Admission Requirements
To apply, prospective students must be at an advanced level of photographic proficiency or have demonstrated a strong background in the visual arts and media.
ICP welcomes applications from international students and is authorized by the Bureau of Customs and Immigration Service (BCIS) to enroll non-immigrants with F1 full-time student status. International students must fulfill all application requirements and possess oral and written proficiency of the English language. TOEFL scores are required. Program coordinators reserve the right to recommend or require additional English language instruction at the expense of the student.
Once accepted into the ICP Certificate Programs, students are asked to reserve their place with a $500 tuition deposit in U.S. dollars. International students must certify that they and/or a sponsor possess sufficient funds to cover the cost of tuition and living expenses for the academic year. That amount must be a minimum of $52,000. Once these requirements are met, a certificate of non-immigrant student status (form I-20) will be issued. Students will use this form to apply for an F-1 student visa at the United States embassy in their home country prior to their arrival in New York. Download "How to Get Your Form I-20."
The International Center of Photography is committed to a policy of equal treatment and opportunity in every aspect of its relations with its faculty, students, and staff members, without regard to age, citizenship status, color, disability, gender, marital or parental status, national origin, race, religion, or sexual orientation.
Tuition
Tuition for the 2008-2009 academic year is $27,830 with an annual lab fee of $1,500. There is a $100 application fee. Tuition and fees are the same for students from both the United States and abroad and are subject to change. One-third of the annual tuition and fees is payable at the time of registration each term. Upon acceptance into the One-Year Certificate Programs, students are required to pay a non-refundable $500 tuition deposit. The deposit reserves the student’s place in his or her program of choice and will be applied to the term of entry.
The Refund Policy for students enrolled in the One-Year Certificate Programs is as follows:
100% refund: withdrawal must take place at least five days prior to the start of the term.
85% refund: withdrawal before the end of the first week of the term.
70% refund: withdrawal before the end of the second week of the term.
No refunds after the second week of the term. Tuition deposit and lab/material fees are non-refundable. All requests for refunds must be submitted in writing to the ICP Education Department.
Loans
Educational loans for U.S. citizens for the One-Year Certificate Programs are available with Teri Education Loans. You can apply online at www.teri.org and apply for an undergraduate loan.
Tuition Assistance Programs
The ICP Work/Study Program is open to all students in the One-Year Certificate Programs and provides an opportunity to work as interns within ICP. In exchange for a tuition reduction of $400 per semester, the Work/Study student is required to work four hours a week for the duration of the ten-week term. Work/Study assignments are not to exceed forty hours per term. Participating students may choose from five areas within the Education Department: the Education Office, the Digital Media Lab, Darkroom, Community Programs, or Library.
For additional information, contact the Darkroom Office at (212) 857-0072. PLEASE NOTE: Work/Assistance funds are limited. Students are urged to seek alternative sources of financial aid. Citizens of the United States are encouraged to seek information from state and private sector sources. International students are encouraged to inquire at the U.S. consulate in their country of citizenship.
Scholarships and Grants
Additional financial assistance is available for students enrolled in the General Studies Program. Recent scholarships awarded include The New York Times Scholarship for Photojournalism, The Sandy Luger Scholarship, The Hausner Scholarship Fund, The Lisette Model Scholarship Fund, and the merit scholarship funded by The Henry Margolis Foundation and Josephine Lyons. Please note that while ICP continues to seek out new sources of support every year, we cannot guarantee the availability of any funds listed here.
Living Expenses
New York City can be a very expensive place to live. Plan finances wisely. Students need to account not only for their tuition and lab fees, but living expenses as well. Monthly expenses include rent, utilities, gas, electricity, telephone, food, transportation, photographic materials and equipment, entertainment, and miscellaneous expenses. The academic year spans ten months. The chart below is provided to help students devise a monthly budget:
Estimated Annual Living Expenses
Housing $11,000
Food $4,500
Transportation $1,200
Photo Materials $2,500
Personal Items $2,700
Estimated Total Annual Expenses: $21,900
