Graduate Admissions FAQ
Your patience is appreciated while we handle a spike in inquiries, applications and materials in light of the January 15th application deadline.
- While Graduate Admissions can guide you through questions related to most application requirements, any inquiries regarding portfolios or the writing sample must be sent directly to your graduate program. All graduate program contact info can be found here.
Please Note:
- All applications or electronic/digital application material submissions (SlideRoom portfolios, digital transcripts, letters of recommendation, etc.) received are also processed in date order. Your checklist will not automatically update when you upload materials as processing and approving them is manually handled by our staff.
- Any emails sent to Graduate Admissions are addressed in date order.
- Due to the high volume of mail and applications received, it can take 3-4 weeks for your materials to be marked as Approved (this includes electronic submissions of letters of recommendation, transcripts, and portfolios).
- If you have already submitted the materials we are requesting, please allow 3 weeks (from the date they are received) before following up with our office.
Answers to the most common questions about the application, guidelines for general and international application requirements and how to submit application materials can be found below.
Applying
When is the graduate application deadline?
The graduate application deadline is January 15th. Applications or materials received after the deadline will be reviewed, for each program, on a space-available basis.
Some of my application materials (transcript, evaluation, English Proficiency score, etc.) might not make it to SVA by the January 15th graduate application deadline. Can I still be reviewed?
Any applications or materials received after the January 15th deadline will be reviewed, for each program, on a space-available basis. The graduate departments do not review incomplete application files.
Can I apply to more than one program?
Applicants are allowed to apply to one SVA program per year. This means you cannot simultaneously apply to 2 graduate programs or 1 graduate program and 1 undergraduate program. This policy is firm and there are no exceptions.
If you are unsure about which graduate program to apply for, we recommend that you attend the Information Sessions and contact each department to identify which program is the best fit for you. Any questions related to the BFA programs should be directed to the Undergraduate Admissions Counselors.
Does SVA offer any STEM programs at the graduate level?
SVA offers six STEM programs at the graduate level: MFA Computer Arts; MPS Data Visualization and Communication, MFA Design; MFA Design for Social Innovation; MFA Interaction Design; MFA Products of Design. STEM stands for science, technology, engineering or mathematics. The huge incentive for applying to one of these programs is that the Department of Homeland Security recognizes them as STEM. Therefore, if you are accepted and choose to enroll, students in these programs are eligible to apply for the 24-month STEM optional practical training extension, otherwise known as OPT. For more information about the visa process or OPT study, please contact SVA’s International Student Office at iso@sva.edu.
Where can I find the application requirements for my program?
Each graduate department has a page dedicated to their application requirements. Please follow the links below:
MPS Data Visualization and Communication
MA Design Research, Writing and Criticism
MFA Design for Social Innovation
MFA Illustration as Visual Essay
How can I track my application progress?
Once your application is submitted, you may check the status of your documents by logging on to your Application Portal.
Due to the high volume of mail and applications, it can take 3 or more weeks for your materials to be marked as Approved (this includes electronic submissions of letters of recommendation, transcripts, and portfolios). If you have already submitted the materials we are requesting, please allow 3 weeks (from the date they are received) before following up with our office.
If applicants wish to verify the college’s receipt of their application materials we recommend that materials be submitted via a traceable method, such as certified mail, priority mail, UPS, etc.
Is there a paper application?
All graduate applicants are required to complete the online application and submit the nonrefundable $80 application fee using a credit card. Please use the the online application.
Please note: The online application is not officially submitted until valid payment information has been supplied. Upon completion of this, an email confirmation is sent. We strongly recommend that applicants print this out and keep it with their records.
Can I apply to the spring semester?
Entry into the SVA graduate programs takes place primarily in the fall semester. Graduate transfer students may apply to the spring semester on a case-by-case basis, with permission from the department chair.
I submitted a graduate application in a previous year. Are my documents still on file?
Graduate Admissions does not hold onto application files or materials from previous years. You must submit a new application, application fee, and all required materials to SVA Graduate Admissions by the appropriate deadline.
My undergraduate degree was not earned in an artistic discipline. Am I still eligible to apply?
Applicants must have a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited college or university. SVA's Graduate Program applicants come from a variety of degree programs (BFA, BA, BS, etc.), and they are expected to have strong, competitive portfolios and academic backgrounds. Some departments may require specific coursework and/or technical proficiency. Please refer to the department requirements section of your chosen program for more information.
I completed/am in the process of completing my undergraduate degree at an institution outside the United States. How do I know if I am eligible to apply for graduate study?
