Admission Policies

C O N T E N T S

• Application Deadline
• Application Notification
• Application Process
• Articulation Agreements
• Conditional Admission
• Deferred Admission
• Final Transcript Requirement
• Housing Deposits
• International Applicants
• Transfer Applicants
• Tuition Deposits

Application Deadline

UArts offers recommended priority deadlines for most programs; students who submit their applications and all required materials by the priority deadline will receive first consideration for scholarship aid from UArts. Applications received after the priority deadline will be reviewed on a rolling, space-available basis. 

International students requiring an F-1 visa for study in the U.S. might be subject to earlier deadlines to provide time for completion of the visa process. Contact Admissions for guidance if you are an international applicant who wishes to apply after the priority deadline.

Deadlines: https://www.uarts.edu/apply-now 

Application Notification

Undergraduate applications are reviewed on a rolling basis beginning in September for spring admission and January for fall admission. Most graduate applications are reviewed on a rolling basis beginning in September for spring admission and January for summer or fall admission. The University will accept and review applications as long as space in the class is available until the final deadline has passed. Official notification of the Admissions Committee’s decision is made in writing by the Office of Admissions.

Application Process

Graduate Applicants

All applicants for admission to graduate study at the University of the Arts must hold, or obtain prior to matriculation, a bachelor’s degree from a U.S. institution that is accredited by a recognized association or have the equivalent of a bachelor’s degree from a foreign institution of acceptable standards.

• Start or resume your application.
• $60 nonrefundable application fee
  • If the cost of the application fee is a barrier, contact Admissions to request a fee waiver code.
• Official undergraduate transcript
  • Official transcripts must be sent directly from the college where you have earned, or will earn, your undergraduate degree by mail, email or a secure electronic document-delivery service. 
  • If you have earned, or will earn, your undergraduate degree outside the U.S., see our transcript requirements for international graduate applicants.
• Two letters of recommendation
  • Two letters of recommendation from professors or professionals in your field, who are familiar with your capabilities, are required. In the case that these recommenders are not available, you may request letters from colleagues, collaborators or peers, if necessary.
  • Applicants must enter contact information for their recommenders on the application. An email will be sent to recommenders providing a link for them to upload their letter. Letters of recommendation may also be submitted by the recommender via email to gradcredentials@uarts.edu.
• Statement of intent
  • Most graduate programs require a Statement of Intent and requirements will vary by program; see your specific program page for full requirements.
  • Your statement of intent may be uploaded during the application process or added after submission via your applicant status portal. 
• Résumé
  • Your résumé should highlight all your professional accomplishments, including employment, internships, honors, exhibitions and publications.
  • Your résumé may be uploaded during the application process or added after submission via your applicant status portal. 
• Additional writing statement, portfolio, audition and/or Interview
  • Most graduate programs require a portfolio, audition and/or interview for admission or may require an additional written statement; see your specific program page for full requirements.
• Proof of English proficiency
  • For international applicants whose primary language is not English, and who have not completed two semesters of college-level English in a college/university where the language of instruction is English, proof of English proficiency is required. 
  • Recommended minimums for English proficiency exams are as follows. 
    • TOEFL iBT: 79
    • IELTS: 6.0
    • Duolingo: 100
  • Applicants who meet the academic and creative requirements for admission but whose scores do not meet the English proficiency requirement for degree study might receive an offer of conditional admission that requires enrollment in the university’s English as a Second Language Institute (ESLI). Applicants who successfully complete Level 9 of ESL study in ESLI will then be able to begin their degree program studies.
  • In special circumstances, applicants who do not have access to the TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo English tests can request a waiver of this requirement. The request should be submitted by email to admissions@uarts.edu. Requests will then be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and might require an interview.

PhD Applicants

All applicants for admission to the PhD in Creativity at the University of the Arts must hold, or obtain prior to matriculation, a master’s degree from a U.S. institution that is accredited by a recognized association or have the equivalent of a master’s degree from a foreign institution of acceptable standards.

