Apply

To apply to Suffolk, international students must submit/complete the following:

• Common Application or Suffolk Application and a $50 application fee
• Essay/personal statement
• Official high school transcript* or GED/HiSET results
• Letter of recommendation
• Official College/University Transcripts (in English or with official translation) from all institutions attended.
• Proof of English Proficiency utilizing our test-flexible policy.  

Additional documents are required for each of the following: 

• International Undergraduate Students
• International Graduate Students
• International Exchange Students
• International Non-Degree Students
• International JD Students

*Applicants may be required to have their credentials evaluated by a professional evaluation service. Suggested agencies include: Center for Educational Documentation, Josef Silny & Associates, World Education Services, and Span Tran.

To apply to a Suffolk graduate program, students must complete an online application and submit all materials outlined in the application requirements. In addition, international applicants may need to provide supplemental components, such as English proficiency testing and transcript evaluations. Additional information, including testing details and criteria for graduate students, is available on the International Graduate Students page.

International students are automatically considered for merit scholarship funding when applying to Suffolk. U.S. citizens and U.S. permanent residents may apply to be considered for financial aid.

Suffolk can issue your I-20, allowing you to study in the U.S. only after a student has been admitted and your Certificate of of Finances [PDF], bank statement, and a copy of your passport have been received. Although these documents are not required to process an admission application, we strongly encourage you to submit these documents when you apply.

Applying With Portfolio

Applicants for studio art, graphic design, or interior design are required to submit a portfolio as part of the admission process.

Your portfolio should contain only your best–and most recent–work and should demonstrate versatility, showing that you are prepared for the diverse and rigorous first-year foundation program. You may include pieces produced in your high school art classes or on your own through courses at art schools, museums, and adult ed programs.

• Your portfolio should consist of 12-15 examples of recent, original, finished work:
• Pieces showing skill in observational drawing/painting (still life studies, self-portraits, figure studies)
• You may also include abstract and design-based pieces in drawing, paint or collage
• Work that demonstrates a range of media and techniques
• Do not include anime, manga-based work, or pieces copied directly from photographs
• Limit the number of computer-generated pieces

Submit your portfolio in ONE of the following ways:

• Upload to your applicant portal account after submitting your application
• Email us
• Mail to the Office of Undergraduate Admission; 8 Ashburton Place, Boston, MA, 02108

Applying Without Portfolio

If you are an applicant who does not have a portfolio, you can begin your studies at the University as "Undecided" within our College of Arts and Sciences. Students who meet the stated conditions in their first semester will be considered for full entry into art & design.

Not finding what you need? There's more admission information for Art & Design students at Suffolk University.

The deadline for priority financial aid is March 1; funding for students submitting an application after that date will be based on availability. The FAFSA is required to be considered for need-based financial aid.

Spring 2019 Admission	December 1
Early Action Fall 2019 Admission	November 15
Fall 2019 Freshman Admission (Priority)	February 15
Fall 2019 Transfer Admission (Priority)	June 30