Organizer Information
The George Washington University (GW) is a private research university located in Washington, D.C., United States. Its academic structure includes undergraduate and graduate schools, including the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences and the Corcoran School of the Arts & Design. The Corcoran offers programs in fine arts, design, interior architecture, art history, museum studies, photojournalism, music, theatre, and dance. GW also offers graduate and doctoral programs across the sciences, humanities, social sciences, public policy, engineering, business, and other fields.
Key Information
- Official Institution Name: The George Washington University
- Opportunity Type: University Programs & Admissions
- Study Levels: Undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, certificates, and non-degree study
- Degrees Offered: BA, BFA, MA, MFA, MS, MPS, PhD, EdD, and other professional degrees
- Academic Fields: Fine arts, design, film-related media, photojournalism, art history, museum studies, architecture-related design, humanities, sciences, business, engineering, and social sciences
- Relevant Programs: Fine Arts; Graphic Design; Interaction Design; Interior Architecture; Photojournalism; Art History; Design; Contemporary Art Practices; Museum Studies; New Media Photojournalism; Classical Acting
- Language of Instruction: English
- International Applicants: Yes
- Application Period: Varies by program and entry term
- Application Deadline: Undergraduate deadlines include 1 November 2026 and 5 January 2027; graduate deadlines vary by program
- Start of Studies: Fall, spring, or summer, depending on the program
- Application Fee: US$80 for standard undergraduate and graduate applications; exceptions apply
- Tuition: Undergraduate full-time main-campus tuition is US$72,000 per academic year for 2026–2027; graduate tuition varies by school and program
- Funding: Merit scholarships, institutional awards, and program-specific support packages are available.
Field of Study & Eligible Disciplines
- The Corcoran School of the Arts & Design provides undergraduate and graduate study in visual arts, design, art history, photography and photojournalism, museum studies, and performing arts. Relevant undergraduate programs include the BFA in Fine Arts, BFA in Graphic Design, BFA in Interaction Design, BFA in Interior Architecture, and BFA in Photojournalism. Graduate options include the MA in Art History, MA in Interaction Design, MFA in Interior Architecture, MFA in Contemporary Art Practices, MA in Museum Studies, and MA in New Media Photojournalism.
- Applicants should consult the individual program requirements to establish whether their academic background is suitable. Portfolio requirements differ by program and degree level.
General Eligibility
- GW accepts applications from domestic and international applicants. Admission requirements depend on the intended program, study level, and applicant category.
- For undergraduate admission, first-year applicants generally apply with secondary-school academic records. Transfer applicants follow separate requirements. Graduate applicants must meet the academic and program-specific criteria established by their intended school or department.
- International applicants must satisfy the applicable academic, English-language, and immigration documentation requirements.
Educational Background
- Undergraduate: First-year applicants must provide the academic documentation required for undergraduate admission. Transfer applicants must follow the transfer application requirements.
- MFA in Interior Architecture: Applicants must hold an undergraduate degree outside interior design, interior architecture, or architecture and have completed 30 credit hours of liberal arts and science coursework.
- MA in Interior Architecture: Designed for applicants who already hold an undergraduate degree in interior design, interior architecture, or architecture.
- Other graduate programs: Academic prerequisites vary by program. Applicants should verify the required prior degree and accepted disciplines on the relevant program page.
Language Requirements
- International applicants whose first language is not English must meet GW's English-language proficiency requirements for undergraduate admission. Accepted tests and minimum scores include:
| Test | Minimum score |
|---|---|
| TOEFL, taken before 26 January 2026 | 90 |
| TOEFL, taken on or after 26 January 2026 | 4.5 |
| IELTS Academic | 6.5 |
| PTE Academic | 61 |
| Duolingo English Test | 120 |
Applicants should verify any program-specific language requirements and applicable exemptions before applying. Graduate applicants must consult the requirements for their intended program.
Application Fee
| Applicant category | Application fee | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate applicants | US$80 | Non-refundable; fee waivers may be available |
| Standard graduate applicants | US$80 | Non-refundable; exemptions and waivers apply to eligible applicants |
Graduate application fees are payable in US dollars. International graduate applicants can pay online by credit card or use the other payment methods permitted by GW.
