History
1866, A group of Chicago artists meet in a block building on the southwest corner of Dearborn Avenue and Madison Street to discuss the formation of an institute of art; the artists intend to run a school with its own art gallery, laying the foundation for the Chicago Academy of Design.
Education
Foremost, SAIC is about students. We are dedicated to providing a complete liberal arts as well as the arts and design education that will serve our alumni throughout their multifaceted careers. We are delighted by your interest and sincerely hope that you will add your voice to the SAIC dialogue at such a critical point in the history of Chicago, the nation, and the world.
Research
To assemble a diverse body of intelligent and creative students and faculty in an environment designed to facilitate and encourage the discovery and production of significant ideas and images and to provide for the development of individual excellence in undergraduate and graduate programs in the visual and related arts.
Career
SAIC currently enrolls 3,221 students in 15 studio departments and 8 academic departments. There are 150 full-time tenured or tenure-track faculty and visiting artists, and 500 adjunct and part-time faculty supported by 300 staff.
School of the Art Institute of Chicago Key Statistics & Highlights
- 148 Scholarships
- 756 Academic Staff
- 3,558 Students
- 1,067 Students (int'l)
- 2,668 Students (female)
School of the Art Institute of Chicago Overview
School of the Art Institute of Chicago Scholarships
School of the Art Institute of Chicago Scholarships
Below you will find scholarships related to School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Distinction can be made between scholarships provided by the University and those provided by independent providers.
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
07 Oct 2026
Fulbright U.S. Student Program
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Other Scholarships For Graduate Students
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
72000 USD
Deadline
31 Oct 2026
Belgian American Educational Foundation (BAEF)
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
25600 USD
Deadline
Not specified
Next 100 (Kitas 100)
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
20000 USD
Deadline
31 Mar 2027
Thanks To Scandinavia Grants To Danish Students
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
40000 AUD
Deadline
30 Sep 2026
Veterans’ Fund Indigenous Scholarships
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
40000 AUD
Deadline
30 Apr 2026
Veterans’ Fund Graduate Scholarships
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
The Fulbright Program
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
38000 GBP
Deadline
16 Sep 2026
Marshall Scholarships
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
40000 USD
Deadline
30 Sep 2026
Study Abroad Graduate Scholarships of Chungcheongnam-do
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
01 Sep 2026
Fulbright Award For Postgraduate Study
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
30000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
International Education Center's Study Abroad Programs
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
11000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
Dositeja Fund For Young Talents Of Serbia
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
30000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
Baltic American Freedom Foundation Scholarships
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
01 Nov 2026
Fulbright-Masaryk Award
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
300000 HKD
Deadline
30 Sep 2026
Sir Edward Youde Memorial Fellowships For Overseas Studies
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 USD
Deadline
31 Jul 2026
Udaan India Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
332500 USD
Deadline
31 May 2026
Study Abroad Graudate Scholarships Of SBS Foundation
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 USD
Deadline
30 Jun 2026
Korean American Scholarship Foundation
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
30000 CZK
Deadline
30 Jun 2026
Olomouc Region Study Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Student services
International Affairs provides advising, advocacy, and resources in support of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago's (SAIC) international education and exchange programs and objectives. We represent the offices of International Student Services and Study Abroad/Off-Campus, working with the school community to offer the strongest possible complement of programs and services to the SAIC academic experience.
Housing services
The Art Institute of Chicago, including both the School and the Museum, is committed to making reasonable accommodations to otherwise qualified employees and applicants with disabilities and pregnant employees, as defined by law.
Library services
Chicago Public Libraries are located in neighborhoods throughout Chicago. All that you need to apply for a library card is a photo ID and proof that you reside in Chicago.As the flagship library of the Chicago Public Library system, the Harold Washington Library Center is enormous.
ICT services
Each room is equipped with a hard-wired Ethernet connection that gives students direct access to the Internet through SAIC’s network. In addition, students may use the wireless Internet connection in the residence halls.
Medical services
SAIC requires that all full-time students have insurance coverage while enrolled at SAIC. As such, all SAIC F-1 international students are automatically enrolled in and charged for SAIC’s student health insurance plan.
Health insurance coverage for international students’ dependents is available at an additional cost upon request once they arrive in the United States.
Campus life
The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) has an active campus fueled by our student groups, organizations, and leadership opportunities. With more than 60 student groups and organizations and a full schedule of events, SAIC’s Campus Life office offers countless ways to get involved in the SAIC community. From school-wide events such as the Halloween Ball to the Eye and Ear Clinic's film screenings, and from weekly Latin dancing and yoga classes to philosophy discussions and art critiques, you can indulge in almost any interest.
Sports facilities
Offers exercise facilities, classes, lounge area and tennis courts. 15 visits for $25 or $2/class. The Chicago Park District operates indoor pools across the city. Check their website to find a location near you and hours of operation.
Student clubs
With more than 70 student groups and organizations and a full schedule of events, there are many ways to participate in the SAIC community.
Benefits of being involved in a student group at SAIC include:
- Meeting new people and making new friends
- Learning new skills
- Serving the community
- Mentoring new students
- Having a voice in activities on campus
- Developing leadership skills
- Getting the most out of your time at SAIC
- Creating a greater sense of community at SAIC
Accreditation
The Art Institute of Chicago is a private, nonprofit corporation. The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) is a professional college of the visual and related arts, accredited since 1936 by the Higher Learning Commission and as a charter member since 1948 by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).
School of the Art Institute of Chicago Campus Locations
#1 Main Campus
United States Country
Chicago City
School of the Art Institute of Chicago Student Reviews & Awards
4.3
Based on 6 reviews
- 5 Star 3 Reviews
- 4 Star 2 Reviews
- 3 Star 1 Review
- 2 Star 0 Reviews
- 1 Star 0 Reviews
Learning with Different Art Museums in USA
The Professional Certificate program in "The Smithsonian Summer Sessions: Teaching with Museum Objects" has been an enriching journey, providing in-depth insights into the dynamic realm of education using museum objects. Throughout the program, I delved into innovative teaching methodologies that leverage museum objects to engage and inspire learners. The curriculum, crafted by experts from the prestigious Smithsonian Institution, offered a comprehensive understanding of how to integrate tangible artifacts into educational experiences effectively. From exploring the significance of museum objects in various disciplines to developing practical strategies for interactive and interdisciplinary teaching, the program equipped me with valuable tools for creating engaging and impactful learning environments. The hands-on approach and real-world applications presented in the sessions enhanced my ability to bring the richness of museum collections into the educational landscape. Moreover, the program fostered a collaborative learning community where educators from diverse backgrounds shared experiences and insights. This collaborative environment, coupled with the expertise of Smithsonian educators, created a unique space for professional growth and development. Completing the Professional Certificate in "The Smithsonian Summer Sessions: Teaching with Museum Objects" signifies not only a commitment to excellence in education but also a dedication to utilizing the power of museum objects to inspire the next generation of learners.
Nurturing Education
Studying at SAIC helped me better understand myself as an interdisciplinary artist. Although my predominant practice is in printmaking, SAIC provided me the opportunity to explore various disciplines and approaches rather than be married to one medium for the entirety of my attendance.
V.I. Surikov Moscow State Art Institute of the Rus
I experienced a huge lack of technical aspects in the programme.
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