Organizer Information
The University of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public research university offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional education across multiple colleges and schools. Relevant creative disciplines include studio art, design, architecture, journalism, media, music, theatre, and related interdisciplinary fields. The Department of Art, within the College of Liberal Arts, offers a Bachelor of Arts (BA), a selective Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), and a Master of Fine Arts (MFA). Admissions, tuition, and portfolio requirements depend on the program and study level.
Key Information
- Official Institution Name: University of Minnesota Twin Cities
- Opportunity Type: University Programs & Admissions
- Study Levels: Undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and professional
- Degrees Offered: BA, BFA, MFA, and other undergraduate and graduate degrees across the university
- Academic Fields: Fine arts, design, architecture, journalism, media, music, theatre, art history, and related disciplines
- Relevant Programs: BA in Art; BFA in Art; MFA in Art; additional programs in design, architecture, journalism, music, and theatre
- Language of Instruction: English for the programs covered by the cited admissions information
- International Applicants: Yes
- Application Period: Fall 2027 undergraduate applications are open; MFA Art applications open on 1 October for the upcoming admissions cycle
- Application Deadline: Undergraduate freshman deadlines are 1 November, 1 December, and 1 January; MFA Art deadline is 5 January
- Start of Studies: Fall and spring entry options depend on the program
- Application Fee: $55 for undergraduate freshmen; $75 domestic / $95 international for the MFA Art graduate application
- Tuition: 2026–2027 undergraduate tuition and fees are estimated at $19,312 for residents and $43,348 for nonresidents; international undergraduate costs are listed separately
- Funding: Scholarships, financial aid, and selected international merit scholarships are available to eligible applicants.
Field of Study & Eligible Disciplines
The university offers study options across visual arts, design, performing arts, media, and related disciplines. Relevant programs include:
- Fine Arts: BA in Art, BFA in Art, and MFA in Art.
- Theatre: BA in Theatre and BFA Actor Training Program.
- Music: Bachelor of Music (BMus), BA in Music with applied emphasis, and other music study options.
- Design and Architecture: Programs offered through the College of Design.
- Media and Journalism: Journalism and related communication disciplines.
The BA in Art includes studio practice, art history, criticism, drawing, painting, ceramics, printmaking, photography, sculpture, and experimental and media arts. The BFA in Art is selective and intended for students pursuing professional artistic practice or specialized graduate study.
General Eligibility
Domestic and international applicants can apply through the university's applicable admissions pathways. Eligibility depends on the degree, college, and program.
- Undergraduate applicants must satisfy the university's freshman or transfer admission requirements.
- Applicants to the MFA in Art must meet the Graduate School and Department of Art's academic standards.
- Admission to the university does not automatically confer admission to programs with additional auditions, portfolio reviews, or departmental applications.
- The BFA in Art is open only to students already enrolled at the university who have declared an Art BA major.
Educational Background
- Freshman applicants must meet the university's requirements for secondary-school preparation. Transfer applicants must follow the relevant transfer admission requirements.
- Applicants to the MFA in Art must hold an undergraduate degree, or its equivalent, from an accredited college or university. Their academic records are reviewed alongside the quality of their artwork and its compatibility with the Department of Art's research interests and facilities. The department does not require the GRE for MFA admission.
Language Requirements
The Graduate School requires non-native English speakers applying to the MFA in Art to demonstrate English proficiency through an accepted test, including TOEFL or IELTS, subject to university policies and exemptions. Applicants should consult the Graduate School's current English Language Proficiency requirements for applicable scores and waiver conditions.
Application Fee
| Application category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate freshman application | $55 |
| MFA in Art — domestic graduate applicant | $75 |
| MFA in Art — international graduate applicant | $95 |
| School of Music undergraduate application | $75 |
The School of Music application fee is separate from the university admission application fee. The School of Music indicates that applicants may request a fee waiver if the charge presents a barrier.
Tuition
The following figures are for the 2026–2027 academic year. Undergraduate estimates cover two semesters; the amount billed depends on residency, program, coursework, and applicable surcharges.
| Study level / applicant category | Tuition and fees | Billing structure |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate — Minnesota resident | $19,312 | Academic year |
| Undergraduate — nonresident | $43,348 | Academic year |
| International undergraduate | $44,743 | Academic year estimate |
| Graduate — MFA in Art | Program-specific rate | Consult official graduate cost tables |
The university estimates mandatory international undergraduate health insurance at $3,590 for 2026–2027. Housing, food, books, transportation, and personal expenses are additional cost-of-attendance items, not all of which are billed directly by the university. Additional program surcharges may apply.
