Organizer Information
The University of Arizona is a public research university in Tucson, Arizona, United States. Its College of Fine Arts includes the School of Art and the School of Theatre, Film & Television. The School of Art offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in studio art, art history, art and visual culture education, and design, alongside a graduate certificate in Museum Studies.
Key Information
- Official Institution Name: University of Arizona
- Opportunity Type: University Programs & Admissions
- Study Levels: Undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, certificate
- Degrees Offered: BA, BFA, MA, MFA, PhD
- Academic Fields: Fine Arts, Studio Art, Art History, Photography, Video, Animation, Design, Art Education, Museum Studies, Film and Theatre
- Relevant Programs: BA in Art History; BA in Studio Art; BA in Design Arts & Practices; BFA in Studio Art; BFA in Art & Visual Culture Education; MA in Art History; MA in Art & Visual Culture Education; MFA in Studio Art; PhD in Art History and Education; Museum Studies Graduate Certificate.
- Language of Instruction: English
- International Applicants: Yes
- Application Period: Varies by program and study level
- Application Deadline: Undergraduate first-year Early Action: 1 November 2026; graduate deadlines vary by program
- Start of Studies: Fall 2026, Spring 2027 and Fall 2027, depending on program
- Application Fee: $85 for international undergraduate applicants; $90 for degree-seeking graduate applicants
- Tuition: 2026–2027 published annual tuition: $42,600 for nonresident undergraduates and $35,800 for nonresident graduate students
- Funding: Scholarships, grants, fellowships and graduate assistantships, subject to eligibility and availability.
Field of Study & Eligible Disciplines
- The School of Art supports students interested in studio practice, visual culture, historical research, education and interdisciplinary design. Its studio specializations include 2D Studies, 3D & Extended Media, Illustration, Design & Animation, Photography, Video & Imaging, and Interdisciplinary Practice at MFA level. Design Arts & Practices includes visual, object and spatial design pathways.
- Art History and Art & Visual Culture Education provide pathways into research, teaching, museums and community-based arts practice. The PhD in Art History and Education offers separate Art History and Art & Visual Culture Education tracks.
- Applicants should check the relevant program's academic prerequisites. Portfolio requirements apply to specified creative programs rather than automatically to every degree.
General Eligibility
- The university accepts international applicants at undergraduate and graduate levels, subject to program-specific academic and admissions requirements. Eligibility depends on the intended degree, previous education and, where applicable, English proficiency.
- International students seeking a US student visa must also satisfy the university's financial-documentation and health-insurance requirements. Graduate applicants should check country-specific degree equivalencies before applying.
Educational Background
- Undergraduate: First-year applicants must satisfy the university's high-school admission requirements. Transfer applicants are assessed under separate transfer admission requirements.
- MFA in Studio Art: Applicants must hold a recognized bachelor's degree and have a minimum GPA of 3.0.
- MA in Art & Visual Culture Education: Applicants must hold a recognized bachelor's degree in Art Education, Studio Art, Art History or Education and have a minimum GPA of 3.0. Applicants with another degree are advised to consult the program faculty.
- PhD in Art History and Education: The Art History track generally expects a recognized master's degree in Art History. Applicants with a master's in another field may be admitted subject to additional coursework.
- Museum Studies Graduate Certificate: Applicants must hold a recognized bachelor's degree and have a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Language Requirements
English proficiency requirements depend on the applicant category and degree program.
- Graduate applicants: The Graduate College accepts IELTS with a minimum overall score of 7.0 and no individual section below 6.0; TOEFL iBT scores of at least 79 for tests taken before 21 January 2026, or an overall score of 4.0 on the revised 1–6 scale for tests taken on or after that date; and PTE Academic scores of at least 60.
- Master's applicants: TOEFL Essentials is also accepted with a minimum band score of 9.5.
- Doctoral applicants: TOEFL Essentials is not accepted.
- Individual departments may impose higher requirements. Exemptions are available for certain applicants based on citizenship or previous education.
Application Fee
| Applicant category | Application fee | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| International undergraduate | $85 | Nonrefundable |
| Graduate, degree-seeking | $90 | Separate fee for each graduate program |
| Graduate, non-degree | $45 | Visa eligibility restrictions apply |
| Graduate certificate | $90 | Waived for currently enrolled UA graduate degree-seeking students |
The Graduate College does not grant general application-fee waivers. Certain partner organizations may provide eligible applicants with a waiver.
