Organizer Information
The University at Buffalo (UB), part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system, is a public research university in Buffalo, New York, United States. Its academic offerings include undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across the arts, humanities, sciences, engineering, architecture, and other disciplines. Relevant options for creative applicants include Fine Arts, Studio Art, Art History, Architecture, Environmental Design, Film Studies, Media Studies, Theatre, and related fields.
Key Information
- Official Institution Name: University at Buffalo, The State University of New York
- Opportunity Type: University Programs & Admissions
- Study Levels: Undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and professional
- Degrees Offered: BA, BFA, MA, MFA, MS, PhD, and other discipline-specific degrees
- Academic Fields: Fine Arts, Art History, Photography, Graphic Design, Film Studies, Media Studies, Architecture, Environmental Design, Theatre, and related disciplines
- Relevant Programs: Fine Arts BFA; Studio Art BA; Art History; Architecture; Environmental Design; Film Studies; Media Study; Theatre; Theatre Design/Technology
- Language of Instruction: English
- International Applicants: Yes
- Application Period: Varies by entry term, study level, and program
- Application Deadline: Undergraduate fall entry — Early Action: 1 November; Regular Decision completion: 1 February. Graduate deadlines vary by program.
- Start of Studies: Fall (August) and spring (January), depending on program
- Application Fee: $50 for first-year undergraduate applications; graduate fees are program/application-specific
- Tuition: 2026–2027 undergraduate nonresident tuition: $29,070 per academic year, before mandatory fees
- Funding: Merit-based scholarships and other financial assistance, subject to eligibility and availability
Field of Study & Eligible Disciplines
UB offers several options for applicants interested in creative practice, visual culture, design, and media.
Relevant undergraduate programs include:
- Fine Arts BFA: Art and Technology, General Studio, Graphic Design, Painting, Photography, Print Media, and Sculpture concentrations.
- Studio Art BA: General Studio, Graphic Design, and Photography concentrations.
- Art History
- Architecture
- Environmental Design
- Film Studies
- Media Study
- Theatre and Theatre Design/Technology
These are official program names or concentrations listed in UB's academic and undergraduate admissions resources. Graduate applicants should consult the individual program listing to establish the available degree, academic prerequisites, and application requirements.
General Eligibility
- UB accepts applications from domestic and international students. Admission is selective and based on academic preparation and the requirements of the chosen program.
- For international first-year undergraduate applicants, UB expects an academic record equivalent to approximately a 3.0 GPA on the US 4.0 scale. Applicants must provide academic records from their previous education, with English translations for documents issued in other languages. Transfer applicants are evaluated primarily on their college or university academic performance.
Educational Background
- First-year undergraduate applicants: Must submit high school academic records or the university's accepted self-reported transcript information.
- Transfer applicants: Must provide previous college or university academic records and satisfy transfer admission requirements.
- Graduate applicants: Must meet the academic prerequisites of their intended graduate program. Required previous degrees and acceptable academic disciplines depend on the program.
Applicants should check the individual program's admissions page before applying, particularly when changing academic fields or applying to a specialized creative degree.
Language Requirements
English is the language of instruction. For international first-year undergraduate applicants, the published minimum English proficiency scores include:
| Test | Minimum score |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 6.0 |
| TOEFL iBT | 70 |
| Duolingo English Test | 105 |
| PTE Academic / PTE Academic Online | 50 |
| SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing | 500 |
| ACT English and Reading | 18 |
UB also recognizes certain English-language qualifications and offers exemptions to applicants who meet its specific criteria. Test scores generally must be less than two years old at admission. Graduate applicants must check their individual program's English proficiency requirements, which may differ from undergraduate requirements.
