Application Process for International Students
SMFA at Tufts has a long history of cultivating artists from across the globe. We value the diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and interests that international students bring to our community.
Tufts supports all international students during their transition to campus through resources such as our Undergraduate Global Orientation, and the Tufts International Center, which assists international students with the I-20 process, raises intercultural awareness, and advocates for a campus climate that respects and values cultural differences.
Application Process for International Students
During the academic application review, we evaluate international students within the context of their national academic system. Our Admissions Office is familiar with different educational systems, such as the GCSE and GCE A-levels, the French Baccalaureate, the International Baccalaureate, and the Abitur, among others.
Submitting standardized test scores (SAT, ACT) is optional. If an applicant chooses to provide them, the test results will be interpreted in the context of the applicant’s international background. Similarly, the admissions office is aware of the varying levels of extracurricular opportunities available to many international students.
International students must complete the full application requirements for either First-Year, Transfer, or Graduate admissions. In addition, all international students, for whom English is not the primary language and not the language of instruction in their secondary school/undergraduate study, are required to submit English-language testing (see below).
More details on the Tufts application requirements and deadlines for international students, as well as Frequently Asked Questions, are available on the Tufts Undergraduate Admissions site.
English-Language Testing
Tufts requires English-language testing if English is not your primary language or was not the language of instruction in your secondary school or during your undergraduate studies.
Note: students with at least three years of study in a secondary school where the primary language is English do not need to submit English language testing. Students who have earned an undergraduate degree where the primary language is English also do not need to submit English language testing.
Undergraduate applicants to the BFA and Combined Degree programs are expected to earn the following minimum scores:
- TOEFL (internet-based): 100
- IELTS: 7
- PTE: 68
- Duolingo: 130
More information regarding English-language testing exemptions for undergraduate applicants is available on the Tufts Undergraduate Admissions site.
Graduate applicants to the MFA and the Post-Bacc programs are expected to earn the following minimum scores:
- TOEFL (internet-based): 90
- IELTS: 6.5
- Duolingo: 110
Information regarding English language testing exemptions for graduate applicants is available on the Tufts Graduate School of Arts and Sciences site.
* The Tufts code for TOEFL submission is 3901.