Frequently Asked Questions

When should I submit my application for admissions?

Students should apply for admission as soon as possible in order to be officially accepted for a specific program and starting date. To apply, students should complete the Application Form and send it to the school or call for a priority appointment to visit the school and receive a tour of its facilities.

Do I need to visit the school, in person, to enroll?

All applicants are required to complete a personal interview with an admissions representative. Parents and spouses are encouraged to attend. This gives applicants and their families an opportunity to see the school’s equipment and facilities and to ask questions relating to the academy’s curriculum and career objectives. Personal interviews also enable school administrators to determine whether an applicant is acceptable for enrollment into the program. If the student applying is unable to visit prior to attending classes (student is from outside of the United States and in need of a Student Visa to gain entry to the US) this step can occur via telephone or internet.

How old do I need to be to enroll in classes?

All applicants must be beyond the age of compulsory education which is sixteen (16) years old.

Must I graduate from high school or have a G.E.D. to enroll?

Yes. A high school diploma, GED equivalency or Home School diploma is required to enroll in any program at International Academy.

Is there an application fee?

Yes. A non-refundable $100.00 Registration and Enrollment Fee is required at the time of  enrollment. Once an applicant has completed and submitted the Application and Enrollment Agreement, the school reviews the information and informs the applicant of its decision. If an applicant is not accepted, all fees paid to the school are refunded.

What other documents must I provide the school when I enroll?

The following items must be completed and submitted at the time of enrollment:

  • Voter’s Registration Card, or US Passport
  • Social Security Card
  • Drivers License or Picture ID

The school reserves the right to reject applicants if the items listed above are not successfully completed.

Are the requirements the same for students enrolling from another country?

The following are the required documents that must be submitted to International Academy before we can review your application and submit your I-20 and I-901 forms which are required by the Department of Homeland Security for entry into the United States:

  • Complete detailed Application For Admission (copy attached, completed and sign.)
  • Evidence that you can read, speak and comprehend English fluently. (A former high school teacher can compose a statement on school letterhead.)
  • Financial letter of affidavit support. (A letter composed by your bank on their letterhead, verifying that you have ample funds to meet your educational expenses and living expenses while attending the Academy in the USA.)
  • Copy of High School Diploma or Official Transcript or High School Equivalency  Certification and be translated into English. These transcripts must include specific dates of school attendance, courses taken during each year of attendance, and grades received for each course.
  • Three (3) passport size pictures (2″x2″)
  • Copy of passport.
  • $500 International Student Application processing fee
  • 1/3 Tuition deposit*
For an international student enrolling at International Academy, what do I need to do once I submit my required documents?

Once the required documents, International Student Application processing fee, and required tuition deposit are received and reviewed by the admissions office, the application will be submitted to the campus President for processing. An I-20 and I-901 form will be generated by the campus President, along with your acceptance letter with all proper visa documents. This package will be shipped to you immediately via overnight courier. Upon receipt of your package, you must set an appointment for your Consulate office in your country. At the time of your appointment, you will give them all of the documents and forms that we have sent to you. Upon acceptance by your Consulate’s office, you will be issued a F-1 Student Visa and allowed to come to the United States to attend International Academy.
*If your Consulate office does not approve your visa, the 1/3 tuition deposit will be fully refunded.

Does International Academy have on-campus student housing or dorms?

No.

Can I work while I attend International Academy?

If you are a US citizen, yes. The staff can assist helping you locate employment in the area. We will even help you put your resume together if you don’t already have one. If you are not a US citizen, the US Government will not allow you to work while attending school. Some large universities have the capabilities to offer on-campus employment to international students, but we do not have that available to domestic or international students at this time.

Do I need a degree to become a Cosmetologist, Esthetician, Massage Therapist or Nail Technician?

No! In the United States, each state has a hourly educational requirement which you must meet. Below you will find the requirements for the state of Florida. That is all the education necessary, which is the great thing about our programs. You are prepared for what you need to get employed in your area of study as quickly as possible! There are no “fluff” classes and extra degree requirements that keep you in school longer and cause you to spend extra money. Once you complete your program, you are ready to sit for the State Board examination (Cosmetology and Barber) or MBLEX (Massage Therapy) and you are ready to become employed! It’s really simple!

