All Graduate applicants to the Fall 2012 (Summer 2012 for MFA Art Practice) semester are required to complete the online application form and submit the non-refundable $80 application fee using a credit card.

Please Note: The online application is not officially submitted until valid credit card information has been supplied. Upon completion of this, an online confirmation is sent. We strongly recommend that applicants print this out and keep it with their records.

Proof of English Proficiency is required of all applicants whose primary language is not English. For more information, please click here.

Official transcripts are required from each college or university attended.

In order to be considered official, transcripts must be submitted in an unopened envelope that is stamped and sealed by the college registrar of the issuing institution.

Transcripts should be mailed or delivered by the applicant with all other application materials.

The School of Visual Arts now accepts secure electronic transcripts from Docufide, National Student Clearinghouse and Scrip-Safe. Check with the registrar's office at your institution to see if your school is a member.

Transcripts from foreign institutions must be officially translated into English and U.S. grading equivalencies. For more information, click here.

Please click here for specific departmental requirements.

Applicants must submit a resume which should include professional experience as well as related activities, such as research, awards and exhibitions.

Statement of purpose (250-500 words) describing the applicant's reason for pursuing graduate study.

Applicants for the MA Critical Theory and the Arts program should read the program-specific guidelines for this requirement here.

Applicants for the MFA Design for Social Innovation program should read the program-specific guidelines for this requirement here.

Applicants for the MFA Visual Narrative program should read the program-specific guidelines for this requirement here.

Applicants to all programs (except MFA Design for Social Innovation) are required to submit three letters of recommendation from instructors or practicing professionals.

Online submission is now available through the online application. Applicants will be required to provide the e-mail address and full contact information of their references.

Letters can also be mailed or delivered with all other supplementary application materials.

Recommenders should indicate the applicant’s full name and department of interest in the beginning of the letter as well as on the outside of the envelope. Each envelope must be sealed and signed by the recommender in order to be considered official.

Note: The School of Visual Arts does not provide letter of recommendation forms.

Personal interviews may be scheduled only on a case-by-case basis. Departments will contact applicants to schedule in-person or phone interviews.
For more information, applicants should read through the department requirements section of their chosen program.

If you are a permanent resident of the U.S., you must submit a photocopy of your Permanent Resident Card.

Declaration and Verification of Finances

All non-immigrant alien applicants are required to submit original documentation of sufficient financial resources to attend SVA. For more information, please click here.

Note: All application materials become the property of the School of Visual Arts and will not be returned.