Organizer Information
Georgia State University is a public research university located in downtown Atlanta, Georgia, United States. Its College of the Arts includes the Ernest G. Welch School of Art & Design, the School of Film, Media & Theatre, and the School of Music. These academic units offer undergraduate and graduate study in visual arts, art history, design, film, media, theatre, music, and art education. Admissions requirements, portfolios, and supplemental application procedures depend on the specific program.
Key Information
- Official Institution Name: Georgia State University
- Opportunity Type: University Programs & Admissions
- Study Levels: Undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, dual-degree
- Degrees Offered: BA, BFA, MA, MAEd, MAT, MFA, PhD, EdD, BIS
- Academic Fields: Fine Arts, Film, Media, Photography, Graphic Design, Interior Design, Art History, Art Education, Theatre, Music
- Relevant Programs: Film and Media, BA; Digital Filmmaking, MFA; Art History, BA/MA; Studio Art, BFA/MFA; Graphic Design, BFA/MFA; Photography; Art Education, MAEd/MAT; Communication Studies, PhD, with a Moving Image Studies concentration.
- Language of Instruction: English
- International Applicants: Yes
- Application Period: Varies by entry term, study level, and program.
- Application Deadline: Varies by applicant category and program.
- Start of Studies: Fall, spring, and summer, depending on the program.
- Application Fee: $60 for undergraduate first-year applicants; other categories may differ.
- Tuition: Varies by study level, residency classification, and credit hours.
- Funding: Scholarships and financial aid are available to eligible students; eligibility and availability vary.
Field of Study & Eligible Disciplines
- Relevant disciplines include studio art, ceramics, drawing and painting, sculpture, textiles, printmaking, photography, graphic design, interior design, art history, film production, digital filmmaking, media studies, and art education. The College of the Arts encourages interdisciplinary work within its visual arts programs.
- Undergraduate studio-art students select a concentration through the school's portfolio process, while graduate studio-art applicants apply within a specific discipline. Applicants should check the individual program's admissions requirements before applying.
General Eligibility
- Georgia State accepts international applicants who meet the applicable requirements for their student category. Requirements differ for first-year, transfer, graduate, and other applicants. International students may need to provide additional academic documentation and English-language evidence.
Educational Background
- Undergraduate applicants generally need the relevant secondary-school qualifications. Transfer applicants must provide college records and may need an international credential evaluation. Graduate applicants must satisfy the prior-degree and academic requirements of their chosen program.
- For studio-art concentrations, portfolio requirements apply through the relevant school process. Applicants should consult their exact program page for additional prerequisites.
Language Requirements
- International applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency through an accepted test or an approved exemption. For undergraduate international applicants, published minimum scores include IELTS Academic 6.0, TOEFL iBT 69 for tests taken before January 2026, and PTE Academic 53. Georgia State also accepts specified alternative qualifications. Duolingo English Test is not accepted.
Application Fee
| Applicant category | Application fee |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate first-year applicants | $60 |
| Perimeter College first-year applicants | $20 |
| International transient applicants | $60 |
Tuition
| Study level | Residency classification | Annual tuition, fees, books and supplies |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's | Georgia resident | $12,656 |
| Bachelor's | Out-of-state | $34,286 |
| Bachelor's | Out-of-country | $35,156 |
| Graduate, non-law | Georgia resident | $13,274 |
| Graduate, non-law | Out-of-state | $36,716 |
| Graduate, non-law | Out-of-country | $37,688 |
These figures include tuition, student fees, books, and supplies, but exclude housing, food, transportation, and personal expenses. Actual costs depend on enrollment and program.
Funding & Financial Support
Georgia State provides scholarships and financial aid through its financial-aid and scholarship programs. Awards are subject to their own eligibility criteria and application deadlines. International applicants should verify whether each award is open to their student category before relying on it for tuition funding.
University Services & Academic Support
- The College of the Arts offers access to discipline-specific academic resources and facilities through its schools. The School of Film, Media & Theatre lists internship opportunities and provides practical media-making instruction alongside academic study. Studio facilities and program-specific resources should be confirmed with the relevant school.
- International students can access the university's International Student & Scholar Services for immigration-related support after admission.
Application Requirements
Requirements depend on the program and applicant category.
- Undergraduate applicants: Submit the application, applicable fee, official secondary-school records, and proof of English proficiency when required. International applicants must follow the university's document-submission rules.
- Transfer applicants: Submit official college transcripts and required international credential evaluations.
- Studio Art applicants: Follow the portfolio process for the selected concentration. Undergraduate students select a studio concentration through the school's portfolio application process.
- Graduate applicants: Consult the individual program's admissions page for required academic records, creative materials, and any additional departmental requirements.
How to Apply?
Application Portals:
- Undergraduate applications
- College of the Arts programs
- School of Film, Media & Theatre
- Ernest G. Welch School of Art & Design
Deadline & Timeline
- Spring Regular Application Deadline: 1 December 2026
- Summer Final Application Deadline: 1 April 2027
- Summer Final Document Deadline: 1 May 2027
- Fall Early Action and Scholarship Priority Deadline: 15 November 2026
- Fall Regular Application Deadline: 1 May 2027
- Fall Official Transcript and Test Score Deadline: 1 June 2027
- Fall Application Opens: 14 August 2027, for the following admissions cycle.
Deadlines vary by applicant category, campus, and program. Confirm the relevant deadline on the official admissions page before submitting an application.
Location
Georgia State University — Atlanta, Georgia, United States.
Additional Details
- Georgia State distinguishes between international applicants based on educational history, immigration status, and applicant category.
- Film and Media, BA applicants must meet the program's course eligibility requirements before enrolling in upper-level Film and Media courses.
- Undergraduate and graduate art applicants should verify the portfolio process and program-specific requirements independently.