Applicants who have attended institutions outside of the United States must prove that their educational background is equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's degree. Transcripts must be translated and evaluated by an official evaluation agency. We recommend using The Evaluation Company (formerly Spantran), ECE or WES. For more information about this requirement, please see review the application requirements for your chosen program.
I am currently enrolled in a graduate program at a different institution. Can I transfer credits?
Transfer applicants should apply to the program and be accepted first. Upon acceptance, the Graduate Committee on Admissions and the Graduate Department Chair will evaluate submitted transcripts for possible transfer credits. Applicants are encouraged to include a note with their application letting the Committee know that they would like their transcripts to be considered for transfer credits.
How can I submit my application materials?
Please refer to the application requirements section of your chosen graduate program.
What is the CEEB code for School of Visual Arts?
The CEEB code is 2835. This is the code that must be supplied to educational testing agencies such as ETS in order to have scores mailed to SVA.
When will I receive an admission decision?
Applicants who have completed the application process by January 15th will be emailed an admissions decision by March 15th. The College does not disclose admissions decisions via phone. All admissions decisions are sent to the email address used at the beginning of the application process. To avoid delays in the notification, applicants should regularly check their inbox and spam folders. Please also add gradadmissions@sva.edu to your address book or contacts.
International Applicants
Does SVA offer any STEM programs at the graduate level?
SVA offers six STEM programs at the graduate level: MFA Computer Arts; MPS Data Visualization and Communication; MFA Design; MFA Design for Social Innovation; MFA Interaction Design; MFA Products of Design. STEM stands for science, technology, engineering or mathematics. The huge incentive for applying to one of these six programs is that the Department of Homeland Security recognizes them as STEM. Therefore, if you are accepted and choose to enroll, students in these programs are eligible to apply for the 24-month STEM optional practical training extension, otherwise known as OPT. For more information about the visa process or OPT study, please contact SVA’s International Student Office at iso@sva.edu.
Some of my application materials (transcript, evaluation, English Proficiency score, etc.) did not make it to SVA by the January 15th graduate application deadline. Can I still be reviewed?
Any applications or materials received after the January 15th deadline will be reviewed, for each program, on a space-available basis. The graduate departments do not review incomplete application files.
How can I track my application progress?
Once your application is submitted, you may check the status of your documents by logging on to your Application Portal.
Due to the high volume of mail and applications, it can take 3 or more weeks for your materials to be marked as Approved (this includes electronic submissions of letters of recommendation, transcripts, and portfolios). If you have already submitted the materials we are requesting, please allow 3 weeks (from the date they are received) before following up with our office.
If applicants wish to verify the college’s receipt of their application materials we recommend that materials be submitted via a traceable method, such as certified mail, priority mail, UPS, etc.
English is not my primary language. Do I need to prove my English proficiency?
Graduate applicants whose primary or native language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in both written and spoken English. The online application will ask you if English is your primary language. If you answer no, it will also prompt you to answer if/when you plan to submit an English Proficiency test score.
SVA will only accept an English Proficiency test score from these 4 testing agencies: TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo English Test (DET) and Pearson PTE Academic. For SVA, minimum score requirements DIFFER by graduate program. Please refer to the application requirements section of your chosen graduate program.
Applications and supporting materials (including these English proficiency scores) MUST be received by January 15th. Applications or materials received after the deadline will be reviewed, for each program, on a space-available basis. Please also keep in mind that each testing agency will have peak periods and it may take you a while to schedule an exam.
My English proficiency test score does not meet the minimum requirement. Can I still be accepted?
SVA does not offer conditional acceptance. If your current English proficiency score does not meet the department’s requirement, please consider retaking your test to achieve a higher score. The English and the Visual Arts Program is for undergraduate study and does not apply to graduate applicants.
What is the CEEB code for School of Visual Arts?
The CEEB code is 2835. This is the code that must be supplied to educational testing agencies such as ETS in order to have scores mailed to SVA.
Is it possible to have the English Proficiency test score requirement waived?
SVA will consider waiving the English Proficiency test score requirement for graduate applicants who are citizens of any of the following countries and attend schools where English is the primary language of instruction: England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Singapore, India, South Africa and Common Wealth Caribbean (Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago).
SVA will also consider waiving the English proficiency exam requirement for students who have either earned a degree at a regionally accredited U.S. college or university OR for students that have studied in an institution where all instruction and coursework has been conducted in English. We do not review documents emailed by applicants and would require for the school to send this information to us directly along with the official transcript.
Any applicants seeking this waiver must submit a written request on the online application and it’s also recommended to send an email to Graduate Admissions and their program of interest. (You can find all graduate department contact information here.) It is completely up to the graduate departments’ discretion if the English Proficiency Requirement can be waived.