Tuition
| Study level | Applicant category | Annual tuition | Billing structure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | Arizona resident | $12,168 | Annual |
| Undergraduate | Nonresident, including international students classified as nonresidents | $42,600 | Annual |
| Graduate | Arizona resident | $15,500 | Annual |
| Graduate | Nonresident, including international students classified as nonresidents | $35,800 | Annual |
The FY 2027 schedule additionally lists mandatory fees of $1,738 for undergraduates and $122 for graduate students. A $20 first-year student fee is also listed. Additional program, course and college fees may apply. International students on nonimmigrant visas must maintain the required health insurance unless exempt under university policy.
Funding & Financial Support
The university offers scholarships, grants and other financial aid, while graduate funding may include fellowships, tuition awards and graduate assistantships.
- International undergraduates: International first-year applicants who apply by the Early Action deadline are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships, subject to the university's eligibility criteria.
- Graduate students: Funding decisions are primarily made by individual academic departments. Graduate assistantships may involve teaching, research, outreach or administrative responsibilities.
- MFA in Studio Art: Eligible students may receive funding through graduate assistantships and other aid, potentially covering tuition and providing a stipend. University, program and course fees may remain payable.
Funding is competitive and not guaranteed. Applicants should confirm award conditions and international eligibility with their intended program.
University Services & Academic Support
- The School of Art provides undergraduate and graduate advising, program-specific academic guidance and access to discipline-related facilities. Its resources include photography and imaging labs, 2D and 3D labs, digital print facilities, galleries and graduate studios. Access depends on program enrollment, facility policies and applicable course requirements.
- The university also provides international student support covering visa documentation, financial guarantees, immigration procedures and health insurance requirements. Graduate students can consult their departments about research supervision, assistantships and funding opportunities.
Application Requirements
Requirements vary by program.
- BA programs in Art History, Studio Art and Design Arts & Practices: Apply to the university and select the intended major; the School of Art does not require a separate application for these BA programs.
- BFA in Studio Art: Submit the College of Fine Arts application, supplemental information about awards and artistic experience, and a portfolio of eight original works.
- BFA in Art & Visual Culture Education: Submit the College of Fine Arts application, a statement of intent and a 500-word essay on the role of art and art education in contemporary society.
- MFA in Studio Art: Submit a statement of purpose of no more than two pages, a résumé or CV, a portfolio of 20 images, transcripts and contact information for three references. At least two recommendations must be from academic sources.
- MA in Art & Visual Culture Education: Submit transcripts and contact information for three referees; at least two recommendations must be from faculty able to discuss academic and research potential.
- PhD in Art History and Education: Requirements include a statement of purpose, transcripts, a résumé or CV, a writing or research sample and three academic references. Track-specific academic prerequisites apply.
International applicants must also provide the additional documentation required for their application category, including proof of English proficiency when applicable.
How to Apply?
- Undergraduate Application Portal
- College of Fine Arts Supplemental Application Portal
- Graduate Application Portal
Deadline & Timeline
Undergraduate — Fall 2027
- Early Action Application Deadline: 1 November 2026
- Early Action Decision Release Begins: 15 January 2027
Undergraduate Transfer — Spring 2027
- Application Opens: 1 August 2026
- Application Deadline: 1 December 2026
Undergraduate Transfer — Fall 2027
- Application Opens: 1 January 2027
- Application Deadline: 1 June 2027
School of Art — Graduate Programs
- MFA in Studio Art: 10 January 2027
- PhD in Art History and Education: 10 January 2027
- MA in Art & Visual Culture Education: Priority deadline 10 January 2027; final deadline 15 March 2027
- MA in Art History: Priority deadline 10 January 2027; final deadline 15 March 2027
BFA — School of Art
- Incoming first-year students, spring admission: 1 November
- Incoming first-year students, fall admission: 1 May
- Incoming transfer students, spring admission: 1 December
- Incoming transfer students, fall admission: 3 July
Location
University of Arizona — Tucson, Arizona, United States
Additional Details
- The university's general admissions process and the School of Art's supplemental admissions process are distinct. Applicants to BFA programs must complete both where required.
- The MFA in Studio Art is a three-year program requiring 60 units. Its curriculum includes studio work, critique, art history, electives and a public thesis exhibition.
- International graduate applicants must satisfy financial-guarantee and visa requirements before the university can issue the relevant immigration documents.
- Tuition figures above reflect the FY 2027 published schedule. Actual charges may differ by program, enrollment and applicable fees. Confirm the amount using the university's official tuition calculator before budgeting.