• Start or resume your application. 
• $60 nonrefundable application fee
  • If the cost of the application fee is a barrier, contact Admissions to request a fee waiver code.
• A Research Proposal of about 1,000 words, outlining the dissertation you wish to pursue in the PhD of Creativity. This document should state the central question your research proposes to address. It should also discuss the need for your project, both personal and on the broader scale of scholarship; your project’s relationship to previous scholarship in the field; the methods you propose to use; and a selection of works you consider central to your project.
• A Personal Statement of about 1,000 words, telling us why you’re interested in the PhD in Creativity. Topics you may wish to consider when writing this document: What led to your interest in pursuing a PhD of this kind? How has your prior training or work experience prepared you to undertake the writing of your dissertation? What other works or paths – books, articles, bodies of work, or other influences – do you want to explore during your time in the program? With what kinds of advisors would you ideally like to work? What do you envision yourself doing with this degree? Please note that these are only suggestions, and the personal statement is not intended to be a comprehensive document. Overall, it should give us a sense of your interests and who you are.
• Your Resume or CV.
• Transcripts: From each graduate and undergraduate school from which you have earned a degree. Unofficial transcripts may be uploaded at the application stage. After a candidate is accepted, their official transcripts should be sent directly from the Registrar’s Office at the college(s) or school(s) previously attended. All transcripts from outside the United States must be in English and must be official. In some cases, a transcript evaluation from a third-party credential evaluation service (such as WES or ECE) may be required to assess international credentials.
• Two Letters of Recommendation: These recommendations should come from professors or professionals in your field who are familiar with your capabilities and credentials.
• English Proficiency: International applicants must demonstrate fluency in spoken and written English as a requirement for this program. English proficiency will be assessed through writing samples. All candidates will be asked to complete an interview online or in person, and may be asked to submit test results from the TOEFL, IELTS, or DuoLingo English Test.
• Standardized Test Scores: GRE scores are optional and not required. If you submit GRE scores, official test scores must be sent by ETS to the University. The correct institution code to use when requesting scores is 2664. You do not need a departmental code.
• Applicants are encouraged to submit a copy of their dissertation, thesis, or capstone project for their previous degree.

Undergraduate Applicants

All undergraduate applicants must hold, or obtain prior to matriculation, a high school/secondary diploma or documented equivalency.

• Start or resume your application. 
  • The application includes two required short-answer questions: What excites you about UArts? What inspires you?
• $60 nonrefundable application fee
  • If you qualify for a fee waiver from NACAC, CollegeBoard, UArts or another source, indicate that on your application. If the cost of the application fee is a barrier, contact Admissions to request a fee waiver code.
• Official high school transcript
  • Official transcripts must be sent directly from your school by mail, email or a secure electronic document-delivery service. 
  • If you’ve attended high school outside the U.S., read the additional guidelines for international transcripts. 
  • Specific course distribution is not required, although a minimum of four (4) years of English and two (2) years of history is strongly recommended. Remaining courses should be selected from the approved college preparatory program, including study in languages, mathematics, science, humanities, art history, psychology, and sociology. These courses should be augmented by study in visual art, music, dance, drama, or creative writing.
  • High school transcripts may be waived for transfer applicants who have completed a minimum of 24 college credits with 18 credits in academic courses.
• Official college transcript(s)
  • Official transcripts must be sent directly from all the colleges you have attended by mail, email or a secure electronic document-delivery service. 
  • If you’ve attended college outside the U.S., you are required to have an official course-by-course evaluation of your college coursework sent to UArts. Additional guidelines for international transcripts are available. 
• Audition or portfolio 
  • A portfolio is required for all Art, Design, Film and Writing programs. Your portfolio may be uploaded during the application process or via your applicant status portal after submission. You must confirm when your submission is complete via the linked electronic form before your portfolio can be reviewed for admission. View a full list of portfolio requirements by program.
  • Auditions or interviews are required for all Dance, Music and Theater programs. After submitting your application, go to your applicant status portal to register for your virtual or on-campus audition day. View a full list of audition requirements by program. 
• Optional letters of recommendation
  • Letters of recommendation from teachers or mentors are optional and may be submitted by the recommender via email to undergradcredentials@uarts.edu or by your high school through a secure electronic document-delivery service. 
• Home-schooled Applicants: The University of the Arts welcomes applications from students who are home-schooled for all or part of their high school education. Home-schooled applicants may receive an admissions decision based on a home-school transcript signed by the home-school supervisor; the supervisor is encouraged to include details regarding the home-school curriculum (reading list, dual enrollment courses, non-academic activities, etc) either on the transcript or in an accompanying letter of recommendation. Matriculating students will be required to submit proof that the student has completed secondary school through homeschooling as defined by state law in the state where the student was homeschooled; these requirements vary state-by-state and may include a final home-school transcript indicating the date of graduation, a secondary school diploma issued by an approved state department of education agency, GED, HiSET, or another equivalency certificate. 

Articulation Agreements

Articulation agreements are drawn between two institutions in order to facilitate the maximum transfer of credits when students move from one institution to the other. The University of the Arts has a series of these agreements for students attending the schools mentioned below. Students who successfully meet the requirements set by the agreement with their home institution will earn the option to transfer to The University of the Arts at an advanced level upon enrollment. Each articulation agreement has specific requirements and is valid only for the major programs listed on the agreement. To obtain specific information about these agreements, prospective students should contact the transfer advisor at their home institution.

