DigiPen welcomes students from all countries and cultures. Because of language and educational differences, DigiPen does require some additional information from international applicants to ensure successful experience for students. International applicants are asked to complete the application process early, as early as possible, to guarantee timely evaluation of their application and to allow time to process required documents for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). DigiPen will continue to accept International applications after July 1, however applications completed after July 1 may not allow enough lead-time for documentation processing.
In addition to attested or certified-true copies of all academic records and any other degree-specific requirements found under the undergraduate or graduate admission requirements, all international applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
Proficiency in the English Language (see the Proof of Proficiency in the English Language section).
Financial Responsibility. Evidence indicating that sufficient funds are available for the eight-month period of study and living expenses must be submitted to DigiPen and made available to the U.S. ICE upon entry into the United States. The Financial Responsibility Form and supporting documentation must be submitted, regardless of whether or not a student is living in the U.S.
International students intending to study at DigiPen must obtain an F-1 visa from the U.S. Department of State, via the U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country. 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 residence abroad. International students should note their citizenship on the application form for admission. If accepted, DigiPen will send a Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant [F-1] Student Status). Applicants who are accepted but do not receive a Form I-20 in their acceptance packets should contact the Office of Admissions.
Once applicants receive their form I-20 they can take it to their nearest U.S. consulate to obtain a student visa. The visa process may take several months to complete, so DigiPen recommends that applicants complete the admissions process before July 1. Applicants must also take copies of the Financial Responsibility Form and supporting documents to prove they have sufficient financial resources for their education and stay in the United States. For more information on the F-1 visa process, please consult the Homeland Security Study in the States web page: studyinthestates.dhs.gov/. International students transferring to DigiPen from another institution within the U.S. must provide DigiPen with a completed Transfer-In Form to ensure that their I-20s are updated accordingly. Transfer-In Forms can be obtained on DigiPen’s website or by contacting admissions@digipen.edu. International students who will be bringing a dependent with them to the U.S., such as a child or spouse, will need to complete the appropriate sections of the Financial Responsibility form to ensure that an I-20 can be issued to their dependent.
Applicants who are Permanent Residents of the United States do not need a student visa; however, they 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 the student may pursue studies at DigiPen. Permanent Residents are subject to the same rights, services, and rates as U.S. citizens.
International Students with Transcripts in Languages Other than English
Applicants with credentials issued in a language other than English, must submit them in both the original language and English. Please do not have your grades converted or interpreted in any way. For information on qualified translators, please contact the American Translators Association (atanet.org) or another recognized translation service (i.e., a certified translator, certified court interpreter, an authorized government official, and/ or official from the school where you obtained the degree). Proof of the translator’s credentials must accompany each translation. Please note that self-translated copies are not acceptable. All transcripts and diplomas must be issued by a bona fide, legitimate degree-granting university. If the issuing school provides official documents in English, an additional English translation is not required.