Admissions

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Street view of the Admissions Welcome Center at 342 East 24th Street, New York, NY 10010Street view of the Admissions Welcome Center at 342 East 24th Street, New York, NY 10010

Please see below for our graduate and undergraduate offerings, including on-campus events, off-campus opportunities, and virtual sessions.

Visiting SVA

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 on our FAQs page.

SVA hosts a variety of in-person events and virtual experiences to help prospective graduate students learn about our programs and the application process. We invite you to attend as many as you wish, and we look forward to meeting you!

Graduate Admissions Events

  • SVA invites all prospective graduate students to join us this fall to learn about the graduate application process and meet Graduate Admissions staff. Get advice about application requirements, familiarize yourself with the application timeline, and learn how to apply.



    This virtual experience is a 1-hour live Zoom webinars consisting of a brief presentation and Q&A session. Guests can engage with Graduate Admissions staff by submitting questions via chat throughout the presentation.


    Attendees will receive an $80 application fee waiver if they apply for Summer 2026 or Fall 2026 admission. (Note: This waiver will be applied to the email address used to register for this webinar. It is important to use the same email address consistently throughout the entire application process.)


    SVA wants to ensure that persons with disabilities have access to these events. If you are a person with a disability who requires accommodations to access or participate in this event, please email or at least 7 business days prior to the event.

  • SVA invites all prospective international graduate students to join us this fall to learn about the graduate application process and meet staff from both the International Student Office (ISO) and get advice about international application requirements, foreign transcript evaluations, English Proficiency tests and how to apply.


    • November 24, 2025 (10:00 - 11:00am ET) REGISTER HERE


    This virtual experience is a 1-hour live Zoom webinar consisting of a brief presentation and Q&A session. Guests can engage with Graduate Admissions and ISO staff by submitting questions via chat throughout the presentation.


    Attendees will receive an $80 application fee waiver if they apply for Summer 2026 or Fall 2026 admission. (Note: This waiver will be applied to the email address used to register for this webinar. It is important to use the same email address consistently throughout the entire application process.)


    SVA wants to ensure that persons with disabilities have access to these events. If you are a person with a disability who requires accommodations to access or participate in this event, please email or at least 7 business days prior to the event.

  • The Graduate Admissions Overview is the perfect event for someone just starting to think about grad school or get a sense of what the application timeline is like.


    Prospective graduate students will gain information about SVA (location, campus, facilities, housing, etc.) and the 20 graduate programs we offer. Graduate Admissions staff will provide advice about application requirements, the application timeline and how to apply. We will also share tips about contacting graduate department(s) and getting more involved with other events.



    These virtual experiences are 2-hour live Zoom webinars consisting of a presentation and Q&A session. Guests can engage with Graduate Admissions staff by submitting questions via chat throughout the presentation.


    Attendees will receive an $80 application fee waiver if they apply for Summer 2026 or Fall 2026 admission. (Note: This waiver will be applied to the email address used to register for this webinar. It is important to use the same email address consistently throughout the entire application process.)


    SVA wants to ensure that persons with disabilities have access to these events. If you are a person with a disability who requires accommodations to access or participate in this event, please email or at least 7 business days prior to the event.

  • SVA invites all prospective graduate students to join us this fall to meet Graduate Admissions staff and hear from a panel of graduate alumni. Gain insight into what it’s like to be a graduate student and make the most of the Manhattan campus experience.


    These virtual experiences are 2-hour live Zoom webinars consisting of a panel of graduate alumni moderated by Graduate Admissions. Guests can submit questions for the panelists via chat throughout the event. Please note that only the departments listed will have aa panelist available at each event.


    Attendees will receive an $80 application fee waiver if they apply for Summer 2026 or Fall 2026 admission. (Note: This waiver will be applied to the email address used to register for this webinar. It is important to use the same email address consistently throughout the entire application process.)


    SVA wants to ensure persons with disabilities have access to this event. If you are a person with a disability who requires accommodations to access or participate in this event, please email SVA or at least 7 business days prior to the event.


    November 20, 2025 (6:00 - 8:00pm ET)


    This panel will only feature alumni from the following graduate departments:

    • MA Art Education
    • MAT Art Education
    • MPS Art Therapy
    • MFA Design
    • MFA Design for Social Innovation
    • MA Design Research, Writing, and Criticism
    • MFA Interaction Design
    • MFA Products of Design

    December 11, 2025 (6:00 - 8:00pm ET)


    This panel will only feature alumni from the following graduate departments:

    • MFA Art Practice
    • MFA Computer Arts
    • MA Curatorial Practice
    • MPS Digital Photography
    • MPS Film Directing
    • MFA Fine Arts
    • MFA Illustration as Visual Essay
    • MFA Photography, Video, and Related Media
    • MFA Visual Narrative

Graduate National Portfolio Days

  • EVENT: Online Graduate Portfolio Day #2


    DATE & TIME: Sunday, November 16, 2025 (12:00 - 4:00 pm ET)


    LOCATION: VisitDays Virtual Platform


    Only the following SVA departments will be present: 

    • Graduate Admissions
    • MFA Art Practice
    • MPS Branding
    • MFA Computer Arts
    • MPS Data Visualization and Communication
    • MFA Design
    • MFA Design for Social Innovation
    • MPS Digital Photography
    • MFA Fine Arts
    • MFA Interaction Design
    • MFA Photography, Video, and Related Media
    • MFA Products of Design
    • MFA Visual Narrative

    EVENT INFO: Please note that only the departments noted will be present. On the day of the event, guests can schedule an appointment for a portfolio review with their program(s) of choice. Reviews are only available on a first-come, first-serve reservation basis. Also note that if you are interested in multiple programs at SVA, please plan to schedule separate appointments with each department representative.


