MFA Application Guide – Fall 2026

Applications Now Open!

Start Your Journey

The New York Academy of Art invites you to begin your MFA application—the first step in launching your transformative journey guided by a supportive community, culminating in your place among our distinguished alumni where your creative achievements will be celebrated for years to come.

2026 Application Deadlines

Early Consideration

• • • • Application Deadline: January 16
        
      • Admissions Notification: February 9 – 13
        Early Consideration applications are given priority for admission and scholarships.

Regular Decision

• • • • Application Deadline: March 20
      • Admissions Notification: April 3 – 6
        Waitlist: Applicants may be placed on a ranked waitlist if spaces are filled.

Late Decision:

• • • • 1st Application Deadline: May 1
      • 2nd Application Deadline: June 5
      • 3rd Application Deadline: July 6
      • Admission Notifications: 30 days from Application Deadline
        Acceptance depends on availability of remaining seats.

*Students in the CFA Class of 2026 who apply by July 6th during the Late Decision period will be given priority consideration and the application fee will be waived. 

Before You Apply

Application Fee

• • • • A non-refundable $50 fee is due upon submission to move to Application Review.

Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent)

• • • • You must hold a bachelor’s degree or the equivalent. For more details on degree equivalency, please see the Academy’s FAQs below or contact the Admissions Office at:  admissions@nyaa.edu.  

Select Concentration 

• • • • Required: Select one Concentration: Drawing, Painting or Sculpture. 
      • Optional (Recommended): Select Printmaking Track or Anatomy Track

Application Instructions

Step 1: Create an Account

To begin your application, create an account and access the online application portal. Click here to start your application.

Step 2: Upload the Required Materials via the Online Portal

Portfolio

Applicants are required to submit a portfolio of twenty (20) images that reflect their personal artistic direction, technical skill, and conceptual development. Of these, a minimum of three (3) must be drawings from direct observation. Drawings from live models are strongly preferred.

Portfolios Composition: 

• • • • 17 Self-Directed Works: These may be in any medium and should highlight the applicant’s creative range and individual vision.
      • 3 Drawings from Observation: Executed in traditional drawing materials such as charcoal, graphite, or ink.

        • Acceptable Drawings from Observation Include:
          • Life drawings (preferred)
          • Cast drawings
          • Self-portraits
          • Still life drawings
          • Drawings from photographic reference do not meet this requirement.

Presentation & Formatting:

• • • Image files must be in .jpg format no more than 2500 pixels on the longest side.
    • Submit up to two views of a single piece (one view per image).
    • Each image counts as a single entry.
    • Three-dimensional artworks benefit the most from more than one view.
    • Each entry should include a single image unless multiple images belong to a single theme ie. a diptych or triptych.

Your portfolio should:

• • • Indicate your major interest and direction,
    • Demonstrate your technical skill and ability.
    • Be created within the last three years. For those with unique circumstances wishing to submit images outside the three-year range, please contact admissions@nyaa.edu.

Image Description Fields (After uploading your portfolio, click on each image to add):

• • • Title
    • Year
    • Medium
    • Dimensions
    • Sequence (order of viewing).
    • Description (Please be concise and leave longer explanations to your Personal Statement.)

Personal Statement

A one-page statement of educational objectives and career goals indicating why you believe these will be advanced by study at the Academy. We encourage you to discuss work in the portfolio, an understanding of the Academy’s unique mission and indicate how study at the institution will progress your individual artistic development and aspirations.

Artist CV or Resume

Submission of a CV or resume enhances the MFA application by giving more insight into your creative experience. Please include educational background, professional experience, awards, residencies, exhibitions, etc. For more details on developing a CV or resume, please visit the College Art Association’s resource page.

References

Two letters of recommendation are required. Additional letters of recommendation are optional. Letters from academic professionals are strongly encouraged.

Upon completion of the Portfolio section of your application, navigate to the References tab and enter the name and contact information for each recommender, including their email and postal address.

Recommenders will automatically receive an email with instructions and a link for submitting their letter. Be sure to follow up with your references to ensure timely submission by the application deadline. Recommenders may address any question to Admissions at admissions@nyaa.edu.

Official Transcripts

Certified transcripts conveying your academic history and proof of eligibility are required. Transcripts must be emailed or mailed from your previous school(s) to the Academy to be considered official. If you have attended more than one post-secondary institution, a transcript is required from each one.

