We Welcome
International Students
from all over the Globe
Proudly Supporting an
International Student Body
At The Academy, we believe that a strong diversity of cultures enriches the learning environment for all of our students. Fostering a welcoming place to study the craft of acting is important to The Academy as every student becomes part of our family. We come along side and encourage all students in their journey to transform their passion into a lifelong profession. In fact, our program is made up of 30% international students representing more than 40 nations.
Below you will find information that will help international students have confidence in making The Academy their new home.
"The Academy gave me a community of amazing people and friends. This place feels like home to me and made coming to another country to study so much less challenging than I thought."
Mexico
"The staff made it all much easier than I expected, from my F1 visa paper work to checking up on me throughout my enrollment process, they were by my side every step of the way."
Canada
"I chose The Academy because of its prestigious reputation, but I didn't expect to find a family away from home. Everyone has been so friendly and helpful."
Italy
"The admissions team was my saving grace in my transition from home. They helped me with my visa, financial paperwork, right down to welcoming me during my first few hours in the US."
Australia
"The best thing about coming to The Academy is that there’s so much opportunity here. It’s far from easy, but with enough dedication you can truly make things happen for yourself."
GermanyAdditional Requirements for International Students
General admission requirements are the same for all applicants regardless of citizenship, but immigration regulations and financial matters require added procedures for international students. Our Admissions and Financial Aid offices will assist with all issues regarding these policies and procedures.
After the audition, applicants who are admitted to The Academy will be sent visa information along with their acceptance letter from the Admissions Office. Important visa guidelines will also be enclosed and forms which you must complete and return to the Admissions Office.
Form I-20 will be issued only after the applicant has been accepted for enrollment and has met all standards set forth by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services and The Department of Homeland Security.
International applicants must submit copies of their academic records (transcripts) from all high schools and universities they have attended. Depending on the country, academic records may include school reports or exam scores (i.e. GCSE or A-Level Reports, International Baccalaureate, National School-Leaving Exams or Certificates). When applying, documents may be submitted in their original language. If an English translation is needed, you will be notified.
Upon acceptance to the program, official final academic records from foreign schools must be submitted to demonstrate equivalency to a U.S. high school diploma. Unless you are instructed otherwise, please plan to order a Credential Evaluation Report through a NACES-approved agency [https://www.naces.org/members]. This report is a requirement to enroll in the program.
SpanTran is our recommended international transcript evaluation service. They have created a custom application for AADA that will make sure you select the right kind of evaluation at a discounted rate. You can access their application here: SpanTran Application - The American Academy of Dramatic Arts
In addition to the requirements listed for all applicants on the Admissions Requirements page, international students whose native language is other than English must demonstrate sufficient competence with spoken and written English. This is a necessary step to prevent problems with faculty and student verbal communications that might impede a student's learning and development. This proficiency is determined through the application and audition process.
Helping International Students With Financial Aid
The Academy offers a variety of scholarships, assistance opportunities and a choice of payment plans. We also participate with foreign government aid programs, if available.
Financial Aid Options
Academy scholarships refer to monies that do not need to be repaid. All students who have applied and been accepted by The Academy are considered for scholarships. Merit scholarships are awarded based on an applicant’s submitted application materials and audition.
There are a limited number of on-campus jobs offered by The Academy. Following registration, international students may apply for a variety of Academy departments, such as Admissions, Production, Costumes, and the library, among others.
Private lenders may consider international students for student loans if they have a U.S. citizen as a cosigner. Contact the Financial Aid Office to further discuss this option.
Your home country’s government may have student financial assistance programs. We encourage you to seek out any funding that may be available to you from your home country.
