International School of Art & Design NYC | I-20 certified school NYC | SEVP certified schools in USA

    To have instructors and classmates who understand and inspire each other until the finish line was so special.

    Christy, accepted to BFA at Carnegie Mellon

    F-1 Visa Art School Portfolio Preparation Program for International Students

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    Certificate Of Completion: Portfolio Preparation.
    Our 1-Year and 3-Year Portfolio Preparation Certificate Programs are full-time F-1 visa–eligible art programs offered by New York Art Studio, an SEVP-certified I-20 art school in the USA.

    F-1 VISA Portfolio Certificate Program NYC

    Why Choose New York Art Studio?

    Our Portfolio Preparation Certificate Programs provide a structured academic path for international students pursuing serious artistic development and art school admission.

    Students may complete one of the following full-time programs:

    • 1-Year Portfolio Preparation Certificate Program
    • 3-Year Portfolio Preparation Certificate Honor Program

    Both programs focus on building a strong body of work through guided studio practice, conceptual development, and professional portfolio presentation.

    To receive the Certificate of Completion, students must successfully complete the required full-time coursework within their selected program duration.

    Study Art in New York as an International Student

    New York Art Studio welcomes international students who wish to study art in the United States while preparing an art school portfolio.

    As an I-20 art school in New York, we provide structured full-time programs designed to support international students throughout their academic and artistic development.

    Our program provides:

    • Full-time study structure for F-1 visa students
    • Individualized portfolio mentorship
    • Focused studio training and critique
    • Preparation for college and graduate art school admission

    Students benefit from studying in New York City, one of the world’s most influential centers for art, design, and creative industries.

    No prior art experience is required to join

     Students should have a strong interest in art portfolio preparation for college or graduate school admission and artistic development. Applications are accepted year-round, subject to program availability. 

    Anyone

    F-1 Visa Eligible Art Program (I-20 Issuance)

    New York Art Studio is an SEVP-certified art school authorized to issue Form I-20 for qualified international students.
    Students enrolled in the Portfolio Preparation Certificate Program may study full-time in the United States while developing their art portfolios for college or graduate school admission.
    Our program provides a structured academic environment that supports F-1 student visa status while allowing students to focus on building a competitive portfolio.

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    Art Portfolio Preparation for U.S. Art Schools

    Students develop a professional portfolio aligned with the admission expectations of leading art and design colleges in the United States.
    Through guided studio practice and individualized mentorship, students create original projects that demonstrate:
    • Drawing and observational skills
    • Conceptual thinking and creative exploration
    • Technical ability across multiple media
    • A cohesive artistic direction
    Each portfolio is developed with consideration for the requirements of specific art schools and programs.

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    Preparation for College and Graduate Art School Admission

    The program supports students preparing portfolios for undergraduate (BFA/BA) and graduate (MFA) art programs.
    Students receive guidance throughout the portfolio development process, helping them present a strong body of work suitable for competitive art and design schools.
    Many students prepare portfolios for institutions such as:
    • Parsons School of Design
    • Rhode Island School of Design
    • Pratt Institute
    • School of Visual Arts
    • Savannah College of Art and Design
    • Yale University School of Art
    • Cornell University
    • Harvard Universityas well as other top art and design schools in the United States and internationally.

    Program Tracks

    College Portfolio Preparation

    The College Portfolio Preparation track supports students applying to undergraduate art and design programs (BFA or BA).

    Students develop a portfolio that demonstrates:

    • Observational drawing skills
    • Creative experimentation
    • Conceptual thinking
    • Technical development across media

    Portfolio projects are designed to align with the admission expectations of competitive art schools in the United States.

    Graduate School Portfolio Preparation

    The Graduate Portfolio Preparation track is intended for students applying to MFA or other advanced art and design programs.

    This track emphasizes:

    • Conceptual depth and research-based work
    • Development of a clear artistic direction
    • Portfolio cohesion and professional presentation
    • Preparation for graduate school portfolio review

    Students receive mentorship focused on developing a mature body of work appropriate for advanced academic study and professional artistic practice.

    F-1 VISA Portfolio Certificate Program NYC

    Art Classes

    • Classes are conducted in-person art classes NYC at our school location in Midtown Manhattan.
    • Graduate Level students are required to complete additional studio hours, fulfilled through up to six Private Lessons per quarter.

    Benefits

    • Small class sizes with an average student-teacher ratio of 6 to 1 to optimize the learning experience and portfolio development process
    • Customizable class schedule based on your availability.

