Apply to PNCA as an International Student

Start your admissions process at PNCA by starting and submitting the the application for the program that matches your educational goals:

• Undergraduate (BFA Programs): A four-year program in the arts that will challenge and inspire your creativity.
• Graduate Programs (MFA/MA): Intensive two- to three-year programs that advance your expertise and career in the arts.

As part of your application to PNCA, please follow these steps to upload and submit your academic transcripts:

If you are applying to our undergraduate programs, please: 

• Send us your official Transcripts
  • Provide your high school and/or university transcripts or final examination results during the application process. Official transcripts are required for your application.
    • Undergraduate Students: Mail official transcripts to the Undergraduate Admissions Office at 511 NW Broadway, Portland, OR 97209.
  • If your transcripts are not in English or are complex, PNCA will arrange verification through World Education Services (WES) for a small fee. Otherwise, there is no fee for submitting your application. 
• Transcript Evaluation for International Students
  • If you graduated from or wish to transfer credits from an institution outside the United States, a credential evaluation is required:
    • Use WES, ECE, or any other NACES member agency to complete the evaluation.
    • A course-by-course evaluation is required if you plan to transfer credits.
    • A general evaluation with GPA is sufficient if no credit transfer is needed.
  • Students who completed secondary school in countries with exam-based certifications (e.g., O-Levels, WAEC, or CSEC) must also have their results evaluated.
• U.S. High School, College, or University Transcripts
  • If your transcript is from a U.S. high school, college, or university, an official transcript is sufficient, and no evaluation is needed.
• Important for International Students
  • Before PNCA can issue your Form I-20 or complete an official transfer credit audit, you must submit the credential evaluation.

To meet PNCA's English language proficiency requirements, submit your official test scores that meet the following minimum thresholds:

• Minimum English Language Test Scores
  • Undergraduate Applicants
    • TOEFL iBT: 79
    • IELTS: 6.5
    • iTEP: 3.9
    • Duolingo English Test: 100
    • PTE Academic: 58
    • English3: 68
    • GTEC: 1200
    • SAT (Critical Reading and Writing): 490
    • ACT (English and Reading): 20
    • IB English: 4
    • AP English Language: 3
  • Graduate Applicants
    • TOEFL iBT: 100
    • IELTS: 7
  • Alternative English Testing Services
    • If you achieved English proficiency through a test not listed above, please contact the Admissions Office for evaluation. Prospective undergraduate students should contact pncaadmissions@willamette.edu and prospective graduate students should contact pnca-gradadmissions@willamette.edu.
• You do not need to provide test scores if you meet one of the following criteria:
  • You are a native English speaker.
  • You were educated at a school where English is the primary language of instruction.
  • You studied at a U.S. high school for at least two years or at a U.S. college or university for at least one year, without taking English as a Second Language courses.
  • You successfully completed one of these programs:
    • Level 5 of Pacific International Academy’s Intensive English program
    • Level 112 at the ELS Center
    • Level 9 at The Language Company
• Important Notes
  • PNCA reserves the right to request English proficiency test scores at any point during the application process if there are concerns about your English proficiency.
  • International students must provide official English language test scores as part of the application process.

As part of your application, upload clear, color scans of the following documents to your application:

• Passport
  • Provide a color scan of the picture page of your passport.
  • Ensure the scan is clear and of high quality.
• U.S. Visa (if applicable)
  • If you are currently in the United States on a non-immigrant visa, upload a color scan of your current visa.

International students are required to provide proof of sufficient liquid funds to cover the cost of their first year at PNCA. You will receive a Financial Verification Form from PNCA to document your ability to meet these expenses.