Stuart Weitzman School of Design
102 Meyerson Hall
210 South 34th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
All prospective students submit the same application; there is no separate application for international applicants. International applicants will need to submit the materials listed on our How to Apply page, and should pay close attention to the following requirements.
Applicants whose native language is not English and whose undergraduate training of at least four years* has not been conducted in English must submit an English language proficiency test.
*The English language proficiency requirement will be waived for applicants who received a three-year undergraduate degree, as long as the entire degree was conducted in English.
We accept the IELTS, Duolingo English Test, or TOEFL test (including the TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition offered by ETS). The IELTS, Duolingo, and TOEFL test are valid for two years. We do not accept any other English language proficiency test.
Minimum Suggested Scores
Please review our How to Apply page for instructions on sending official English Language Proficiency scores.
Transcripts and Evaluations
You are required to upload transcripts from each college and university that you have attended for credit. This includes institutions where you have taken courses but did not receive a degree. Applicants who have attended international institutions must upload transcripts or mark sheets which include all courses taken, grades received, and proof of degree conferral and date (if applicable). If these documents are not written in English, certified English translations are required. Once translated, the original transcript as well as the certified translation should be scanned into one file and uploaded to the online application.
We will accept unofficial transcripts for the application review process. If admitted and you choose to enroll, official transcripts and/or course-by-course evaluations will be required.
Please review our How to Apply page for more information on transcript and evaluation requirements.
Universities in the US sometimes have difficulty sending emails to or receiving emails from some international email addresses due to firewall issues and restrictions. We recommend setting up an email address through Yahoo or Gmail for your application.
Important application and enrollment emails will come from admissions@design.upenn.edu and fin-aid@design.upenn.edu. Please add these email addresses to your list of known/safe addresses. If you are using Gmail, please check your “Promotions” tab.
International students are eligible for Weitzman scholarships. We offer scholarships to our students based on merit, determined by the faculty during the admissions review process. We do not offer need-based scholarships or grants.
Weitzman scholarships are limited. We strongly encourage you to explore external funding opportunities before you apply. Please review our Tuition and Aid page for more information.
If you are admitted and choose to enroll, you will need to apply for your visa. After you officially accept our offer of admission to the Weitzman School of Design by submitting your decision form, you will be assigned your Penn ID, an 8-digit Student ID Number that you will use to log into our Office of International Student and Scholars Services (ISSS) iPenn Services website. This website allows you to apply online for the immigration document (Form I-20 or DS-2019). After you fill out the online application form, you will be asked to upload your financial certification and passport copy.
It may take ISSS up to three weeks after they receive your completed application to process this information and send you your I-20/DS-2019. Once you receive your I-20 or DS-2019 form from ISSS, you will need to schedule a visa appointment with your local US Embassy or Consulate. ISSS has put together a useful video describing the visa application process.
STEM
STEM refers to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, an acronym popularized by the National Science Foundation. A STEM field of study is included in the US Department of Education’s Classification of Instructional Programs taxonomy for engineering, biological sciences, mathematics, and physical sciences, or a related field that involves research, innovation, or the development of new technologies using engineering, mathematics, computer science, or natural sciences (including physical, biological, and agricultural sciences).
The following programs have STEM designation:
CPT/OPT
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is intended to provide hands-on practical work experience in the US, complementary to the academic program. More information can be found on the ISSS website.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is defined as “alternate work/study, internship, cooperative education, or any other type of required internship or practicum which is offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school.” Thus, CPT for F-1 students is intended to provide work experience in the US in situations where the work serves as an integral part of a student's academic program and an established curriculum, prior to completion of that program. More information can be found on the ISSS website.
Foreign Nationals who hold a professional degree such as a Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) from their home country may not apply or enroll in our accredited Master of Architecture (M.Arch) program. However, it is still possible for Foreign Nationals with a professional architecture degree to seek licensure in the US with their degree through the Education Evaluation Services for Architects (EESA) program. For more details about the accreditation process, visit NCARB's website.
International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS)
ISSS provides support for both incoming and current international students. ISSS assists incoming students with their visa application. For current students ISSS hosts workshops and events that enhance cross-cultural connections and reduce cultural gaps and increase access of campus resources and opportunities for international students.
The Weingarten Center provides support services and programs for our students through its two offices, Academic Support and Disability Services.
EducationUSA is a helpful website providing information and a list of advising centers in your country that can help you begin your graduate studies in the United States.
