International students must use their passport name on all application materials.

English proficiency

In order to undertake graduate study, all applicants for whom English is not their first language must present evidence of English language proficiency. This may be done by taking the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the Duolingo English Test (DET). English proficiency testing is waived for applicants whose undergraduate degree was obtained at a four-year institution where curriculum was taught in English (non-ESL). When completing the application, you may self-report test type and scores, but it is your responsibility to request official score reporting be sent to Yale School of Art from the testing body.

TOEFL is administered by the Educational Testing Service, www.ets.org. The TOEFL code number for the Yale School of Art is 3982. Competitive candidates for admission generally achieve a composite Internet-based score of at least 100, or a computer-based score of at least 250, with speaking and listening scores of at least 28.

IELTS offers proficiency tests in locations around the world at www.ielts.org. Preregistration is required. Yale’s most competitive applicants have IELTS scores of 7 or higher. IELTS is jointly owned by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and Cambridge Assessment English.

DET combines an English proficiency test with a brief video interview. Duolingo’s technology and format allow applicants to complete the test at any time or place with Internet access by going to englishtest.duolingo.com/applicants. Yale’s most competitive applicants have DET scores of at least 120.

Immigration

In order to receive visa documentation, admitted international students must submit proof that income from all sources will be sufficient to meet expenses for two years of study. In 2024–2025, annual expenses (including tuition) will amount to $74,397 for a single student. Evidence of funds may come from the following sources:

1. Affidavit from a bank;
2. Copy of a financial aid letter from the school, and/or an external entity’s prize, fellowship, grant, government funding source, etc., stating the amount of financial assistance that has been offered;
3. Certification by parents of their ability and intention to provide the necessary funds;
4. Certification by employer of anticipated income.

The School of Art can make no promise of financial aid to international students. Even when financial aid is awarded, however, in no case does a Yale scholarship cover the full financial need of an international student. There are no loans available to international students through the School of Art; however, international students may qualify for private bank loans.

All international students who wish to be appointed as teaching assistants during their second year must obtain a United States Social Security number in order to be paid.