Organizer Information
Azusa Pacific University (APU) is a private Christian university located in Azusa, California. Its College of Arts, Humanities, Sciences, and Theology includes the School of the Arts, which offers undergraduate study in visual arts, cinematic arts, animation, design, and theater. The Department of Cinematic Arts provides training in filmmaking, screen studies, animation, and visual storytelling, while the art programs cover studio practice and visual art disciplines.
Key Information
- Official Institution Name: Azusa Pacific University
- Opportunity Type: University Programs & Admissions
- Study Levels: Undergraduate; graduate and doctoral study are also offered in other academic fields.
- Degrees Offered: BA, BFA, and other undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees across the university.
- Academic Fields: Fine Arts, Film, Cinematic Arts, Animation, Visual Effects, Design, Theater, and Performing Arts.
- Relevant Programs: Art (BA); Art (BFA); Animation and Visual Effects (BA); Cinematic Arts (BA); Cinematic Arts Production (BFA); Acting for the Stage and Screen (BFA); Design Studies; Screen Studies minor; Screenwriting minor.
- Language of Instruction: English.
- International Applicants: Yes.
- Application Period: Undergraduate admission uses rolling admission, with program-specific exceptions and priority deadlines.
- Application Deadline: For international undergraduate applicants residing outside the United States, the published deadlines are 1 May for fall entry and 15 September for spring entry. Certain programs have separate deadlines.
- Start of Studies: Fall (September) and spring (January) for undergraduate admission.
- Application Fee: $45 for traditional undergraduate applicants.
- Tuition: $22,990 per semester for traditional undergraduate students taking 12–18 units in 2026–2027.
- Funding: Institutional financial aid and scholarships are offered; eligibility and award amounts vary.
Field of Study & Eligible Disciplines
APU offers creative and performing arts programs for students interested in visual art, filmmaking, animation, screenwriting, design, and theater. Relevant options include:
- Visual arts: BA in Art and BFA in Art, with opportunities to explore ceramics, drawing and painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, and interdisciplinary practice.
- Film and media: BA in Cinematic Arts, including the Entertainment Executive, Production and Post, and Screen Studies concentrations.
- Film production: BFA in Cinematic Arts Production, covering directing, cinematography, producing, editing, production management, and sound design.
- Animation: BA in Animation and Visual Effects.
- Performing arts: BFA in Acting for the Stage and Screen, including a Musical Theater emphasis.
- Related disciplines: Design Studies, Screen Studies, and Screenwriting.
Applicants should review the admission criteria for their chosen major. Portfolio and audition requirements are program-specific rather than universal across the university.
General Eligibility
- Domestic and international applicants may apply to eligible programs. International students must meet the university’s admission requirements and applicable U.S. immigration documentation requirements. Applicants are expected to understand and agree to APU’s Christian institutional principles and environment.
- Traditional undergraduate applicants must meet the university’s academic admission standards. The published minimum GPA is 2.75 for high school coursework or 2.5 for previous college coursework, although certain programs require higher GPAs.
Educational Background
- First-year applicants: Submit official high school transcripts.
- Transfer applicants: Submit official college transcripts. Applicants with fewer than 28 completed college units at the time of application must also submit official high school transcripts.
- Graduate applicants: Requirements depend on the degree program and may include prior undergraduate study and additional supporting documents.
For international undergraduate applicants, the university specifies a minimum U.S.-equivalent GPA of 2.75 for high school applicants or 2.5 for previous college work, subject to program-specific requirements.
Language Requirements
- Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency unless they qualify for an approved alternative.
- For traditional undergraduate admission, APU publishes the following minimum scores:
| Test | Minimum requirement |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | Overall 6.0 |
| TOEFL iBT | Listening 20, Reading 20, Writing 22, Speaking 18 |
| Duolingo English Test | 115 |
- Applicants may demonstrate proficiency through previous studies conducted in English if they completed at least 48 academic semester units without ESL support, finished those studies within the preceding two years, and provide transcripts and an official institutional letter confirming English as the language of instruction.
- Conditional admission may be available to some applicants who have not yet met the English requirement. Program-specific requirements can be higher.
