Applying to MA Programs at NYFA
NYFA offers a series of intensive, project-based Master of Arts (MA) degree programs in the film, performing, and visual arts. The ideal MA applicant should demonstrate a sincere passion for visual and narrative storytelling and graduate-level work in their field of study. To apply and enroll in a Master of Arts graduate degree program at NYFA, prospective students must have a candidate interview and submit a creative portfolio, as well as write a narrative statement that illustrates the applicant’s ability to take on graduate level study in the visual arts.
Submitting Applications
To start the application process, candidates must submit a MA graduate application. We recommend that students allow 20-40 minutes to fill out the application. This does not include the curation and submission of required creative materials, which will be uploaded through our online portal. Please note that students must submit a non-refundable $75 application fee, payable as part of the online application.
Required Application Materials
Graduate (MA) applicants must submit the following materials for admission:
– Completed Graduate (MA) Program Application
– Application Fee ($75)
– Undergraduate Degree Transcript
– Narrative Statement
– Letters of Recommendation
– Creative Portfolio
– Proof of English Proficiency (where applicable)
The following sections provide detailed information regarding each required application material.
Undergraduate Degree Transcripts
All students pursuing a graduate degree from the NYFA must submit an official, final undergraduate transcript in order to complete their application. These can be sent in sealed envelopes by mail or digitally.
Paper Transcripts: Hard copies of official transcripts are accepted, but email is preferred. Paper transcripts must be mailed to NYFA directly from the undergraduate institution in a sealed envelope.
Digital Transcripts: Students wishing to submit transcripts digitally can do so by contacting their NYFA admissions representative for instructions. Digital transcripts may be submitted using a digital submission service (such as Parchment) or your undergraduate institution’s own digital delivery service.
Experiential Learning: NYFA generally does not consider prior experiential learning as a substitute for the transcript requirements described above.
International Students: Students completing an undergraduate education in a foreign country where a language other than English is the official language, and who are able to produce an original transcript, must have it translated into English by an education evaluation service that offers translation services.
Narrative Statements
Applicants must submit a self-reflective essay (max. 5 typed pages) describing the applicant’s reasons for pursuing a graduate degree in their chosen discipline and their intended contribution to the field and the department. The essay should take into account the individual’s history, formative creative experiences, contemporary influences, as well as inspirations and overall artistic goals.
Letters of Recommendation
Students must submit two letters of recommendation verifying the applicant’s ability to successfully take on graduate study in their chosen field. Candidates should select recommenders that are in a position to evaluate the applicant’s readiness, such as teachers, supervisors, counselors, or coaches. Letters must be submitted directly to the Admissions Office by the individual writing on the applicant’s behalf via the applicants portal.
Creative Portfolio
To showcase their enthusiasm for their chosen discipline, MA applicants must submit a creative portfolio.
Requirements by Discipline: Each discipline has different requirements for their creative portfolio submissions, which range from visual to writing samples. Collaborative work may be submitted, but applicants must detail what role they had in the creation of the work. To see the requirements for a discipline, please visit the MA Creative Portfolio Requirements page.
Portfolio Submissions: All creative portfolio materials must be submitted digitally. Applicants should consult with their admissions representative for guidance on acceptable formats (such as pdf, text files, web links, etc.). All video submissions must be uploaded by the applicant to a streaming video site (such as Vimeo or YouTube), and a link to the site must be provided in the application materials. All portfolio materials must be submitted with an accompanying description contextualizing the nature and purpose of the project.
Please note that portfolio materials will not be returned.
English Proficiency Policy
NYFA is proud to welcome students from all over the globe. Our programs are international in their scope and perspective, and NYFA alumni have made great positive impacts on storytelling industries worldwide.
To achieve this goal of training visual storytellers from around the world, NYFA requires that students submit scores from one of the below English exams. NYFA’s preferred English proficiency scores are as follows:
Bachelor’s Degree: TOEFL = 68 or above / IELTS = 6.0 or above / Duolingo = 90 or above
Master’s Degree: TOEFL = 79 or above / IELTS = 6.5 or above / Duolingo = 101 or above
However, NYFA encourages all students to apply for their degree program even if they do not have the preferred English exam score. Students with scores lower then these targets will be connected with a NYFA language professional who can offer support and guidance to help the student gain admission to their program of choice. Students who would benefit from extra English language support will have the option to elevate their language skills through the Pathway Track, a two-semester curriculum designed to support English language growth while enrolled in their degree program.
As described here, students in the Pathway Track will earn credits toward their degree during the first two semesters. Transferable academic credits earned throughout the Pathway Track will vary by degree program.
Candidate Interviews
As part of the admissions process, graduate applicants may be interviewed by phone, virtually, or in-person by an NYFA representative. The purpose of the interview is to identify the applicant’s goals and prior experience. The interview is also an opportunity to review the program curriculum with the applicant and to ensure that they fully understand the level of commitment required to successfully complete the degree.
Tuition Deposit
Once admitted to NYFA, students must pay a required deposit to secure their place in the MA program. The deposit is $500, which is applied toward the first term’s tuition payment. Students who do not enroll and attend NYFA may have most of their deposit refunded. $100 of the deposit is non-refundable under any circumstances for an administrative processing fee.
Admission Stipulation
Please note that admission to any New York Film Academy program is based upon applicant information received during the admissions process. If, however, a student, after having been admitted but before starting classes, demonstrates that he/she is not fully prepared to commence studies at the Academy, NYFA will meet with the student to determine a proper course of action. This may include additional testing or instruction, deferring enrollment to a later semester, or enrollment in a different program of study better suited to the student.