International Students

DigiPen Institute of Technology welcomes students from different countries and cultures. Because of language and educational differences, DigiPen finds it necessary to request additional information from international applicants in order to ensure a successful experience for students. DigiPen requests international applicants to complete the application process early to allow time to process required documents for the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS).

In addition to the degree-specific requirements found under the undergraduate or graduate admission requirements, all international applicants should meet the following minimum requirements:

• Proficiency in the English Language
  • Non-native English speakers must provide proof of English proficiency in one of the following ways:
  • A minimum Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 550 (paper exam), 213 (computer exam) or 80 (iBT - internet based test). TOEFL code: 4138.
  • Completion of four years of high school in the United States at an English-speaking school.
  • Completion of a bachelor's degree at an English-speaking institution.
  • Other English proficiency exam scores, such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) may also be accepted.
• Financial Support
  • Evidence of financial support indicating that sufficient funds are available for the 12-month period of study and living expenses must be submitted to DigiPen and made available to U.S. Immigration Service upon entry into the United States. The Financial Responsibility Form must be submitted, regardless of whether or not a student is living in the U.S.

International students intending to study at DigiPen Institute of Technology must obtain an F-1 visa from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). An F-1 student is a non-immigrant who is pursuing a full course of study towards a specific educational or professional objective at a school in the United States. Once that objective has been attained, the F-1 student is expected to return to his or her residence abroad.

International students should note their citizenship on the application form for admission. If accepted, DigiPen will send you a Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status). If you are a foreign citizen and are accepted, but do not receive a Form I-20 in your acceptance packet, please contact the Office of Admissions.

After you receive your I-20, take the USCIS Form I-20 to the nearest U.S. consulate to obtain a student visa. Please note that the visa process may take several months to complete, so we recommend that you complete your application process early. You must also take your Financial Responsibility form and documents to prove that you have sufficient financial resources for your education and stay in the United States. For more information on visas, please consult the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services web page at http://uscis.gov/graphics.

Permanent Residents do not need a student visa, but must prove their immigration status by submitting a copy of their permanent residency card and marking the appropriate citizenship status on the application for admission. The copy of the permanent residency card confirms that a student is a legal resident and that he/she may pursue studies at DigiPen. Permanent residents are subject to the same rights, services and rates as U.S. citizens.