The Academy accepts electronic transcripts. Please contact your previous institution(s) to have your e-transcript sent to admissions@nyaa.edu.

For institutions who do not issue e-transcripts, we also accept hardcopy. Please request transcripts be mailed from your previous institution to:

New York Academy of Art
ATTN: ADMISSIONS
111 Franklin Street
New York, NY 10013

International Students

Transcripts
International Students must submit certified true copies of academic transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended in the original language issued. English translation is required — applicants must submit an official evaluation from World Educational Services www.wes.org.

Evidence of English Proficiency
If your first language is not English, you must also demonstrate evidence of English proficiency by supplying a TOEFL or IELTS score. For more information on English proficiency requirements, please visit our International Students page.

Step 3: Submit Your Application

Once you’ve uploaded all the required materials outlined, and received notification of receipt of your letters of recommendation and transcripts, you may submit your application and complete the payment of the application fee to be reviewed.

Start your application today!

CFA Application Guide – Fall 2026

Applications now open!

Start Your Journey

The New York Academy of Art invites you to begin your Certificate of Fine Arts application—offering you an opportunity to accelerate your artistic growth and prepare you for graduate study or professional practice in a single intensive year, supported by the Academy community that is excited to guide you through the application process toward your creative future.

2026 Application Deadlines

Early Consideration

• • • • Application Deadline: January 16
        
      • Admissions Notification: February 9 – 13
        Early Consideration applications are given priority for admission and scholarships.

Regular Decision

• • • • Application Deadline: March 20
      • Admissions Notification: April 3 – 6
      • Waitlist: Applicants may be placed on a ranked waitlist if spaces are filled.

Late Decision:

• • • • 1st Application Deadline: May 1
      • 2nd Application Deadline: June 5
      • 3rd Application Deadline: July 6
      • Admission Notifications: 30 days from Application Deadline
        Acceptance depends on availability of remaining seats.

Before You Apply

Application Fee

• • • • A non-refundable $50 fee is due upon submission to move to Application Review.

Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent)

• • • • You must hold a bachelor’s degree or the equivalent. For more details on degree equivalency, please see the Academy’s FAQs below or contact the Admissions Office at:  admissions@nyaa.edu.  

Application Instructions

Step 1: Create an Account

To begin your application, create an account and access the online application portal. Click here to start your application.

Step 2: Upload the Required Materials via the Online Portal

Portfolio

Submit a portfolio consisting of fifteen (15) images in total, showcasing your strongest and most representative work.

Portfolios must consist of:

• • • • 10 Self-Directed Works: works may be in any medium
      • 5 Life Drawings: in traditional materials (charcoal, graphite, ink).
        • Life drawing (preferred)
        • Cast drawing
        • Self-portrait
        • Drawings from photographic reference do not meet this requirement.

Presentation & Formatting:

• • • Image files must be in .jpg format no more than 2500 pixels on the longest side.
    • Submit up to two views of a single piece (one view per image).
    • Each image counts as a single entry.
    • Three-dimensional artworks benefit the most from more than one view.
    • Each entry should include a single image unless multiple images belong to a single theme ie. a diptych or triptych.

Your portfolio should:

• • • Indicate your major interest and direction,
    • Demonstrate your technical skill and ability.
    • Be created within the last three years. For those with unique circumstances wishing to submit images outside the three-year range, please contact admissions@nyaa.edu.

Image Description Fields (After uploading your portfolio, click on each image to add):

• • • Title
    • Year
    • Medium
    • Dimensions
    • Sequence (order of viewing).
    • Description (Please be concise and leave longer explanations to your Personal Statement.)

Personal Statement

A one-page statement of educational objectives and career goals indicating why you believe these will be advanced by study at the Academy. We encourage you to discuss work in the portfolio, an understanding of the Academy’s unique mission and indicate how study at the institution will progress your individual artistic development and aspirations.

Artist CV or Resume

Submission of a CV or resume enhances the CFA application by giving more insight into a candidate’s creative experience. Please include educational background, professional experience, awards, residencies, exhibitions, etc. For more details on developing a CV or resume, please visit the College Art Association’s resource page.

References

Two letters of recommendation are required. Additional letters of recommendation are optional. Letters from academic professionals are strongly encouraged.

