Application Process

What is an ArtCenter Exchange Program

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Spend a term at one of ArtCenter’s partner institutions around the world! Earn up to 15 transfer credits. You will pay ArtCenter tuition for the term and maintain your financial aid package as eligible. Housing and other expenses are additional.

How to Apply

Step 1 — Apply through Global Programs — no fee to apply
Submit your application through the Global Programs Application Portal.
Step 2 — Department Nomination & Partner University Application
If nominated by your department, you will then submit a second application directly to the exchange university.

Application Timelines
Submit ArtCenter Global Programs application by:

  • March 1 — Fall term abroad

  • September 1 — Spring term abroad

How Do I Get Started?

  • Explore programs and learn about where you can go!

  • Identify 2-3 exchange universities that work for your major.

  • Review your degree audit and identify Major/Minor/H&S requirements you need to fulfill for graduation.

  • Meet with the Global Programs office. We can help you discover program options and answer any questions. Use our online calendar to schedule a meeting.


Gather Your Materials

Once you've chosen your program and confirmed its deadline, start collecting your materials. You'll use these same materials for both your ArtCenter application and, if nominated, your second application to the exchange university. Most programs require:

  • Online Application Form

  • Statement of purpose

  • Portfolio

  • Faculty recommendation form

  • Unofficial transcript

  • Copy of passport (must be valid for at least 6 months after your program ends). Don't have one? Start now, processing can take 4–6 weeks. Passport & visa details.

Some programs will require additional items such as a CV/Resume, Course Plan, Home School Nomination, or evidence of specific skills. Check your chosen program's page for extras.


Applying to Exchange program

Step 1 — Submit application to ArtCenter Global Programs portal by:

  • March 1 — Fall term abroad

  • September 1 — Spring term abroad

Note: Because admission to an exchange university is not guaranteed, it is recommended to apply to up to 3 exchange universities.

Step 2 — Department nomination & Exchange university application
a. Students must be nominated by their department in order to be eligible to apply to the exchange partner university. Your application will be reviewed by your department, and you will be notified by the Global Programs office if you have been nominated or not.

b. If nominated by your department, you will then submit a second application directly to the exchange university, using the materials you already gathered. Check your email and the exchange university’s website for exact requirements and submission details.
Note: Exchange university deadlines vary. Be aware of the deadlines that apply to you.

Step 3 — Forward the admission decision you receive from the exchange university to Global Programs.
Note: The exchange university makes the final admission decision, not ArtCenter.


What to Do After You Are AccepTED

  • Attend a mandatory meeting for accepted students with the Global Programs team.

  • Confirm your participation with your exchange university.

  • Pay $250 administrative fee to ArtCenter in the Global Programs portal and click the “commit” button to confirm your participation.

  • Begin completing your ArtCenter pre-departure documents in the Global Programs portal.

  • International students: Please inform the International Student Services office about your study abroad plans in case it may impact your visa status.


Things to do before you leave

  • Complete all ArtCenter pre-departure documents in the Global Programs portal, including your completed Transfer Credit/Course Approval Form.

  • Attend the mandatory Pre-Departure Orientation with the Global Programs team and review all information from your study abroad program.

  • Register for the 12-credit placeholder class for the term you are abroad.


COST

Administrative fee
After you are nominated by your department and accepted by the exchange university, you will pay a non-refundable administrative fee of $250 to ArtCenter to confirm your participation.

Tuition
Tuition is the same as full-time ArtCenter tuition for the term, including financial aid as eligible.

Additional costs
You are responsible for the cost of your housing, travel, visa/residence permit, meals, supplies, and all personal expenses.


What happens if i decide not to go?

Being nominated to an exchange university is an honor. Should you need to withdraw your participation from the exchange program for any reason, you must contact the Global Programs office and the exchange university by email to communicate in writing your decision to withdraw. If you withdraw from your program at any time after paying the $250 administrative fee to ArtCenter, this fee will not be refunded. The $250 administrative fee is non-refundable, and you may owe tuition to ArtCenter depending on the time frame.


STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?

Use our online calendar to schedule an appointment!

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Exchange with Aalto University