Organizer Information
The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) is a public research university in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States. Its academic offerings include undergraduate and graduate programs across the arts, humanities, sciences, engineering, and professional fields. The College of Fine Arts includes the Department of Art, the UNLV School of Cinematic Arts, the School of Architecture, and other arts-related academic units. Relevant study options include film, studio art, photography, graphic design and media, architecture, and writing for dramatic media.
Key Information
- Official Institution Name: University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV)
- Opportunity Type: University Programs & Admissions
- Study Levels: Undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and certificate programs
- Degrees Offered: BA, BFA, BS, BLA, MA, MFA, M.Arch., PhD, and other credentials
- Academic Fields: Fine Arts, Film, Photography, Art History, Graphic Design, Media, Architecture, Theatre, and Creative Writing
- Relevant Programs: BA in Film; BA in Art; BFA in Art; MFA in Art; BA in Art History; BS in Graphic Design and Media; MFA in Writing for Dramatic Media; Bachelor of Science in Architecture; Master of Architecture
- Language of Instruction: English
- International Applicants: Yes
- Application Period: Varies by program and entry term
- Application Deadline: Undergraduate international deadlines include 1 June for fall first-year applicants and 1 July for fall transfer applicants; graduate deadlines vary by program.
- Start of Studies: Fall, spring, and summer, depending on program
- Application Fee: $95 for international undergraduate applicants
- Tuition: International undergraduate tuition and fees are $31,710 per academic year for 2026–2027; international graduate tuition and fees are $28,895 before the separately listed health insurance charge.
- Funding: Institutional scholarships and other financial assistance are available to eligible students.
Field of Study & Eligible Disciplines
UNLV offers arts and creative programs through its College of Fine Arts and associated schools and departments. Relevant options include:
- Film and Cinematic Arts: BA in Film.
- Fine Arts and Photography: BA in Art, BFA in Art, and MFA in Art, with photography concentrations available in the undergraduate art degrees.
- Art History: BA in Art History.
- Graphic Design and Media: BS in Graphic Design and Media.
- Dramatic Writing: MFA in Writing for Dramatic Media.
- Architecture: Bachelor of Science in Architecture and Master of Architecture.
Applicants must satisfy the admission and academic prerequisites applicable to their selected program. A portfolio, creative sample, or other discipline-specific material should be submitted when required by the individual program, rather than assumed to be a universal university requirement.
General Eligibility
- International and domestic applicants may apply, subject to the requirements of their chosen degree and applicant category. International applicants who require an F-1 student visa must satisfy UNLV's international admission and documentation requirements.
- For international undergraduate admission, first-year applicants generally need a cumulative GPA of 3.0, an SAT score of 1120, or an ACT composite score of 22. Transfer applicants need a 2.5 GPA across at least 24 transferable college-level credits; applicants with fewer credits must meet first-year admission criteria.
Educational Background
- Undergraduate applicants must meet the applicable first-year or transfer admission criteria. International applicants must provide academic transcripts and any required certified English translations.
- Graduate applicants must satisfy the Graduate College's admission requirements and the additional prerequisites of their intended program. For example, the MFA in Art evaluates applicants' creative work, academic preparation, and professional experience.
Language Requirements
- International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency unless they qualify for an official exemption.
- Accepted undergraduate English proficiency evidence includes:
| Test | Minimum score |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 6.0 overall; no band below 5.5 |
| TOEFL iBT (legacy scale) | 72 overall; no band below 17 |
| TOEFL iBT (new scale, from January 2026) | 4.0 overall; no band below 3.5 |
| PTE Academic | 59 overall; no band below 50 |
| Duolingo English Test | 100; no band below 95 |
| CEFR | B2 |
Application Fee
| Applicant category | Application fee |
|---|---|
| International undergraduate | $95 |
| International graduate | $95 |
| Domestic graduate | $60 |
| Graduate non-degree-seeking | $30 |
Application fees are nonrefundable. Graduate applicants pay a separate fee for each application filed.
