Organizer Information
Syracuse University is a private research university in Syracuse, New York. Its College of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) includes the School of Art, School of Design, Department of Film and Media Arts, Department of Drama, Setnor School of Music, Department of Communication and Rhetorical Studies, and Department of Creative Arts Therapy. The university offers undergraduate and graduate study across art, design, film, media, and related creative disciplines.
Key Information
- Official Institution Name: Syracuse University
- Opportunity Type: University Programs & Admissions
- Study Levels: Undergraduate / Graduate
- Degrees Offered: B.F.A. / B.S. / B.I.D. / M.A. / M.F.A.
- Academic Fields: Fine Arts / Film / Media Arts / Design / Photography / Animation / Museum Studies
- Relevant Programs: Film B.F.A.; Film M.F.A.; Studio Arts B.F.A.; Studio Arts B.S.; Studio Arts M.F.A.; Illustration and Animation B.F.A.; Communications Design B.F.A.; Design Futures B.S.; Environmental and Interior Design B.F.A.; Fashion Design B.F.A.; Industrial and Interaction Design B.I.D.; Museum Studies M.A.
- Language of Instruction: English
- International Applicants: Yes
- Application Period: Fall 2027 and limited Spring 2027 undergraduate enrollment
- Application Deadline: Undergraduate VPA deadlines include 1 November and 5 January; VPA graduate deadline is 1 February
- Start of Studies: Fall or Spring, depending on program
- Application Fee: $85 undergraduate / $75 graduate
- Tuition: $69,180 undergraduate; $2,086 per graduate credit for 2026–27
- Funding: Merit scholarships, grants, fellowships and graduate assistantships are available under applicable conditions.
Field of Study & Eligible Disciplines
- Syracuse University’s VPA offers study in visual art, design, film and media arts, photography, animation, museum studies and related creative disciplines. The School of Art offers Studio Arts and Illustration and Animation at undergraduate level, with Studio Arts also available as an M.F.A. The School of Design offers communications design, design futures, environmental and interior design, fashion design, industrial and interaction design, and museum studies. Film is available as a B.F.A. and M.F.A.
- For undergraduate VPA programs, portfolio requirements are program-specific. A portfolio is required for the B.F.A. programs in the School of Art, School of Design and Department of Film and Media Arts, and for the School of Design B.I.D. The School of Art B.S. in Studio Arts and School of Design B.S. in Design Futures do not require a portfolio.
General Eligibility
- International and domestic applicants may apply, subject to the requirements of their applicant category and program. First-year undergraduate applicants must be enrolled in or have graduated from an accredited high school. Undergraduate applicants submit academic records and other university-level application materials, with additional requirements for certain VPA programs.
- For graduate VPA programs, applicants must complete a U.S. bachelor's degree or an equivalent degree from another country before beginning graduate study. Program-specific requirements may include portfolios and other creative materials.
- International students who require an F-1 visa must also demonstrate sufficient financial resources for their first year of study.
Language Requirements
- International undergraduate applicants whose first language is not English generally must submit an accepted English-proficiency examination. For the College of Visual and Performing Arts, Syracuse lists a preferred IELTS score of 6.5+, TOEFL score of 85+, or Duolingo score of 125+. Certain waiver conditions apply.
- For VPA graduate applicants, the recommended minimum is IELTS 6.5, TOEFL 90, or Duolingo 110. Individual departments may admit applicants below these recommended scores on a provisional basis.
Application Fee
| Applicant Level | Application Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | $85 | Fee waivers are available for eligible applicants. |
| Graduate | $75 | Non-refundable; graduate application fee waivers may apply to specific eligible categories. |
Tuition
| Study Level / Program | Applicant Type | Tuition | Billing Structure | Other Mandatory Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | International | $69,180 | Per academic year, 2026–27 | Program and technology fees, health insurance and other applicable charges |
| VPA Graduate | International / domestic | $2,086 | Per credit, 2026–27 | Program-specific and other student charges may apply |
The published 2026–27 international undergraduate cost of attendance also includes $1,000 in program and technology fees and $2,868 in health insurance, although eligible private insurance may permit a health-insurance waiver. Graduate international cost of attendance is based on $2,086 per credit, with additional mandatory and estimated expenses.
Funding & Financial Support
- Syracuse University offers scholarships, grants and other financial aid. International undergraduate applicants may be considered for merit-based scholarships based on their academic credentials. Graduate funding decisions are made by individual departments.
- VPA graduate applicants who submit by the 1 February deadline are eligible for consideration for competitive merit-based scholarships, fellowships and assistantships; there is no separate award application.
University Services & Academic Support
- VPA provides academic and career advising for undergraduate and graduate students. Film students have access to career advisors, networking opportunities and mentors. The Film M.F.A. also provides access to post-production facilities and opportunities for screenings and exhibition.
- International students receive support through the Center for International Services, including visa documentation assistance, orientation, English conversation opportunities and immigration-compliance support.
Application Requirements
Undergraduate applicants generally submit the Common Application or Coalition Application, official secondary-school transcripts, senior-year grade information, a counselor evaluation and one academic recommendation. SAT/ACT scores are not required for Fall 2027 admission.
For VPA:
- Film B.F.A.: Applicants submit a film/video work of up to five minutes, an excerpt of up to five minutes, multiple complete works totaling no more than five minutes, or 8–12 still photographs, plus a personal statement of up to 500 words.
- School of Art B.F.A. programs: 12–20 recent works plus one specified writing sample of up to 300 words.
- School of Design B.F.A. and B.I.D.: 12–20 recent images plus required written responses.
- Film M.F.A.: Three recommendation letters, academic transcript, approximately 500-word personal statement, and original films totaling no more than 10 minutes. An online meeting may be requested after faculty review.
How to Apply?
Deadline & Timeline
- Early Action — Undergraduate VPA: 1 November 2026
- Early Decision I — Undergraduate VPA: 1 November 2026
- Early Decision II — Undergraduate VPA: 5 January 2027
- Regular Decision — Undergraduate VPA: 5 January 2027
- Spring Undergraduate Application: 15 November 2026
- Graduate VPA Application: 1 February 2027
- Film M.F.A. Application: 1 February 2027
- Graduate VPA Spring Admission: Not offered for Film and Media Arts programs.
Location
Syracuse University — Syracuse, New York, United States
Additional Details
The 2027–28 admission cycle is currently open for planning, but the latest published tuition figures available on the university's official cost pages are for 2026–27. Tuition and fees are subject to change. VPA undergraduate spring enrollment is very limited, while the Film and Media Arts graduate programs currently admit for fall only.
International F-1 applicants must provide financial documentation demonstrating sufficient funds for the first year of study.