For international students

As a student at CIA, you will live and learn in University Circle, the cultural hub of Cleveland, Ohio, where creativity and innovation meet in one of the most concentrated and renowned cultural districts in the United States.

With curriculum dedicated to excellence in art and design education and a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio, you will receive exceptional personal attention at CIA. Your professors will know you by name and nurture your interests, potential, and goals. 

As an international student, we also recognize your concerns about adjusting to cultural, social, and environmental changes. Our International Student Office will help you adapt to life at CIA and serve as a resource for helpful information. 

International Student Application Process

If you are not a citizen of the United States, you are an international student. You are also a first-time freshman or a transfer student. Follow these three steps to apply to the Cleveland Institute of Art: 

• Follow the admission procedures, deadlines, and portfolio guidelines that are relevant to you as a freshman applicant or transfer applicant.
• If English is not your native language, demonstrate proof of English language proficiency with one of the following:
• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score of at least 60 IBT (Internet-based test) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) band score of 6.0
• Students with an IELTS band score of 5.5 may be admitted on Academic Warning
• Duolingo English Test of at least 95
• SAT scores may replace TOEFL/IELTS scores if the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Score is at least 520
• ACT scores may replace TOEFL/IELTS scores if the combined English and Reading scores are at least 39
• Completion of Level 112 ESL coursework

Any printed application materials should be sent to::
Office of Admissions
Cleveland Institute of Art
11610 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44106 

If you have any questions about our application process, please contact our Office of Admissions. 

International student scholarships

As an international student, you are not eligible for federal, state, or institutional need-based financial aid. However, you may compete in all merit-based scholarships administered by CIA. See a full list of available scholarships. 

If you have any questions about our scholarships, please contact our Office of Financial Aid.