How is selection done, and who makes it?
Your application will be reviewed and selected by the department head of your chosen RISD academic department (major). You may apply to one academic department only. Please note that acceptance largely depends on space available, your portfolio work and its presentation, and your technical level of expertise, as judged by the Department Head of the academic department to which you apply.
We do our best to deliver admission decisions as quickly and efficiently as possible so that students who are not accepted can apply to their second choice exchange institution. Typically applicants receive their admission decision within a month of their application deadline.
The online application portal will announce an update on your application status by email when your admission decision is ready to be viewed. If accepted, you will have approximately one week to confirm your acceptance. Pay close attention to the official acceptance confirmation deadline in your admission decision letter.
How many students apply? How many get in?
Selection is based on space available and the quality of your application. The total number of applicants each semester varies, however the overall number of available spaces is always very small. For this reason admission is very competitive and only a few applicants who thoughtfully prepare their applications are accepted. If you are not accepted you are welcome to reapply in future semesters.
Will there be a waiting list?
Typically there is not a formal waitlist for Exchange at RISD. Applicants will be notified if their applications are approved or rejected.
Once accepted, can I defer or withdraw?
Deferral is not possible, but you may reapply the following semester if you are unable to confirm your acceptance. After arrival, if you withdraw from your exchange semester early you will forfeit your RISD academic credits.
Once accepted, can I extend Exchange into a second semester?
No, extension of exchange semester at RISD is not possible.