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International Student Admission at MCLA

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We welcome international students who want to study at MCLA and become part of our community in North Adams, Massachusetts. As you plan your application, understand both the admission requirements and the financial documentation needed to study in the United States. For 2026-27, out-of-state tuition and fees are $22,013.

We want to provide clear information about costs and visa requirements early so you can plan with confidence before deciding.

Can I get financial aid as an international student?

International students on student visas are not eligible for merit scholarships or U.S. federal financial aid such as Pell Grants or Federal Direct Loans. International students may qualify for an institutional waiver to cover the cost of living on campus.

Do I need to prove English proficiency?

Applicants whose first language is not English may need to demonstrate English proficiency. The following tests and minimum scores are accepted:

  • DuoLingo (minimum 100) 
  • TOEFL (minimum 79 on iBT or 550 on paper) 
  • IELTS (minimum 6.0)
  • PTE (minimum 50)
  • LANGUAGECERT (minimum 33 on B2 exam)

What do I need to apply?

APPLICATION Deadlines

Fall Semester: March 1
Spring Semester: November 15

Common Application

First-Year Students :

Transfer Students: 

Official evaluation of secondary school and/or college transcripts

This evaluation must be course-by-course, and is required for all transcripts received from institutions outside the U.S. and Canada. It is not required for U.S.-assisted schools abroad. The following approved organizations provide this service:

English Language Test Results

Applicants from non-English speaking institutions must submit official English language test results. The following tests and minimum scores are accepted:

Certification of Finances

As required by U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Services, you must complete the Certification of Finances form to verify access to sufficient financial resources to attend the College. All international students (not permanent residents or citizens of the U.S.) are classified as "out-of-state" students for tuition purposes. Since the College is unable to provide financial aid to international students, you must demonstrate adequate resources to meet yearly estimated expenses. A certification of finances must be submitted before a Form I-20 can be issued.

How does the student visa work?

After admission, international students receive instructions for submitting the financial and identity documents required for the student visa process. The responsible office should provide the current form, required funding amount and submission steps directly on the international admission page.

What are the financial requirements for international students?

As required by the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service, you must complete the Certification of Finances form to verify access to sufficient financial resources to attend the College. All international students (not permanent residents or citizens of the U.S.) are classified as "out-of-state" students for tuition purposes. Since the College is unable to provide financial aid to international students, you must demonstrate adequate resources to meet yearly estimated expenses. You must submit a certification of finances before we can issue a Form I-20.

What will it cost me?

For 2026-27, the approved out-of-state tuition and mandatory fees are $22,013 and the approved out-of-state on-campus cost of attendance is $43,096. The approved student health insurance fee is $4,962.

FAQs

A: MCLA’s 2026-27 out-of-state tuition and mandatory fees are $22,013, and the out-of-state on-campus cost of attendance is $43,096. International applicants should use the separate financial-documentation instructions issued for the visa process, because that required amount may include additional charges or assumptions.

A: MCLA requires applicants whose first language isn't English to demonstrate English proficiency through a recognized examination. Accepted tests and minimum scores are listed on this page. Some applicants may qualify for a waiver based on prior study conducted in English. Applicants should confirm current requirements with the admissions office before taking a test, since the admissions office reviews accepted exams and thresholds periodically.

A: International students on student visas are not eligible for federal student aid. The page should state separately which MCLA-funded scholarships or other support are open to international applicants and link to the current visa financial-documentation requirements.