International Students

At Arizona Culinary Institute (ACI) we welcome diversity within our student population. International students are encouraged to attend our hands-on culinary program where each student is treated as an individual. Our school boasts a “home away from home” environment in the beautiful Arizona desert.

Arizona Culinary Institute is certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) which was established by the Department of Homeland Security to better monitor school and exchange programs. Student information is maintained in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). It is through SEVIS that ACI generates the I-20 form which you will need when applying for the M-1 visa. Click here for details on how to apply for a student visa.

Requirements

We encourage you to call 866-294-2433 to speak with an admissions representative or request more information from the home page. Admissions will answer questions and help you determine which start date would best suit your needs. ACI requires English proficiency in order to attend its Culinary Arts program. The United States Department of Education does not offer Federal Student Aid to nonimmigrant visa (M-1) students. Before ACI can generate an I-20 form each student is required to have a valid passport, pay the entire tuition cost and have a certified bank statement verifying funds for living expenses while in school. All necessary forms are included in the steps below.

Steps to Becoming an Arizona Culinary Arts Student

Step 1

Complete an Application for Admission

Step 2

    • Complete the Arizona Culinary Institute International Application.
    • Complete the Financial Guarantee Statement included in the application. This must include an original Bank Seal Certification.
    • Pay the full amount of the school tuition.
    • Mail (overnight carrier), e-mail or fax the above documents with a copy of your passport.
      Mail address: 10585 N 114th St., Suite 401, Scottsdale, AZ 85259
      E-mail: info@azculinary.edu
      Fax: 480-603-1067

Step 3

Mail, e-mail or fax a copy of your Proof of Graduation from a U.S. equivalent High School. All transcripts must be translated and verified by a foreign educational credential evaluation source. For a complete list of providers, go to the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).

Step 4

Once ACI has received the Full Tuition Payment, International Application and Financial Guarantee an I-20 form will be sent via overnight carrier to the student’s home address. The I-20 form is needed for the issuance of the M-1 visa by an American Embassy or Consulate. Once again, refer to U.S. Department of State for information on applying for a student visa.