Approximately half of all transfer students are required to attend the Summer EFS program, a six-week immersion in RISD’s approach to studio learning.

The program is taught by EFS faculty and offers the same three studios as in the foundation year: Drawing, Design and Spatial Dynamics. Each studio session meets 10 hours (over one and a half days) a week—or a total of 60 hours per course. Students who complete the program successfully earn nine of the 18 required credits in EFS and find it to be an excellent way to transition to RISD. It both strengthens their confidence as makers and reinforces critical thinking and making capabilities.

Students participating in the Summer EFS program move-in on June 27th. There is a brief one-day orientation on June 28th and class starts June 29th. The last day of the Summer EFS program is August 10th. All transfer students are also encouraged to attend the New Student Orientation between September 3 - 5 to build community and gain a more robust understanding of RISD and its resources. Watch your email for more information about the summer program.

RISD utilizes Workday as our hub for course information and scheduling, academic advising, and registration. Starting in July, this is also where you will find a record of your transfer credits and required courses. The 2023-24 courses are currently available for your review. We’ll email you later this summer with detailed instructions about registering for fall courses, so watch your RISD inbox.

Transfer credit is awarded for those earned at a regionally accredited, residential, nonprofit college or university. Students must receive a grade of “C” or better in order to transfer earned course credits.

For questions about how the Liberal Arts division accepts AP, IB, A-levels and college credits are being accepted by the Division of Liberal Arts, please contact Gail Hughes. For questions about how the EFS division accepts transfer credits, contact Karen Zucconi. For general questions about course registration, please contact your academic department.