▶ International Students


"As the Academy enters its 125th year, it is our goal to provide the best conservatory training available for actors around the globe"

-- Roger Croucher, President, The American Academy of Dramatic Arts


The Academy is proud of the rich diversity of its
student body:

• International students comprise 30% of enrollment at AADA
  
  
• Over 40 countries have been represented in AADA's student body

Applying to AADA as an International Student

General admission requirements are the same for all applicants regardless of citizenship, but immigration regulations, financial matters and a variety of educational credentials require added procedures for international students. Our Admissions and Financial Aid offices will assist with all issues regarding these policies and procedures.

• Student Visa

After the audition, applicants who are admitted to the AADA will be sent visa information along with their acceptance letter from the Admissions Office. Important visa guidelines are enclosed and forms which you must complete and return to the Admissions Office.

Form I-20 will be issued only after the applicant has been accepted for enrollment and has met all standards set forth by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services and The Department of Homeland Security.

We encourage early application/audition for all international students and recommend sufficient time allotment for visa processing (4-5 months prior to enrollment).

• English Language

In addition to those requirements listed for all applicants under the website section >> Requirements international students whose native language is other than English must demonstrate sufficient competence with spoken and written English. This is a necessary step to prevent problems with faculty and student verbal communications that might impede a student's learning and development. This proficiency is determined through the application and audition process.

• Academic Records/Official Transcripts

Academic Records/Official Transcripts from foreign schools must be submitted in certified English translations. These documents must be in a sealed envelope from the institution and unopened by the applicant.

▶ Apply Now


Financial Aid for International Students

The Academy is committed to preparing talented students for acting careers and helping them achieve their highest potential. For that reason, we try to make it possible for all admitted students to attend the school. Over ninety percent of AADA students receive some type of financial assistance.

All international applicants are eligible to apply for financial aid. The Academy offers a variety of scholarship and assistance opportunities and a choice of payment plans. We also participate with foreign government aid programs if available. All prospective students are encouraged to apply for financial aid at the time of their audition. Financial aid packages consist of a combination of AADA grants, loans, scholarships and campus employment. All prospective students must submit the required documents by the appropriate deadlines for consideration of financial assistance. These documents will be sent to you by the Financial Aid Office.


AADA Grants and Scholarships

These Grants and Scholarships refer to money that does not need to be repaid and the Academy will create a package for all students with both Academy-funded and government grants for which they are eligible. In addition, prospective students should apply to their local community for privately funded scholarships during their junior and senior year of high school. High school guidance counselors can provide information regarding application procedures.

All students who have applied and been accepted to the Academy are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:

Merit Scholarships up to $8,000, determined by an Applicant's Audition, may be awarded. Our Scholarship Procedures/Schedule provides information about deadlines for Merit Scholarship consideration. >> Scholarship Procedures/Schedule

AADA Grants up to $3,000 are available to all admitted First Year Academy students who do not qualify for merit scholarships.

Need-based Awards up to $6,000 may be awarded in addition to AADA Grants and they are assessed through the financial aid process.

All students must re-apply for financial aid every year. Second Year and Academy Company students apply for scholarships by submitting the application (provided by AADA) to the Academy's Scholarship Committee.

▶ For a list of Endowed and Annual Scholarships click here

While it is our priority to provide financial assistance to as many students as possible funding is based upon availability; therefore, every student and his or her family should pay for their education to extent of their ability. >> Tuition and Costs


AADA Work Study

There are a limited number of campus jobs funded by the Academy which are open to international students. Following registration, international students may apply to a variety of AADA departments such as Admissions, AADA Library, Production, Costumes and the President's Office for these College Work Study positions.


Loans

• Alternative Loans

Alternative Loans (private loans) usually carry a higher interest rate than federal loans. Students are advised to consider them only after traditional sources of financial aid have been secured. International students who have a U.S. credit-worthy co-signer will obtain better alternative loan rates and all international students must have a U.S. co-signer.

International students can visit the following links to Sallie Mae and Citizens Bank which offer Alternative Loans to international students. If you meet the requirements and are approved, you can re-apply for these loans each year you are a student of the Academy.

www.salliemae.com
www.citizensbank.com


Other Resources

The following are some additional loan resources known to the Academy, but applicants are encouraged to seek others on the internet and through their respective governments:

Canada
Ontario Student Assistance Program

United Kingdom
Career Development Loans

Sweden
CSN

Edupass.org
eduPASS


▶ Apply Now


Housing for International Student

Housing Introduction - New York
Housing Information - Los Angeles

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