Tuition
Official estimates for the 2026–2027 academic year are listed below. Annual figures cover the fall and spring semesters and use a standard 15-credit undergraduate or 9-credit graduate course load.
| Applicant category | Level | Semester cost | Yearly cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nevada resident | Undergraduate | $5,516 | $11,231 |
| Nevada resident | Graduate | $4,148 | $8,416 |
| Nonresident | Undergraduate | $15,610 | $31,420 |
| Nonresident | Graduate | $14,243 | $28,605 |
| International | Undergraduate | $15,755 | $31,710 |
| International | Graduate | $14,388 | $28,895 |
The estimates include a one-time new-student fee of $200 for undergraduates or $120 for graduate students. International students studying on an F-1 visa also pay a $145 fee per semester, already included in the international figures. Mandatory health insurance is estimated at an additional $4,350 per year for graduate students and F-1 international students.
Funding & Financial Support
UNLV offers institutional scholarships, grants, and graduate assistantships, subject to eligibility and availability.
- UNLV Signature Scholarship: An academic scholarship for eligible undergraduate students, including international students. Award amounts vary.
- UNLV Opportunity Scholarship: A need-based undergraduate scholarship that includes international students among its stated audiences.
- MFA in Art graduate assistantships: Packages include a $21,000 stipend for a nine-month contract, tuition waivers subject to the stated enrollment conditions, and health insurance.
- MFA in Writing for Dramatic Media: The department describes assistantship support that includes a $10,000 annual award and tuition waiver.
Scholarships and assistantships are not guaranteed to every applicant. Applicants should check the applicable funding deadlines and conditions.
University Services & Academic Support
- UNLV provides library resources, academic advising, and financial-aid support. The College of Fine Arts includes exhibition spaces such as the Donna Beam Gallery and Marjorie Barrick Museum. The Department of Art's graduate assistantships can provide practical experience in teaching, curating, research, arts administration, and studio management. International students can also access UNLV Global's immigration and international-student support services.
Application Requirements
Applicants should verify the checklist for their specific degree. Confirmed requirements include:
- International undergraduate applicants: Academic transcripts from secondary school and, where applicable, all previously attended colleges or universities; certified English translations and grading-scale information for international academic records; proof of English proficiency unless exempt.
- MFA in Art applicants: A portfolio of creative work and a CV or résumé, submitted according to the department's instructions.
- MFA in Writing for Dramatic Media applicants: A writing sample, typically a screenplay or an approved alternative, contact details for three references, and an interview with the graduate coordinator.
- BS in Graphic Design and Media: Students applying for upper-division entry must complete the required coursework and submit a portfolio for faculty review.
SAT and ACT scores are not required for international undergraduate applicants, although they may be submitted if available.
How to Apply?
Deadline & Timeline
International undergraduate applicants
- Fall first-year priority deadline: 15 November 2026
- Fall transfer priority deadline: 15 March 2027
- Fall first-year application deadline: 1 June 2027
- Fall transfer application deadline: 1 July 2027
- Spring application deadline: 1 December 2026
- Initial F-1 visa applicants — I-20 processing: 6 weeks before the semester begins.
International graduate applicants
- Fall application materials deadline: 1 May 2027
- Spring application materials deadline: 1 October 2026
- Fall admission letter deadline for immigration purposes: 1 July 2027
- Spring admission letter deadline for immigration purposes: 15 November 2026
Program-specific deadlines
- MFA in Art — fall application deadline: 1 February 2027
- Master of Architecture — fall application deadline: 15 January 2027
- MFA in Writing for Dramatic Media — application review begins: 15 January 2027
Location
University of Nevada, Las Vegas — Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Additional Details
- The university's overall admission does not automatically guarantee entry into a competitive major or upper-division program. Art and Graphic Design and Media have additional progression and portfolio-review requirements.
- The MFA in Art offers a post-bachelor's track and a post-M.A. track. Applicants should verify which track fits their academic background.
- Graduate programs can have separate departmental deadlines and materials beyond the Graduate College application.
- International applicants should budget for tuition, mandatory health insurance where applicable, and visa-related expenses in addition to the application fee.