Organizer Information
Clark University is a private research university in Worcester, Massachusetts, founded in 1887. Its arts-related academic offerings are distributed across the Department of Visual and Performing Arts and the Becker School of Design & Technology, with undergraduate and graduate study spanning visual arts, art history, media, screen studies, theater, music, and interactive media. Clark also offers the low-residency MFA in Visual Arts, combining independent studio work with twice-yearly immersive residencies.
Key Information
- Official Institution Name: Clark University
- Opportunity Type: University Programs & Admissions
- Study Levels: Undergraduate / Graduate
- Degrees Offered: B.A. / M.F.A.
- Academic Fields: Fine Arts / Art History / Film & Screen Studies / Media / Interactive Media & Game Design / Music / Theater
- Relevant Programs: Art History, B.A.; Visual Arts, B.A.; Media, Culture, and the Arts, B.A.; Screen Studies, B.A.; Theater Arts, B.A.; Music, B.A.; Interactive Media, B.A. with 2D Art, 3D Art, Audio, Production, Programming, UI/UX, Writing and other tracks; Visual Arts, M.F.A.; Interactive Media, M.F.A.
- Language of Instruction: English
- International Applicants: Yes
- Application Period: Varies by program and admission round
- Application Deadline: Undergraduate: 1 November or 15 January; MFA Visual Arts January 2027 priority deadline: 1 October 2026
- Start of Studies: Undergraduate fall; MFA Visual Arts January or June
- Application Fee: Undergraduate $0; MFA Visual Arts $75
- Tuition: Undergraduate $62,070/year; MFA Visual Arts $4,580/course unit
- Funding: Merit scholarships and need-based financial aid are available; international undergraduate funding is limited.
Field of Study & Eligible Disciplines
- Clark offers arts and creative disciplines through several academic areas. Relevant undergraduate study includes studio Visual Arts, Art History, Media, Culture, and the Arts, Screen Studies, Music, Theater Arts, and Interactive Media. The Media, Culture, and the Arts curriculum includes production areas such as visual art, photography, graphic design, digital filmmaking, documentary production, theater, audio production, digital 3D modeling and journalism.
- The MFA in Visual Arts accepts portfolios across different projects and media, provided they demonstrate a clear artistic vision.
General Eligibility
- International students may apply to Clark's undergraduate programs. International applicants must not hold U.S. citizenship or U.S. permanent residency. Undergraduate applicants can apply through Early Decision, Early Action or Regular Decision routes.
- For the MFA in Visual Arts, applicants must meet Clark's graduate admissions requirements and submit the program-specific materials listed below.
Educational Background
Graduate applicants must provide academic transcripts from all institutions attended. Clark's graduate admissions process evaluates the undergraduate academic record and professional experience. The MFA in Visual Arts specifically requires academic transcripts but does not state an additional field-specific undergraduate degree requirement on its program admissions page.
Language Requirements
- International undergraduate applicants whose native language is not English must submit evidence of English proficiency. Clark lists the following general indicators: IELTS 6.5 overall with no sub-score below 6; TOEFL iBT 85 with no sub-score below 20; Duolingo 120 with no sub-score below 100; PTE 61 with no sub-score below 55; or PEXT 71 with no sub-score below 65. Clark states that these are indicators rather than fixed minimum admission scores.
- International applicants to master's programs must submit an approved English-language test unless an applicable exemption applies. The graduate standard includes IELTS 6.5 overall with no sub-score below 6, TOEFL 85 with no sub-score below 20, Duolingo 120 with no sub-score below 100, or PTE 61 with no band below 55.
Application Fee
| Study Level / Program | Applicant Type | Application Fee | Other Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | All applicants | $0 | Clark states there is no undergraduate application fee. |
| Visual Arts, M.F.A. | Graduate applicants | $75 | Non-refundable; graduate fee waivers may apply. |
Tuition
| Study Level / Program | Applicant Type | Tuition | Billing Structure | Other Mandatory Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time undergraduate | All students | $62,070 | Per year | $460 student activity/program fee; $680 health and wellness fee |
| Visual Arts, M.F.A. | Graduate | $4,580 | Per course/unit | $125 graduate orientation fee; $20 student council fee per semester for full-time students |
| International students | Undergraduate/graduate | — | — | $375 one-time international student fee; health insurance charges apply |
The 2026–2027 tuition schedule also lists annual undergraduate health insurance at $2,833. International students are automatically enrolled in Clark's offered health insurance.
Funding & Financial Support
- Clark automatically considers undergraduate applicants for merit scholarships. International undergraduate students may also receive need-based grants, but Clark states that it cannot provide admission to international students who require full funding. The university also offers a Presidential Scholarship covering tuition, room and board to a small number of admitted students annually.
- For graduate students, Clark awards merit-based tuition scholarships to eligible full-time master's students, with automatic consideration and no separate scholarship application.
University Services & Academic Support
International students have access to the International Students and Scholars Office, which provides support related to immigration, arrival, academic support and career counseling. The MFA in Visual Arts provides remote faculty advising and studio mentorship between its immersive residencies. Its residencies include critiques, seminars and interaction with artists, curators and other arts professionals.
Application Requirements
Undergraduate international applicants must submit the Common Application or Coalition Application with Scoir, transcripts covering at least the required educational period, two recommendation letters, English-proficiency evidence, and the International Student Certification of Finances and Financial Assistance Application Form. SAT/ACT scores are optional. An interview is optional but strongly encouraged.
MFA in Visual Arts applicants must submit:
- Online application
- $75 application fee
- Résumé
- Academic transcripts
- Demonstrated English-language proficiency
- Personal statement
- Portfolio containing 15–20 examples of work
Test scores and letters of recommendation are not required for the MFA in Visual Arts.
How to Apply?
Deadline & Timeline
- Application Opens: 1 September 2026 — Spring 2027 graduate applications
- Priority Deadline: 1 October 2026 — Spring 2027 graduate applications
- International Final Deadline: 10 November 2026 — Spring 2027 graduate applications
- Domestic Final Deadline: 15 December 2026 — Spring 2027 graduate applications
- Early Decision I Deadline: 1 November — Undergraduate
- Early Action Deadline: 1 November — Undergraduate
- Early Decision II Deadline: 15 January — Undergraduate
- Regular Decision Deadline: 15 January — Undergraduate
- Transfer Fall Deadline: Rolling, 1 February–1 June — Undergraduate
- Transfer Spring Deadline: Rolling, 1 September–1 November — Undergraduate
- MFA Visual Arts Priority Deadline: 1 October 2026 — January 2027 start
- MFA January Residency: 7–16 January 2027
Location
Clark University — Worcester, Massachusetts, United States
Additional Details
The MFA in Visual Arts is a two-year, four-semester, 16-unit low-residency program with January or June starts. Students work from their own studios between five immersive residencies; the final residency includes thesis work, and graduates participate in a January thesis exhibition at MASS MoCA.
Clark's graduate admissions page states that transcripts submitted for graduate admission must include the original-language document and an English translation. International students are also subject to a one-time $375 international student fee and mandatory Clark health insurance.