International Admissions
Study Fashion in New York
At LIM, you can gain real-world experience in the fashion business starting in your first semester and enjoy the creativity, business connections, and diversity of New York City.
We have a vibrant global community and our Admissions team provides tailored resources to prospective international students, including guidance on visa applications, transcript submissions, English proficiency, and more.
Our STEM-designated master's degree programs offer F-1 students the opportunity to apply to extend their Optional Practical Training (OPT) by 24 months - for a total of up to 36 months. And students in all our master's programs can apply to start Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and get U.S. work experience in their first semester.
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Navigating the Admissions Process
We're thrilled you're considering joining us at LIM College. Here's what you need to know as you begin your application:
- Semester start options: You can choose to begin your studies in either the Fall or Spring semesters, providing flexibility to suit your schedule and goals.
- Rolling admissions: LIM College operates on a rolling admissions basis, meaning you can submit your application at any time up to the start of the Fall or Spring semester, as long as openings are available. However, we recommend you apply as early as possible, as class sizes are limited, and spots can fill quickly.
- Timely decisions: Upon receiving all your application materials, we aim to notify you of your admissions decision within two to four weeks.
- Campus Housing: LIM students who choose to live on campus will live at FOUND Study in Manhattan's vibrant Midtown East neighborhood. This modern student residence is a short walk from our academic buildings and steps from subways and buses. FOUND Study is around the corner from an NYPD police precinct and close to some of the NYC’s best-known attractions. Renovated in 2022, FOUND Study features rooms with private bathrooms, a fitness center, 24hr security, laundry room, lounges, bicycle storage, a communal kitchen and dining room, and more.
Resources for Prospective and Admitted International Students
- Life at LIM
- Undergraduate Programs
- Admitted Undergraduate Students
- Tuition & Costs
- Graduate Programs
- Admitted Graduate Students
- Housing
Application Requirements
We are committed to fostering a diverse and talented student body. To help us better understand your unique qualities and potential, we ask that prospective students submit the following admissions materials:
- Application for admission: Start your journey by completing our online application.
- Application fee: Pay a $40 nonrefundable application fee or submit an approved fee waiver.
- Transcripts: If you are applying to a graduate program, you must submit official transcripts from the institution from which you earned (or will be earning) your undergraduate degree. We may also request transcripts from other colleges or universities you attended at the undergraduate or graduate level. If you are applying to an undergraduate program, you must provide your high school/secondary school transcripts, along with transcripts from any other colleges you attended.
- English Proficiency: All non-native English language speakers must demonstrate English language competency.
- Form I-20
- Interview*
- Letters of Recommendation*
- Essay*
- Résumé*
*Required only for applicants to graduate programs
Applicants to undergraduate programs may also submit the following additional/optional materials in support of their application:
- Résumé or Activity Sheet: Showcase involvement in extracurricular activities, community service, and other accomplishments outside of the classroom. In the application process, upload a résumé or LIM College’s Activity Sheet.
- Interview: Express your goals, aspirations, and passion for the business of fashion and lifestyle.
How to Apply to LIM College
We take a holistic approach to admissions, looking beyond test scores to discover your unique qualities and potential. Take a closer look at the key components of our application process, from the online application to transcript submissions and English proficiency requirements. Your journey to a fashion, business, and lifestyle-focused education in New York City begins here, and we're excited to help you take the first steps.
To be considered for admission, you must submit a complete online application along with a $40 non-refundable application fee or approved fee waiver. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis for regular admissions.
GRADUATE PROGRAM APPLICANTS: Submit official transcripts from the institution from which you earned (or will be earning) your undergraduate degree. We may also request transcripts from other colleges or universities you attended at the undergraduate or graduate level.
Send your documents via mail, email, or through a third-party service, such as Naviance or Parchment. Electronic delivery is preferred. Documents should be sent to graduateadmissions@limcollege.edu. Please note: To be considered official, documents must come directly from the issuing institution or third-party service.
