Help Siyu Attend Yale’s MFA as an International Student

My name is Siyu. I am a Chinese-born artist. This year, I'm honored to have been accepted into the MFA program in Painting and Printmaking at the Yale School of Art, one of the most renowned programs in the field!

This is a life-changing opportunity for me to push my art practice, build connections with my cohort and practicing artists, and be qualified to teach visual arts upon graduation.

Despite the generous financial aid package Yale has offered, I still need to raise at least $30,000 per year to cover about one-quarter of the tuition and living expenses.

Over the past year, I've applied to numerous jobs but haven't been able to secure stable employment. I've been relying on my savings and a small stipend from a part-time job. While this will help with my relocation to New Haven, it's far from enough to support my tuition and expenses throughout the program.

As an international student, I face strict limitations on off-campus work or freelancing during my studies, which greatly restricts my ability to earn income beyond what's available through the university. Yale has offered me a work-study position with an annual stipend of $3,000, which will help with some living costs—but it still leaves a large gap for tuition, rent, health insurance, and supplies.

With the decision deadline approaching (April 15th), I have very little time left to seek external grants. While there may be opportunities for additional funding or on-campus work once I begin the program, nothing is guaranteed.

That's why I'm starting this GoFundMe to raise as much support as I can for my first year at Yale. No donation is too small; every bit counts! I would be extremely grateful for your help in making this dream possible.

Cost Breakdown

For 2025-2026

Tuition: $12,812* (After deducting 3/4 of the tuition with Yale's scholarship)

Books & Supplies: $5,796

Personal Expenses: $1,258

Housing & Meals: $17,750

Transportation: $466

Health Insurance (*Required): $3,422

*Yale has offered a $3,000 Work Study funding, which would contribute to relieve some tuition, making the tuition $9,812 for the whole year.

Additional Way to Support

In addition to GoFundMe donations, I am also selling original artwork to help fund my education. If you'd like to support my journey and own a piece of my work, please feel free to check out what's available here.

About Me

My work explores diasporic identity, memory, and belonging. Through drawing, video, and text, I create surrealistic and emotional landscapes reflecting on the personal and collective histories that shape our sense of place.

I've shown my work in exhibitions at alternative art spaces. Attending Yale would allow me to continue building this body of work, expand my capacity as an artist and educator, and collaborate.

Website