Organizer Information
The University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL) is a public university in Houston, Texas, offering undergraduate and graduate education across several academic disciplines. Its College of Human Sciences and Humanities includes the Department of Humanities and Fine Arts, which offers the Art and Design Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), with concentrations in Graphic Design and Studio Art and a pathway incorporating EC–12 art teacher certification.
Key Information
- Official Institution Name: University of Houston-Clear Lake
- Opportunity Type: University Programs & Admissions
- Study Levels: Undergraduate, graduate, doctoral
- Degrees Offered: BA, BS, BFA, MA, MS, MFA, PhD and other degree types, depending on the academic program
- Academic Fields: Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Studio Art, Art Education, Humanities, Communication, Engineering, Business, Science and other disciplines
- Relevant Programs: Art and Design BFA — Graphic Design Concentration; Art and Design BFA — Studio Art Concentration; Art and Design BFA — Grades EC–12 Art Certification
- Language of Instruction: English
- International Applicants: Yes
- Application Period: Varies by study level, applicant category and program
- Application Deadline: Varies by term and applicant category
- Start of Studies: Fall, spring and summer, subject to program and applicant eligibility
- Application Fee: $45 domestic undergraduate; $75 international undergraduate; graduate fees vary by applicant category
- Tuition: Estimated 2026–2027 annual tuition and fees for non-Texas residents: $25,828 undergraduate; $19,211 graduate
- Funding: Institutional scholarships and other financial aid opportunities are available to eligible students.
Field of Study & Eligible Disciplines
- UHCL offers academic programs across the arts, humanities, sciences, business, education, engineering and other fields. Students interested in creative disciplines can explore the Art and Design BFA, which provides Graphic Design, Studio Art and art teacher-certification pathways. The university also offers an Art and Design minor and an Art History minor.
- Applicants should review the specific program's curriculum and admissions requirements before applying. Acceptance into the university does not, by itself, establish eligibility for every major or concentration.
General Eligibility
UHCL accepts domestic and international applicants. Eligibility depends on the intended degree level, academic history and applicant category.
- First-year undergraduate applicants: Must meet the applicable freshman admissions requirements.
- Transfer applicants: Must satisfy transfer admission standards and submit transcripts from previously attended institutions.
- Graduate applicants: Must meet the academic and supporting-document requirements of their intended graduate program.
- International applicants: Must meet the applicable international admissions, English proficiency and immigration-document requirements.
Educational Background
- Freshman applicants educated outside the United States must hold an educational qualification equivalent to a U.S. high school or secondary-school diploma. International applicants with previous university studies must also provide documentation of their postsecondary academic history.
- Graduate applicants must meet the previous-degree and prerequisite requirements of their chosen program. For the Art and Design BFA, applicants should follow the relevant freshman, transfer or international undergraduate admissions route, depending on their educational background.
Language Requirements
International applicants whose native language or previous education does not meet UHCL's English-language exemption conditions must demonstrate English proficiency. Published minimum scores for international transfer and graduate applicants include:
- IELTS Academic: 6.0
- TOEFL iBT: 79 for tests taken before 21 January 2026; 4 for tests taken on or after that date under the revised scoring scale
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): 53
- Duolingo English Test: 115
- ELS Intensive English Language Program: successful completion of Level 112
Scores must meet the university's validity and submission rules. Some programs may require higher scores, and exemptions may apply. Freshman applicants should consult the requirements for their applicant category.
Application Fee
| Applicant category | Application fee |
|---|---|
| Domestic undergraduate freshman or transfer | $45 |
| International undergraduate freshman | $75 |
| Domestic graduate applicant | $45 |
| International graduate applicant | $75 |
| Domestic doctoral applicant | $105 |
| International doctoral applicant | $135 |
Fees are non-refundable. Confirm the applicable amount for the intended applicant category and program before submitting the application.
Tuition
| Study level | Residency category | Estimated annual tuition and fees | Billing basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | Texas resident | $9,298 | Full-time academic year |
| Undergraduate | Non-resident | $25,828 | Full-time academic year |
| Graduate | Texas resident | $9,869 | Full-time academic year |
| Graduate | Non-resident | $19,211 | Full-time academic year |
- These are university-wide planning estimates, not guaranteed program-specific charges. Actual amounts depend on enrollment and applicable fees.
- For international applicants, UHCL estimates nine-month costs for Spring–Fall 2027 at $48,700 for undergraduates and $41,200 for graduate students. These estimates include tuition and fees, living expenses and other costs, including books and medical insurance. International students with F-1 or J-1 status must maintain health insurance unless an approved waiver applies.
Funding & Financial Support
- UHCL offers scholarships for eligible students, including the Hawk Scholars Scholarship for undergraduate and graduate international applicants and the Automatic Transfer Scholarship for qualifying undergraduate transfer students.
- The Automatic Transfer Scholarship is listed at $1,000 per semester and requires a new degree-seeking undergraduate transfer student to transfer at least 30 credits and have a transfer GPA of 2.75 or higher. Scholarship availability and eligibility conditions should be confirmed for the intended enrollment term. Funding is not guaranteed.
University Services & Academic Support
- UHCL provides admissions advising and international student support, including assistance with immigration-related requirements, cultural adaptation and international student advising. International applicants can contact the Office of International Admissions and Student Services for guidance on application documentation and enrollment.
- The Art and Design program also maintains an art gallery with exhibition opportunities. Access and participation should be confirmed with the relevant department.
Application Requirements
Requirements depend on the applicant category and intended program.
- International freshman applicants educated outside the United States: Secondary-school diploma equivalent, official SAT/ACT scores, English proficiency evidence and official academic records.
- Transfer applicants: Official transcripts from every previously attended college or university and applicable English proficiency evidence.
- Graduate applicants: Official transcripts and degree documentation, English proficiency evidence where required, and any program-specific supporting documents.
- International applicants seeking student visa status: Additional immigration-related financial documentation and forms may be required.
- Program-specific materials: Additional documents, tests or other requirements may apply depending on the selected degree.
For the Art and Design BFA, consult the program and the appropriate freshman, transfer or international admissions instructions. The general program page does not establish a universal portfolio requirement.
How to Apply?
Deadline & Timeline
International freshman applicants
- Fall application deadline: 1 June
- Fall document deadline: 15 June
- Spring application deadline: 1 December
- Spring document deadline: 15 December
International graduate applicants — standard deadlines
- Fall application deadline: 1 June
- Fall document deadline: 15 June
- Spring application deadline: 1 December
- Spring document deadline: 15 December
- Summer application deadline: 1 April
- Summer document deadline: 15 April.
Other undergraduate applicants
- Freshman fall priority deadline: 15 July
- Freshman fall final deadline: 1 August
- Freshman spring priority deadline: 1 November
- Freshman spring final deadline: 1 December
- Freshman summer priority deadline: 1 March
- Freshman summer final deadline: 1 May
- Transfer fall priority deadline: 1 August
- Transfer fall final deadline: 10 August
- Transfer spring priority deadline: 1 December
- Transfer spring final deadline: 4 January.
Location
University of Houston-Clear Lake — Houston, Texas, United States
Additional Details
- International applicants must meet both university-wide admissions requirements and the requirements of their intended program.
- International freshmen educated outside the United States must submit official SAT/ACT scores under the published international freshman requirements.
- International students with F-1 or J-1 status are required to maintain health insurance unless they receive a formal waiver.
- International graduate applicants should verify special program deadlines, as some departments impose earlier deadlines or additional admission requirements.
- Tuition estimates and total cost-of-attendance figures use different calculation methods and should not be treated as interchangeable.