International students are warmly received into the MIAD community and add significantly to the diversity of the student body. International students must meet all of the requirements as degree-seeking students. In addition, international students must speak English and are required to submit TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) scores of 550 (paper-based) or 213 (computer-based) or more in order to be considered for admission into MIAD's programs. Also, it is the students’ responsibility to have all post-secondary education transcripts translated into English and evaluated by a certified organization at their own expense. The MIAD Office of Admissions can provide a list of translation organizations. Please note this translation process can take several weeks.

International applicants should make realistic financial plans for proposed study in the United States. A notarized statement of funds available to support the duration of study at MIAD will be required. The Verification of Finances Form will be sent to the student upon receipt of the application for admissions. (Annual expenses for international students typically run $1500 higher than for domestic students due to travel costs.) Upon receiving all required application materials and a non-refundable $500 tuition deposit, MIAD will issue a United States Department of Immigration and Naturalization Service Form I-20.

Before an international student can obtain an F-1 visa to travel to the United States, he or she must have a letter of acceptance from MIAD and the completed Form I-20 from MIAD. Students should make certain their passports and visas are in order before coming to the United States. It is advisable for international students to apply at least one year prior to the beginning of the school term during which they intend to study.

MIAD requires all international students to have health insurance coverage. Proof of coverage must be provided prior to arrival. Any student who does not have health insurance coverage can participate in the student health insurance program offered to all MIAD students. International student visa applications are processed through an INS system called SEVIS. SEVIS is an interactive up-to-date database that tracks personal and academic information on non-immigrant students. To ensure that international students do not jeopardize their visa status, international students are required to attend a special orientation held by the International Programs Office regarding SEVIS requirements.

Employment for international students cannot be arranged during a student's first calendar year in the United States under F-1 visa status. It is therefore unrealistic for international students to anticipate income from part-time work during the first year.