USA MFA Dream- how to make it reality

[liebkuchen]

I'm 41 from Scotland with an undergrad degree in education. I did a certificate in visual arts about 15 years ago at a local college for a gap year and won the class prize. But lack of money for further studies meant I went into admin and I've bounced around jobs due to poor mental health. I'm at my happy and healthiest when I do my art.

We have good art schools here but the single year of the masters would cost me about $30,000 as I'm not eligible for further help beyond a tiny loan.

So, I'm thinking aloud- could studying in the USA be a possibility? I have a few questions:

1. Can international students apply for the stipends?

2. Are there any particular programmes that have 'liveable' stipends e.g. Yale- any others?

3. Masters study for art in the UK is reasonably straightforward to apply- I think you could get in with a good portfolio and interview. However, is the American system different? Would I need a list of exhibitions? Somewhere I was reading about needing to do residencies- is that important?

I guess it boils down to whether a) it's not possible b) it is possible but I need a couple of focussed years to prepare my application

Any pointers, if it's not impossible, would be gratefully received. Thanks in advance.

[IvanC]

1. Yes! We usually have assistantships here. 

2. Well, we don't make a lot of money here, but it's enough for me and my family (my wife and two kids). Most programs pay "decent" stipends. 

3. It's usually simple. You'll need a statement of purpose, recommendation letters, resume, writing sample, and some cases GRE. 

Hope it helps!