What are the One-Year Certificate Programs?
ICP's three One-Year Certificate Programs are Creative Practices, Documentary Practice and Visual Journalism, and Documentary Practice: Visual Storytelling Online. Creative Practices embraces the study of photographic practices, including fine art, editorial, fashion, documentary, and experimental image production. Documentary Practice and Visual Journalism and Documentary Practice: Visual Storytelling Online focus specifically on the investigative skills and technical knowledge necessary to succeed in the complex and constantly changing world of visual journalism.
 

When do the academic years begin and end?
On-Site Programs run from August to May, with two terms:
Fall Term: August – December
Spring Term: January – May
Online Program runs from January to December, divided into three terms:
Term 1: January – May
Term 2: June – August
Term 3: September – December

What materials and equipment will I need to complete this program?
Students are strongly encouraged to have a digital camera, ideally one with full manual functionality and interchangeable lenses, such as a DSLR or mirrorless camera. Having a personal laptop and external hard drive is also highly recommended for convenience and efficiency. All students will receive access to an Adobe Creative Suite student account.

Onsite Students: Onsite students will have full access to ICP's state-of-the-art facilities, including the Media Lab, Darkroom, and Studio, which can be reserved for use outside of class hours. A wide range of equipment is available for checkout from the ICP equipment room, such as film and digital cameras, lighting gear, laptops, and other production tools. For those unsure about which equipment to purchase, ICP provides opportunities to explore and test various options upon arrival.

Online Students: Online students will also receive access to Adobe Creative Suite. However, they are required to have their own professional camera gear, a computer with a stable internet connection capable of running Adobe software, and an external hard drive for file storage.

What are the degree requirements?
A high school diploma or equivalency is required to apply. One-Year Certificate Programs are not designed for the beginner photographer. These programs are for intermediate to advanced photographers interested in a concentrated program to advance their photographic skills and education. 

How do I apply?
Apply online. The following items are required of the applicant: a portfolio, statement of purpose, resume, two letters of recommendation, minimum high school transcript or diploma and $60 application fee. Additionally, international applicants must provide an English language proficiency test result.

How do I get assistance with my online application?
Contact us at [email protected].

What is F-1 visa? 
F-1 is a U.S. nonimmigrant visa granted to an international student by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for the primary purpose of: 

• Studying full-time in a degree or certificate program at a U.S. university that has been certified (authorized) by DHS to sponsor F-1 visas, or
• Working in the U.S. after receiving post-completion OPT or STEM OPT authorization from USCIS. 

How is "international student" defined by ICP?
An international student is defined as a student who is enrolled or intends to enroll in a full-time program of study in the U.S. and is NOT:

• A citizen of the U.S.
• An immigrant (permanent resident with an I-51 or Green Card)
• In the process of applying or waiting for a pending application for U.S. permanent residence
• An approved refugee and has not been granted political asylum
• An undocumented immigrant 

What is the Form I-20? 
A Form I-20 Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, a controlled DHS document that is available only from a U.S. university that has accepted your application for admission to the school for full-time study in a degree or certificate program.   

A Form I-20 tells the U.S. government that you are eligible for F-1 Student status. It certifies that:  

• You meet our admissions requirements
• You will pursue a full course of study; 
• You proved to us that you have enough money to study and live in the U.S. without working illegally or suffering from poverty. 

An I-20 does not, by itself, grant F-1 status to you. Rather, an I-20 allows you to: 

• Obtain F-1 status, and
• Demonstrate, in conjunction with an I-94 record marked for Class of Admission F-1 and Admit Until Date D/S, that you are in the U.S. in F-1 status. 

Can I transfer into ICP’s One-Year Certificate Program for another school? 
If you are already in the U.S. as an F-1 student at another institution, you must complete a transfer-in form after the successful completion of your Form I-20 application. You are advised to discuss the transfer process with your current institution. Based upon your travel intentions, you may or may not need to apply for a new F-1 Student Visa. 

Does ICP provide student housing? 
While ICP does not have its own student housing, we offer the following accommodation options and resources for students: 

• Bard College's Student Residence: Through a partnership with Bard College, ICP’s One-Year Certificate students have access to Bard NYC’s student residence in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. This location is near McCarren Park, the Brooklyn waterfront, fitness centers, and an indoor pool. If you are interested in staying in this dormitory or have questions about accommodation, please fill out this form.
• International House: International House (I-House) in New York City is another excellent option for both domestic and international students. International house in New York City has traditional student dormitory-style single rooms, apartment shares, and studio and one-bedroom apartments. Facilities include a dining room, fitness center, music practice rooms, study rooms, and a gym. Accommodation is available for a few days or a few months. Post-Graduate university students, scholars, faculty, international trainees, and interns are eligible to stay there. Students can apply for financial aid to make this a more affordable option. 

Can I work while keeping my full-time job? 
The One-Year Certificate (OYC) Program is a full-time study program. Students are required to attend a minimum of 18 class hours per week during both the Fall and Spring semesters, each lasting 15 weeks. 

Beyond class time, students should expect to spend 15–20 additional hours per week on assignments and coursework. Due to the rigorous academic workload, ICP strongly advises against maintaining a full-time job while enrolled. However, some students are able to manage part-time jobs or freelance work alongside their studies, depending on their personal schedules and time management skills. 

Are there any on-campus work opportunities?
All domestic and international students in the One-Year Certificate programs are eligible to apply for work-study positions at ICP in various departments, including Public Programs, Marketing, Community Programs, Exhibitions & Collections, the Photo Lab, the Equipment Room, and the Library.

Students must apply for work-study positions. Typically, students are assigned about 5 hours of work per week. For international students, guidance on obtaining a Social Security number will be provided once a work-study position is offered. 

Does ICP offer health insurance for students? Is it required? 
While health insurance is not required for ICP students, we strongly recommend having coverage for your safety and well-being. Here are some places to find insurance plans:

• MetroPlusHealth – Offers free health insurance to eligible local students, but only after you have arrived in the U.S. (See MPH College Plan for details.)
• International Student Organization of America (ISOA) – Offers affordable insurance plans for students studying in the U.S.
• International Student Insurance – Provides coverage tailored for international students.
• PSI Service – Health insurance specifically available to ICP students. 

What is the cost of tuition?
On-Site Programs tuition is $37,702 (inclusive of all fees). Online programs tuition is $12,560 (inclusive of all fees).

Is there tuition assistance for students?
Yes, both domestic and international applicants are eligible to apply for merit-based scholarships and fellowships through the application process. Additionally, campus work-study opportunities are available for One-Year Certificate program students. 

What are your refund policies?
Students requesting to withdraw from the Full-Time Programs must notify the Program Chair and One-Year Certificate Program and Admissions Manager as soon as possible. Please note that the $500 tuition deposit is non-refundable. The refund policy for students enrolled in ICP Full-Time Programs is as follows.

The first day of the academic year and the first term is the first day of Orientation.
100% refund: Withdrawal 30 days prior to the first day of the term.
75% refund: Withdrawal 15 days prior to the first day of the term.
50% refund: Withdrawal prior to the first 7 days of the term.

No refunds or credit will be given less than 7 days prior to the first day of the term.

All other fees, including the application fee, registration fee, and tuition deposit, are nonrefundable. No refund is issued for cases of suspension, expulsion or dismissal. All requests for refunds must be submitted in writing to [email protected].