Upon completion of the Portfolio section of your application, navigate to the References tab and enter the name and contact information for each recommender, including their email and postal address.

Recommenders will automatically receive an email with instructions and a link for submitting their letter. Be sure to follow up with your references to ensure timely submission by the application deadline. Recommenders may address any question to Admissions at admissions@nyaa.edu.

Official Transcripts

Certified transcripts conveying your academic history and proof of eligibility are required. Transcripts must be emailed or mailed from your previous school(s) to the Academy to be considered official. If you have attended more than one post-secondary institution, a transcript is required from each one.

The Academy accepts electronic transcripts. Please contact your previous institution(s) to have your e-transcript sent to admissions@nyaa.edu.

For institutions who do not issue e-transcripts, we also accept hardcopy. Please request transcripts be mailed from your previous institution to:

New York Academy of Art
ATTN: ADMISSIONS
111 Franklin Street
New York, NY 10013

International Students

Transcripts
International Students must submit certified true copies of academic transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended in the original language issued. If not English, applicants must submit an official evaluation from World Educational Services. www.wes.org

Evidence of English Proficiency
If your first language is not English, you must also demonstrate evidence of English proficiency by supplying a TOEFL or IELTS score. For more information on English proficiency requirements, please visit our International Students page.

Step 3: Submit Your Application

Once you’ve uploaded all the required materials outlined, and received notification of receipt of your letters of recommendation and transcripts, you may submit your application and complete the payment of the application fee to be reviewed.

Start your application today!

SURP Application Guide

Start Your Journey

The New York Academy of Art invites you to begin your Summer Undergraduate Residency Program (SURP) application—the first step into our vibrant summer community—a month of artistic growth, collaboration, and inspiration that will shape your path long after the program ends.

2026 SURP Application Deadlines

• • Application Deadline: February 27
  • Admissions Notification: March 6
  • Non-Refundable Deposit Due: March 25

Before You Apply

Application Fee

• A non-refundable $25 fee is due upon submission to move to Application Review.

Eligibility

• Current students at U.S. and international institutions and ateliers with demonstrated artistic ability.
• All majors are welcome to apply.

Application Instructions

Step 1: Create an Account

To begin your application, create an account and access the online application portal. Click here to start your application.

Step 2: Upload the Required Materials via the Online Portal

Portfolio

Submit a portfolio consisting of no less than 6 and nom more than 15 images in total, showcasing your strongest and most representative work.

Presentation & Formatting:

• • • Image files must be in .jpg format no more than 2500 pixels on the longest side.
    • Submit up to two views of a single piece (one view per image).
    • Each image counts as a single entry.
    • Three-dimensional artworks benefit the most from more than one view.
    • Each entry should include a single image unless multiple images belong to a single theme ie. a diptych or triptych.

Your portfolio should:

• • • Represent your strongest work
    • Indicate your major interest and direction,
    • Demonstrate your technical skill and ability.
    • Be created within the last three years. For those with unique circumstances wishing to submit images outside the three-year range, please contact admissions@nyaa.edu.

Image Description Fields (After uploading your portfolio, click on each image to add):

• • • Title
    • Year
    • Medium
    • Dimensions
    • Sequence (order of viewing).
    • Description (Please be concise and leave longer explanations to your Personal Statement.)

Personal Statement

A one-page statement of educational objectives and career goals indicating why you believe these will be advanced by study at the Academy. We encourage you to discuss work in the portfolio and indicate how study at the Academy will progress your individual artistic development.

References

One letter of recommendation is required. Additional letters of recommendation are optional. Letters of recommendation from academic professionals are strongly recommended.

Upon completion of the Portfolio section of your application, navigate to the References tab and enter the name and contact information for each recommender, including their email and postal address.

Recommenders will automatically receive an email with instructions and a link for submitting their letter. Be sure to follow up with your references to ensure timely submission by the application deadline. Recommenders may address any question to Admissions at admissions@nyaa.edu..

Unofficial Transcript

A copy of your most recent undergraduate transcript must be submitted to the Academy. Please upload an unofficial copy.

Step 3: Submit Your Application

Once you’ve uploaded all the required materials outlined, and received notification of receipt of your letter(s) of recommendation, you may submit your application and complete the payment of the application fee to be reviewed.