If you completed your undergraduate degree outside the United States, we may request that your transcript be evaluated by the World Education Service, AACRAO International Education Services, or another evaluation agency approved by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (such as International Education Evaluation).
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAM APPLICANTS: During the application process, you may send unofficial transcripts directly from your high school or your prior college. Official transcripts will be needed upon your enrollment at LIM College. Electronic delivery is preferred and transcripts should be sent to admissions@limcollege.edu.
GRADUATE PROGRAM APPLICANTS: Once you reach the interview section in the online application, we will email you a registration link that you can use to sign up for an interview time slot. Domestic applicants can interview in person or over the phone. International applicants can interview in person or via a video conferencing application (such as Zoom or Skype) and must send a picture of their photo ID beforehand.
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAM APPLICANTS: If you'd like to do an on-campus interview to supplement your application, email us at admissions@limcollege.edu or call (212) 310-0639. We may also ask some undergraduate applicants to interview on campus. If so, we will contact you to schedule a time for you to meet with us.
All non-native English language speakers must demonstrate English language competency. You are not required to prove English proficiency if:
- You graduated from an American, Canadian, or British school and completed two (2) years of regular English courses.
- You have taken at least two (2) years of English Composition in an accredited institution in the United States.
- You are from any of the following countries: American Samoa, Anguilla, Antigua, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Dominica, Grand Cayman, Grenada, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, New Zealand, Philippines, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Scotland, Singapore, South Africa, St. Lucia, Trinidad/Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, United Kingdom, & U.S.
You may prove your English language proficiency by:
- Submitting Evidence Based Reading/Writing SAT score of 530 or higher; or ACT English Language Arts score of 19 or higher
- Submitting a transcript from an accredited and approved institution, indicating a grade of “C” or better in English Composition
- Submitting an official “A” level GSCE Certificate indicating a grade of “C” or better in English
- Demonstrating you have earned at least 24 college credit hours or have made significant progress toward an associate degree, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or doctoral degree from an accredited university
All other applicants must submit proof of English proficiency via TOEFL, IELTS, or Pearson's Test of English (PTE), TOEIC, and ITEP scores that meet the minimum requirement. All official scores must be less than 2 years old.
Third Party Examinations |
Acceptance Level |
TOEFL* |
65+ |
IELTS |
5.5 |
Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE) |
46 |
TOEIC |
605+ |
ITEP |
3.6 |
Duolingo |
90 |
Kaplan Test of English |
410 |
Our school code for the TOEFL is 2380. Scores are available as early as 15 business days from the date of testing. Please inform your Admissions Counselor if you will be taking the TOEFL or IELTS or if you will be enrolling in an English language program.
Note: Students who are unable to sit for the TOEFL or IELTS exam can take the LIM College Language Review. This is an hour long and consists of two parts: (1) listening and speaking and (2) reading and writing. For the listening and speaking portion, prospective students will listen to a video, respond to several questions, and engage in a short conversation with the reviewer. Prospective students are not only expected to recall content from the video but also articulate their own ideas. For the reading and writing portion, prospective students will read an article from a noteworthy publication and engage with the text by responding to the ideas and articulating their own ideas in writing. Please contact your admissions counselor to learn more.
Regardless of language proficiency, all international students are required to take a placement exam upon starting classes at LIM. Prior coursework does not preclude students from remedial language or business courses based on placement.
Duolingo
The Duolingo English Test is an online English proficiency test that can be taken online, on-demand, in under an hour. The test is taken via a computer with a camera and includes a proficiency score, video interview, and writing sample which are shared with LIM College when you send your results. Certified results are available within 48 hours of the test session.