Tuition
| Study level or program | Tuition | Billing structure |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time main-campus undergraduate | US$72,000 | Per academic year; 12–18 credits per semester |
| Part-time main-campus undergraduate | US$2,400 | Per credit hour |
| Undergraduate Health Sciences programs | US$722 | Per credit hour |
| Bachelor of Professional Studies | US$1,009 | Per credit hour |
| Graduate programs, Columbian College of Arts & Sciences (general rate) | US$2,154 | Per credit hour |
| Graduate programs, School of Engineering & Applied Science (general rate) | US$2,195 | Per credit hour |
| Graduate programs, School of Business (general rate) | US$2,076 | Per credit hour |
| Main-campus non-degree study | US$2,400 | Per credit hour |
- Sources: GW Student Accounts, 2026–2027 tuition schedules. Program-specific rates may differ from the general rates shown.
- Other applicable charges can include a one-time matriculation fee, student association fees, course-specific fees, and international student fees. For 2026–2027, the international student fee is US$60 each fall and spring semester for students holding F-1 or J-1 visas. Undergraduate students in residential colleges are also charged a US$115 U•Pass fee per fall and spring semester. Student health insurance is mandatory for specified student categories, including international students holding F-1 or J-1 visas.
Funding & Financial Support
- GW offers merit-based scholarships and other financial support, with eligibility depending on the applicant category and award. Undergraduate applicants are considered for merit scholarships. Need-based undergraduate financial aid is available to eligible U.S. citizens through the relevant financial aid application process.
- The Corcoran School also provides program-specific support packages for selected Interior Architecture MFA applicants. Participation in designated graduate information sessions may provide an application fee waiver. Applicants should check the applicable award conditions and international-student eligibility before relying on any funding.
University Services & Academic Support
- Arts and design facilities: The Corcoran provides access to studios, galleries, theatre spaces, and music rooms, subject to the relevant facilities' rules.
- Museum and professional experience: The MA in Museum Studies includes an internship as part of its 36-credit curriculum.
- Academic guidance: Program-specific information sessions allow prospective students to learn about curricula, faculty expertise, and admissions requirements.
- International student support: GW provides international admissions guidance and processes documentation required for student visa eligibility.
Application Requirements
Undergraduate applicants
- A completed Common Application or Coalition Application.
- A personal essay.
- One recommendation from a high-school counselor or academic teacher.
- Official secondary-school transcripts and the required school report.
- English-proficiency test results when required.
Applicants to the BFA in Fine Arts, BFA in Graphic Design, BFA in Interaction Design, and BFA in Photojournalism must submit a portfolio. A portfolio is not required for admission to the BFA in Interior Architecture, although it is required for consideration for Corcoran Scholars. Other arts programs have separate requirements.
Graduate applicants
Graduate applicants must submit the general application materials and any additional documents required by their program.
For the MFA in Interior Architecture, applicants must submit a creative portfolio and two recommendations on business letterhead. An interview may be requested. The GRE is not required for this program.
How to Apply?
Deadline & Timeline
Undergraduate admissions
- Early Decision I, fall 2027: 1 November 2026
- Early Decision II and Regular Decision, fall 2027: 5 January 2027
- Regular Decision, spring admission: 1 October 2026
- Transfer admission, fall 2027: 1 April 2027
- Transfer admission, spring admission: 1 October 2026
- Financial aid deadline for Early Decision I: 1 November 2026
- Financial aid deadline for Early Decision II and Regular Decision: 5 January 2027
- Financial aid deadline for spring admission: 1 October 2026
- Financial aid deadline for fall transfer applicants: 1 April 2027
Corcoran graduate programs
- Contemporary Art Practices MFA, spring admission: 1 October 2026
- Classical Acting MFA, fall admission: 15 February 2027
- Art History MA, fall admission: 1 April 2027
- Interaction Design MA, fall admission: 1 April 2027
- Interior Architecture MFA, fall admission: 1 April 2027
- Contemporary Art Practices MFA, fall admission: 1 April 2027
- Fellowship consideration deadline for Art History MA, Interaction Design MA, and Interior Architecture MFA: 1 February 2027
Location
The George Washington University — Washington, D.C., United States
Additional Details
- Undergraduate admission is test-optional for most applicants, but exceptions apply, including certain special programs and specific secondary-school circumstances.
- Applicants to arts programs must distinguish between portfolio requirements for admission and portfolio requirements for scholarship consideration.
- Graduate programs may have different admission deadlines, tuition rates, and document requirements. The MFA and MA in Interior Architecture have distinct academic-background requirements.
- International graduate applicants are generally not admitted for summer sessions. Visa documentation and financial certification may be required.
- Tuition and fees can change; applicants should confirm the current figures before enrolling.