Art Students League Certificate Program

Eligibility & Requirements

Statement of Intent and C.V.  A Statement of Intent describes your reason for pursuing a Certificate of Completion with the Art Students League. You are encouraged to include information about yourself, your objectives, and your interests that may not be immediately apparent from a review of your portfolio and application. A Curriculum Vitae or résumé details your art-related activities and accomplishments. 

Artwork Portfolio  Online artwork submission of 10 jpeg images is required. It is advised that applicants select recent work relevant to their chosen area of concentration.  The application requires three (3) drawings made from observation, four (4) to seven (7) artworks in the chosen area of concentration, up to three (0-3) artworks in areas other than the chosen concentration. Two optional submissions can be made for video or audio artworks.

Previous Studies

  • Minimum educational level completion: Secondary school diploma or equivalent. A post-secondary degree or diploma is not required.
  • Applicants to the four-year Certificate Program must demonstrate a minimum of one academic year (two semesters, or equivalent) of previous fine arts study in studio classes for drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking or mixed media. 
  • Applicants to the two-year Certificate Program must demonstrate a minimum of two academic school years (four semesters) of study from a post-secondary fine arts program.

Transcripts

  • An Official Transcript is required to show your previous fine arts studies. 
  • A transcript from the Art Students League is acceptable and can be requested from the administration.
  • Transcripts from other institutions must be sent by mail to the Art Students League of New York, 215 W 57th Street, New York, NY 10019, Attn: Thomas Tacik; or by electronic service to: tom@artstudentsleague.org.

References/Recommendations

Provide two (2) to three (3) letters of recommendation from non-relative individuals who are familiar with your development as an artist. Recommenders should email tom@artstudentsleague.org or send letters by mail to the Art Students League of New York, 215 W 57th Street, New York, NY 10019, Attn: Thomas Tacik.

Application Fee  A non-refundable application fee of $50 is due upon submission.

International Student: Language Proficiency  If you are an international student, a good working knowledge of English is required. TOEFL scores are not required. English proficiency is determined through interview by teleconference or in-person meeting.

International Student: Form I-20 Issuance

  • Students who require F-1 status in order to enroll must have a SEVIS record in Active status at the time of matriculation or be otherwise eligible for issuance of a Form I-20.
  • To issue a Form I-20, The Art Students League of New York is required by U.S. federal regulations to review documentation demonstrating that you have sufficient financial resources to cover tuition, fees, living expenses, and medical insurance for the length of the program. Please note that the issuance of a Form I-20 is separate from the Certificate Program admission decision.
  • Your Form I-20 application will be reviewed once all required financial documentation has been submitted. If sufficient documentation is not provided, The Art Students League of New York will be unable to issue a Form I-20, and you will not be able to enroll for the intended term.

Other Program Fees in addition to tuition

  • $300 Certificate Student per Semester (all certificate students)
  • $300 International Student per Semester (F-1 students only)

(Note: Fees are subject to change without prior notice)

Applying to the Certificate Program 

Spring 2026 Application Deadlines:

  • The Spring 2026 Semester begins February 1, 2026.
  • Domestic 2-Year and 4-Year Certificate Program candidates, as well as international students currently in F1 status at other U.S. institutions who plan to transfer to the Art Students League, may submit the application by December 15, 2025.
  • International students who must obtain the Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility and apply for the F-1 visa are advised to submit this application by November 15, 2025, to begin the program in Spring 2026.
  • International students currently at other U.S. institutions who plan to transfer to the Art Students League or new students who will be applying for the F-1 visa should contact the International & Certificate Student Services office as soon as possible by email: tom@artstudentsleague.org
  • The application for the Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility may be submitted concurrently with the Certificate Program application. Download the I-20 application here.

Certificate Program Advising

Successful applicants will be notified of their acceptance and will receive further information about program advising and enrollment.

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