Applying to KCAI as an International Student

Think KCAI is the right school for you? Ready to apply to KCAI?

Students who are not United States citizens or Permanent Residents who wish to apply for admission to KCAI as a degree seeking student should follow the application guidelines outlined below. To assist you with ensuring you have collected all of the international application requirements, download an international student application checklist here.

Application

Step 1: Complete and submit an application.

• Start your online application here (click on the "Create Account" button to begin a new application for admission).
• Or download an application here to print off and complete by hand.

• Payment may be submitted online, over the phone or by check payable to Kansas City Art Institute.

Step 3: Make sure you have included all required documents as listed below.

Application deadlines

Feb. 1: Freshmen. Students who have completed (or will soon complete) secondary school and have not attended any post-secondary schools/colleges/universities.

March 1: Transfers. Students who have completed secondary school and are currently attending, or have attended a post-secondary school, college or university.

You must complete your application for admission before these priority deadlines to ensure full consideration for scholarships. Applications received after the priority deadlines will be considered for admission and scholarships on a space-available basis. 

Requirements

Two Letters of recommendation

These should come from teachers/instructors, a school counselor, professional artists or employers. Individuals you ask to write recommendation letters for you should be familiar with your work and work ethic, and be qualified to make evaluations of your past performance and potential growth.

Official Transcripts

We require all applicants to submit official transcripts from your high school or secondary school and any college/university previously attended. These transcripts/mark sheets should be sent directly to KCAI in an official sealed envelope. Submit your official transcript in your native language however, all transcripts must be accompanied by an official English translation. Official certified copies of your transcripts are acceptable.

Standardized Test Scores

All students whose native language is not English must submit official results from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). This requirement may be waived if you have studied for two full academic years at a school in the United States or an approved English speaking school outside of the United States.

TOEFL

• Students must score a minimum of 550pbt/213cbt/79-80ibt
• KCAI school code: 006330

IELTS

• Students must score a minimum of 6.0
• Submit a copy of your scores to KCAI and we will verify your scores through IELTS directly

All-first year, and some transfer, students are required to submit the results from one standardized test for admission. If you are a non-native English speaker and are submitting results from the TOEFL or IELTS, you do not need to submit a second standardized test score.

TOEFL

• Minimum combined score of 79-80ibt/213cbt/550pbt
• KCAI school code: 006330

IELTS

• Minimum band score of 6.0
• Submit a copy of your scores to KCAI and we will verify your scores through IELTS directly

Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)

• Minimum combined score of 1425 (or 950 without the writing test)
• KCAI school code: 006330

American College Test (ACT)

• Minimum composite score of 20
• KCAI school code: 002277

Statement of Purpose

This is a brief one- to two-page essay providing insight into your goals, interests, educational and artistic background.

Portfolio

Additional requirements for international students

International Student Admissions Information Form

Completion and submission of this form is required in order for KCAI to issue your Form I-20. You may download the international student admissions information form here.

Proof of Financial Support

In order for KCAI to issue a Form I-20, the U.S. Department of State requires that prospective students show proof of financial support for the first full academic year of study in the United States. This is also a requirement in order to be granted an F-1 Visa by the U.S. Consulate in your home country. Download information on acceptable forms and documentation for your proof of financial support here.

• Tuition and fees: $31,992
• Room and board (including 19 meals per week): $9,466
• Books and supplies: $2,000
• Personal/transportation: $4,250
• Foundation student orientation: $15
• Total: $47,723

Any scholarships you are awarded can be applied to and deducted from this amount. Download an estimated cost and payment worksheet here for assistance with figuring the total amount of financial support you or your sponsor will need to provide.

If your studies at KCAI will be sponsored by a parent, relative, or other sponsor, you must also submit an affidavit of support. An affidavit of support is an official document signed by your sponsor indicating their intent and willingness to financially support you and your studies while you attend KCAI. If you are being financially sponsored by more than one person, you must submit an affidavit of support from each of your sponsors to accompany the proof of financial support. You may submit your affidavit of support by either completing the form, downloadable here, or by having your sponsor write a letter. An affidavit of support letter should be less than three months old and bear an original signature (preferably in blue ink).

Photocopy of Passport

Additional requirements for students already in the U.S.

If you are currently in the United States, there is additional documentation you will need to submit with your application.

1. A photocopy of your most recent visa. If your visa is expired but you have an I-797 granting an extension of your status, you must submit a copy of your I-797 in addition to your visa.
2. A photocopy of both sides of your I-94 card.
3. A photocopy of your most recently issued Form I-20 if you are currently on an F-1 Student Visa or an F-2 Dependent Visa. 

Submitting your application

Submit your application materials to the KCAI admissions office for processing. Send your application packet by mail to:

Most application materials may also be sent to the KCAI admissions office via email at admiss@kcai.edu. 

Notification

Applicants are notified of the decision as soon as action is taken. Accepted students who plan to enroll at KCAI for the fall or spring semesters are required to make a $250 tuition deposit to hold their seats. This deposit is applied to tuition when the student enrolls and is refundable until May 1 for fall enrollment or Jan. 15 for spring enrollment.

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