GRE/GMAT
- In some cases, a GRE Verbal Reasoning score of 150 or greater, along with an Analytical Writing score of 3.55 or greater, can be used to meet our Proof of English Proficiency requirement, in combination with a successful Graduate Admissions Interview (via Skype/Zoom or in-person). The test must have been completed no more than two years prior to application submission and an official score report must be sent directly to LIM College. The use of the GRE score to meet our Proof of English proficiency requirement will be at the discretion of the Office of Graduate Admissions.
- In some cases, a GMAT overall score of 556 or greater, along with a Verbal score of 27 or greater, can be used to meet our Proof of English Proficiency requirement, in combination with a successful Graduate Admissions Interview via Skype Video or in-person. The test must have been completed no more than two years prior to application submission and an official score report must be sent directly to LIM College. The use of the GRE score to meet our Proof of English proficiency requirement will be completely at the discretion of the Office of Graduate Admissions.
- All instances that do not fit within these specified criteria will be judged on a case-by-case basis. After review of your application, the Office of Admissions reserves the right to request additional documentation and/or translation of materials to support your application. U.S. citizens who have completed the majority of their coursework abroad may be considered international students for admissions purposes.
You must have a Form I-20 "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status – For Academic and Language Students" to apply for a student visa, enter the U.S. and apply for benefits.
Provide one letter of recommendation from an academic or work-related reference for our MPS and MS degrees. Two letters of recommendation are required for the MBA.
This letter should demonstrate insight into your teamwork, leadership, communication, and intellectual and interpersonal skills and abilities, as well as your strengths and weaknesses. Follow the steps in the online application to prompt your reference to submit their recommendation, or they can email it directly to graduateadmissions@limcollege.edu.
Address one of the following topics in a 350-500 word essay. Use this opportunity to provide insights into your personal and professional journey, showcasing your vision and commitment to your chosen field within fashion and lifestyle.
- Describe your specific career aspirations and your reason for pursuing a master's degree.
- Describe a career-related achievement or failure. How has this experience impacted your career?
- Discuss your commitment and dedication to working in the global fashion and lifestyle industry.
Share your work experience by directly uploading your résumé or CV within your online application. Highlight your professional journey, including significant achievements, job responsibilities, and key skills that demonstrate your readiness for graduate studies.
Frequently Asked Questions for International Applicants
We define “international students” as those who require a student visa to attend LIM College and/or have attended school outside the U.S. (Chinese students should visit us on Weibo for more information.)
LIM has a rolling admissions policy. This means you can submit your application up until the beginning of the semester. However, we strongly recommend that international students submit their application as early as possible, to allow sufficient time for a visa to be issued.
Once all application requirements are met, the Office of Admissions will notify applicants of its decision within two to four weeks.
Yes. Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is an internship or a required practicum that is offered through the College. CPT is available only as an integral part of an established curriculum and the student must receive school credit for this training. CPT must be related to the student’s program of study.
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a period during which undergraduate and graduate students with an F-1 status, who have completed or have been pursuing their degrees for more than nine (9) months, are permitted by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services to work for up to one (1) year on a student visa. This work must provide practical training to complement the student’s field of studies. Students can apply for OPT 90 days before the end date of their program, or 60 days after the end date of their program. On-campus employment, CPT, and OPT must be authorized by the Office of International Student Services at LIM College before a student starts working.
Students in all master's programs can apply to begin CPT in their first semester. Eligible master's degree students in STEM-designated programs can also apply for a 24-month OPT extension.
LIM College offers five STEM-designated master’s degree programs.
- Master of Science in Consumer Analytics
- Master of Professional Studies in Fashion Marketing
- Master of Professional Studies in Fashion Merchandising and Retail Management
- Master of Science in Global Fashion Supply Chain Management
- Master of Business Administration in Luxury Brand Management
Students in all master's programs can apply to begin CPT in their first semester. Eligible master's degree students in STEM-designated programs can also apply for a 24-month OPT extension.
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Seize the opportunity to start creating the future of your dreams. Begin your New York City fashion business education by applying to LIM.
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