International Student Information
To apply to VSA, international students must complete all of the items on the How to Apply page as well as the steps below. All materials in the application and supporting documents must be submitted in English.
Vanderbilt considers you an international student if you are a citizen of any nation other than the United States of America. You are not considered an international student if you are a dual U.S. citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident, refugee/asylee, or a U.S. citizen living abroad.
English Language Proficiency Examinations
VSA welcomes international applicants. Because of the fast-paced nature and use of specialized discipline-specific vocabulary of our courses, VSA is not a good fit for students who are not yet comfortable with reading, writing, and speaking in English. For this reason, demonstrated proficiency in English is required for applicants whose first language is not English. In addition to test scores or a portfolio application, students whose first language is not English should submit official results of the TOEFL, TOEFL Special Home Edition, IELTS, PTE Academic, or Duolingo English Test.
| Minimum recommended score | |
| TOEFL iBT | 100 |
| TOEFL Essentials | 10.5 |
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS) | 7.0 |
| Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) | 70 |
| Duolingo English Test (DET) | 130 |
Vanderbilt does not require English language proficiency examination scores if you have completed three of your last four educational years in a majority English-speaking curriculum. The test requirement will also be waived if a student has scored a 26 on the ACT English section or above 630 on the SAT Evidence-based Reading and Writing section.
While English language proficiency scores are preferred, students without these scores may submit an English-language portfolio which should include a short description of past English language studies or speaking experience and a letter of recommendation from an English teacher. We may also request a phone or Skype interview at the discretion of the VSA admissions team.
Please also note that any supporting documents in your application not originally in English must be accompanied by a certified translation.
Financial Assistance/Payment Plans
PTY is unable to offer financial assistance to international students.
PTY also offers all families the option to set up a monthly payment plan for their student’s summer tuition. After receiving an admissions notification, families interested in setting up a payment plan can do so in their SchoolDoc account. More information will be provided in the admissions notification email.
Payment plans allow families to pay equal installments each month leading up to the Payment Plan Tuition Deadline of June 1, 2025. Payment plan options are not available for those who receive an admissions notification after May 1, 2025. If on a payment plan, no refunds are provided for previously paid installments if a student requests a cancellation
HEALTH INSURANCE
All VSA students are required to have health insurance. Prior to attending VSA, you will be required to submit proof of health insurance. The parent is responsible for any out-of-pocket expenses that the insurance doesn’t cover. If desired, short-term health insurance is offered by many U.S. companies.
VISA
Most students come on a visitor or tourist visa since they are not students in a college program. We, however, suggest calling immigration for further information. VSA is unable to advise you regarding the type of visa you will need or to provide supporting letters other than the typical emails provided regarding program admissions.