APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Special Information for International Applicants

Our International Student Body

Tips

English Language Proficiency

Financial Resources Statement

Scholarships

Visas

Other Resources for International Students

Our International Student Body

Our students come from throughout the United States and countries all around the world. During the 2007-2008 school year, approximately 6.4% of our student body were international students. These 65 individuals represent the following countries and territories:

Tips

The process of applying to graduate school in the United States can take up to one year, so it is important to start your research and planning early. To apply for Fall 2009 admission, gather your documents, complete required testing (TOEFL, GRE and/or MAT if applicable), have your test scores reported, and submit your full application by the application deadline. Auditions/interviews typically take place during the Winter, and admissions decisions are mailed to recipients in late March or early April, if not earlier.

All supplementary application documents (transcripts, letters of recommendation) must be in the original language and be certified, as appropriate, by an American Embassy or Consular Official, an American notary public, a school administrator, or a national government official. An officially certified English translation must be attached to documents not issued originally in English.

If you plan to audition/interview live in Ann Arbor, do not schedule your travel arrangements until you have received an official confirmation of your audition date from the SMTD Office of Admissions. We cannot guarantee you an audition time without this confirmation.

English Language Proficiency

Unless your native language is English, you are required to demonstrate proficiency in English. This requirement also applies to persons who hold degrees from U.S. and other English-speaking universities.  For international applicants who reside in the United States, Canada, Iran, Butan, and Libya, you may opt to take the Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB).  International applicants who do not reside in the above countries may take and submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).

Master's and doctoral level candidates should consult our table of suggested miminum proficiency scores for guidelines. Take your test as soon as possible and have results reported directly by the testing agency to the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance (the code for the University of Michigan is 1839). No invitation to audition or offer of admission will be made until you have submitted English proficiency scores.

The purpose of these tests is to make a preliminary estimate of your proficiency in English if you are a non-native speaker. Upon arrival in Ann Arbor, and before registering for classes, you are required to report to the English Language Institute for a re-evaluation of your English proficiency. At that time you may be required to elect supplementary courses or additional work in English. If required, this work must be undertaken immediately.

The English Language Institute (ELI) of the University of Michigan offers instruction in English language for non-native speakers enrolled in the University. Since the main purpose of this instruction is to help non-native speakers become effective and participating members of the academic community, most ELI courses are concerned with English for academic purposes. These courses typically address specific concerns such as pronunciation, lecture comprehension, or academic grammar and usually involve no more than 20 contact hours per term.

Financial Resources Statement

A Financial Resources Statement (FRS) is required of every person who is not a citizen of the United States and will be mailed to each admitted international applicant. Its purpose is to assist the applicant in estimating the adequacy of his or her financial resources and to provide the School of Music, Theatre & Dance with appropriate papers necessary for the student’s visa. The FRS must be accompanied by a certification of funds to cover all estimated expenses throughout two years of master's or specialist study. Non-U.S. citizens are responsible for covering the entire cost of their program of study. The University of Michigan Office of Financial Aid is only able to offer assistance to US citzens or permanent residents.

Scholarships

International students are eligible for a School of Music, Theatre & Dance Scholarship if the application is submitted by December 1st and the audition is completed on or before February 20th, 2009. These scholarships are merit-based and can range in amount from a thousand dollars to full tuition. We strongly encourage scholarship candidates to audition/interview live in Ann Arbor whenever possible.

Visas

Visa papers will be sent to you after all required admission procedures have been completed. Your visa documents cannot be finalized until you submit the FRS and the certification of funds. This process typically takes place during the summer before the first term of enrollment.

Other Resources for International Students

The International Center

U.S. State Department