RISD Art & Design Programme 2026
Are you a high school student or in the first year of a Bachelor’s degree, and do you want to delve into the visual arts and design through the RISD Pre-College program, one of the most selective pre-college art programmes in the world, at a leading university this summer? These enrichment programmes in Providence, Rhode Island, offer an immersive 6-week experience where you can explore a discipline in depth, spend time on a prestigious campus and strengthen your application for an international Bachelor’s degree.
RISD art & design programme: official booking
Registration, campus accommodation and YDS support are coordinated through our partner La Route des Langues.
The programme at a glance
The RISD art & design programmes in Providence, Rhode Island, are run by the Rhode Island School of Design, RISD (Pre-College Program, Major Concentration and Foundation Studies). Typical format: residential, on campus, with student accommodation, meals included and supervision by faculty or PhD students. Admission is based on an application (transcripts, a personal statement, and sometimes a letter of recommendation and an interview).
Who is this programme for?
Students in the last two years of high school and first-year university students planning to apply abroad.
- English level: TOEFL iBT 90+ or IELTS 6.5+ (sometimes B2, assessed at interview)
- Academic profile: an average of 15/20 or a GPA of 3.5+, with a strong record
- Soft skills: independence and genuine curiosity about the discipline
Programme content and skills you will develop
Lectures, hands-on workshops, small-group projects and field visits.
Key skills you will develop:
- Choosing a concentration (architecture
- Painting
- Illustration
- Photography
- Fashion
- Sculpture
- Industrial design)
- Building a portfolio for university applications
- Studio work (studio art)
- Group critique (RISD crit)
At the end of the programme, you leave with a completed project, an official certificate from the university and often a letter of recommendation written by your supervising instructor.
To find out more, read our guide: Art and Design: Which School Should You Choose?
A typical day
The exact schedule varies depending on the programme you choose. Excursions and visits at weekends.
Cost and accommodation
2026 budget: $8,500 to $13,000, including tuition, accommodation and meals. Flights, travel health insurance and spending money are extra.
Booking through La Route des Langues, a YDS partner
Registration is handled by our partner La Route des Langues, which coordinates programme selection, the application paperwork, on-campus student accommodation, airport transfers, adult supervision and 24/7 on-site assistance. YDS adds admissions coaching so you can make the most of this programme in your Bachelor’s application.
You may also like: Filmmaking Programme in Los Angeles 2026.
See prices & book →Frequently asked questions
How long does the programme usually last?
6 weeks, depending on the format. Shorter formats give you a first taste; longer ones let you go into more depth.
What level of English do I need?
TOEFL iBT 90+ or IELTS 6.5+ (B2–C1).
How do I register?
Through our partner La Route des Langues. Go to the booking page →
How can YDS help me make the most of this programme in my application?
Programme selection + personal statement coaching + interview preparation + timeline coordination. See our coaching service.
🎓 Ready to sign up?
2026 prices, dates and availability directly from our partner La Route des Langues.
Book the programme →