International students bring valuable perspectives to our creative community at Otis College. We're committed to helping make your artistic education financially accessible through various funding opportunities. From merit-based scholarships automatically considered during the admissions process to flexible payment plans and work opportunities, there are multiple ways to help support your education.
International students are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships as part of the admissions process, with awards determined by the strength of their application materials, academic performance, and portfolio quality. No separate application or CSS profile is required—our admissions counselors evaluate each student's creative work, academic history, and overall application to determine scholarship eligibility.
These merit scholarships recognize exceptional artistic talent and academic achievement, helping to make an Otis education more accessible to outstanding international students. Additionally, continuing international students who have completed their first year at Otis may apply for continuing student scholarships, providing ongoing financial support opportunities throughout their academic journey. Please note that full tuition scholarships are not available for international students at this time.
If you have received a higher merit scholarship from another institution, Otis can evaluate you for a scholarship increase if you submit documentation through our Financial Appeal process. You can contact the One Stop at onestop@otis.edu for more information about our financial appeal process and a link to the form.
Otis College offers flexible payment plan options to help international students and families manage tuition and fees throughout the academic year. Students can choose from 6-payment, 5-payment, or 4-payment plan options to spread their educational costs over multiple installments, making an Otis education more financially manageable. Each payment plan includes a one-time enrollment fee of $40 and operates with no interest charges. Our payment portal will collect international payment plan payments via Flywire, which streamlines international payments.
Learn More About Payment Plan Schedules
Outside of payment plans, Otis also accepts payment via wire transfer. You can contact the One Stop at onestop@otis.edu for wire transfer instructions.
Otis College of Art and Design is approved by several Canadian provinces for student financial assistance programs, making it easier for Canadian students to pursue their creative education in Los Angeles. Students may be eligible to receive provincial student loans and grants to help fund their studies at Otis College. Canadian students should contact their provincial student aid office—such as OSAP in Ontario, StudentAid BC in British Columbia, or their respective provincial program—to confirm eligibility requirements and application procedures.
Our Financial Aid Office is available to assist Canadian students with documentation and certification requirements for their provincial student loan applications.
While international students are not eligible for federal loans, many students find educational loans in their home country that can be used for studying in the U.S. If you are unable to obtain a student loan in your home country, there are some U.S. private lenders that offer student loans to international students with a U.S. based co-signer with good credit history.
International students can supplement their educational funding through on-campus employment opportunities, working up to 20 hours per week while maintaining their F-1 visa status. These positions, including roles like administrative assistants, student ambassadors, and student tutors, provide valuable work experience while helping students earn money for books, art supplies, and other educational expenses. After completing their first academic year, international students may also be eligible for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) opportunities at approved off-campus locations that directly relate to their field of study, allowing them to gain professional experience in art and design while earning additional income. All on-campus employment and CPT opportunities must be approved through our Primary Designated School Official (PDSO) to ensure compliance with federal immigration regulations.
Students interested in work opportunities should connect with Career Services to explore available positions and understand the application process.
International students interested in studying at Otis can explore scholarship opportunities through EducationUSA, the U.S. Department of State's official source for information about studying in the United States. EducationUSA centers, located in over 170 countries worldwide, provide free advising services and maintain current information about scholarships, grants, and funding opportunities specifically available to students from each country. These centers can help you identify country-specific scholarships, Fulbright programs, and other financial aid options that may support your studies at Otis College.
In addition, students can search for scholarships that fund international study opportunities in the U.S.
To find your nearest EducationUSA center and learn about scholarship opportunities in your home country, visit educationusa.state.gov or contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your region.
International students looking to save money while strengthening their English language skills can benefit from starting their education at a local community college before transferring to Otis College to complete their bachelor's degree. Community colleges close to Otis such as El Camino College, Santa Monica College, Pasadena City College and Orange Coast College, are known for being international student-friendly and offer substantially lower tuition rates while providing English as a Second Language (ESL) programs and foundational coursework in a supportive environment. This pathway allows students to improve their academic English proficiency, complete general education requirements, and adapt to the U.S. educational system at a more affordable cost before transitioning to the specialized art and design curriculum at Otis College.
If you’re interested in transferring to Otis College, visit our transfer page to learn more and schedule an appointment with our dedicated transfer admissions counselor.
Have further questions about scholarships and aid for international students? Contact Financial Aid at onestop@otis.edu.