Organizer Information
The University of Michigan (U-M), based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, is a public research university with undergraduate and graduate education across multiple schools and colleges. Relevant creative and media-focused units include the Penny W. Stamps School of Art & Design, the School of Music, Theatre & Dance, and the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts’ Department of Film, Television, and Media. Graduate programs are administered through the Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studies where applicable.
Key Information
- Official Institution Name: University of Michigan–Ann Arbor
- Opportunity Type: University Programs & Admissions
- Study Levels: Undergraduate / Graduate / Doctoral
- Degrees Offered: BA / BFA / BM / BMA / BTA / BS / MFA / MDes / PhD
- Academic Fields: Fine Arts / Design / Film / Television / Media / Photography / Performing Arts / Theatre / Music / Dance / User Experience Design
- Relevant Programs: BFA in Art & Design; BA in Art & Design; BFA in Interarts Performance; MFA in Art; MDes in Design; Film, Television, and Media major; Screenwriting sub-major; PhD in Film, Television, and Media; selected Music, Theatre, Dance, and Performing Arts Technology programs.
- Language of Instruction: English
- International Applicants: Yes
- Application Period: Varies by school, degree, and program
- Application Deadline: Program-specific; major creative programs include November–February deadlines
- Start of Studies: Fall 2027 for the currently published Stamps graduate admissions cycle
- Application Fee: $75 undergraduate; $90 for non-U.S. citizens applying through Rackham
- Tuition: Program- and residency-specific; 2026–2027 Art & Design undergraduate tuition starts at $33,301 per full term for non-residents at the lower-division full-time rate
- Funding: Scholarships, grants, assistantships, tuition waivers, and doctoral funding are available in eligible programs.
Field of Study & Eligible Disciplines
- Stamps undergraduate study is organized around Art & Design rather than separate media majors and includes areas such as animation, ceramics, digital fabrication, fibers and textiles, graphic design, illustration, jewelry, metals, painting, performance art, photography, printmaking, and product design.
- The Film, Television, and Media major combines screen studies with creative production and includes film, television, new media, documentary, cinematography, editing, animation, and screenwriting. A creative portfolio is not required for admission to the FTVM major.
- Stamps’ MFA in Art and MDes in Design are interdisciplinary graduate programs. The MFA is intended for applicants demonstrating independent creative practice, while the MDes welcomes applicants from diverse academic and professional backgrounds.
General Eligibility
- U-M admits both domestic and international applicants. Requirements differ substantially by school and program. Undergraduate applicants apply to a specific U-M school or college, while graduate applicants must satisfy both Rackham and program-specific requirements.
- For the Stamps MFA, applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree, preferably in art, and demonstrate independent creative work and a strong educational background.
Educational Background
- Rackham graduate applicants must hold a U.S. bachelor’s degree or an equivalent international degree from a recognized higher-education institution. International academic credentials are evaluated for U.S. degree equivalency.
- The FTVM PhD normally attracts applicants with a master’s degree, but a master’s degree is not formally required.
Language Requirements
- International undergraduate applicants whose English is a second language must demonstrate English proficiency. U-M accepts, among other tests, IELTS with a 7.0 range and section scores of at least 6.5, or TOEFL iBT with a 100 range and specified section minimums.
- For graduate applicants, Rackham requires English proficiency from applicants whose native language is not English unless an approved exemption applies. Some graduate programs impose additional requirements.
Application Fee
| Applicant category | Application fee |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate application | $75 |
| Rackham graduate applicant — U.S. citizen/permanent resident | $75 |
| Rackham graduate applicant — non-U.S. citizen | $90 |
The undergraduate fee may be waived through the Common Application; Rackham has separate fee-waiver provisions.
Tuition
| Study level / program | Applicant type | Tuition | Billing structure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art & Design undergraduate, 0–54 credits | Michigan resident | $9,201 | Full term, 12–18 credits |
| Art & Design undergraduate, 0–54 credits | Non-resident | $33,301 | Full term, 12–18 credits |
| Art & Design undergraduate, 55+ credits | Michigan resident | $10,387 | Full term, 12–18 credits |
| Art & Design undergraduate, 55+ credits | Non-resident | $35,652 | Full term, 12–18 credits |
| Rackham graduate programs | Program/residency-specific | Varies | Per full term |
U-M also assesses mandatory full-term fees totaling $246.89. International students in F or J status are additionally assessed a $500 international student fee per full term.
Funding & Financial Support
- Stamps provides graduate financial support that can include stipends, discretionary funds, teaching/research assistantships, and full tuition waivers.
- The FTVM PhD provides admitted students with five years of support through fellowships and Graduate Student Instructor positions, including tuition remission, a stipend, and eligibility for university health benefits.
- International undergraduates on temporary visas are generally not eligible for U-M financial aid and are expected to fund the full cost of attendance; limited scholarships are available.
University Services & Academic Support
Relevant support includes Stamps studios and fabrication facilities, interdisciplinary faculty mentoring, FTVM production technologies and studios, research supervision, professional development, and graduate teaching opportunities. FTVM doctoral students also receive research and travel support and professional-development opportunities.
Application Requirements
- Requirements vary by program. Common requirements include transcripts, academic records, recommendations, statements, CV/resume, and English-proficiency evidence where applicable.
- Stamps BFA/BA: Common Application, school report, academic-teacher recommendation, transcript, and portfolio submitted through SlideRoom. The portfolio requires 12–15 pieces.
- Stamps MFA: bachelor’s degree, Rackham application, transcript, CV/resume, recommendations, English-proficiency evidence where applicable, and a SlideRoom portfolio.
- Stamps MDes: Rackham application, statement of purpose, transcript, CV/resume, two recommendations, English-proficiency evidence where applicable, and a 5–8-project SlideRoom portfolio.
- FTVM PhD: statement of purpose/personal narrative, two critical writing samples, three recommendation letters, and transcripts.
How to Apply?
- Undergraduate Application Portal: Common Application
- Stamps Portfolio Portal: U-M Stamps SlideRoom
- Graduate Application Portal: Rackham Graduate Application
Deadline & Timeline
- Stamps BFA/BA — Early Decision Deadline: 1 November 2026
- Stamps BFA/BA — Early Action Deadline: 1 November 2026
- FTVM PhD Application Deadline: 15 December 2026
- Stamps MFA Application Deadline: 3 January 2027
- Stamps MDes Application Deadline: 10 January 2027
- Stamps BFA/BA — Regular Decision Deadline: 1 February 2027
- Stamps Transfer — Winter 2027 Deadline: 1 October 2026
- Stamps Transfer — Fall 2027 Deadline: 1 February 2027
- FTVM PhD Admission Results: March 2027 at the latest
- Fall 2027 Start: Fall 2027
Location
University of Michigan — Ann Arbor, United States
Additional Details
U-M does not use one centralized admissions process for all programs. Applicants apply to the relevant undergraduate school/college or graduate program, and requirements, deadlines, portfolios, auditions, interviews, and fees can differ substantially. Graduate applicants should follow the individual program’s requirements when they differ from general Rackham guidance.
For applicants specifically interested in film, U-M offers an undergraduate Film, Television, and Media major and a highly selective PhD, but the FTVM department does not offer an MA degree.