Start your application today!

Accepted Students: Next Steps

Congratulations on your acceptance, and welcome to the New York Academy of Art!

Please review the steps below and regarding your non-refundable deposit. Login to the  Academy Portal or click on the link provided in your acceptance email. Be sure to submit your decision.

Enrollment Deposit Deadlines

MFA & CFA Programs

Upon acceptance, to secure your place in the MFA Class of 2029 or the CFA Class of 2026 and begin the onboarding process for Fall 2026 — submit your $850 non-refundable tuition deposit by the following deadlines according to you application submission date:

• • Deposit Deadlines
    • • Early Consideration Deadline: March 13, 2026
      • Regular Decsion Deadline: April 27, 2026
      • Late Decision Deadline: 1 week from Date of Acceptance

SURP Program

Accepted SURP students must submit a $500 enrollment deposit. If you are requesting Academy housing, an additional $500 housing deposit is also required. Both deposits are non-refundable and will be applied to your final tuition and housing charges.

• • • • Deposit Deadline: March 25, 2026

Deferral Policy

Accepted students may defer enrollment for one year by submitting the enrollment deposit and deferral contract. Deferred applicants who do note enroll after one year must reapply for acceptance. Deferral status guarantees a spot in the next academic year. Scholarship awards are not guaranteed and will be reconsidered during the next admissions cycle.

Pre-Enrollment Requirements

Once you’ve confirmed your enrollment, it’s time to complete a few key steps to ensure a smooth start to your semester. These include housing arrangements, final paperwork, tuition payments, and academic prep.

Tuition Payment

Due July 25, 2026

Your first semester tuition is due 45 days before the start of classes. Timely payment is essential to secure your place in the program and complete your registration. For further information, please review Tuition & Fees.

CFA & MFA Tuition Remission: A post-SURP scholarship is available for participants in the SURP program should they be accepted into our Certificate of Fine Arts (CFA) or MFA programs.

Art History Proficiency (MFA Applicants Only)

Due August 15, 2026

MFA students must demonstrate proficiency in Art History—no less than two semesters of undergraduate-level art history—before beginning the program. If do not fit this requirement, please inform Admissions when you schedule a meeting or email admissions@nyaa.edu to receive information on how to fulfill this requirement through the Academy. 

FAFSA Submission

If you’re applying for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), submit your application during the pre-enrollment period to avoid delays in financial aid processing. For information, look at our Financial Aid Guide.

International Students: Visa Process

International students can begin the F-1 visa process after acceptance and submission of the enrollment deposit. NYAA will provide the necessary I-20 form and documentation. We recommend starting immediately following your acceptance to begin planning your transition and avoid delays. Please review the International Applicants page on our website for further information. Contact admissions@nyaa.edu for assistance.

Transfer of Credit

Due May 1, 2026

If you are seeking to transfer credits—review the Academy’s policy and submit your application prior to program deadlines.

Orientation & Start of Classes

Be sure to keep an eye out for an update of the Academic Calendar to view the date of Orientation and the first day of classes.

All incoming CFA  and MFA students are required to attend the mandatory Student Orientation. It’s the perfect opportunity to meet your peers, faculty, and staff, and get ready for the exciting semester ahead! 

Application Review Process 

The Admissions Committee conducts a comprehensive, multi-step review process for all applications. Portfolios undergo an initial blind evaluation, during which committee members assess the work independently, without access to the applicant’s identity. This stage focuses on four key qualitative factors: technical skill, formal knowledge, conceptual awareness, and the quality of life drawings.

Following the blind review, the Committee conducts a comprehensive final review in which portfolios are re-examined alongside the candidate’s personal statement, letters of recommendation, official transcripts, and other supporting materials.

This holistic process of deep multi-stage evaluation ensures a balanced and fair assessment of each applicant’s full artistic potential.

Grade Scale

Non-Discrimination & Equal Opportunity Policy

The New York Academy is committed to the principle of equal opportunity and equal treatment for every prospective and current student in accordance with the law. It is the policy of the Academy not to discriminate against individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, ancestry, national or ethnic origin or any other protected category in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, employment policies, scholarship and loan programs, and other Academy-sponsored programs and activities. 

Click here for details about our admissions statistics, acceptance rate and student body profile.