APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Special Information for International Students

Our International Student Body        

English Language Tests

Tips

Financial Resources Statement

Visas & Other Resources

Our International Student Body

Our students come from throughout the United States and countries all around the world. During the 2006-2007 school year, approximately 7.3% of our student body were international students. These 76 individuals represent the following countries and territories:

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English Language Tests

All international applicants whose native language is not English must submit a score from an English proficiency examination. The International English Language Testing System (IELTS), the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), or the Michigan English Language Battery (MELAB) score must be submitted with their application and admission materials. The School of Music, Theatre & Dance requires a minimum qualifying score of 7 on the IELTS exam; a minimum qualifying score of 250 on the TOEFL computer exam or a score of at least 600 on the TOEFL paper exam; or a minimum qualifying score of 83 on the MELAB exam. The University of Michigan does not recognize the TOEFL Institutional Testing Program (ITP) exams.

In addition, Rackham programs in Music, Theatre & Dance require all international applicants who have completed two academic years or less at an English-speaking university, to have their English evaluated when they arrive on campus by taking the Academic English Evaluation (AEE) prior to the beginning of the term of admission. You should arrive in Ann Arbor in plenty of time to have the re-evaluation completed by the first day of classes.

As stated earlier, all international applicants whose native language is not English must submit a IELTS, TOEFL, or MELAB official score report before an audition can be scheduled. No audition will be scheduled until we receive the official score report. Upon favorable evaluation of the test scores, an audition may be scheduled.

No admission offer will be made without an affirmative evaluation of the official test scores and other materials in the admissions dossier.

Information and applications for English proficiency tests may be obtained by contacting the following:

TOEFL
Educational Testing Service
P.O. Box 6151
Princeton, NJ 08541-6151
E-mail: toefl@ets.org

MELAB and AEE
English Language Institute
Testing and Certification Division
University of Michigan
3020 North University Building
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1057
e-mail: melabelium@umich.edu

Rackham Graduate Admissions Office

915 East Washington St.

Room 16

Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1070

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Tips

In the United States, the process of applying to graduate school takes up to one year, so it is important to start your research and planning early!  To apply for Fall 2008 admission, you will need to gather your documents, complete required testing (i.e. TOEFL), 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 guranatee you an audition time without this confirmation.

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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 assist the Rackham Graduate School in preparing the appropriate papers necessary for the student’s visa. The FRS must be accompanied by certification of funds to cover all estimated expenses throughout two years of master’s (M.F.A. or M.A. program) or four years of doctoral 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 does not provide need-based assistance to non-U.S. citizens. The Rackham Graduate School will not confirm enrollment until the Financial Resources Statement has been received and approved; please send the FRS and the other necessary documents directly to the Rackham Graduate School, Office of Admissions, 915 E. Washington St., Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109-1070l.

Visas

Visa papers will be sent to you from the Rackham Graduate School after they approve your enrollment status.  Your visa documents cannot be completed until you submit the FRS and certification of funds.

Other Resources for International Students

The International Center of the University of Michigan

U.S. State Department

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