What requirements are necessary to become licensed in Florida?
  • 1200 Hour Cosmetology Program:
    Upon the successful completion of the 1200 clock hour Cosmetology Program, the student receives a diploma. To receive their Cosmetology license, the student must submit, through the Academy, an application to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, along with a check or money order in the amount of $78.00 and HIV/AIDS Certificate. Once the Department deems an applicant eligible for the computer-based testing, the graduate will be contacted by the Department contracted vendor for scheduling an exam date and time. (Cost $27.00) Total exam/licensing fees: $105.00.
  • 240 Hour Nail Technician Program:
    The student that completes the 240 clock hour Nail Technician Program will receive a Diploma from the Academy. To receive their Nail Technician License, the student must submit, through the Academy, an application to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, along with a check or money order in the amount of $85.00 and HIV/AIDS Certificate.
  • 310 Hour Skin Care, Hair Removal and Spa Training Program:
    The student that completes the 310 clock hour Skin Care, Hair Removal and Spa Training Program will receive a Diploma from the Academy. To receive their Skin Care License, the student must submit, through the Academy, an application to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, along with a check or money order in the amount of $85.00 and HIV/AIDS Certificate.
  • 750 Hour Full Specialty Program:
    The student that completes the 600 clock hour Full Specialty Program will receive a Diploma from the Academy. To receive their Full Specialty license, the student must submit, through the Academy, an application to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, along with a check or money order in the amount of $85.00, and HIV/AIDS Certificate.
  • 910 Hour Spa Specialist Program:
    The student that completes the 910 clock hour Spa Specialist Program will receive a Diploma from the Academy. This program does not lead to a Florida License titled “Spa Specialist”. To receive their individual licenses in Skin Care, Hair Removal and Spa Training and Massage Therapy, the student must follow the requirements for the individual programs as stated on this page or the previous page.
  • 600 Hour Massage Therapy Program:
    The student that completes the 600 Hour Massage Therapy Program will receive a Diploma from the Academy.To receive their Massage Therapy License, the student must submit an application for examination and all of it’s attachments, to either the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork to take the NCBTMB Examination, at a cost of $225.00, or to the FSMTB for the MBLEx examination at a cost of $195.00. After passing the examination, to receive their Florida Massage Therapy License, the student must submit an application to the Department of Health, along with a check or money order in the amount of $205.00 and proof of passing the exam. The school will submit to the Department of Health an official transcript showing all requirements have been met and passed.
What if I don’t plan on staying in Florida, will my license be valid in other states or out of the country?

With licenses, each state differs with their requirements. If the state you are planning on moving to requires more clock hours than Florida, we allow the student to complete the extra hours necessary at no cost. It keeps you in school a little longer, but it is complimentary. Over the years International Academy has trained students from over 40 states and 25 countries. We always want our student to be covered where ever they may decide to relocate, have it be within the US or abroad. International Academy will be more than happy to help you research the requirements for the state or country you may be considering relocating to, but it is ultimately the students responsibility to contact the transferring states Board for accurate information.

Testimonials

Hair has always been a great passion of mine, and when I knew cosmetology was the career I wanted to pursue, I looked long and hard for a loyal school. I found the perfect one, International Academy! So, I packed up my bags from Chicago and moved down to Florida. I learned great skills in coloring and cutting and had lots of feed back from all of the great, knowledgeable teachers. I have now been doing hair for 5 years and am having great success!

Cheryl H.

International Academy is not just a school for me, they became my family. Even when I visit as a graduate, I feel like I am visiting my family. Since Graduation, I have been employed with Great Clips and love my career. I am beginning Management training there and I owe it all to the training I received at International Academy. They truly exceeded my expectations!

Ernest C.

. . . I began working in the field of beautification as a professional licensed Barber three years ago. This is the job for me, I've grown a clientele that is similar to my viewpoints, humor, and generally good people that you want to surround yourself with. This has by far been the best decision of my life professionally for my mental health, financial security, and general happiness. I never saw it coming and couldn't be happier for it.

Russell D.

stars I currently attend here and absolutely love this place! I moved here from Delaware 827 miles away just because I heard that the school is rated one of the top in the country. Being a student now, I see why! Don't hesitate to contact them!!! Begin your new path in life, take that step! The owner is an amazing person and will do anything for anyone. What's the hold up? Why wait? Enroll now!!!!

Michael L.

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