Admissions and Funding

Graduate student applicants are evaluated primarily on the basis of a portfolio of 20 images, three letters of recommendation, and transcripts. All applicants must write a statement of intent indicating their goals for the MFA degree and their expectations for graduate studies. While applicants are strongly encouraged to apply to one main disciplinary area, those who wish to apply to two areas are permitted to submit one application through the online system and then submit independent portfolios for each respective area in Slideroom.

Prerequisites for admission ordinarily include the BFA degree in studio art or design, including courses in art and art history. However, students of exceptional merit who have earned the B.A./B.S. degree in studio art or design or the equivalent will be considered. All applicants must have a B (3.0 GPA) or better average in undergraduate major courses.

Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are not required for admission for studio and design applicants.

MFA checklist for applying for our program

Applications must be completed online using the Graduate's School website.

• Complete the general information form
• Statement of intent
• Résumé or curriculum vitae
• Arrange for three letters of recommendation to be submitted
• Unofficial transcripts from post-secondary institution attended
• $75 application fee by credit card, check, or money order

Additionally, but separately, submit the following:

• Submit 20 images (or other applicable media) through SlideRoom ($10 fee to submit a portfolio) — Opens October 1.

For international applicants:

• Attach an original-language and an unofficial (i.e., notarized) English translation of each transcript through the online application. If accepted, an official transcript is required.

For non-native English speakers:
Non-native English speakers must also submit official scores of the Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or Duolingo English Test via the online application. Students in China may submit the TOEFL ITP Plus for China Solution.

• TOEFL IBT: minimum score is a total of 80 points, with a minimum of 23 on the speaking section.
• IELTS: minimum score is 7.0.
• Duolingo English Test: minimum score is 120.
• TOEFL ITP Plus for China Solution: minimum score is a total of 550.

*The Graduate School will waive the TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo English Test requirement for non-native English speakers who spent a minimum of two academic years at an academic institution whose primary language of instruction was English. A letter from the Registrar's Office (or the office responsible for academic records) confirming English as the language of instruction is required.

Funding and financial support

We offer full-tuition waivers to all students admitted to the program. These are renewable each year to students in good standing. In addition, generous stipends are available and are awarded to students of exceptional talent.

306 Riley Hall of Art & Design
Notre Dame , IN 46556 USA Phone (574) 631-7602 Fax (574) 631-6312 art.1@nd.edu