Application Fee
| Applicant category | Application fee | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| First-year undergraduate | $50 | Non-refundable; accepted application-platform fee waivers may apply |
| Graduate | Program/application-specific | Confirm the applicable fee through the relevant graduate admissions instructions |
Tuition
| Study level/category | Tuition or tuition-and-fee estimate | Billing structure |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate, nonresident | $29,070 tuition | Per academic year, 2026–2027 |
| International undergraduate, full-time | $35,700 tuition and fees estimate | Nine-month academic year, 2026–2027 |
| International graduate, general programs, full-time | $32,300 tuition and fees estimate | Nine-month academic year, 2026–2027 |
| International graduate, with assistantship | $24,200 tuition and fees estimate | Nine-month academic year, 2026–2027 |
The university's cost-of-attendance estimates distinguish tuition and mandatory fees from indirect costs such as housing, meals, books, transportation, and personal expenses. Actual expenses depend on degree level, program, credit load, and individual circumstances. Additional charges may include student activity and comprehensive fees, housing, meal plans, course fees, and international health insurance, where applicable. Tuition and fees are subject to change.
Funding & Financial Support
- UB provides financial assistance through institutional and other eligible funding routes. Undergraduate applicants may receive merit-based scholarship consideration, and applying by the Early Action deadline can provide priority consideration for merit-based scholarships. Financial aid eligibility depends on the award's conditions and the applicant's status.
- International students should verify the eligibility restrictions for each scholarship or funding source before relying on it to cover tuition or living costs. Admission does not guarantee funding.
University Services & Academic Support
- Relevant academic resources include the university's academic departments, libraries, and program-specific learning facilities. The Art programs emphasize studio practice, technical and conceptual development, critique, and the creation of a body of work. Art students can explore drawing, painting, photography, sculpture, print media, graphic design, and interdisciplinary art and technology, depending on their concentration.
- International students can also access the university's International Student Services for immigration-related guidance, financial documentation requirements, and support connected to maintaining student status in the United States.
Application Requirements
Requirements depend on study level and program.
First-year undergraduate applicants must submit:
- High school transcript or accepted self-reported academic record.
- Application essay and other materials required by the selected application route.
- English proficiency evidence, when applicable.
- Any additional documents requested during application review.
UB strongly recommends at least one recommendation letter for first-year applicants and permits up to three. SAT and ACT scores are not required for general first-year admission, although applicants may submit them voluntarily.
International applicants must provide English translations of academic documents that are not written in English.
Transfer and graduate applicants must follow the applicable academic-record, prerequisite, and program-specific requirements. Portfolio, audition, interview, and creative-sample requirements should be confirmed for the exact program; they should not be assumed to apply to every art or media degree.
How to Apply?
Deadline & Timeline
Fall 2027 undergraduate entry
- Application Opens: 1 August 2026
- Early Action Deadline: 1 November 2026
- Honors College Priority Consideration: 15 December 2026
- Housing Application Opens: 21 January 2027
- Regular Decision Application Completion Deadline: 1 February 2027
- FAFSA Priority Filing Date: 1 March 2027
- Enrollment/Tuition Deposit Deadline: 1 May 2027, or 10 days after acceptance, whichever is later
- Housing Deposit Deadline: 7 May 2027
- Start of Studies: August 2027
Spring 2027 international undergraduate entry
- Recommended Application Submission Date: 1 October 2026
- Enrollment/Tuition Deposit Deadline: 1 December 2026, or 10 days after acceptance, whichever is later
- Housing Deposit Deadline: 1 December 2026
- Start of Studies: January 2027
International undergraduate applicants may continue to submit fall applications until capacity is reached. Spring applicants should confirm availability for their intended program. Graduate application deadlines vary by program and entry term.
Location
University at Buffalo — Buffalo, New York, United States
Additional Details
- UB offers multiple undergraduate concentrations in fine arts, including photography, graphic design, painting, sculpture, print media, and art and technology.
- The Studio Art BA – General Studio Concentration / Arts Management MA is listed as a combined-degree option.
- Undergraduate deadlines are university-level dates; individual graduate programs may set separate deadlines and requirements.
- International students should account for the university's financial documentation requirements when preparing for an F-1 or J-1 student visa process. Estimated costs for immigration documentation may differ by program and enrollment level.