Schools of Art, Design, & Film

Delaware College of Art and Design

• Animation, AA - Animation, BFA
• Fine Arts, AA - Fine Arts, BFA
• Graphic Design AA-Fine Arts, BFA
• Illustration, AA - Illustration, BFA
• Photography, AA - Photography, BFA

Bucks County Community College

• Cinema/Video, AA - Film & Video, BFA
• Fine Arts, AA - Fine Arts, BFA
• Photography, AA - Photography, BFA

Montgomery County Community College

• Animation, AA - Animation, BFA 

Conditional Admission

The University of the Arts has designed alternative admission programs to consider those whose potential may not be indicated in standardized test scores or class rank or who have had limited formal training in the arts.

Offers of admission may specify one or more of the following conditions:

• English Language Proficiency: International applicants who have not achieved the required level of English proficiency may be granted admission with the condition that the language requirement be met prior to enrollment. Students who do not meet the requirement may request a deferment.
• ACCLAIM: For music applicants that show strong potential but need additional musical training and preparation, the School of Music may require participation in the Accelerated College Level Academic Instruction in Music (ACCLAIM) program. Admission into the undergraduate degree program will be contingent upon successful completion of the ACCLAIM program.
• Academic Warning: Students admitted under Academic Notice must achieve a C (2.0) grade point average at the end of their first year of study in order to be promoted.

Deferred Admission

University of the Arts allows new undergraduate and graduate students who have submitted their non-refundable tuition deposit to defer their admission and scholarship for up to one year. Students must request a deferral, using the deferral request form available in their application portal, and will receive a letter confirming their deferral within two weeks of submitting their request. Generally, requests for deferred admission are approved, provided that students are not planning to matriculate into another degree program during that period. PhD students are not permitted to defer their admission. Deferral requests are generally approved, provided the student is not planning to enroll in a degree program elsewhere during that period. Deferred students are discouraged from enrolling in additional university-level coursework during their deferral; if a student wishes to enroll in coursework elsewhere during their deferral period, they must contact their admissions counselor prior to enrolling, must submit all additional post-secondary transcripts and admission may be rescinded based on grades earned. Students may not defer their admission for more than one full year; after one year, students would need to reapply to be considered for admission, may need to resubmit transcripts and/or other admission materials, and any previously submitted deposits would not be applied to their new start term. Students who must complete compulsory military service may receive an exception to defer admission up to two-years; these students should contact admissions@uarts.edu to request a deferral of admission.

Final Transcript Requirement

Final transcripts are required prior to matriculation for all programs. Official final transcripts can be sent to the Office of Admissions. Failure to do so will result in a hold being placed on your account preventing registration and degree conferral. See Holds on Records & Registration  for additional information.

Housing Deposits

University housing is open to most new students entering in both fall and spring semesters. Housing reservation instructions are emailed to all incoming students upon receipt of their housing deposit. For new students entering in the spring semester, housing is on a space available first-come, first-served basis. For new students entering in the fall semester, the University will guarantee housing to all students who submit a housing reservation and post a non-refundable $200 housing deposit by May 1. Although the University anticipates that it has adequate housing to meet the student demand for on-campus living, there is no way to predict when University-supervised housing may be filled; therefore, after May 1, space is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Students who submit a housing deposit after the deadline, and after spaces have filled, may be placed on a housing waitlist.

International Applicants

Applicants who are neither U.S. citizens nor permanent residents are considered international students. The University encourages international candidates with strong academic and artistic qualifications to apply for admission.

International students who apply to the University should follow the procedures outlined in the appropriate section of this catalog. International applicants should also be aware of the following additional requirements and procedures.

English Proficiency

For international applicants whose primary language is not English — and who have not completed two years of study at a secondary school where the language of instruction is English, or completed two semesters of college-level English in a college/university where the language of instruction is English — proof of English proficiency is required. 

Recommended minimums for English proficiency exams are as follows. 

• TOEFL iBT: 79
• IELTS: 6.0
• Duolingo: 100

Applicants who meet the academic and creative requirements for admission but whose scores do not meet the English proficiency requirement for degree study might receive an offer of conditional admission that requires enrollment in the university’s English as a Second Language Institute (ESLI). Applicants who successfully complete Level 9 of ESL study in ESLI will then be able to begin their degree program studies.

In special circumstances, applicants who do not have access to the TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo English tests can request a waiver of this requirement. The request should be submitted by email to admissions@uarts.edu. Requests will then be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and might require an interview.

Transcripts/Mark/Grade Sheets

Undergraduate Applicants

Official high school/secondary school transcripts must be sent directly from your school by mail, email or a secure electronic document-delivery service. 

For secondary school records not in English, applicants must also submit an official translation of all their academic documents. Translations must be a complete, literal, word-for-word translation in the same format of the original academic document. Transcripts cannot be translated by the student or any members of their family. Acceptable translators include English teachers or other school officials, professional translators, or a local EducationUSA office. Credential evaluation companies are not required for secondary school transcripts.

