Students, faculty, and staff from other countries contribute greatly to the diversity of community at Montserrat and provide our domestic students the opportunity to see art influenced and shaped by other cultures and value systems.

If you are not a US citizen or permanent resident then you should submit all of the same application materials as first-time students with the addition being that you must provide proof of English language proficiency (if English is not your first language) and submit official English translations for all documentation not in English

Proof of English Language Proficiency (TOEFL)
The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required of all international applicants whose native language is not English. Minimum scores must be achieved for admission to the college and are listed below:

• Written TOEFL Test: Minimum test score of 520 is required
• Computer TOEFL Test: Minimum test score of 190 is required
• Internet TOEFL Test: Minimum test score of 68 is required

If this is your first time studying in the US, we encourage you to contact us for information about opportunities to study English during the summer prior to enrolling at Montserrat.

Once enrolled, international students can enhance their English language skills in Montserrat's English Language Program (ELP). ELP courses develop art-related vocabulary and conversation, writing, and reading skills. The ELP course is strongly encouraged of all international students who have not achieved a minimum TOELF score or who may be recommended to the course following the English diagnostic exam administered in English Composition I.

Official English Translations
All documents submitted to Montserrat must be in English, therefore, official translations are required. The original copy of the transcript (or a certified copy of the original) must be submitted along with the translation. If original transcripts or academic certificates are not available, certified copies must be presented. Photocopies are not accepted.

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required of international applicants when English is not their first language as indicated above, a minimum score of 520 on the paper Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), 190 on the computer-based exam or 68 on the internet-based exam, must be achieved for admission to the college. Montserrat is identified for the TOEFL with the code 3575. The TOEFL may be waived for international students who have completed university level English Composition I with a grade of C or better at an institution where English is the language of instruction.

International Baccalaureate Applicants
Montserrat recognizes your International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma. Higher Level examination scores of 5 or higher will be evaluated for credit upon receipt of official documentation. The same criteria described above for transfer applicants will be applied.

How to get an I-20 Form
In order to qualify for the I-20 Form, you must be accepted to Montserrat. Upon acceptance, international students must submit supporting documents demonstrating that funding is available to support one year (nine months) of study in the US. Once you have been issued the I-20 Form, you must then use it to apply for a student visa through a US Consulate or Embassy. Although the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) requires proof of funds for only one year of study, at a time, Montserrat encourages international students to plan funding for each year of study.

For further details on student visas, please see the Important Visa Information below. The I-20 visa process alone can take a considerable amount of time, sometimes up to three months. It is to your advantage to submit your application for admission early but not more than one year in advance of the semester you wish to enter in order to allow time for slower mail delivery and complete I-20 processing.

Scholarships for International Students
International students applying for admission are considered for Montserrat's Academic Achievement and Portfolio Scholarships as part of the application process. Financial assistance based on need is not available for international students. For additional information on scholarships please visit the Financial Aid/Scholarships section of this web site.

Important Visa Information
You will need an I-20 Form from Montserrat in order to apply for an F-1 Student Visa at a US Consulate or Embassy. Please read the following steps carefully!

Requirements to get an I-20 Form
1. Acceptance. You must be fully accepted and have paid your $250 tuition deposit.

2. Financial Documentation. (Note: all documentation must be in English). You must provide proof of financial support for a nine-month period of study in the US Documentation should include the following:

• Montserrat I-20 Request Form which is provided after you have been fully accepted to the college and have paid your tuition deposit.
• Bank statement from you, a parent or sponsor showing proof of funds (in US dollars) to cover your expenses for a nine-month period of study.
• Letter of support from any parents or sponsors who will be supporting you and have submitted bank statements.

You will need to provide proof of support for all sources of funding (if you are receiving support from your government or a private sponsor, please include a copy of your award letter). All sources of funding should be listed on your Statement of Financial Responsibility Form, which is enclosed in the acceptance packet.

3. Tuition Deposit. You must submit the required $250.00 tuition deposit. You will not receive billing or registration information until this deposit/fee has been paid. The tuition deposit is refundable and transferable as long as the college is notified by the May 1 deadline (for the fall semester).

To avoid delays please send the required financial documentation by the following deadlines:

• Fall (September) entry - July 1
• Spring (January) entry - December 1

Please be aware:

• It takes three to six weeks for an I-20 Form to be processed and delivered to most countries. Please submit your documentation early if mail delivery is slow in your country.
• Faxed documentation is processed along with our regular mail. All mail is processed in the order it is received.
• I-20 Forms cannot be faxed or emailed!

Student Visas
You may apply for an F-1 Student Visa at the nearest US Embassy or Consulate in your country. Make sure to bring the following:
1. Letter of Acceptance to Montserrat College of Art
2. I-20 Form from Montserrat College of Art
3. Documentation showing sources of funding
4. Valid passport (valid for at least six months beyond the date of your travel)
5. Proof that you intend to return to your own country after completing your studies

You will be interviewed during this process in order to confirm your ability to speak and understand English and to confirm your intentions to study at Montserrat College of Art. If you are approved by the Embassy or Consulate, you will receive a stamp in your passport. This stamp is your student visa.

DO NOT ENTER THE US ON A TOURIST VISA. DO NOT PACK YOUR DOCUMENTS IN YOUR LUGGAGE. CARRY ALL DOCUMENTS WITH YOU WHEN YOU TRAVEL.

Estimate of Expenses
See the Tuition and Fees area of this web site for an up-to-date estimate for attending Montserrat College of Art. Please note that the amounts listed do not include the cost of transportation to and from the US or vacation related travel. The following factors may also increase your expected expenses:

• Married Students
  If you are married and your spouse is coming with you to the US add $5,800 per academic year to your living expenses total. If you have children, add $3,800 per year, per child. Spouses and children cannot live in the residence halls.
• Summer Vacation
  If you are staying in the US during summer vacation and you are not attending school, add $3,500 to your living expenses total. This figure includes estimated costs of rent, utilities, and food for a three-month period. If you are planning to stay during the summer accompanied by a spouse or children this figure will increase.
• Health Insurance
  Because the US does not have a National Health Care System, medical costs can be very expensive. Massachusetts State Law requires all students to be covered by health insurance. With your bill for tuition and fees, you receive information about Montserrats' student health insurance plan. It is important that you read this information very carefully. If you are already covered by an insurance plan that provides coverage in the US, you may be able to waive this fee upon proof of coverage.
• Employment Regulations
  It is illegal for international students to work in the US while on a Student Visa. In order to receive an I-20 Form, you must prove that you have funds available to finance your studies and living expenses while at Montserrat. Since proof of funds is given, it is assumed you will not need to work while you are studying in the US

There is no off-campus employment available to international students. On-campus employment may be possible and students can apply for these positions once school has started through the Human Resources Office. Funds earned through student employment cannot be used to pay for tuition as you must be paid in full prior to beginning your classes at Montserrat.