Please note that the graduate department’s admissions committee would determine whether or not these requests could be granted (during the application review). You would be contacted by the graduate program if further proof of English language proficiency would be required.
I didn’t see a place on the online application to upload my English Proficiency score. How do I submit this item?
Please note: Graduate applicants cannot submit this item via the online application.
SVA will only accept an English Proficiency test score from these 4 testing agencies: TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo English Test (DET) and Pearson PTE Academic. For SVA, minimum score requirements DIFFER by graduate program. Please refer to the application requirements section of your chosen graduate program.
All applications and supporting materials (including these English proficiency scores) MUST be received by January 15th. Applications or materials received after the deadline will be reviewed, for each program, on a space-available basis. Please also keep in mind that each testing agency will have peak periods and it may take you a while to schedule an exam.
I’ve attended an undergraduate institution outside of the United States. How do I submit my transcripts?
Graduate applicants who have academic documents from institutions outside of the U.S. are required to provide original, attested or certified true copies of academic records for all institutions attended. These records should be in the original language issued.
In order to be considered official, transcripts must come directly from the institution(s). For SVA, unofficial transcripts, which include screenshots or PDFs emailed by applicants do not fulfill the transcript requirement. There are no exceptions to this policy.
If your records are not already in English, you must also submit an official translation of all academic documents. Translations must be a complete, literal, word-for-word translation in the same format of the original academic document.
All international transcripts must also be converted into U.S. educational equivalencies. This means that you may need to have your transcripts evaluated by an external evaluation agency such as The Evaluation Company (formerly Spantran), World Education Services (WES), or Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE).
These agencies offer different packages. For SVA, you must request a course-by-course evaluation which includes all of the following: name of educational institution; country where institution is located; length of study; U.S. educational equivalent (two-year or four-year college); courses studied per academic year; conversion of grades/marks/final examination results into equivalent U.S. grades of A, B, C, D or F for each course evaluated; total credits earned; conversion of course hours into U.S. semester hours of credit; cumulative grade point average (GPA) on a 4-point scale; U.S. degree equivalent.
Be sure to list the School of Visual Arts as the recipient of the evaluation. Also, keep in mind that these evaluation agencies experience their own peak busy seasons. Sometimes transcripts can take up to 6 weeks to be evaluated. All applications and supporting materials (including these evaluations and transcripts) MUST be received by January 15th. Applications or materials received after the deadline will be reviewed, for each program, on a space-available basis.
We recommend checking in with your school to find out what your records look like and what you may need to do. If you’re unsure about if you need an evaluation, email Graduate Admissions as soon as possible. Our staff has a lot of experience with foreign transcripts and we’ll be able to tell you if it’s something beyond what we’re able to review on our own.
Can I email a PDF copy or screenshot of my transcript to Graduate Admissions?
Graduate applicants are required to submit official transcripts from each college or university attended. In order to be considered official, transcripts must come directly from the institution(s). For SVA, unofficial transcripts, which include screenshots or PDFs emailed by applicants do not fulfill the transcript requirement.
Keep in mind that all applications and supporting materials (including official transcripts or foreign transcript evaluations) MUST be received by January 15th. Applications or materials received after the deadline will be reviewed, for each program, on a space-available basis.
I did not see a spot on the online application to upload my transcripts or evaluation. How do I submit these items?
Please note: Graduate applicants cannot submit these items via the online application. We also do not accept transcripts emailed by students. There are no exceptions to these policies.
Graduate applicants are required to submit official transcripts from each college or university attended. In order to be considered official, transcripts must come directly from the institution(s). For SVA, unofficial transcripts, which include screenshots or PDFs emailed by applicants do not fulfill the transcript requirement.
We highly encourage graduate applicants to submit electronic transcripts, which we can accept from Parchment, National Student Clearinghouse, and Credentials Solutions. Applicants from institutions in India should request and submit official transcripts directly through TrueCopy Credentials. (Important Note: Please be sure that all electronic transcript submissions are directed to “Graduate Admissions” at gradadmissions@sva.edu.)
Be sure to check with the registrar’s office at your institution to see if your school issues its own digital transcripts or if it’s a member of any of these organizations. You should also ask how long it takes for them to fulfill these requests and plan accordingly with the application deadline.
Transcripts may also be submitted in an unopened envelope that is stamped and sealed by the college registrar of the issuing institution. Keep in mind that there are always delays that can happen when using the postal service, so use a tracking service and plan accordingly if this is the only option available to you. We also highly encourage using a tracking service so you are aware of when the document arrives at SVA.
