Our Mission

Virginia Marti College of Art and Design is recognized as a leading center for the teaching and learning of the creative design arts. Since 1966, we have trained international students. It would be an honor and privilege to provide you with an exceptional skill in design. We believe with the combination of your hard work and the training you will receive, you will have a distinct advantage over many students in the skills of design and business. The small class sizes, along with the focus on entrepreneurship, will allow you to receive personalized learning from our skilled instructors while earning your Associate Degree. Many colleges and universities in the United States have class sizes in excess of 100 students. Here, at VMCAD, our skills-training classes will have a maximum of 10 students per instructor and our lecture classes do not exceed 30 students. Student-focused programs and our dedication to serve our students create an environment for educational success. Developing our students’ vision and talent is the main goal of our outstanding faculty and practicing industry professionals. We are committed to providing academic excellence for students who want to specialize in specific areas of the design industry. We offer a personalized environment for a diverse student population and those seeking a cultural experience and a valuable education.

Attractions

All VMCAD students take classes based on four 10-week quarters with a 3-week break between each quarter.

• Students are able to enjoy the area’s vibrant art and music scenes, coffee houses, bistros and restaurants, dance and performing arts venues.

• VMCAD is within 10 minutes of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, the Greater Cleveland Aquarium, sports stadiums, and only 20 minutes from University Circle, home to the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Cleveland Orchestra and other nationally renowned museums.

• Water sports, such as jet skiing, waterskiing, fishing, swimming, canoeing, and kayaking, can be enjoyed at Cleveland’s nearby Edgewater Park. Downhill skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing are features of our numerous seasonal ski resorts.

• Biking can be done through the 1000 acre Emerald Necklace with its miles of continuous parkland that border Lakewood.

• Cleveland is also centrally located to other major U.S. cities.  Our nation’s capital, Washington, D.C., is located just 372 mi/600 km from us.  New York City, North America’s business and fashion center, is a mere 461 mi/742 km away, while the nation’s 3^rd largest metropolitan area, Chicago, Illinois, is only 345 mi/555 km away.

• State-of-the-art health care can be found among any of the Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals heath centers.

• Lakewood can be your home away from home with its low cost of living and safe environment.  We have assistance in providing transportation to and from the airport and acquiring housing for you.

Benefits of Attending Virginia Marti College of Art and Design

• Experience the changing seasons of Northeastern United States
• Lakewood, Ohio is safe and the cost of living is low
• VMCAD assists with housing
• Transportation to and from the airport is provided
• Minimum TOEFL scores required due to high concentration of technical skills

Admissions Requirements for International Student Applicants

1. Transcripts of grades from the school last completed and/or the school you are currently attending, translated into English.
2. Proof of income and/or financial status (Affidavit of Financial Responsibility Form I-134).
3. Minimum TOEFL score of 61 IBT (Internet-based test), 450 PBT (Paper-based test), or IELTS score or 6.
4. Completed Application for Admission into VMCAD.
5. Application fee of $200.00 USD. (Non-refundable)
6. Registration fee of $300.00 USD. (Refunded if student is not accepted.)
7. Student must attend on a full-time basis each consecutive quarter. (Completed application must reflect this.)
8. Portfolio showing art and/or design work. (Recommended but not required.)

Please submit all application information to:
Virginia Marti College of Art and Design
ATTN: International Admissions
11724 Detroit Avenue
Lakewood, Ohio 44107

Procedures Leading up to Student Enrollment

1. Once the requirements are received, the college’s Office of Admissions will process the application for acceptance or denial.
2. If the application is accepted, the Office of Admissions will then issue the acceptance letter and the I-20 Form (the legal form to be completed by the applicant and the proper authorities). If the application is denied, only the denial letter will be issued.
3. Once the accepted student receives the I-20 Form, they apply for the M1 Visa (Student Visa reserved for vocational and technical schools). If the accepted student is overseas, they take the I-20 Form to their consulate. Otherwise, if they are in the United States, they take the I-20 Form to the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS).
4. Once the M1 Visa is granted, the accepted student will receive the dates of approval and begin arrangements for travel to the United States. (VMCAD will provide assistance with determining housing arrangements and transportation from the airport.)
5. Once the accepted student is in the United States, they will complete their registration and orientation at VMCAD.