Organizer Information
Maharishi International University (MIU) is a nonprofit higher-education institution in Fairfield, Iowa, United States. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, the university offers undergraduate and graduate degrees through on-campus, online, and low-residency formats. Its academic offerings include visual arts, cinematic arts, screenwriting, documentary filmmaking, creative writing, and interdisciplinary studies.
Key Information
- Official Institution Name: Maharishi International University (MIU)
- Opportunity Type: University Programs & Admissions
- Study Levels: Undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, certificate, and non-degree study
- Degrees Offered: BA, BS, BFA, MA, MFA, MS, PhD, EdD, and other qualifications
- Academic Fields: Fine arts, visual arts, film, screenwriting, documentary filmmaking, creative writing, media, business, physics, health, and agriculture
- Relevant Programs: BA in Creative Arts; BFA in Art, Consciousness & Creative Practice; BA in Cinematic Arts & New Media; Low-Residency MFA in Visual Art; David Lynch MFA in Screenwriting; MFA in Documentary Filmmaking & Social Transformation; MFA in Creative Writing
- Language of Instruction: English
- International Applicants: Yes
- Application Period: Rolling admissions; program-specific entry deadlines apply
- Application Deadline: Varies by program, study format, and entry term
- Start of Studies: February and August for many programs; additional entry terms apply to selected online programs
- Application Fee: $20, non-refundable
- Tuition: Undergraduate, $9,000 per semester for full-time study; graduate tuition varies by program
- Funding: Need-based scholarships for eligible international undergraduate students; additional financial aid options depend on applicant eligibility.
Field of Study & Eligible Disciplines
MIU offers programs in visual arts, creative practice, cinematic arts, new media, screenwriting, documentary filmmaking, and creative writing. Relevant options include:
- Undergraduate: BA in Creative Arts; BFA in Art, Consciousness & Creative Practice; BA in Cinematic Arts & New Media.
- Graduate: Low-Residency MFA in Visual Art; David Lynch MFA in Screenwriting; MFA in Documentary Filmmaking & Social Transformation; MFA in Creative Writing.
Program delivery varies: some degrees are available online, some on campus, and some through low-residency arrangements. Applicants should consult the individual program page for its curriculum and admission conditions.
General Eligibility
- MIU accepts applications from domestic and international applicants. Admission is based on academic qualifications and program-specific criteria. International students seeking on-campus study must also satisfy applicable U.S. student-visa requirements.
- The university requires students to learn Transcendental Meditation as part of its educational approach.
Educational Background
- Bachelor's degree programs: Applicants generally need a high school diploma or equivalent and a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5. Applicants with 24 or more transferable college credits are not required to submit a high school document under the published general rule.
- Master's degree programs: Applicants generally need a four-year bachelor's degree or equivalent and an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0.
- PhD programs: Applicants generally need a master's degree or equivalent and a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0.
Applicants below the stated GPA thresholds may still be considered based on additional qualifications. Master's and doctoral programs may impose further program-specific requirements.
Language Requirements
International applicants must submit an official English proficiency test result dated within the previous two years. MIU publishes the following general minimum scores:
| Test | Bachelor's | Master's and PhD |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 6.0 | 6.5 |
| TOEFL iBT | 80 | 90 |
| Duolingo English Test | 100 | 110 |
| PTE Academic | 51 | 58 |
Individual programs may impose additional requirements. Confirm the applicable test and score with the program's admissions page.
Application Fee
| Applicant category | Application fee | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| All applicants | $20 | Non-refundable; covers one calendar year |
Tuition
| Study level/program | Normal semester tuition | Reduced-load rate | Billing structure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate, 12+ credits | $9,000 | $600/credit | Per semester |
| MA in Studio Art, 12+ credits | $8,000 | $600/credit | Per semester |
| MFA in Creative Writing | $9,000 | $700/credit | Per semester |
| MFA in Documentary Filmmaking & Social Transformation | $12,000 | $750/credit | Per semester |
| MFA in Screenwriting | $11,000 | $900/credit | Per semester |
| MFA in Visual Art | $9,600 | $800/credit | Per semester |
Additional mandatory and living costs
| Charge | Amount | Billing structure |
|---|---|---|
| On-campus student fee | $350 | Per semester |
| Online student fee | $200 | Per semester |
| International student health insurance | Estimated $1,278 | Per semester, subject to insurance conditions |
| Housing | From $1,700 for a single-occupancy room | Per semester |
| Meals | $2,000 | Per semester |
Student fees are not charged during summer or for enrollment below half-time. International students may be exempt from the university's insurance charge if they provide acceptable proof of other coverage within the required period. Housing and meal costs apply to relevant arrangements.
Funding & Financial Support
MIU offers financial support subject to eligibility:
- International undergraduate students: Full-time students may apply for a need-based scholarship of up to $6,000, based on documented family income.
- U.S. students: Federal grants, federal loans, and Federal Work-Study are available to eligible students under the applicable financial-aid rules.
- Graduate students: Funding options depend on the program and individual eligibility.
Scholarships and financial aid are not guaranteed. International applicants should confirm whether their chosen program and study format qualify for the relevant award.
University Services & Academic Support
- MIU provides admissions counseling, financial-aid guidance, campus visits, virtual visits, webinars, and access to academic departments and university library resources. International applicants receive guidance on the documentation required for admission and, where applicable, the F-1 student-visa process.
Application Requirements
Applicants should prepare the materials applicable to their program and applicant category:
- Academic transcripts and evidence of previous qualifications.
- Official English proficiency test scores for international applicants.
- Program-specific admissions materials and any additional documentation requested by the admissions counselor.
- Certified translations of academic records that are not in English, where required.
For undergraduate admission, MIU generally requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Master's and doctoral applicants must meet the relevant prior-degree requirements. Official transcripts must be sent directly by the issuing institution or through a recognized third-party service; unofficial transcripts may be used for initial review, but official records are required for final admission.
Portfolio, creative sample, interview, and other additional requirements should be checked on the individual program page rather than assumed to apply across the university.
How to Apply?
- Application Portal
Deadline & Timeline
- February 2027 on-campus entry — Application deadline: 31 October 2026
- February 2027 online entry — Application deadline: 11 January 2027
- August 2027 on-campus entry — Application deadline: 15 May 2027
- August 2027 online entry — Application deadline: 19 July 2027
- April 2027 online undergraduate entry — Application deadline: 7 March 2027
- October 2027 online undergraduate entry — Application deadline: 6 September 2027
- April 2027 English as a Second Language entry — Application deadline: 31 January 2027
- October 2027 English as a Second Language entry — Application deadline: 31 July 2027
Location
Maharishi International University — Fairfield, Iowa, United States.
Additional Details
- MIU offers on-campus, online, and low-residency study formats. Low-residency programs combine online study with short in-person components.
- Not all programs are offered every semester. Some graduate programs have additional entry restrictions or program-specific admissions criteria.
- Students planning to study on campus from outside the United States should allow time for admission documentation and visa arrangements.
- Tuition, additional charges, and scholarship terms may change. Confirm the current program-specific costs before committing to enrollment.