International students interested in Pratt PreCollege can call 718.399.4533, or email precollege@pratt.edu.
Certificate Programs
The certificate programs in Creative Careers, Digital Design and Fashion New Media are full-time, in-person, NonCredit programs that support international students on an F1 student visa. Optional Practical Training (OPT) is available to eligible graduates of Digital Design or Fashion New Media who never had OPT before. Students who had OPT at any level before are not eligible.
Pratt Institute is authorized under Federal law to enroll non-immigrant, international students. International students are required to maintain a full-time schedule, consisting of a minimum of 18 hours per week, during the fall and spring semesters. Optional Practical Training (OPT) is available to eligible international students upon completion of the Fashion New Media or Digital Design Certificate.
Arm yourself with the knowledge and strategies needed to succeed in a creative career. Discover career options while learning best practices in business, marketing communications, copyright law, and licensing. Hone a craft in a creative field of choice. Position yourself strategically with a professional design portfolio. Length of program: 1 semester (16 weeks).
Digital tools empower designers to blur the lines between fields. Take an interdisciplinary approach to Pratt’s Digital Design certificates. Combine elective classes across digital design fields with a foundation in graphic design to enter one of the multidisciplinary roles today’s designers occupy. Grow your network while building a professional design portfolio. Length of program: 3 semesters (18 months).
Jump into fashion brand creative marketing through the first certificate program in fashion new media. Examine the new media landscape. Develop a vision. Create deliverables for target audiences. Finish with a market-ready, professional design portfolio and build your network in the world’s fashion capital: New York City (all classes are held in the Pratt Manhattan Center). Length of program: 3 semesters (18 months).
Fashion New Media is a multidisciplinary program:
Branding and Digital Marketing (build a brand from the ground up, or grow an existing brand)
Graphic Design (communicate your message with typography, layout, color and image)
Photography and Video Production (become a photographic and video content creator)
Frequently Asked Questions:
I am coming to NYC as a tourist. Can I take classes? International tourists who are interested in taking a course during their travels may be eligible to enroll in a short, NonCredit course. According to the U.S. State Department and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, visitor visa/status permits enrollment in a short avocational or recreational course of study, which is not for credit toward a degree or academic certificate. The schedule of study must not exceed 18 hours per week, and the course must not exceed 12 weeks in duration. Tourists are advised to review the rules of their visa before enrolling to ensure that the course doesn’t exceed the limits of their visa. For more information, contact SCPS-NonCredit@pratt.edu.
I need help deciding what program to apply for, who can I speak with for assistance?
What documents are needed for my application to be processed?
Students need to submit an application (see above), a copy of their passport, and proof of English proficiency to SCPS-NonCredit@pratt.edu.
Does Pratt SCPS require a submission of scores from language proficiency tests?
International students must show evidence of English proficiency through one of the following means.
Citizen of a country where English is a nationally recognized language.
A minimum TOEFL score of 500 paper-based test, 173 computer-based test, or 61 Internet-based test is required (a comparable IELTS, or TOEIC score may be accepted).
An interview with an SCPS admissions counselor.
Demonstration of English Proficiency through another means, like a degree from an English-speaking school.
How will I know if my application has been accepted?
Students will receive an official acceptance letter from Pratt SCPS.
How will I receive my I-20?
Once a student’s application is received and accepted by Pratt SCPS staff, their information is sent to the Pratt Office of International Affairs (OIA). After students are accepted, the OIA will send instructions on how to apply for the I-20. For questions, please contact the OIA by emailing oia@pratt.edu.
How do I register and pay for classes?
Students cannot register prior to having their I-20 issued by Pratt and cannot pay until they have registered for classes. Once registration opens, students will receive a notice with instructions on how to register. Students receive a bill only after they have registered for classes. Students will register and pay for classes by semester.
When and where do classes take place?
Most courses are held Pratt Manhattan on 14th Street, located at 144 West 14th Street, NY, NY 10011. Classes are scheduled 7 days a week, 9 AM-12 PM; 12-3 PM; 3-6 PM; 6:30-9:30PM. Browse courses to see specific class schedules.
International students must be enrolled full-time in classes in order to meet the requirements of the F1 Visa. Students can expect to be in classes at least 18 hours per week for 16 weeks during the fall and spring semesters.
Does Pratt offer room & board?
Pratt SCPS students will need to secure off-campus housing.
