Organizer Information
The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) is an art and design school in Chicago, United States, offering interdisciplinary undergraduate and graduate education across studio art, design, architecture, art history, writing, visual studies, and related fields. SAIC provides undergraduate degrees, graduate degrees, post-baccalaureate programs, and certificates. Its academic environment emphasizes interdisciplinary study, individual creative practice, faculty mentorship, and access to the resources of the Art Institute of Chicago.
Key Information
- Official institution name: School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC)
- Opportunity type: University Programs & Admissions
- Study levels: Undergraduate, Graduate, Post-Baccalaureate
- Academic fields: Fine Arts, Design, Film/Video, Animation, Photography, Architecture, Fashion, Writing, Art History, Visual & Critical Studies, Art Education, Arts Administration, and related fields
- Program types: MA / MFA / MSc / BA / BFA
- Language of instruction: English
- International applicants: Yes
- Application period: Program/degree-specific
- Application deadline: Program-specific
- Start of studies: Fall 2027
- Application fee: $90; reduced to $45 for applications submitted and paid by December 1
- Tuition: See Tuition & Fees below
Eligibility
- Who can apply: International and domestic applicants
- Minimum academic qualification: Degree requirements vary by program
- Accepted academic backgrounds: Program-specific
- Professional experience: Program-specific
- Portfolio: Required for many art and design programs; requirements vary by degree
- Other eligibility conditions: Graduate applicants must submit program-specific supporting materials.
Language Requirements
- Language: English
- IELTS: 6.5 for undergraduate international applicants; graduate requirements are program/application-specific
- TOEFL: Accepted; minimum scores vary according to applicant/program and test version
- Duolingo: Accepted
- Other accepted tests: PTE Academic for undergraduate applicants
- Exemptions / Waivers: Certain applicants with English-language education or qualifying degrees may be exempt.
Tuition
| Study Level | Domestic | International |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate | $61,980/year | $61,980/year |
| Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | $59,460/year | $59,460/year |
SAIC publishes the same tuition rate rather than separate domestic and international graduate tuition rates.
Additional Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | $90 |
| Reduced Application Fee | $45 |
| Technology Fee | $1,000/year |
| Health Insurance | $3,940/year |
Additional charges vary by student and program.
Funding & Financial Support
SAIC offers merit- and need-based scholarships and grants for undergraduate and graduate students. International students are considered for merit-based scholarships during the undergraduate admissions process without a separate application. SAIC also identifies financial resources specifically for international applicants.
University Services & Academic Support
- Academic advising
- Flaxman Library & Special Collections
- Studios and academic facilities
- Art Institute of Chicago museum resources
- Visiting Artists Program
- Career and internship support
- International Student Affairs
- Off-campus study opportunities
Application Requirements
- Online application
- Academic transcripts
- Portfolio, where required
- Statement/artist statement
- CV/resume, where required
- Recommendation/reference materials, where required
- Writing sample, where required
- English language test, where required
- Program-specific materials
Application Portal
Deadline & Timeline
- Reduced Application Fee Deadline: 1 December 2026
- Final Deadline: 10 January 2027
- Interview Period: Mid-February
- Admission Results: March–May
- Start of Studies: Fall 2027
Location
School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, United States
Additional Details
SAIC's interdisciplinary structure allows students to explore multiple media and fields rather than being restricted to a single artistic discipline. Portfolio requirements differ substantially between degrees; for example, the BFA in Studio accepts visual, time-based, digital, and written work, while the BA in Art History includes both a writing sample and visual portfolio.