Please address to:
School of Visual Arts
Graduate Admissions
209 East 23rd Street
New York, NY 10010
All transcripts from foreign institutions must be officially translated into English and U.S. grading equivalencies. This means that you may need to have your transcripts evaluated by an external evaluation agency such as The Evaluation Company (formerly Spantran), World Education Services (WES) or Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE). (Note: These agencies offer different packages, but SVA requires a course-by-course evaluation.)
It is also important to note is that you may apply for graduate study if you are in progress of your degree and are on track to complete it in Spring or Summer of 2026. Should you be accepted, you would need to provide a final transcript showing your final GPA and the date of your degree conferral.
Keep in mind that all applications and supporting materials (including official transcripts or foreign transcript evaluations) MUST be received by January 15th. Applications or materials received after the deadline will be reviewed, for each program, on a space-available basis.
How do I know what application materials are required for my chosen program?
Each graduate department has a page dedicated to their application requirements. Please follow the links below:
MPS Data Visualization and Communication
MA Design Research, Writing and Criticism
MFA Design for Social Innovation
MFA Illustration as Visual Essay
What should I include in my portfolio? Can I get feedback on my portfolio before submitting it?
Each graduate department has its own instructions for what to include in a portfolio submission. It is important to follow the graduate department’s portfolio directions or reach out to them directly if you’re unsure about how your work fits into their requirement. You can find all graduate department contact information here.
Please follow the links below to access the application requirements for each program :
MPS Data Visualization and Communication
MA Design Research, Writing and Criticism
MFA Design for Social Innovation
MFA Illustration as Visual Essay
MFA Photography, Video and Related Media
Can I email my portfolio to Graduate Admissions?
Graduate Admissions cannot accept portfolio submissions via email. Keep in mind that portfolio submission guidelines are department-specific, so be sure to refer to the directions in the application requirements section of your chosen program.
I have additional questions about the portfolio or writing sample requirement for my program. Who should I contact?
We strongly encourage graduate applicants to reach out to their graduate program directly for further clarification on these requirements.
Please use the links below:
MPS Data Visualization and Communication
MA Design Research, Writing and Criticism
MFA Design for Social Innovation
MFA Illustration as Visual Essay
Application Materials
Where can I find the graduate online application?
To access the application form, graduate applicants must first create an account on the Graduate Application Portal.
What type of information will I need to provide on the online application?
The application form will require you to answer basic questions about yourself and your educational background. You will also select the program you’ll be applying to.
Additionally, please be prepared to provide the names and email addresses of your references on the application. Our application system facilitates email requests to your recommenders, so be sure they’re aware of the schools and programs you plan to apply to.
How can I track my application progress?
Once your application is submitted, you may check the status of your documents by logging on to your Application Portal.
Due to the high volume of mail and applications, it can take 3 or more weeks for your materials to be marked as Approved (this includes electronic submissions of letters of recommendation, transcripts, and portfolios). If you have already submitted the materials we are requesting, please allow 3 weeks before following up with our office.
If applicants wish to verify the college’s receipt of their application materials we recommend that materials be submitted via a traceable method, such as certified mail, priority mail, UPS, etc.
Where can I find the application requirements for my program?
Each graduate department has a page dedicated to their application requirements. Please follow the links below:
MPS Data Visualization and Communication
MA Design Research, Writing and Criticism
MFA Design for Social Innovation
MFA Illustration as Visual Essay
Who should I ask to write a letter of recommendation?
We recommend that applicants think about who knows them personally and understands why graduate school is the next logical step for them. You can ask professors, school counselors, or even supervisors from jobs, internships or volunteer work.
Make sure that you notify your recommenders in advance of submitting your application. You should also advise them to prepare a letter that includes your full name the program you are applying to. SVA does not provide surveys or forms for recommenders.
Keep in mind that all applications and supporting materials (including these letters of recommendation) MUST be received by January 15th. Be sure that your recommenders are aware of this deadline. Applications or materials received after the deadline will be reviewed, for each program, on a space-available basis.
How do I submit letters of recommendation?
Applicants to all programs are required to submit letters of recommendation from instructors or practicing professionals. Online submission is now available through the online application. Applicants will be required to provide the email address and full contact information of their references. On the form, you must hit the "Send Email" button for each recommender. SVA does not provide letter of recommendation forms.
I didn’t see a place on the online application to upload a résumé, statement of purpose or writing sample. How do I submit these items?
After you pay the $80 application fee and submit your graduate application, you will have access to a checklist and a place to submit uploadable materials like the résumé, statement of purpose and writing sample. Successfully uploading an attachment is a two-step process. First, click “Choose File” and select the appropriate Microsoft Word or PDF document. Then, click “Upload/Attach File” to complete the process.
What type of information should be included on a résumé?
The résumé should list your educational background as well as your work history. Be sure to include any internships, jobs, exhibitions or volunteer work.