    Student Work

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    Where Personalized Guidance Meets Proven Result

    At NY Art Studio, every student receives 1:1, major-specific instruction designed to reveal their authentic artistic voice"

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    Where Personalized Guidance Meets Proven Result

    At NY Art Studio, every student receives 1:1, major-specific instruction designed to reveal their authentic artistic voice"

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    Where Personalized Guidance Meets Proven Result

    At NY Art Studio, every student receives 1:1, major-specific instruction designed to reveal their authentic artistic voice"

    Schedule & Tuition

    Select 5 sessions per week from the options provided below

    Session A (Eastern Time) Session B (Eastern Time)
    Monday11:00 AM – 3:00 PM4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
    Tuesday11:00 AM – 3:00 PM4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
    Wednesday11:00 AM – 3:00 PM4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
    Thursday11:00 AM – 3:00 PM4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
    Friday11:00 AM – 3:00 PM4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
    Saturday10:00 AM – 2:00 PM2:30 PM – 6:30 PM
    1-year program
    • Quarter System: 12 weeks per quarter
    • Class Length: 4 hours per class
    • Schedule: 5 classes per week
    • Break: 1-week vacation after each quarter
    3-year honor program
    • Quarter System: 11 weeks per quarter
    • Class Length: 4 hours per class
    • Schedule: 5 classes per week
    • Break: 2-week vacation after each quarter
    • After each quarter, if the student wishes to continue their study, they can enroll for another quarter.
    • Classes are conducted in-person at our school location in Midtown Manhattan.
    • You can customize your class schedule based on your availability.

    Select 4 sessions per week from the options provided below.
    Additionally, Graduate Level students are required to complete additional studio hours, fulfilled through up to six Private Lessons per quarter.

    Session A (Eastern Time) Session B (Eastern Time)
    Monday11:00 AM – 3:00 PM 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
    Tuesday11:00 AM – 3:00 PM 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
    Wednesday11:00 AM – 3:00 PM 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
    Thursday11:00 AM – 3:00 PM 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
    Friday11:00 AM – 3:00 PM 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
    Saturday10:00 AM – 2:00 PM 2:30 PM – 6:30 PM
    1-year program
    • Quarter System: 12 weeks per quarter
    • Class Length: 4 hours per class
    • Schedule: 5 classes per week
    • Break: 1-week vacation after each quarter
    3-year honor program
    • Quarter System: 11 weeks per quarter
    • Class Length: 4 hours per class
    • Schedule: 5 classes per week
    • Break: 2-week vacation after each quarter
    • After each quarter, if the student wishes to continue their study, they can enroll for another quarter.
    • Classes are conducted in-person at our school location in Midtown Manhattan.
    • You can customize your class schedule based on your availability.

    *The one-time, non-refundable Application Fee for International Student Portfolio Preparation Program is $150.

    Quarter Options Undergraduate Level Tuition
    1 Quarter$8,400 $8,650
    2 Quarter$16,750 $17,257
    3 Quarter$25,110 $25,864
    4 Quarter$33,470 $34,470
    • Register quarterly
    • one week vacation after each quarter of 12 weeks
    • Receive $100 off each additional quarter when you register for more than one quarter at a time.

    Frequently Asked
    Questions (FAQs)

    Who is this program designed for?

    This program supports international students seeking art portfolio preparation for college or graduate school while maintaining F-1 student status at New York Art Studio, an SEVP-certified art school in New York City. It is suitable for students preparing portfolios for undergraduate (Bachelor’s) and graduate (Master’s/MFA) art and design programs.

    What skills will I develop?

    Students will develop a comprehensive set of skills essential for art portfolio preparation, including observational drawing, composition, color theory, design fundamentals, concept development, creative thinking, and portfolio presentation techniques. Instruction may include drawing, painting, design, and mixed-media approaches, depending on each student’s portfolio goals and target programs.

    Do you assist in developing a cohesive theme or concept?

    Absolutely. We guide students in shaping a cohesive direction that reflects their personal voice and aligns with their goals.

    How are critiques conducted in this course?

    Instructors provide regular feedback through both individual sessions and group settings, focusing on refining techniques and conceptual development.

    Can international students study at the New York Art Studio?

    Yes. New York Art Studio is an SEVP-certified school authorized to issue Form I-20, allowing qualified international students to apply for F-1 student visa status while enrolled in a full-time program.

    What is an art portfolio preparation program?

    A portfolio preparation program helps students develop a body of work required for admission to art and design schools. Students create original projects while receiving guidance on portfolio presentation and artistic development.

    Can this program help me apply to art schools in the United States?

    Yes. The program is designed to help students prepare portfolios suitable for admission to leading art and design schools in the United States.

    Do I need prior art experience to join the portfolio preparation program?

    No prior art experience is required. Students with a strong interest in art portfolio preparation and artistic development are welcome to apply. Our instructors guide students through the process of developing foundational skills and building a portfolio suitable for college or graduate art school admission.