Why is an Art School Application Different?
Applying to art and design schools abroad differs significantly from standard university applications. Your portfolio matters as much as — if not more than — your grades. However, there are also many documents you need to prepare throughout the application process. In this guide you will find everything you need to apply to schools such as UAL, NABA, SAIC, Pratt, ESMOD, and Marangoni.
Core Application Documents
1. Portfolio
The most critical element of your application is your portfolio. A digital or physical portfolio of 10 to 25 original pieces prepared according to the school's expectations is required. Each school and program has different portfolio requirements.
2. Artist Statement or Personal Statement
A written document in which you describe yourself, your artistic perspective, and why you chose this school. It is generally expected to be between 300 and 650 words. Some schools call it an artist statement, others a personal statement or motivation letter — but the core purpose is the same.
3. High School Diploma or Transcript
An officially certified and apostilled copy of your high school diploma or final year transcript is required. For Turkish students, these documents should be submitted as notarised Turkish originals with English translations.
4. Language Proficiency Certificate
Most international art schools require an English language proficiency certificate. Accepted exam types include:
- IELTS Academic: Generally a band score of 6.0 to 6.5 is expected
- TOEFL iBT: Generally a score of 80 to 100 is expected
- Duolingo English Test: Accepted by some schools
- Cambridge: B2 or C1 certificate is accepted
For ESMOD Paris, French language proficiency may also be required.
5. Letters of Recommendation
Most schools require one to three letters of recommendation. These are generally obtained from:
- Your art or design teacher
- Your class teacher or school principal
- A manager from a workplace if you have internship or work experience
Letters of recommendation must be written in English or have an English translation attached.
6. Identity Document
A valid copy of your passport or identity card is required. If you will be applying for a visa, make sure your passport has sufficient validity.
7. Application Form and Fee
Each school has its own online application system. Application fees generally range from 50 to 150 Euros or Dollars. Some schools may reduce or waive the fee for early applications.
Additional Requirements by School
UAL (application via UCAS)
- UCAS application form
- Personal statement (4,000 characters)
- Portfolio review or interview invitation may follow
NABA
- Portfolio review interview
- Motivation video (for some programs)
SAIC
- Short essay on art history (for some programs)
- Two letters of recommendation
Pratt Institute
- Two letters of recommendation
- Resume or CV (for some programs)
ESMOD
- Motivation letter
- French or English language proficiency
Marangoni
- Motivation letter
- Portfolio review interview
Application Timeline
A general timeline for international art school applications is as follows:
- 9 to 12 months before: School research and start of portfolio preparation
- 6 to 9 months before: Language exam and transcript preparation
- 4 to 6 months before: Portfolio completion and obtaining letters of recommendation
- 2 to 3 months before: Writing artist statement and motivation letter
- 1 to 2 months before: Completing and submitting application forms
- After application: Portfolio review or interview processes
Special Notes for Turkish Students
Apostille: Official documents obtained in Turkey may require apostille certification. You can arrange this through your Provincial Directorate of National Education or a notary.
Translation: All Turkish documents must be translated into English by a sworn translator.
Transcript conversion: The Turkish grading system (out of 100) may need to be converted to the 4.0 GPA system by some schools.
Application Support with Da Vinci Akademi
At Da Vinci Akademi, we support our students through every step of the application process alongside portfolio preparation. We offer:
- Portfolio preparation
- Artist statement and motivation letter writing support
- School selection and application strategy consultancy
- Document preparation guidance
- Online and in-studio training options
Get in touch with us for your international art school application.