What type of information should be included in a statement of purpose?
Some graduate departments have prompts for their statement of purpose requirement. Be sure to carefully review the application requirements for your chosen program.
In general, here are some guidelines:
Describe who you are as an artist and how you think about the art you make. Talk about your portfolio and any relevant experiences that influenced you. Discuss why are you interested in graduate school, specifically your program of choice at SVA. Are there faculty that you’re interested in working with and why? What do you know about the graduate program’s curriculum or the Chair?
This is truly an opportunity to advocate for yourself by showcasing who you are and what you know about the program. It’s never easy to write about yourself, so be sure to take enough time to write this out clearly. You might even want to try giving it to a friend, professor or career counselor for a second read.
I did not see a spot on the online application to upload my portfolio. How do I submit this item?
Portfolio submission guidelines are department-specific, so be sure to refer to the directions in the application requirements section of your chosen program.
Can I submit my portfolio online?
Only applicants to the following 12 programs may submit portfolios online using the Graduate Admissions SlideRoom account:
- MA Art Education
- MAT Art Education
- MFA Art Practice
- MPS Art Therapy
- MFA Computer Arts
- MFA Design
- MPS Fashion Photography
- MPS Film Directing
- MFA Fine Arts
- MFA Illustration as Visual Essay
- MFA Photography, Video, and Related Media
- MFA Visual Narrative
All applicants are encouraged to carefully review the application requirements section of their chosen program.
I do not see my program listed on SlideRoom. Can I still submit my portfolio through this portal?
Only applicants to the following 12 programs can submit their portfolio via SlideRoom: MA Art Education; MAT Art Education; MFA Art Practice; MPS Art Therapy; MFA Computer Arts; MFA Design; MPS Fashion Photography; MPS Film Directing; MFA Fine Arts; MFA Illustration as Visual Essay; MFA Photography, Video and Related Media; MFA Visual Narrative.
Applicants to all other programs must follow the portfolio and writing sample guidelines noted in their application requirements. Please follow the links below:
MPS Data Visualization and Communication
MFA Design for Social Innovation
What should I include in my portfolio? Can I get feedback on my portfolio before submitting it?
Each graduate department has its own instructions for what to include in a portfolio submission. It is important to follow the graduate department’s portfolio directions or reach out to them directly if you’re unsure about how your work fits into their requirement. You can find all graduate department contact information here.
Please follow the links below to access the application requirements for each program :
MPS Data Visualization and Communication
MA Design Research, Writing and Criticism
MFA Design for Social Innovation
MFA Illustration as Visual Essay
Can I email my portfolio to Graduate Admissions?
Graduate Admissions cannot accept portfolio submissions via email. Keep in mind that portfolio submission guidelines are department-specific, so be sure to refer to the directions in the application requirements section of your chosen program.
I have additional questions about the portfolio or writing sample requirement for my program. Who should I contact?
We strongly encourage graduate applicants to reach out to their graduate program directly for further clarification on these requirements.
Please use the links below:
MPS Data Visualization and Communication
MA Design Research, Writing and Criticism
MFA Design for Social Innovation
MFA Illustration as Visual Essay
I did not see a spot on the online application to upload my transcripts or evaluation. How do I submit these items?
Please note: Graduate applicants cannot submit these items via the online application.
Graduate applicants are required to submit official transcripts from each college or university attended. In order to be considered official, transcripts must come directly from the institution(s). For SVA, unofficial transcripts, which include screenshots or PDFs emailed by applicants do not fulfill the transcript requirement.
We highly encourage graduate applicants to submit electronic transcripts, which we can accept from Parchment, National Student Clearinghouse and Credentials Solutions. Applicants from institutions in India should request and submit official transcripts directly through TrueCopy Credentials. (Important Note: Please be sure that all electronic transcript submissions are directed to “Graduate Admissions” at gradadmissions@sva.edu.)
Be sure to check with the registrar’s office at your institutions to see if your school issues its own digital transcripts or if it’s a member of any of these organizations. You should also ask how long it takes for them to fulfill these requests and plan accordingly with the application deadline.
Transcripts may also be submitted in an unopened envelope that is stamped and sealed by the college registrar of the issuing institution. Keep in mind that there’s always delays that can happen when using the postal service, so use a tracking service and plan accordingly if this is the only option available to you. We also highly encourage using a tracking service so you are aware of when the document arrives at SVA.
Please address to:
School of Visual Arts
Graduate Admissions
209 East 23rd Street
New York, NY 10010
All transcripts from foreign institutions must be officially translated into English and U.S. grading equivalencies. This means that you may need to have your transcripts evaluated by an external evaluation agency such as The Evaluation Company (formerly Spantran), World Education Services (WES) or Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE). (Note: These agencies offer different packages, but SVA requires a course-by-course evaluation.)
