Incoming Students
Marc Stuart
MFA 2016
Marc Stuart
MFA 2016
Incoming Students
Welcome to the New York Academy of Art, and congratulations on your acceptance. Below you will find everything you need to confirm your enrollment, complete pre-arrival requirements, and prepare for the start of your program.
Confirm Your Enrollment
Your $850 non-refundable tuition deposit secures your place in the MFA Class of 2029. Submit by the deadline that matches your application round.
| Early Consideration | April 6, 2026 |
| Regular Decision | April 27, 2026 |
| Late Decision | 1 week from your date of acceptance |
Your $850 non-refundable tuition deposit secures your place in the CFA Class of 2026. Submit by the deadline that matches your application round.
| Early Consideration | April 6, 2026 |
| Regular Decision | April 27, 2026 |
| Late Decision | 1 week from your date of acceptance |
Submit your deposits by March 25, 2026. Both are non-refundable and applied to your final tuition and housing charges.
| Enrollment deposit | $500 (all SURP students) |
| Housing deposit | $500 (if requesting Academy housing) |
| Deadline | March 25, 2026 |
Email admissions first. Our team can often help with the concerns prompting you to consider deferral.
If you still choose to defer your enrollment for one year:
- Submit your enrollment deposit and a signed deferral contract
- Your spot is guaranteed for the following academic year
- If you do not enroll after one year, you will need to reapply for acceptance
- Scholarship awards are not guaranteed and will be reconsidered during the next admissions cycle
Pre-Enrollment Requirements
Your tuition is due 45 days before the start of your program. Timely payment is essential to secure your place and complete your registration.
| MFA & CFA (Fall 2026) | July 25, 2026 |
| SURP (Summer 2026) | 45 days before the SURP start date |
MFA students must demonstrate at least two semesters of undergraduate-level Art History before beginning the program.
Deadline: August 15, 2026
If you do not yet meet this requirement, email admissions@nyaa.edu. We can share options for fulfilling it through the Academy.
If you are applying for Federal Student Aid, submit your FAFSA during the pre-enrollment period to avoid delays in financial aid processing. Federal aid is available to US citizens and eligible non-citizens only.
If you are seeking to transfer credits from a previous institution, review the Academy’s policy and submit your application prior to your program deadline.
Deadline: May 1, 2026
Review the transfer of credit policy →
International Students: Visa Process
After submitting your enrollment deposit, the Academy issues your I-20 form. The I-20 is required to apply for your F-1 visa.
[Placeholder: I-20 issuance timing and steps, sponsor form requirements (Funding and Room & Board), download links for MFA and CFA versions of the I-20 application]
With your I-20 in hand, you can begin the F-1 visa application process at your local US embassy or consulate.
[Placeholder: Step-by-step F-1 application process, SEVIS I-901 fee payment, DS-160 form completion, embassy or consulate appointment scheduling]
Your visa interview is the final step in obtaining your F-1 visa.
[Placeholder: What to bring to the interview, common questions interviewers ask, financial documentation requirements, tips for international students]
If you are currently in the US on another visa type (such as J-1 or B-2), you may need to change your status to F-1 before beginning your program.
[Placeholder: Change of status process and eligibility, J-1 to F-1 instructions, transfer-in form for current F-1 OPT students, timing considerations]
International Students: Visa FAQs
Your I-20 gives you legal status in the US. Your visa allows you to enter the US when traveling. As long as your I-20 is valid, you can stay.
You do not need to return home to reapply for your visa now. You will only reapply the next time you travel outside the US.
You can transfer your I-20 to the Academy before its expiration date. We suggest choosing a transfer date close to the expiration so you can continue working. Once your I-20 transfers, you can no longer work.
Your sponsor needs to show they can support you for two years. This does not mean they must have the full amount in a bank account. They can show a combination of bank savings and proof of their monthly or annual income.
Yes, list this amount under “Personal Funds.” If the amount in your account is meant to cover both years, list half of the total. If you will receive additional funds from your sponsor next year, list the full amount currently in the account.
Yes, digital signatures are accepted.
Include those amounts in the total. Do not subtract them. If you are coming without dependents, the total is $77,522.00. On page 10 of the sources of support chart, list $25,232.00 under “Free Room and Board from a Sponsor.” This amount covers housing, utilities, food, and clothing.
You can only transfer your I-20 to the Academy’s master’s level program (MFA). Your current OPT is tied to your undergraduate degree and cannot be transferred. Once your I-20 transfer is complete, you can no longer work on OPT and will lose any remaining months of undergraduate OPT.
When you speak to the Designated School Official (DSO) at your current school, choose a transfer date close to the expiration date so you can continue working as long as possible.
The Academy program qualifies you for a new 12 months of OPT at the graduate level. You can apply for OPT again after completing the MFA program.
No. You can send us your I-20 application and supporting documents first. You can send us the completed transfer form (with the release date from your previous school) later. We will issue your I-20 once we receive the completed transfer form.
Orientation &
Start of Classes
For MFA and CFA students, attending Student Orientation is required. It is your introduction to the Academy and a chance to meet your peers, faculty, and staff before classes begin. For SURP students, the program start follows a separate schedule. The Office of Admissions will share specific dates and details closer to the program start.