Admissions Process

Admission to SAE Institute is open to any individual who is seriously interested in creative media industries and meets all necessary entrance requirements. No previous experience is required. An overview of entry requirements and application process is given below.

Admission Requirements

In order to be admitted into a program at SAE Institute, prospective students may be enrolled in a program through the fifth class day (for SAE Institute Atlanta students) or the ninth class day (for all other SAE Institute campus locations) after the corresponding start date as long as requirements have been met (including attending class by the fifth or ninth day of the corresponding cohort start date, depending on campus) and if there is space available.

The following are the admissions requirements for all prospective students:

  • Successfully pass the Entrance Evaluation by scoring a minimum of 14 for Diploma or Associate Degree Programs and a minimum of 18 for Bachelor Degree Programs on the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam (Wonderlic SLE)
  • Provide Government-issued photo identification
  • Provide Proof of Graduation in the form of a standard high school diploma, GED completion certificate, state high school equivalency certificate or high school transcript
  • Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen; or provide proof of appropriate student visa
  • Be at least 17 years old
  • Demonstrate English language proficiency
  • Complete, sign and submit the Enrollment Agreement by the Friday before the start of classes
  • Attend a new student orientation and attend class during the first week of the first term
  • International students must include a statement from a guarantor that they are willing to provide the applicant with financial support for a minimum of one year along with: a personal bank statement of the guarantor converted to U.S. dollars, the amount of financial support the guarantor is willing to provide for one academic year, the guarantor’s name, address, signature, email address, and relationship with the student Students will not be considered enrolled until they meet all of the following requirements: Complete, sign and submit the Enrollment Agreement. Attend a new student orientation and attend class during the first week of the first semester

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis, up to and including the start date of the program as long as the requirements are met and seats are available. Once the enrollment requirements have been met, seats are granted on a first come, first serve basis. Seats fill up quickly so if a class section is full, the Admissions Department will offer the applicant an alternate time or start date.

After all requirements for admission have been met, each prospective student must sign an Enrollment Agreement. The Enrollment Agreement is a contract between the student and the school intended to protect the student and provide specific disclosure information, such as the total cost of the program, refund information (in the event of withdrawal from the school), and the total length of the program of study. The student should retain a copy of the signed Enrollment Agreement for personal use. In the event that a student withdraws then re-enrolls or changes status, a new Enrollment Agreement must be signed.

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How to Apply

Applying for programs at SAE Institute is a straightforward process involving only a few simple steps. An admissions representative will guide you through the process and identify the best course options for you. We have multiple start dates throughout the year to suit your schedule.

Admission to SAE Institute of Technology is open to any individual who is seriously interested in creative media industries and meets all necessary entrance requirements. No previous experience is required.

Prospective students may begin their admissions process in person, by mail, or online at usa.sae.edu. Those enrolling in person may make an appointment to visit the SAE Institute of Technology campus of intended enrollment during regular office hours. Out-of-area prospective students must contact the SAE Institute of Technology campus of intended enrollment.

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Domestic students

 To apply for any program at SAE Institute, all you need to do is complete the following steps:

  1. Apply with the help of an admissions representative.
  2. Provide a copy of your high school diploma, G.E.D., or sealed high school transcript.
  3. Undergo an interview with an Admissions Rep
  4. Pass the entrance exam.
  5. Meet with your Financial Aid Administrator.
  6. Sign an Enrollment Agreement.
  7. Optional: Visit Free Application for Federal Student Aid website to complete an application for Federal Aid. Find your SAE Campus Code.

Remember, you can call our Admissions team on 1-800-872-1504 or contact your nearest campus should you have any questions or need further assistance.

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International Students

Below is an overview of the International Admissions process. 

To contact an admissions representative, simply email our team here international.us@sae.edu. 

Passport

Submit a copy of your passport, valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of intended stay in the US.

Application

Submit an application for your desired campus.

Academic requirements

Students applying with a High School Credential earned outside the United States must have their transcript(s) evaluated by a member of the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO), the Association of International Credentials Evaluators (AICE) or the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) to determine the equivalency with a United States high school diploma. Proof of graduation in languages other than English must be translated into English.

English language requirements

SAE Institute campuses in the U.S.A. require all students to be proficient in English, both spoken & written. Applicants to SAE Institute from the following English-speaking foreign countries do not need to demonstrate English language proficiency: Australia, Belgium, Denmark, Holland, Jamaica, Norway, United Kingdom, Bahamas, Belize, Fiji, India, New Zealand, St. Lucia, US Virgin Islands, Barbados, Canada, Finland, Ireland, Nigeria, Sweden, or South Africa.

Applicants from all other countries not listed above must demonstrate English language proficiency by taking the TOEFL exam and scoring a minimum of 61 on the internet-based test, 173 on the computer-based test, or 500 on the paper test or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a minimum score of 6.0. All other regulations and requirements regarding International Students still apply. Please contact the Admissions Office for complete information.

Entrance Exam

SAE Institute requires all applicants to successfully complete the Wonderlic SLE to enroll into a program. An applicant taking the Wonderlic SLE who does not meet the minimum score of 14 (18 for a Bachelor's Degree) on the first attempt may retake the exam one hour after the first attempt. If the second attempt does not result in the minimum score of 14 or higher, a third attempt may be made one week after the second. If the third attempt does not result in a minimum score of 14 or higher (18 for a Bachelor's Degree), a fourth attempt may be made three months after the third.

We highly recommend that applicants take the Wonderlic SLE at the SAE Institute campus of intended enrollment. However, it is possible to arrange for this evaluation to be taken at any SAE Institute campus worldwide. Please contact the SAE Institute Admissions Office for details.

Financial Support

Submit a recent bank account statement in order to meet USA Embassy Visa requirements.

Enrollment

If accepted, you must then sign an enrollment agreement.

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Transfer to SAE Institute

Students who formerly attended a post-secondary institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education may be granted transfer credit for equivalent courses taken at the previous institution.

Students must arrange for official transcripts from all previous institutions forwarded directly to the Student Services Coordinator's office at SAE Institute. The official transcript(s) must be received as soon as possible after the student has enrolled so the student can receive a correct schedule.

The decision to award transfer credit is at the sole discretion of SAE Institute. SAE Institute will determine if courses completed at previous institutions are sufficiently equivalent to courses in the student's program of intended enrollment. Only courses with passing grades of "C" or better will be taken into consideration for transfer. Other factors used to determine transfer of credit include but are not limited to the number of course credits earned, objectives and descriptions of previous courses, length of time passed since courses were completed, and the academic level of previous courses. Students may be required to provide a course catalog or syllabus from the previous institution in order for SAE Institute to make a fair assessment. Courses that are approved to be awarded transfer of credit will show on the student’s transcript as "TC."

Students who receive transfer credit will have the tuition charge for the program prorated based upon the remaining number of credit hours the student must earn in order to graduate. Students must complete at least 50% of their coursework at SAE Institute.

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