It is also important to note that you may apply for graduate study if you are in progress of your degree and are on track to complete it in Spring or Summer prior to the start of your intended graduate studies. Should you be accepted, you would need to provide a final transcript showing your final GPA and the date of your degree conferral.
Keep in mind that all applications and supporting materials (including official transcripts or foreign transcript evaluations) MUST be received by January 15th. Applications or materials received after the deadline will be reviewed, for each program, on a space-available basis.
Can I email a PDF copy or screenshot of my transcript to Graduate Admissions?
Graduate applicants are required to submit official transcripts from each college or university attended. In order to be considered official, transcripts must come directly from the institution(s). For SVA, unofficial transcripts, which include screenshots or PDFs emailed by applicants do not fulfill the transcript requirement.
Keep in mind that all applications and supporting materials (including official transcripts or foreign transcript evaluations) MUST be received by January 15th. Applications or materials received after the deadline will be reviewed, for each program, on a space-available basis.
I’ve attended an undergraduate institution outside of the United States. How do I submit my transcripts?
Graduate applicants who have academic documents from institutions outside of the U.S. are required to provide original, attested or certified true copies of academic records for all institutions attended. These records should be in the original language issued.
In order to be considered official, transcripts must come directly from the institution(s). For SVA, unofficial transcripts, which include screenshots or PDFs emailed by applicants do not fulfill the transcript requirement. There are no exceptions to this policy.
If your records are not already in English, you must also submit an official translation of all academic documents. Translations must be a complete, literal, word-for-word translation in the same format of the original academic document.
All international transcripts must also be converted into U.S. educational equivalencies. This means that you may need to have your transcripts evaluated by an external evaluation agency such as The Evaluation Company (formerly Spantran), World Education Services (WES), or Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE).
These agencies offer different packages. For SVA, you must request a course-by-course evaluation which includes all of the following: name of educational institution; country where institution is located; length of study; U.S. educational equivalent (two-year or four-year college); courses studied per academic year; conversion of grades/marks/final examination results into equivalent U.S. grades of A, B, C, D or F for each course evaluated; total credits earned; conversion of course hours into U.S. semester hours of credit; cumulative grade point average (GPA) on a 4-point scale; U.S. degree equivalent.
Be sure to list the School of Visual Arts as the recipient of the evaluation. Also, keep in mind that these evaluation agencies experience their own peak busy seasons. Sometimes transcripts can take up to 6 weeks to be evaluated. All applications and supporting materials (including these evaluations and transcripts) MUST be received by January 15th. Applications or materials received after the deadline will be reviewed, for each program, on a space-available basis.
We recommend checking in with your school to find out what your records look like and what you may need to do. If you’re unsure about if you need an evaluation, email Graduate Admissions as soon as possible. Our staff has a lot of experience with foreign transcripts and we’ll be able to tell you if it’s something beyond what we’re able to review on our own.
English is not my primary language. Do I need to prove my English proficiency?
Graduate applicants whose primary or native language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in both written and spoken English. The online application will ask you if English is your primary language. If you answer no, it will also prompt you to answer if/when you plan to submit an English Proficiency test score.
SVA will only accept an English Proficiency test score from these 3 testing agencies: TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo English Test (DET) and Pearson PTE Academic. For SVA, minimum score requirements DIFFER by graduate program. Please refer to the application requirements section of your chosen graduate program.
All applications and supporting materials (including these English proficiency scores) MUST be received by January 15th. Applications or materials received after the deadline will be reviewed, for each program, on a space-available basis. Please also keep in mind that each testing agency will have peak periods and it may take you a while to schedule an exam.
My English proficiency test score does not meet the minimum requirement. Can I still be accepted?
SVA does not offer conditional acceptance. If your current English proficiency score does not meet the department’s requirement, please consider retaking your test to achieve a higher score. The English and the Visual Arts Program is for undergraduate study and does not apply to graduate applicants.
Is it possible to have the English Proficiency test score requirement waived?
SVA will consider waiving the English Proficiency test score requirement for graduate applicants who are citizens of any of the following countries and attend schools where English is the primary language of instruction: England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Singapore, India, South Africa and Common Wealth Caribbean (Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago).
SVA will also consider waiving the English proficiency exam requirement for students who have either earned a degree at a regionally accredited U.S. college or university OR for students that have studied in an institution where all instruction and coursework has been conducted in English. We do not review documents emailed by applicants and would require for the school to send this information to us directly along with the official transcript.
