International Students

At Otis College of Art and Design, international students make up 26% of our overall student population.

As an art school located in Los Angeles, we feel that our diversity defines us and we are dedicated to the belief that engaging with other people and experiencing new cultures and ideas enriches your educational experience. Our international students are important to our community and we strive to ensure that you have a smooth application and enrollment process.

Apply to Otis College

All information regarding the admissions process, how to apply, application deadlines and specific requirements for international students are available on our How to Apply page.

Otis Institutional Scholarships

Otis College offers merit-based institutional scholarships to all qualified students, including international students based on the quality of your admissions application. No separate scholarship application is required. All students will be considered based on their academic achievements and portfolio review at the time of admission. 

Admitted Students 

Accepted international students are encouraged to visit Otis College to experience our campus and community. Our You Visit virtual tour is the next best thing and is translated into Spanish, Mandarin and Korean. Complete information including a pre-arrival checklist for admitted students is available on our Admitted Students page.

If you would like to confirm your attendance to Otis College, submit your tuition deposit online.

Visa Process and F-1 Student Status 

International students who wish to study full-time at Otis College of Art and Design will study full-time on an F-1 Student Visa. Otis College will issue eligible admitted students a Certificate of Eligibility (I-20) which is required to apply for an F-1 Student Visa at a U.S. Embassy/Consulate. 

After you confirm your tuition deposit ($250), your information regarding the I-20 Request Process will be provided to you through your applicant portal. Valid passport, overseas contract information, and proof of financial support for the cost of attendance and living expenses will be required to be eligible for the issuance of an I-20. All required documentation can be submitted online through your applicant portal. When all information has been submitted, the Designated School Official (DSO) will review your information and issue your I-20 within 10 days. If you are changing schools within the U.S. and transferring your SEVIS record to Otis College, you will also be required to submit a record of your I-94, a completed SEVIS transfer-in form, and a copy of your I-20 from your previous institution.

Orientation

All F-1 International Students are required to attend International Student Orientation, part of Otis College's Orientation Week (O-Week). Students will be required to attend the mandatory F-1 Visa Workshop at orientation which will cover maintaining F-1 status, contact information reporting, enrollment requirements and practical training authorization. All incoming international students will also receive a peer mentor known as a TISO, Team International Student Outreach which will help you acclimate and build a strong sense of community.  

Mandatory F-1 Status Verification and U.S. Contact Information 

All F-1 International Students are required to report to The One Stop after their arrival to the U.S. to verify their visa status. The check-in and verification process ensures that all students have entered the US in a valid F-1 status to be able to begin studies as a full-time international student at Otis College. Your SEVIS Record will be activated in the federal government system after you complete the verification and check-in process. Complete information regarding the status verification process will be provided to you at the start of the academic semester. 

Federal regulations require F-1 students to have a valid local US address, valid overseas address and valid US phone number at all times during their studies at Otis College. US Address and phone number are required to activate your SEVIS Record. Your contact information must be updated within 10-days of moving. After your arrival to the US, complete the Address Change Update Form to update your US Address and Phone Number.