
Admission Criteria
- Received a high school diploma or GED
- Display English-language competency
- Demonstrate the ability to excel in an academically rigorous environment
- Dedication to apply what you are learning in your own life
- An attitude of openness, compassion, curiosity, and integrity
- Enthusiasm to participate in a community dedicated to learning and living the wisdom of Ayurveda
- An aspiration to support health and well-being in the world
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Completion of all required admissions processes
International Applicants Request an I-20 Form Here



Additional Information
The Ayurvedic Studies Programs, Levels 1 and 2, are approved for eligible persons to receive benefits from the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). These students are required to abide by both VA and The Ayurvedic Institute’s policies as detailed in our Academic Catalog and Student Handbook.
Contact the VA’s regional processing office directly at 888-442-4551 to discuss your benefits. As part of your application packet, we will need your certificate of eligibility (COE) and transcripts from all previously attended post-secondary schools and trainings, including your joint service transcript.
VA Pending Payment Compliance, Effective August 1, 2019
In accordance with Title 38 US Code 3679(e), this educational institution adopts the following additional provisions for any students using U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Post-9/11 G.I. Bill® (Ch. 33) or Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (Ch. 31) benefits, while payment to the institution is pending from the VA. This educational institution will not:
- Prevent the student’s enrollment;
- Assess a late penalty fee to the student;
- Require the student to secure alternative or additional funding;
- Deny the student access to any resources (access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities) available to other students who have satisfied their tuition and fee bills to the institution.
However, to qualify for this provision, such students may be required to:
- Produce the VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE) by the first day of class;
- Provide a written request to be certified;
- Provide additional information needed to properly certify the enrollment as described in other institutional policies.
- GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website.
International students need to obtain separate visas for the ASP1 and ASP2 programs and, as the M-1 visa does not allow for annual vacation, students are required to leave the country between programs. As an international student, it is important that you follow all the rules and laws pertaining to your visa. We cannot serve as immigration lawyers or give immigration advice. We can, however, help you obtain the appropriate paperwork and support you through the process.
International students must provide complete and accurate documentation of sufficient funds in order to qualify for a student visa. The total of these funds must cover the cost of the program, books, and living expenses. Official bank statements as proof of personal liquid assets are required to document sufficient funds.
All students must be proficient in English including having the proficiency to read, write, listen to, speak and understand English at an academically rigorous level. The Ayurvedic Institute does not offer English as a Second Language instruction or English language tutoring services. Decisions regarding English proficiency are at the discretion of the Admissions Team.
- All international students must fill out an application for an I-20 and return this form to the Admissions Team.
- All international students are responsible for the maintenance of their visa status through the duration of the academic year. Therefore, it is important that international students familiarize themselves with the rules regarding international student status. These rules can be found on https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov
- Once on campus, it is extremely important to obtain a travel signature on your I-20 before leaving the United States. Once in the States, please arrange to see school representative to ensure all your international paperwork is in order.
We recommend international students go to Study in the States and contact your local consulate to inquire about the wait time to set up an M-1 visa appointment, as appointment schedules vary from country to country. We cannot guarantee that all government approvals will be completed in time for a student to participate in the program. Our experience with this process is “the earlier you begin, the better.” Earlier allows you to have more time for planning and preparing to be here. To process your application, we will need a copy of your passport and proof of funds covering your school and living expenses, dated no more than 60 days prior to your application date. See our I-20 Request Form (posted above) for more details.
Guests may be approved to attend occasional evening lectures at $60 per lecture. We also offer the option of auditing all of Vasant Lad’s evening lectures and, for ASP alumni, there is the option to audit evening lectures and/or to audit other courses offered in the ASP1 and 2 programs. Please contact the Admissions Team at (505) 291-9698, ext. 130 for more details or email. Our Admissions Team can assist with these choices, what is involved, and tuition details.
Operating for more than 34 years, The Ayurvedic Institute is organized as an educational 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. The state of New Mexico’s Higher Education Department has authorized and licensed The Ayurvedic Institute as a private post-secondary institution. This school is authorized under federal law to enroll nonimmigrant students. We are approved to honor VA benefits for veterans and their dependents for ASP1 and ASP2 and charge the same tuition whether people are using VA benefits or not. The Ayurvedic Institute is not accredited by the U.S. Department of Education.
The Ayurvedic Institute does not currently offer government-sponsored financial aid or other loan programs. We do offer payment plans for students who would like to pay per trimester or on a 10 / 12-month payment plan. Visit us here to learn more.
People who have questions or complaints regarding The Ayurvedic Institute should first seek resolution directly with the party involved. If this does not resolve the issue, they should discuss it with the Dean of Education. If further actions are needed, the Administrator of The Ayurvedic Institute may review the issue. At each point in the process an impartial representative of The Ayurvedic Institute not directly involved with the complaint will participate in finding a resolution. A response will be given to the student between three and ten days from the date of notification of the Dean of Education. If a question or complaint cannot be resolved within The Ayurvedic Institute, the student may contact the New Mexico Higher Education Department (NMHED) at 2044 Galisteo Street, Suite 4, Santa Fe, NM 87505, (505) 476-6500, or online at hed.state.nm.us.
Complaint forms may be obtained from the NMHED at ppsd.smapply.io/res/p/student_complaint/. There will be no adverse action taken against the student for registering a complaint. For more details and a step-by-step process for students, see the Student Handbook or call The Ayurvedic Institute directly.
Our goal is to co-create a sattvic space for both others and ourselves. Following Vedic tradition, the classroom is a sacred space, a container in which profound learning happens. Within this space, we treat each other and ourselves with respect, kindness, and compassion. We speak honestly and bring forth our best effort. Co-creating a sacred space also includes minimization of distractions, so we observe modest dress, maintain punctuality, and refrain from the use of modern technology during class. This code is not meant to limit individual creativity or freedom, but rather to foster an environment in which profound learning, healing, and transformation can manifest. You can find more information about classroom dress in our Student Handbook.