your application by email or call 619-684-8801.
NewSchool welcomes non-U.S. citizens to apply. All non-U.S. citizens must provide either proof of permanent resident status in the United States (a copy of a valid permanent resident card) or pursue the F-1 or J-1 student visa to be considered for admission and to register for classes.
To be eligible for the I-20 (F-1 visa) student status, an international student must be a bona fide full-time, degree-seeking student qualified to pursue a full course of study who meets either NewSchool’s undergraduate (first-time freshman and transfer students) or graduate admissions requirements.
In addition, an international applicant must:
Demonstrate English Proficiency:
Because all courses at NewSchool are taught in English, non-U.S. citizens are required to demonstrate English proficiency. Official documentation must be submitted at the time of admission from any of the following:
- TOEFL IBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language) – 70 or above.
- Sub-scores must not fall below: Reading 10, Listening 9, Speaking 16, Writing 19.
- Now also accepting the TOEFL iBT Home Edition
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System) – 6 or above
- IELT Minimum Sub scores 5.5+
- Duolingo – 95 or better.
Verify Finances:
Send a certified financial statement to verify sufficient United States dollars (USD) to cover tuition, fees, and living expenses for one academic year. Complete the Verification of Finances Form provided by the Enrollment Department.
Full Cost Details
Tuition and Fees: You can see our most current tuition and student fee posting at this link:Tuition & Fees,
Living Expenses: NewSchool does not provide student housing. We recommend you begin your housing search by clicking around our Student Housing page – here you will find recommendations for locations, transit options and international student-specific advice. Here are additional resources:
Financial Aid & Scholarships
As an international student, you are not eligible for financial aid through the U.S. government. However, you may be eligible for our ISO Tuition Reward Program, which awards international students a 5% tuition discount per year, awarded at the final quarter of the program. This will require an application, which you can access here. Additionally, you can visit this portal to see if you qualify for any external, non-NewSchool sponsored scholarships.
Transcripts Requirements:
- Please email your Enrollment Representative a copy of your transcripts. They must be translated into English by your previous university or a certified translator.
- These unofficial transcripts will be used for “Conditional Admission.”
- If conditionally admitted, we will submit your transcripts to our evaluation partner, FIS, for a reduced fee. The confirmed FIS evaluation will grant you an official admission offer.
- Upon class registration, you will be credited $100 to your student account.
- Already have an official transcript evaluation by a NACES approved vendor? We accept those too! Please have the official evaluation sent from the vendor directly to NewSchool:
- Electronic preferred: admissions@newschoolarch.edu
- By mail to: Office of Admissions, NewSchool of Architecture & Design, 600 B Street, Ste 800, San Diego CA, 92101
- Please visit this link to see our documentation requirements for international students
Provide Health Insurance:
Provide proof of health insurance and proper immunizations prior to registration.
NewSchool of Architecture & Design is approved by the Immigration and Naturalization Service to admit international students who require an F-1 student visa. The recently issued Executive Order entitled “Protecting the Nation from Terrorist Entry into the United States” addresses standards for immigrant, nonimmigrant, and refugee entry into the United States from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria, Yemen, Chad, North Korea and Venezuela (certain government officials). The U.S. Supreme Court has allowed this version of the Executive Order to go into effect immediately, which could impact a student traveling from these countries to the United States. With the exception of nationals of North Korea and Syria, students entering the United States on F Visas may be exempt from the ban. As the requirements of the Executive Order are subject to change, there is no guarantee that students from any of the banned countries will be able to enter the United States. Affected students are advised to contact immigration resources in their area for specific information on how the Executive Order may apply to their individual situation.
619-684-8800
