Organizer Information
California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) is a private institution of higher education founded in 1961 by Walt Disney and Roy O. Disney. CalArts offers undergraduate and graduate education across the visual, performing, media, and literary arts through six schools: Art, Critical Studies, Dance, Film/Video, Music, and Theater.
Key Information
- Official institution name: California Institute of the Arts
- Opportunity type: University Programs & Admissions
- Study levels: BFA, MA, MFA
- Academic fields: Art, Film/Video, Animation, Design, Dance, Music, Theater, Creative Writing, Critical Studies, Creative Computing
- City: Valencia, California
- Country: United States
- Language of instruction: Not specified
- International applicants: Yes
- Application period: Spring 2027 and Fall 2027
- Application deadline: Program-specific; Fall 2027 deadlines are December 1, 2026 and January 5, 2027
- Start of studies: Program-specific
- Application fee: $65 preferred deadline / $85 regular deadline
- Tuition: See Tuition & Fees below
Programs & Degrees
Undergraduate
- Acting — BFA
- Art — BFA
- Character Animation — BFA
- Composition and Experimental Sound Practices — BFA
- Creative Computing — BFA
- Dance — BFA
- Experience Design and Production — BFA
- Experimental Animation — BFA
- Experimental Pop — BFA
- Film and Video — BFA
- Graphic Design — BFA
- Instrumental Arts — BFA
- Jazz — BFA
- Performer-Composer — BFA
- Photography and Media — BFA
- VoiceArts — BFA
- World Music — BFA
Graduate
- Aesthetics and Politics — MA
- Art — MFA
- Art and Technology — MFA
- Choreography — MFA
- Composition and Experimental Sound Practices — MFA
- Creative Writing — MFA
- Directing — MFA
- Experimental Animation — MFA
- Film Directing — MFA
- Film and Video — MFA
- Graphic Design — MFA
- Instrumental Arts — MFA
- Interactive Media for Performance — MFA
- Jazz — MFA
- Lighting Design — MFA
- Music Technology — MFA
- Performer-Composer — MFA
- Photography and Media — MFA
- Producing — MFA
- Scene Design — MFA
- Sound Design — MFA
- Stage Management — MFA
- Technical Direction — MFA
- VoiceArts — MFA
- World Music — MFA
- Acting — MFA
- Costume Design — MFA
Eligibility
- Who can apply: International and domestic applicants
- Minimum academic qualification: Program-specific
- Accepted academic backgrounds: Program-specific
- Age restriction: Not specified
- Professional experience: Program-specific
- Portfolio/audition: Program-specific
- Other eligibility conditions: Each school has its own admissions criteria, including portfolio or audition requirements. International applicants must provide officially translated international transcripts and meet English-language requirements.
Language Requirements
- Language: English
- IELTS: 6.5 undergraduate / 7 graduate
- TOEFL iBT: 80 undergraduate / 100 graduate for exams taken before January 21, 2026; CalArts lists 4 undergraduate / 5 graduate for exams taken on or after that date
- PTE Academic: 53 undergraduate / 63 graduate
- Duolingo English Test: 105 undergraduate / 120 graduate
- Exemptions / Waivers: Available in certain circumstances based on English-language academic background; assessed through the application.
Tuition & Fees
- Tuition
| Study Level | Tuition |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate BFA | $31,477/semester; $62,954/year |
| Graduate MFA/DMA | $31,477/semester; $62,954/year |
| MA Aesthetics and Politics — Year 1 | $25,203.50/semester; $50,407/year |
| MA Aesthetics and Politics — Year 2 | $12,603.50/semester; $25,207/year |
CalArts publishes the same listed tuition rates for domestic and international students. Tuition rates typically increase annually by 4–5%.
- Additional Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | $65 preferred / $85 regular |
| Student Activity/Student Life Fee | $69/semester |
| Technology Fee | $296/semester |
Funding & Financial Support
- Merit Scholarships
- Access Grants
- Teaching Assistantships / Work Stipends for some graduate programs
- Outside Scholarships
- Private Educational Loans
International students are eligible for select institutional scholarships. Undergraduate merit scholarships are $10,000 per year for recipients; graduate scholarship amounts vary by school and program.
University Services & Academic Support
- Academic Advising and Support
- Institute Library
- Writing Center
- Career Services
- International Student Support
- Performance and Exhibition Spaces
- Campus Employment and Professional Development
Application Requirements
- Online Application
- Unofficial Academic Transcripts
- Letters of Recommendation
- Portfolio, Audition, and/or Writing Materials — program-specific
- English Language Test — where required
- Internationally Translated Transcripts — international applicants
- Other Program-specific Materials
Application Portal:
Deadline & Timeline
- Application Opens: September 2026
- Spring 2027 Deadline: October 15, 2026, 11:59 PM PST
- Fall 2027 Preferred Deadline: December 1, 2026, 11:59 PM PST
- Fall 2027 Regular Deadline: January 5, 2027, 11:59 PM PST
- Admission Results: Program-specific
- Start of Studies: Program-specific
Spring admission is limited to selected programs. Applications may continue on a rolling basis after stated deadlines until individual programs close.
Location
California Institute of the Arts, Valencia, California, United States
Additional Details
CalArts states that individual schools and programs may have distinct portfolio, audition, interview, writing, and recommendation requirements. Applicants should therefore review the requirements for their specific program before submitting an application. Programs may also close to new applications without advance notice.