Application Fee
| Applicant category | Application fee |
|---|---|
| Traditional undergraduate | $45 |
| Graduate and professional | $45 |
The graduate and professional application fee is nonrefundable. The university catalog identifies waivers for APU alumni, faculty, staff and their spouses, as well as veterans and military members. Confirm eligibility for any waiver before applying.
Tuition
| Study level or program | Tuition | Billing structure |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional undergraduate, 12–18 units | $22,990 | Per semester |
| Traditional undergraduate, fewer than 12 or more than 18 units | $1,916 | Per unit |
| BFA in Art | Standard undergraduate tuition | Subject to unit load |
| BA in Cinematic Arts | Standard undergraduate tuition | Subject to unit load |
| BFA in Cinematic Arts Production | Standard undergraduate tuition | Subject to unit load |
| MFA | $745 | Per unit, 2026–2027 |
| MA in Modern and Contemporary Art History | $685 | Per unit, 2026–2027 |
- Traditional undergraduate students taking 12–18 units pay block tuition. The 2026–2027 undergraduate University Service Fee is $400 per semester. Health insurance premiums may also apply; international students should confirm the applicable insurance charges and any additional program fees.
- Housing, dining, books, transportation, and personal expenses are additional costs. Actual expenses depend on the student's living arrangements and enrollment.
Funding & Financial Support
- APU offers academic scholarships and other financial aid. For 2026–2027, eligible incoming first-year and transfer students may qualify for academic scholarships ranging from $15,000 to $24,000 per year. The Trustees’ Scholarship offers full tuition to a small group of selected first-year students. Awards depend on eligibility and selection criteria; funding is not guaranteed.
- International undergraduate students may also investigate the Haggard International Scholarship, which combines tuition assistance with leadership development. Eligibility includes international F-1 or J-1 student status, regular admission, financial documentation, and the program’s other selection criteria.
University Services & Academic Support
- APU's School of the Arts provides facilities and practical learning opportunities relevant to creative disciplines. Cinematic Arts students have access to an editing laboratory, screening room, soundstage, and equipment distribution center. The animation program includes access to animation and gaming facilities, a green screen, and a soundstage. Access and use depend on program arrangements and applicable university policies.
- The university also provides international admissions support and financial aid services.
Application Requirements
Requirements depend on the program and applicant category.
International first-year undergraduate applicants must submit:
- Completed admission application.
- Statement of Agreement with Institutional Policy.
- Personal statement.
- $45 application fee.
- Official high school transcripts.
- English proficiency documentation, unless an approved alternative applies.
- Financial statement and supporting proof of funds.
- Copy of passport.
SAT or ACT scores are optional for international undergraduate applicants. A personal reference is optional but recommended. Transfer applicants must submit college transcripts and may need high school transcripts depending on completed college units.
Program-specific requirements include:
- BA in Animation and Visual Effects: Portfolio of 12–15 original artwork samples.
- BFA in Acting for the Stage and Screen: Secondary application and audition. Acting applicants submit two contrasting monologues; applicants for the Musical Theater emphasis submit two contrasting songs and one contemporary monologue. A headshot, performance résumé, and prescreen audition materials are also required.
- BFA in Cinematic Arts Production: A supplemental application is required for incoming students, unless the applicant qualifies through the department's stated alternative process.
Applicants should consult the official page for their chosen program to confirm the complete requirements for the intended intake.
How to Apply?
Deadline & Timeline
- Early Action Deadline: 15 November 2026, for eligible first-year undergraduate applicants
- International Undergraduate Deadline — Fall 2027, applicants outside the United States: 1 May 2027
- International Undergraduate Deadline — Spring 2027, applicants outside the United States: 15 September 2026
- Standard BFA Acting Early Application Deadline: 1 December 2026
- Standard BFA Acting Admission Deadline: 20 February 2027
- Start of Studies — Fall: September
- Start of Studies — Spring: January
Locatio
Azusa Pacific University — Azusa, California, United States
Additional Details
APU is a Christian university, and applicants should review its institutional policies and educational environment before applying. International applicants must also account for visa documentation, proof-of-funds requirements, and any applicable insurance charges.
Program deadlines and admission requirements can differ from the university-wide schedule. In particular, the animation program does not admit students for the spring semester, while the BFA in Acting for the Stage and Screen has its own audition process and deadlines.