Any applicants seeking this waiver must submit a written request on the online application and it’s also recommended to send an email to Graduate Admissions and their program of interest. (You can find all graduate department contact information here.) It is completely up to the graduate departments’ discretion if the English Proficiency Requirement can be waived.
Please note that the graduate department’s admissions committee would determine whether or not these requests could be granted (during the application review). You would be contacted by the graduate program if further proof of English language proficiency would be required.
I didn’t see a place on the online application to upload my English Proficiency score. How do I submit this item?
Please note: Graduate applicants cannot submit this item via the online application.
SVA will only accept an English Proficiency test score from these 4 testing agencies: TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo English Test (DET) and Pearson PTE Academic. For SVA, minimum score requirements DIFFER by graduate program. Please refer to the application requirements section of your chosen graduate program.
All applications and supporting materials (including these English proficiency scores) MUST be received by January 15th. Applications or materials received after the deadline will be reviewed, for each program, on a space-available basis. Please also keep in mind that each testing agency will have peak periods and it may take you a while to schedule an exam.
Tracking Application Progress
How can I track my application progress?
Once your application is submitted, you may check the status of your documents by logging on to your Application Portal.
I uploaded digital application materials (statement of purpose, résumé, writing sample or portfolio URL) through the application portal. Why don’t I see them marked as “Approved” immediately on my application portal?
Due to the high volume of mail and applications, it can take 3 or more weeks (from the date they are received) for your materials to be marked as “Approved” (this includes electronic submissions of a statement of purpose, résumé, writing sample or portfolio URL). If you have already submitted the materials we are requesting, please allow 3 weeks before following up with our office.
I submitted my portfolio digitally through SlideRoom. Why don’t I see it marked as “Approved” immediately on my application portal?
Due to the high volume of mail and applications, it can take 3 or more weeks for your materials to be marked as “Approved” (this includes SlideRoom portfolio submissions). If you have already submitted via SlideRoom, please allow 3 weeks before following up with our office.
My recommender(s) submitted my letter(s) of recommendation digitally. Why don’t I see them marked as “Approved” immediately on my application portal?
Due to the high volume of mail and applications, it can take 3 or more weeks (from the date they are received) for your materials to be marked as “Approved” (this includes electronic submissions of letters of recommendation). If you have already submitted the materials we are requesting, please allow 3 weeks before following up with our office.
My undergraduate school(s) submitted my transcript(s) digitally. Why don’t I see them marked as “Approved” immediately on my application portal?
Due to the high volume of mail and applications, it can take 3 or more weeks for your materials to be marked as “Approved” (this includes electronic submissions of transcripts). If you have already submitted the materials we are requesting, please allow 3 weeks before following up with our office.
When is the graduate application deadline?
All applications and supporting materials MUST be received by January 15th. Applications or materials received after the deadline will be reviewed, for each program, on a space-available basis.
Some of my application materials (transcript, evaluation, English Proficiency score, etc.) did not make it to SVA by the January 15th graduate application deadline. Can I still be reviewed?
Any applications or materials received after the January 15th deadline will be reviewed, for each program, on a space-available basis. The graduate departments do not review incomplete application files.
My application is complete. When will I receive an admission decision?
Applicants who have completed the application process by January 15th, will be emailed an admissions decision by March 15th. The College does not disclose admissions decisions via phone. All admissions decision letters are sent to the email address used at the beginning of the application process. To avoid delays in notification, applicants should regularly check their inbox and spam folders. Please also add gradadmissions@sva.edu to your address book or contacts.
Enrolling
I have been accepted into the graduate program and wish to pay the nonrefundable $1,000 enrollment fee. How do I make this payment?
There are three (2) ways to pay the enrollment fee: online (credit/debit card) OR via bank wire transfer. Detailed instructions will be included in your acceptance email. All enrollment fees and housing deposits should be sent to Graduate Admissions. These payments are processed on a first-come, first-served basis, as space remains available in each program.
Does any part of the $1000 nonrefundable enrollment fee count towards tuition?
$500 of the nonrefundable enrollment fee will be applied to the first semester’s tuition. For more information about Tuition & Fees, please click HERE.
Does SVA offer scholarships and assistantships to graduate students?
Scholarships are awarded to qualified new students after acceptance to certain graduate degree programs. Students may apply for assistantships once they have entered the program. These awards are based upon individual merit and performance and vary by department. All applicants are encouraged to do their own research into outside scholarships and other sources of funding.
We encourage applicants to reach out to their graduate program of interest as these opportunities differ for each department. (To find the contact information for a graduate program, please refer to the application requirements section of your chosen graduate program.)
I have been accepted into the graduate program, but cannot attend. Can I defer my admissions? If I was accepted to the program in a previous year, is my acceptance still valid?
