Organizer Information
The University of New Mexico (UNM) is a public research university founded in 1889 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States. Its College of Fine Arts includes the Departments of Art, Music, Theatre & Dance, and Film & Digital Arts. These departments offer undergraduate and graduate study in studio art, photography, art history, art education, filmmaking, animation, gaming, theatre, dance, and related disciplines.
Key Information
- Official Institution Name: The University of New Mexico
- Opportunity Type: University Programs & Admissions
- Study Levels: Undergraduate, graduate, doctoral
- Degrees Offered: BA, BFA, MA, MFA, PhD, BM, BME, MM
- Academic Fields: Fine Arts, Film, Photography, Animation, Gaming, Art History, Art Education, Theatre, Dance, Design for Performance, Music
- Relevant Programs: BA and BFA in Film & Digital Arts; BFA and BA in Art Studio; MFA in Art Studio; MA in Art Education; MA and PhD in Art History; BA in Interdisciplinary Arts; BFA in Design and Technology for Performance; MFA in Dramatic Writing; MFA in Dance; MA in Theatre & Dance.
- Language of Instruction: English
- International Applicants: Yes
- Application Period: Depends on the program and entry semester
- Application Deadline: MFA in Art Studio — 15 January for fall admission
- Start of Studies: Fall and spring, depending on program
- Application Fee: $70 for international graduate applicants
- Tuition: 2026–2027 undergraduate nonresident tuition and fees: estimated $34,734 per academic year
- Funding: Scholarships and graduate assistantships are available for eligible students.
Field of Study & Eligible Disciplines
UNM's College of Fine Arts offers programs in studio practice, visual culture, moving-image production, and performing arts.
Relevant areas include:
- Film & Digital Arts: Film Production, Animation, Gaming, and Film History & Criticism.
- Art Studio: Painting and Drawing, Photography, Ceramics, Printmaking, Sculpture & Expanded Practice, Experimental Art & Technology, and Art & Ecology.
- Art History: Historical and critical study of art, including Art of the Americas.
- Art Education: Preparation for teaching and research in art education.
- Performing Arts: Theatre, Dance, Dramatic Writing, and Design and Technology for Performance.
- Interdisciplinary Arts: Cross-disciplinary artistic study.
Applicants should review the admission criteria for their intended degree. The university's general admission process and the College of Fine Arts' requirements for entry into a declared major are separate stages for relevant undergraduate applicants.
General Eligibility
- UNM accepts domestic and international applicants. Applicants must satisfy the university's admission requirements and any additional criteria established by their intended program.
- For undergraduate students entering a College of Fine Arts major, additional requirements may apply after university admission. For graduate applicants, the relevant department determines program-specific admission requirements.
- The MFA in Art Studio is a graduate program with a competitive application process and defined portfolio requirements. Applicants should consult the Department of Art graduate admissions information before applying.
Educational Background
- Undergraduate applicants must meet the university's entry requirements for their applicant category. Some College of Fine Arts majors require additional coursework or academic benchmarks before students can declare their major.
- The MFA in Art Studio requires study beyond a bachelor's degree and is designed for applicants developing a substantial body of studio work. The program offers concentrations in Art & Ecology, Ceramics, Experimental Art & Technology, Painting & Drawing, Photography, Printmaking, and Sculpture & Expanded Practice.
- Applicants to other graduate programs should verify the required prior degree, acceptable academic background, and any program-specific prerequisites with the relevant department.
Language Requirements
- International applicants must review UNM's English-language proficiency rules for their study level and applicant category. Required tests, minimum scores, and exemptions should be checked against the applicable official admissions guidance.
- Applicants seeking graduate teaching assistantships should also check any additional English-proficiency conditions attached to teaching duties.
Application Fee
| Applicant category | Application fee |
|---|---|
| Domestic graduate applicant | $60 |
| International graduate applicant | $70 |
These amounts are published by UNM's graduate application guidance. Confirm the fee applicable to the specific application route before submitting.
