DigiPen Institute of Technology welcomes students from different countries and cultures. Because of language and educational differences, we do require some additional information from international applicants to ensure students are qualified for admission and to ensure a smooth application process. We also ask that international applicants complete the application process as early as possible to guarantee timely evaluation for their application and to allow time to process documents required by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Complete your application before the deadline of July 1, 2024 to give yourself adequate time to have these documents processed.
International applicants should read through the information on this page to prepare the necessary documents and materials for their admissions application.
Application Materials
In addition to the typical requirements for undergraduate or graduate applicants, international applicants must also provide the following materials to be considered for admission to DigiPen:
These items, along with the other application materials, should be prepared and submitted to DigiPen well in advance in order to allow enough time for application processing and, if accepted, the visa application process.
Academic Records
Applicants must report their entire academic history from freshman year of high school, or equivalent, and onward. Official transcripts from all secondary and post-secondary institutions must also be submitted. Required academic records vary by country, so applicants are strongly encouraged to contact Admissions staff to determine which documents you need to submit.
For Accepted Applicants
Accepted applicants must submit official academic records from each educational institution attended. Documents are considered official if they are sealed by the issuing institution or if they are certified-true copies. Certified-true documents are generally issued by a school official such as the registrar. These documents must be marked as “certified-true” or “attested” and signed by a school official on each page. Official records that confirm graduation are required from all applicants prior to enrollment.
Official exam results must be sealed in an envelope or certified-true by the testing board rather than the school. The results must then be sent to DigiPen Admissions prior to the start of the applicant’s applied semester.
It may take some time to have all of your records and documents certified and then sent by mail to DigiPen. Make sure to request official transcripts and records from your current and previous educational institutions as soon as possible. Transcripts should be mailed to:
DigiPen Institute of Technology
Attn: Office of Admissions
9931 Willows Rd. NE
Redmond, WA 98052
If you have any questions about submitting your particular academic records, please contact the Office of Admissions.
Translating Academic Materials
If your academic documents are in a language other than English, you must submit official copies of both the original documents and a literal translation in order to be evaluated. Please do not have grades converted or interpreted in any way.
Accepted students must submit original or certified-true copies of both the original documents and a literal translation.
For information on qualified translators, contact the American Translators Association or another recognized translation service (e.g. a certified translator, certified court interpreter, an authorized government official, or an official from the school where you obtained your degree). Proof of the translator’s credentials must accompany each translation. Self-translated copies are not acceptable. All postsecondary transcripts and diplomas must be issued by a bona fide, legitimate degree-granting university. If the issuing university provides official documents in English, an additional English translation is not required.
Financial Responsibility Form
The Financial Responsibility Form must be submitted by all accepted international students. If you are already in the United States on a visa, you may not have to submit financial documentation. Contact admissions@digipen.edu for more information.
International applicants must provide evidence to DigiPen of financial support indicating that sufficient funds are available for an eight-month period of study and living expenses to DigiPen and must make this information available to U.S. Immigration Service upon entry into the United States.
The bank statement needs to be an original document from the bank and not a self-service printout. This excludes printouts from Bank of America only. It should include the balance, currency (preferably USD), and name of the account holder. All assets must be liquid. If the applicant is not the account holder, whoever is financing them will need to either sign the Affidavit of Support included in the Financial Responsibility Form. Please do not include a transaction history.
The Financial Responsibility Form leads to an external site where you will use your DigiPen credentials to complete the document. As a reminder, only accepted students will be able to access this form. See our example document for a preview of what to expect.
See also: Cost of Attendance for information about estimated cost of attendance at DigiPen.
Proof of Proficiency in the English Language
Non-native English speakers must provide proof of English proficiency. Our preferred forms are:
A minimum TOEFL iBT score of 80. We will also accept a score of 550 for the TOEFL Paper-Based Test. To have your TOEFL results sent to DigiPen, include DigiPen’s college program code (4138) on your TOEFL exam.
A minimum International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.5 or higher.
A minimum Cambridge English: Advanced (also known as a Certificate in Advanced English or CAE) score of C1 or higher.
Completion of four years of high school in the United States at an English-speaking school, or an international school where the primary language of instruction is English.
Completion of at least six semester credits/10 quarter credits of college-level writing courses, equivalent to ENG 101 and 102, from any accredited two-year or four-year institution in the U.S. with a B grade or 3.0 GPA or better.
Completion of a four-year postsecondary degree in the United States at an English-speaking school or completion of an international school where the primary language of instruction is English.
To be evaluated with proof of English language proficiency, applicants must submit an official score report. An official transcript may be requested instead, depending on how proof of English language proficiency will be fulfilled.