Next Steps for Fall 2026

Congratulations! You are now one step closer to joining the MICA community starting Fall 2026.

Congratulations and welcome to the MICA community! Connect with the Office of Undergraduate Admission to learn more about programs, your admission offer, creative careers, and more.

Important Dates:

  • Housing Application Opens: March 1, 2026
  • MICA Connect: Admitted Student Event: April 18, 2026
  • Priority Decision Deadline: May 1, 2026 (Tuition Deposit Due)
  • Move-In Day: August 19, 2026
  • Orientation: August 19, 2026 - August 23, 2026
  • First Day of Fall Semester Classes: August 24, 2026

NEXT STEPS

Ready to join MICA’s talented community of artists and designers? Submit your Declaration of Intent Form and pay your Tuition Deposit to secure your spot in the next incoming class. Priority decision deadline is May 1, 2026.

Merit Scholarships and Financial Aid

Learn more about how to apply for financial aid, our scholarship policy, and financing options on our Financial Aid page. Questions? You can contact the Financial Aid Office at 410.225.2285 or finaid@mica.edu.

Financial Aid Virtual Info Sessions 

General/Domestic Student Sessions

February 10, 2026, 7:00pm EST (Register Here
February 17, 2026, 7:00pm EST (Register Here)

International Session

February 18, 2026, 9:00am EST (Register Here)

*MICA's Housing Application opens March 1, 2026!  Click here to submit your housing application*

We are so excited to welcome you to the MICA and help you plan your move to Baltimore! Make sure to complete the Housing Application to be matched with roommates and apartment mates. 

First-time, first-year students and transfer students entering at the freshman or sophomore level are required to live in on-campus housing and sign an agreement stating that they will also reside on campus during their second year. For information on exemptions, please refer to the housing exemption policy here

Questions about living on (or off) campus? Contact ResidenceLife@mica.edu.

The next step toward studying in the US is to submit your visa documents to obtain your I-20 for an F-1 visa (or let us know what visa you plan on studying with):

 

For First Time F-1 Visa Holders, submit the following: 

 

For Current F-1 Visa Holders, submit the following: 

  • Immigration Form

  • Financial Statement

  • Bank Statement

  • Passport Copy

  • Copy of your current I-20

  • Copy of your F-1 visa

  • F-1 Transfer Form


Documents can either be uploaded to your student portal or emailed to records@mica.edu. After receiving them, we will issue your I-20, the document you will need to apply for an F-1 visa to travel to the U.S. You will then need to pay your SEVIS fee and schedule your visa appointment. Learn more here. All visa documents must be submitted by June 1, 2026.

**Requests for deferral will only be accepted from November 15-January 15 for Spring admits, and April 1-July 1 for Fall admits. Defer requests will not be accepted outside of these windows.**

Students admitted for the Fall semester are allowed to defer to the following Spring or following Fall term. Students cannot defer their admission beyond one year past the term they were originally admitted for. At that point, they must submit a new application to be considered for admission to the College. If you would like to defer your admission to a future term, you will need to fill out the Admission Deferral Request form. This will serve as your official request to defer.

Planning to earn transfer credits?

For first year applicants, if you are planning on taking college classes at another institution during your deferral, and want to enter MICA as a transfer student, you will need to reapply as a transfer for your new term. You can learn more about the transfer admission process here.

For information about scholarships and financial aid for your new term, please reach out to our Financial Aid Office at 410.225.2285 or finaid@mica.edu.

Your MICA Admission Counselor can assist with any questions, concerns, or challenges you have. Click here to schedule a one-on-one meeting.

 

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Join the Pros and Icons of MICA’s incredible global alumni network who are living proof that you don’t have to compromise your creative vision for professional success and financial security. Our home city is fittingly nicknamed B’More and that’s just what you’ll do — B’more to do more — working with our community and industry partners to use your talent to make people’s lives better.

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