Tuition
| Study level/applicant category | Published cost | Billing structure |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate, New Mexico resident | $11,585 | Estimated tuition and fees per academic year, 2026–2027 |
| Undergraduate, nonresident without scholarship | $34,734 | Estimated tuition and fees per academic year, 2026–2027 |
| Undergraduate, eligible nonresident with scholarship | $11,585 | Estimated tuition and fees per academic year, 2026–2027 |
| Graduate, resident | $11,255 | Estimated tuition and fees for 12 credits |
| Graduate, nonresident | $30,316 | Estimated tuition and fees for 12 credits |
- Undergraduate figures are from UNM's 2026–2027 cost estimates. Graduate figures are published separately on the university's cost-of-attendance page; confirm the applicable academic year and program rates before relying on them.
- Housing, food, books, transportation, and personal expenses are additional budget categories. Program-specific charges and insurance requirements should be verified through the university's official cost and fee resources.
Funding & Financial Support
- UNM offers scholarships and graduate assistantships, with eligibility depending on the department, program, academic record, and funding availability.
- The Department of Art states that MFA in Art Studio students may apply for teaching or graduate assistantships after admission. These opportunities can include a stipend, tuition support, and health insurance; awards are competitive and not guaranteed.
- The university also offers an International Amigo Scholarship for eligible international students holding nonimmigrant visas. The scholarship provides the resident tuition rate to recipients who qualify under its conditions.
- Funding eligibility, award amounts, and application deadlines should be confirmed with the specific department and the relevant scholarship office.
University Services & Academic Support
- The College of Fine Arts provides academic advising through its Student Success & Advisement Center. Students can obtain guidance on degree requirements and declaring a major. Graduate applicants are directed to the relevant graduate advisor for program-specific questions.
- The Film & Digital Arts department lists production facilities and equipment support, including its equipment cage. MFA Art Studio students receive individual studio spaces and access to graduate-only metal, wood, and ceramics facilities, according to the Department of Art. Access and availability depend on the program and applicable facility rules.
Application Requirements
Requirements differ by degree and department.
For the MFA in Art Studio, applicants must submit:
- Official transcripts from every college or university attended.
- An image portfolio containing 15–20 images representing their work. The portfolio must be compiled into a single PDF, PowerPoint presentation, or website link and uploaded with the application. Video work may be submitted through a Vimeo link.
- Any additional materials requested through the university's application process or the department's current guidelines.
Applicants to other programs should consult their specific admissions pages for required statements, recommendations, creative samples, auditions, interviews, and language-test documentation. Requirements for one program should not be assumed to apply to another.
How to Apply?
- Undergraduate and graduate applications: Application Portal
- College of Fine Arts admissions guidance: Application Portal
- Graduate Art programs Application Portal
Deadline & Timeline
- MFA in Art Studio — Application Deadline: 15 January for fall admission.
- MFA in Art Studio — Admission Decisions: February.
- International Graduate Applicants — Fall 2027 Priority Application Deadline: 1 March 2027.
- International Graduate Applicants — Fall 2027 Final Application Deadline: 1 May 2027.
- International Graduate Applicants — Fall 2027 Required Documents Deadline: 1 June 2027.
- International Graduate Applicants — Spring 2027 Final Application Deadline: 15 August 2026.
- International Graduate Applicants — Spring 2027 Required Documents Deadline: 1 October 2026.
Location
The University of New Mexico — Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States.
Additional Details
- The university's general admission decision does not automatically establish eligibility for every College of Fine Arts major. Some undergraduate programs have additional requirements for declaring a major.
- The MFA in Art Studio does not offer spring admission, according to the department's published admissions information.
- International students should confirm visa-related financial documentation requirements and allow sufficient time for application processing.
- Tuition estimates, scholarship conditions, and program requirements may change between admission cycles. Verify the information for the intended entry term before applying.