Graduate Application FAQs
Q: I am interested in the MFA program; can I schedule an individual meeting?
A: We hold small, informal group MFA Information Sessions for prospective students via Zoom approximately once per month April through December. Please check our Website in late March for upcoming session dates. Until then, please visit the recorded panel discussion on our website.
If you would like to visit in person, please visit our Exhibitions and Events calendar for a listing of events which are open to the public, and please also visit our website for information about scheduling an in-person visit to the UCLA Margo Leavin Graduate Art Studios (for prospective students ONLY).
Q: When can I apply? Are you still accepting applications?
A: Applications are only accepted for Fall admission. Applications for Fall 2024 admission will open in mid-September. Please do not submit an application for the current year cycle (for Fall 2023 admission) as the deadline (January 9, 2023) has passed and we no longer are considering applications. The Fall 2024 application deadline is January 9, 2024.
Q: Is it possible to waive the application fee?
A: Waivers of UCLA’s application fee are available for U.S. citizens, Permanent Residents and others who meet the criteria listed at this webpage: https://grad.ucla.edu/admissions/faqs/
Please note, it may take several days after you submit your application for your documentation to be reviewed. If you do not qualify for a fee waiver, you will receive an email notice with instructions for paying the fee.
Q: What are the English Language Requirements?
A: If your first language is not English, or if you did not receive your bachelor’s degree in an Anglophone country, you must certify proficiency in English when you apply to UCLA. This applies to U.S. citizens and Permanent Residents as well as international applicants. If you are admitted, you may also be required to confirm your proficiency upon arrival.
Please see this webpage for specific requirements and exemption criteria: https://grad.ucla.edu/admissions/english-requirements/
Q: Is your MFA program fully funded?
A: UCLA offers several kinds of financial assistance for graduate students. M.F.A applicants are encouraged to complete the fellowship section of the UCLA Graduate Application for campus-wide award opportunities. Admitted candidates are considered for merit-based support in the form of fellowships and departmental awards. Additionally, all students are given the opportunity to apply for Teaching Assistantship positions which offer a quarterly salary and a partial fee remission during the term(s) of employment.
Additional information about financial support can be found here: https://www.art.ucla.edu/graduate-admissions/
Q: Do you have a part-time / evening MFA program?
A: The UCLA Department of Art MFA Program is a full-time program with studio time and classes meeting during the day and evenings. You can read more about the MFA program and curriculum here: https://www.art.ucla.edu/graduate-studies/
Q: Are official transcripts required?
A: Unofficial transcripts are sufficient for the application and must be included with the application materials by the deadline. In the event an applicant is recommended for admission, they will be notified to supply official transcripts. (Official transcripts must be sent directly from the institution.)
Questions You May Have After Submitting Your Application
Q: My recommender has not received a prompt to submit a letter of recommendation, can it be resent?
A: The department does not accept letters of recommendation. Instead, references listed in the graduate division application may be contacted directly in the event that an applicant is being considered as a finalist for admission.
Q: When can I expect to be contacted for an interview?
A: The department does not hold formal interview dates. Interviews are conducted for some finalist candidates, at the discretion of the faculty. Finalist applicants may be contacted by faculty via phone, email or skype, in the time leading up to notification.
Q: When will I receive notification regarding my application?
A: Applicants can expect to receive notification regarding admission decisions in mid-March. Applicants will receive an email inviting them to log into the UCLA graduate application portal and clicking on the “View Your Official Decision Letter” link.
Q: Regrettably, I was not selected for admission. May I reapply for next year?
A: Yes – you are invited to submit a new application for the following fall quarter. If you do decide to submit a new application, please consider submitting a portfolio that reflects your most recent work since this past application cycle. The faculty reviewers are interested to see how your work has evolved since it was last reviewed.
Q: I was not selected for admission; can you give me feedback on my application and/or portfolio?
A: Please be aware that we receive well over 500 applications for fewer than 15 spaces available, and we are not able to provide individual narrative comments regarding the review of the portfolio reviews, nor are we able to review portfolios in advance of submission. In our review process, all aspects of the application dossiers are carefully reviewed by multiple faculty members, with emphasis given to both the portfolio submission and applicant statements. We invite you to visit our Website, to attend information sessions, to view recorded panel discussions, and to attend our public exhibitions to familiarize yourself with our program.