Information for International Graduate Students

The Office of Graduate Admission is excited that you are considering earning your graduate degree at MICA! We want to help make your transition to the United States as easy as possible. Below, we've collected some important information you need to know. As you continue to make your decision, we strongly recommend speaking with international students currently in graduate school at MICA. They can help by giving you information about how they transitioned to living in Baltimore. If you would like to speak with current students, contact the Office of Graduate Admission—our contact information is at the bottom of the page. 

I-20 and Visa Procedures

All international, non-resident students are required to complete the procedures to receive an I-20. In mid-April, after you have submitted your tuition deposit, the Office of Graduate Admission will email you the necessary forms and requirements. All international students are required to show sufficient financial support. A complete I-20 application has four requirement, listed below with downloadable forms:

• Immigration Information Form
• Graduate Financial Statement for International Students & Certificate of Finances:
  • Full Time
  • Low Residency
• Financial Documentation (bank statement or bank letter)
• Color Copy of Valid Passport

When you have printed and completed the forms above, you may submit them as PDFs to the Office of Graduate Admission through this form. 

Housing for International Students

MICA has limited on-campus housing for graduate students. However, the Office of Graduate Admission gives priority to international students for on-campus housing. To get more information about living on-campus, visit our Housing for Graduate Students page.

If you are interested in living off campus, the Office of Graduate Admission also runs a Google Group to help both international and domestic students locate off-campus housing. Almost all of our graduate students take advantage of nearby neighborhoods and live off-campus. It can be challenging for international students to find off-campus housing because many landlords will require renters to either be U.S. citizens or have a U.S. citizen as a cosigner. Here are some tips!

• Living with a roommate: If you have an American roommate who can sign the lease, you will not need to have a cosigner.
• Live in building that does not require special conditions for international students: The Office of Graduate Admission recommends two buildings that have been great for international students in the past—The Queen Anne Belvedere and Varsity at University of Baltimore. You might also research The Fitzgerald and Symphony Center.
• Talk to current students! Talk to your international classmates and see where they are living.

Summer International Student Bridge Program

This three-week program, running up to Graduate Orientation, is an opportunity to strengthen your English skills while learning about Baltimore and also provides a chance to settle into your new home before classes begin. More information about this summer's program will be posted soon! For more information in the meantime, contact Janine D'Adamo jdadamo@mica.edu. 

Questions? Concerns?

Studying abroad is a big commitment! The Office of Graduate Admission understands how much work is required to not only prepare for an intense course of graduate study, but also move to a new city and country. We would like to help by answering any questions you have, or connecting you with current international students who can provide you with some insight and advice. Call us at 410.225.2256, email us at graduate@mica.edu or contact us through webchat below!