Unless special arrangements were made, admission is not usually deferred from one year to the next. Applicants who delay enrollment must reapply to the program by submitting a new application and fee, as well as all required application materials.
Financial Aid
What are the tuition and fees of each graduate program?
To review a complete list of tuition and fees, please click here.
How do I know if I am eligible for financial aid?
Only United States citizens and legal permanent residents are eligible for federal and state need-based aid.
How do I apply for financial aid?
All eligible students must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as the first step in the application process. The FAFSA form as well as complete instructions and FAQS can be found at studentaid.gov. Don't forget to appropriately sign the certification page when you have finished the online application.
When should I file the FAFSA?
The FAFSA form launch date is determined by the federal government. You can access the form and check for updates about its availability at studentaid.gov. Once available, you will use your tax information from the previous year and your FSA ID login credentials to electronically sign. Please note that the FAFSA can be filed prior to receiving an admission decision.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Financial Aid at 212.592.2030 or email us at fa@sva.edu.
What type of financial aid is available for graduate students?
For more detailed information, please see the Office of Financial Aid's online resources.
I am an international applicant. Can I apply for financial aid?
Students who are attending college on a student visa do not qualify for federal and state Financial Aid. There are some alternative loans that you could apply for with a co-signer who is a U.S. Citizen. We also recommend applying for scholarships. You may research scholarship opportunities at IEFA, a scholarship search engine which focuses on international students.
Does SVA offer scholarships and assistantships to graduate students?
Scholarships are awarded to qualified new students after acceptance to certain graduate degree programs. Students may apply for assistantships once they have entered the program. These awards are based upon individual merit and performance and vary by department. All applicants are encouraged to do their own research into outside scholarships and other sources of funding.
We encourage applicants to reach out to their graduate program of interest as these opportunities differ for each department. (For more information, please refer to the application requirements section of your chosen graduate program. We also encourage you to email the department directly; you can find all graduate department contact information here.)
Is there a form that graduate students must fill out in order to be considered for a scholarship?
Merit-based, partial-tuition scholarships are offered by many of the graduate departments. Applicants are automatically evaluated for these scholarships during the review process.
Can graduate applicants apply for the Silas H. Rhodes scholarship?
The Silas H. Rhodes scholarship and the Chairman's Merit Award are only offered to applicants applying to the undergraduate program at SVA.
Getting to Know SVA
How can I get a copy of the current SVA Graduate Program Pamphlet?
There are two ways to get the pamphlet: via mail or by downloading a PDF. If you wish to have a pamphlet mailed to you, please fill out the online request form. If you would like to view or download a PDF copy of the pamphlet, see the Resources module at the bottom of this page.
When can I visit the campus?
Graduate Program Information Sessions are held throughout the fall season. Please contact the department directly to find out about weekly tours or appointments that may be available. For department-specific contact information, visit any given program’s department page and scroll to the bottom.
Where is Graduate Admissions located?
Graduate Admissions is housed within the main Admissions Office, which is located on the ground floor of the SVA Welcome Center at 342 East 24th Street (between First and Second Avenues).
If you have specific questions about the application process, please email gradadmissions@sva.edu or call the office at 212.592.2107.
If you have questions about a graduate program's curriculum, facilities, faculty or technology, or if you would like to find out about tours or appointments that may be available, please contact the appropriate graduate program directly. Please use the links below:
MPS Data Visualization and Communication
MA Design Research, Writing and Criticism
MFA Design for Social Innovation
MFA Illustration as Visual Essay
MFA Photography, Video and Related Media
For a complete list of upcoming informational events related to graduate programs, click here.
How can I find out more information about Continuing Education courses at SVA?
To request a Continuing Education Newsletter via email or postal mail, please click here. You can also visit the Continuing Education part of the website here.
How can I find out about current events at SVA?
To view a full list of events at SVA, please click here. To subscribe to the SVA NOW (weekly email newsletter), the SVA Monthly Calendar Email Newsletter or the ContinuEDEmail Newsletter, please click here.
Does SVA offer any STEM programs at the graduate level?
SVA offers six STEM programs at the graduate level: MFA Computer Arts; MPS Data Visualization and Communication; MFA Design; MFA Design for Social Innovation; MFA Interaction Design; MFA Products of Design. STEM stands for science, technology, engineering or mathematics. The huge incentive for applying to one of these programs is that the Department of Homeland Security recognizes them as STEM. Therefore, if you are accepted and choose to enroll, students in these programs are eligible to apply for the 24-month STEM optional practical training extension, otherwise known as OPT. For more information about the visa process or OPT study, please contact SVA’s International Student Office at iso@sva.edu.
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