High school transcripts may be waived for transfer applicants who have completed a minimum of 24 credits of college-level coursework, including a minimum of 18 academic, non-studio credits.

If you’ve attended college outside the U.S., you are required to send an official course-by-course evaluation of your college coursework to UArts. 

• A course-by-course evaluation is required for transfer students who have taken college or university-level courses outside the U.S. and wish to receive credit for their previous coursework.
• University of the Arts should be listed as the recipient of the evaluation. The original academic records must be submitted in addition to the evaluation.
• It is the applicant’s responsibility to contract directly with a credential evaluation agency for this service and provide the necessary documents. Review the requirements for each agency carefully, as the policy regarding document submission can vary based on your country. Applicants are encouraged to request a credential evaluation at least six weeks before the priority deadline for their start term. Though applicants may use any accredited evaluating agency, the university recommends World Education Services (WES) or Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE).

Instructions and an application can be obtained directly from:

World Education Services
Bowling Green Station
P.O. Box 5087
New York, NY 10274-5087
Telephone: 1-212-966-6311
Fax: 1-212-739-6100
www.wes.org

Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc.
P.O. Box 514070
Milwaukee, WI 53203-3470
Telephone: 1-414-289-3400
Email: eval@ece.org
www.ece.org

Graduate Applicants

Graduate applicants who have academic documents from institutions outside the U.S. are required to provide original, attested or certified true copies of academic records from the institution where they have earned, or will earn, their undergraduate degree. These records should be in the original language issued.

For postsecondary school records that are not in English, applicants must also submit an official translation of all their academic documents. Translations must be a complete, literal, word-for-word translation in the same format of the original academic document. Transcripts cannot be translated by the student or any members of their family. Acceptable translators include English teachers or other school officials, professional translators, or a local EducationUSA office. 

Admissions may request that students obtain a course-by-course credential evaluation if we are not able to confirm the equivalent level to a U.S. undergraduate degree.

Certification of Finances

Accepted International students who plan to enroll at the University are responsible for all of their educational and personal expenses for the full duration of their education at The University of the Arts. Certification that these financial obligations can be met is required in order to qualify for the F-1 visa. A Certification of Finances form is sent to accepted international students. The form must be completed in English and certified by a bank official. This statement must declare the availability of funds (which varies by program) to cover the cost of one year of education and personal expenses. The I-20, used to apply for the F-1 visa, will not be issued without a valid Certification of Finances. All F-1 students are responsible for obtaining immigration information and following all the regulations in order to maintain status. Page 2 of the I-20 explains many of the obligations of an F-1 student.

Scholarships & Financial Aid

A limited number of partial merit-based scholarships may be awarded to international students who demonstrate outstanding academic and artistic achievement and potential. International merit-based scholarship recipients are notified of the scholarship award with the offer of admission.

Need-based financial aid is not available. Students who are not U.S. citizens or Permanent Residents may qualify for educational loans through an International Student Loan Program (ISLP).

Further information on the ISLP may be obtained directly from:

International Education Finance Corporation
424 Adams Street
Milton, MA 02186 USA
http://www.IEFC.com

Transfer Applicants

In addition to the undergraduate application process detailed above, transfer applicants must also submit official transcripts from all colleges attended. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure all previously completed and in-progress coursework is submitted to the University for transfer credit evaluation prior to beginning their studies at the University. Applicants must submit official transcripts containing final grades for any previously reported in-progress coursework. To be considered official, transcripts must be sent directly from the institution. Applicants who have completed 24 credits of college-level coursework at an accredited institution with a minimum of 18 credits in academic coursework are not required to submit secondary school transcripts.

Admitted transfer students will receive a preliminary transfer credit evaluation with their decision letter. If you are currently enrolled in courses, tentative transfer credit may be indicated. A final transfer credit evaluation will be completed for matriculating students once all final transcripts have been received.

Transfer placement is determined case-by-case based on

• A review of submitted coursework completed at other colleges or universities.
• The way in which that coursework relates to the four-year curriculum of the intended program of transfer and not necessarily on the overall total of previous credits earned. 
• The results of a required portfolio review, interview or audition. 

In order to earn an undergraduate degree from UArts, transfer students must earn a minimum of 48 credits in residence at the university, including a minimum of 30 credits of coursework in their major.

See the Transfer Credit and Course Equivalency policy for additional details regarding transfer credits.

Tuition Deposits

All undergraduate programs: $300

PhD in Creativity: $600

MFA in Dance: $500

All online MEd programs, MM in Music Education, and Graduate Certificates in Arts Education and Educational Technology: $150

All other graduate programs: $450

The University reserves the right to cancel the offer of admission if the student posts a deposit at another college or university or fails to successfully complete coursework in-progress at the time of application.