Funding & Financial Support
The university offers scholarships and financial aid subject to eligibility and application requirements.
- International undergraduates: Global Excellence Scholarships are competitive, merit-based awards for eligible international freshmen and transfer students.
- Minnesota residents: The university lists the U Promise Scholarship and Promise Plus Free Tuition programs for eligible students.
- School of Music applicants: Eligible Fall 2027 applicants to the BMus programs and BA in Music with applied emphasis are automatically considered for music scholarships after completing the required School of Music application.
Funding is not guaranteed. Applicants should verify eligibility, award conditions, and deadlines with the relevant funding office or academic department.
University Services & Academic Support
- The Department of Art's Regis Center for Art provides dedicated facilities for studio practice, production, and exhibition, including sculpture, ceramics, digital fabrication, printmaking, photography, painting, and digital moving-image studios.
- The department also operates the Katherine E. Nash Gallery, Quarter Gallery, and Regis West Gallery. Its Visiting Artists & Critics Program offers lectures, seminars, and opportunities for students to receive feedback from visiting artists and critics. Access to specific facilities is subject to university access policies.
Application Requirements
- Undergraduate freshman admission: Application, $55 application fee, and self-reported academic record. ACT/SAT scores are not required through Fall 2027 admission.
- BA in Art: Applicants first apply to the university. Incoming freshmen and transfer students do not need an additional portfolio to enter the BA in Art.
- BFA in Art: Currently enrolled Art BA students submit artwork for faculty portfolio review.
- MFA in Art: Applicants submit academic transcripts, recommendation information, and a portfolio through the university's graduate application and SlideRoom. The department evaluates artistic achievement, academic preparation, and compatibility with its research interests and facilities. A GRE score is not required.
- School of Music: Applicants to specified applied-music programs must submit a separate School of Music application and complete an audition. Music therapy applicants must also complete an interview. Two recommendation letters are suggested but not required for the School of Music application.
- BFA Actor Training Program: Applicants must complete the university application and the separate audition application, including the required prescreen video, headshot, and résumé. The audition requires two contrasting monologues
How to Apply?
Application Portal
- Undergraduate application — Common App
- Graduate School application
- MFA Art supplemental application — SlideRoom
- School of Music application and audition information
- BFA Actor Training audition application
Deadline & Timeline
Undergraduate freshman admission — Fall 2027
- Application Opens: 1 August 2026
- Early Action I Deadline: 1 November 2026
- Early Action II Deadline: 1 December 2026
- Regular Deadline: 1 January 2027
- Early Action I Admission Decision: By 31 January 2027
- Early Action II Admission Decision: By 28 February 2027
- Regular Admission Decision: By 31 March 2027
- Enrollment Confirmation Deadline: 1 May 2027
- Final High School Transcript Deadline: 1 July 2027
External transfer admission
- Spring Priority Deadline: 1 October 2026
- Spring Regular Deadline: 1 December 2026
- Fall Priority Deadline: 1 February 2027
- Fall Regular Deadline: 1 June 2027
MFA in Art — 2027 admission cycle
- Graduate School Application Opens: 1 October 2026
- SlideRoom Submission Period Opens: 15 November 2026
- Application Deadline: 5 January 2027
- Finalist and Alternate Notifications: Early February 2027
- Admission Offer Acceptance Deadline: 15 April 2027
School of Music — Fall 2027
- School of Music Application Deadline: 1 December 2026
- Undergraduate Audition Dates: 30 January 2027 and 13 February 2027
BFA Actor Training Program — 2027 admission
- Prescreen Video, Headshot, and Résumé Deadline: 1 December 2026
- On-Campus Audition Period: 16–17 January 2027
- Chicago Unified Audition Period: 29–31 January 2027
- Virtual Audition Date: 24 January 2027
Location
University of Minnesota Twin Cities — Minneapolis and Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States
Additional Details
- International undergraduate applicants who require a student visa must complete the university's Certification of Finances process when requested. Applicants should also account for mandatory health insurance and any program-specific tuition surcharges.
- Admission to the university does not guarantee entry into selective programs such as the BFA in Art, the BFA Actor Training Program, or audition-based music degrees. Applicants should verify the current requirements for their intended program before submitting materials.