RISD students have a museum on their doorstep and an Ivy League university next door. The Rhode Island School of Design, founded in 1877, climbs College Hill in Providence alongside Brown, and students can cross-register there or apply to the five-year Brown|RISD dual degree. First-years take Experimental and Foundation Studies before choosing a major such as illustration, industrial design, graphic design or architecture. The RISD Museum and the Nature Lab, a collection of natural specimens for drawing and study, are part of everyday teaching.
Providence, Rhode Island, United States
Official website: risd.edu
Top 10 in the world
1877
College Hill, Providence
Brown|RISD five-year programme
$60,000 – $66,000
International students, undergraduate and graduate tuition
$17,000 – $22,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on risd.edu before you apply.
BFA Illustration
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 93
BFA Industrial Design
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 93
BFA Graphic Design
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 93
Bachelor of Architecture
Bachelors DegreeDuration
60 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 93
MFA Graphic Design
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 93
A foundation year before students pick a major.
Wintersession, a January term for studio and travel courses.
The Nature Lab and RISD Museum used in daily teaching.
Graduates work as illustrators, product designers, graphic designers and architects.
Alumni include Airbnb co-founders Brian Chesky and Joe Gebbia.
F-1 graduates can apply for OPT; check whether your programme is STEM-designated.
Undergrad
Early Nov / mid-Jan
Postgrad
Mostly January deadlines
College Hill has steep streets, colonial houses and small cafés, with Brown a short walk up the slope. The Providence River runs below, and Downcity sits at the bottom of the hill.
Providence is small and cheaper than Boston or New York, both reachable by train. On summer nights WaterFire lights bonfires along the river through the city centre.
Form I-20 issued by the institution
Proof of funds for one academic year
SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
Completed DS-160 online application
US embassy or consulate interview
Passport valid six months beyond stay
Undergraduates can apply Early Decision by early November or Regular Decision by mid-January for fall. Graduate applications are usually due in January. All studio programmes need a portfolio.
All programmes start in September. There is no spring intake for new students.
You'll need an F-1 visa. Once you accept your offer and send proof of funding, Rhode Island School of Design issues the Form I-20. After that it's the SEVIS fee, the DS-160 form and an interview at a US embassy or consulate.
Illustration, industrial design, graphic design and architecture are among the most popular majors, and the MFA in graphic design is a common graduate choice. Admission rests heavily on the portfolio, with grades and IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 93 also needed.
RISD offers limited need-based and merit scholarships to international students. Aid is competitive, so most international students pay the majority of costs.
