Maine College of Art & Design welcomes applications from international students. In addition to the application process and future communications related to enrollment, the following steps are required to successfully join us as an international student.
Pay close attention to the following sections. Any delays due to filing errors may affect your ability to join our program on time.
Due to the time required to meet legal requirements, we advise international applicants to complete their applications by the earliest deadline, or at least 3 months prior to the start of the program. If offered admission, we also advise you to enroll well ahead of the decision due date.
Please note that all dates are in MM/DD/YYYY format, and all currencies listed in our documents and on our website are in US dollars.
Application
In addition to application materials, international applicants will need to have their transcripts evaluated and submit a demonstration of English Proficiency.
Evaluated Transcripts
Applicants who attended postsecondary institutions outside the United States must have their transcripts evaluated by a member of the National Association of Credit Evaluation Services, such as World Education Services.
All documents must be in English and converted into a 4.0 GPA scale; official evaluations are required.
Demonstration of English Proficiency
If your primary language is not English, you will be required to demonstrate proficiency in written and spoken English. The following are acceptable forms of documentation and their minimum test scores, if applicable:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
Written TOEFL Test: 550
Internet TOEFL Test: 79 - Pearson PTE Test: 53
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS): 6.5
- Duolingo English Test: 100
- Graduation from a US high school with at least two (2) years of high school English, not in conjunction with English as a Second Language (ESL), and documentation of a B average or higher.
- Completion of two (2) consecutive semesters of English Composition taken at a regionally accredited US college while carrying a full-time course load and not in conjunction with ESL. A minimum grade of B is required in each semester.
- Completion of the equivalent of two (2) years at an English-speaking higher education institution and a minimum 3.0 GPA. A school official should provide a written statement that English is the primary language of instruction as documentation.
Evaluated transcripts, demonstration of English Proficiency, and other documents can be delivered electronically to admissions@meca.edu or by mail to the following address:
Maine College of Art & Design
Attn: Undergraduate Admissions
522 Congress Street
Portland, ME 04101
United States
Enrollment
In addition to paying the enrollment fee, accepted international students must also submit a completed Declaration of Finances form, a Verification of Finances document, and a scanned copy of the passport they intend to use to obtain their Student Visa. These documents are required in order for us to issue your I-20 form. Once you have your I-20 form, you can then apply for a Student Visa (F-1) at your local US consulate or embassy.
Declaration of Finances (DOF)
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Service requires that international applicants submit a DOF indicating that the applicant has financial resources adequate to provide for their expenses without resorting to unauthorized employment.
The amount declared in your DOF must be enough to cover the total sum of tuition, fees, and living expenses for one academic year of study. The completed DOF must be dated within a year of initial enrollment.
Verification of Finances (VOF)
For your DOF to be processed, all funds declared on the DOF must be supported by a VOF. This can be a bank statement from your own bank or your sponsor's bank (e.g., your parents' or your partner's). All documents must be in English, and the funds declared must be in US dollars or the equivalent under the bank's current exchange rates. The VOF must be dated within a year of initial enrollment.
Scanned Copy of Passport
For your DOF to be processed, we need a scanned color copy of your passport. Make sure the entire page is legible, and the information matches what you provided in your DOF.
Note: if your mailing address differs from the address provided in the DOF, please let us know so we can mail your I-20 form properly.
Questions
If you have any questions about the application and enrollment process as an international student, you can contact our Assistant Director of Admissions and International Student Counselor, Emily Brighi, at ebrighi@meca.edu.
For more information, contact admissions@meca.edu or call 207.699.5023