    NPDA INFO: SVA is an active participant in the Graduate National Portfolio Days (GR-NPDs) sponsored by the National Portfolio Day Association (NPDA). As a member of NPDA, representatives from SVA will join other colleges to review portfolios, offer helpful suggestions and provide information on specific graduate programs and requirements. All Graduate National Portfolio Day events are free and open to the public. Additional information, including answers to frequently asked questions can be found on the National Portfolio Day Association website.


    WHAT TO PREPARE: The SVA portfolio review is a great opportunity to receive helpful feedback on your work before you submit your official portfolio submission with your graduate application. Please take digital photos of any physical pieces and gather 10-15 images into a multipage PDF in preparation for the event. We recommend showing us recent work or pieces that you feel best represent your technical and creative ability. 


    Even if you don’t feel like you have a full portfolio of work to show, you can still meet with a Graduate Admissions representative to ask questions and get info on our graduate programs!

  • EVENT: San Francisco Graduate Portfolio Day


    DATE & TIME: Sunday, November 2, 2025 (10:00am - 2:00pm PT)


    LOCATION: California College of the Arts

    145 Hooper Street, San Francisco, CA, 94107


    Only the following SVA departments will be present:

    • Graduate Admissions
    • MFA Art Practice
    • MFA Computer Arts
    • MFA Design
    • MFA Fine Arts

    EVENT INFO: This is an in-person event that is free and open to the public. Please note that only the department noted will be present. On the day of the event, guests should line up for a portfolio review. Reviews are only available on a first-come, first-serve basis. 


    WHAT TO PREPARE: The SVA portfolio review is a great opportunity to receive helpful feedback on your work before you submit your official portfolio submission with your graduate application. Please take digital photos of any physical pieces and gather 10-15 images into a multipage PDF in preparation for the event. We recommend showing us recent work or pieces that you feel best represent your technical and creative ability.


    NPDA INFO: SVA is an active participant in the Graduate National Portfolio Days (GR-NPDs) sponsored by the National Portfolio Day Association (NPDA). As a member of NPDA, representatives from SVA will join other colleges to review portfolios, offer helpful suggestions and provide information on specific graduate programs and requirements. Additional information, including answers to frequently asked questions can be found on the National Portfolio Day Association website.


    Even if you don’t feel like you have a full portfolio of work to show, you can still meet with a Graduate Admissions representative to ask questions and get info on our graduate programs!

  • EVENT: New York Graduate Portfolio Day


    DATE & TIME: Sunday, November 9, 2025 (12:00 - 4:00pm ET)


    LOCATION: Parsons School of Design, The New School

    63 5th Avenue, New York, NY, 10003


    Only the following SVA departments will be present: 

    • Graduate Admissions
    • MFA Art Practice
    • MPS Art Therapy
    • MPS Branding
    • MFA Computer Arts
    • MFA Design
    • MFA Design for Social Innovation
    • MPS Digital Photography
    • MFA Fine Arts
    • MFA Illustration as Visual Essay
    • MFA Interaction Design
    • MFA Photography, Video, and Related Media
    • MFA Products of Design
    • MFA Visual Narrative

    EVENT INFO: This is an in-person event that is free and open to the public. Please note that only the departments noted will be present and each representative can only speak for the requirements of their respective program. On the day of the event, guests should line up for a portfolio review with their first program of choice. Reviews are only available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Also note that if you are interested in multiple programs at SVA, please plan to have separate appointments with each department representative.


    WHAT TO PREPARE: The SVA portfolio review is a great opportunity to receive helpful feedback on your work before you submit your official portfolio submission with your graduate application. Please take digital photos of any physical pieces and gather 10-15 images into a multipage PDF in preparation for the event. We recommend showing us recent work or pieces that you feel best represent your technical and creative ability.


    NPDA INFO: SVA is an active participant in the Graduate National Portfolio Days (GR-NPDs) sponsored by the National Portfolio Day Association (NPDA). As a member of NPDA, representatives from SVA will join other colleges to review portfolios, offer helpful suggestions and provide information on specific graduate programs and requirements. Additional information, including answers to frequently asked questions can be found on the National Portfolio Day Association website.


    Even if you don’t feel like you have a full portfolio of work to show, you can still meet with a Graduate Admissions representative to ask questions and get info on our graduate programs!

  • EVENT: Miami Graduate Portfolio Day


    DATE & TIME: Monday, December 8, 2025 (4:00 - 8:00pm ET)


    LOCATION: Florida International University

    Biscayne Bay Campus 3000 N.E. 151st Street, North Miami, Florida 33181


    Only the following SVA departments will be present:

    • Graduate Admissions
    • MFA Art Practice
    • MFA Computer Arts
    • MFA Design
    • MFA Fine Arts

    EVENT INFO: This is an in-person event that is free and open to the public. Please note that only the departments noted will be present and each representative can only speak for the requirements of their respective program. On the day of the event, guests should line up for a portfolio review with their first program of choice. Reviews are only available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Also note that if you are interested in multiple programs at SVA, please plan to have separate appointments with each department representative.


    WHAT TO PREPARE: The SVA portfolio review is a great opportunity to receive helpful feedback on your work before you submit your official portfolio submission with your graduate application. Please take digital photos of any physical pieces and gather 10-15 images into a multipage PDF in preparation for the event. We recommend showing us recent work or pieces that you feel best represent your technical and creative ability.


    NPDA INFO: SVA is an active participant in the Graduate National Portfolio Days (GR-NPDs) sponsored by the National Portfolio Day Association (NPDA). As a member of NPDA, representatives from SVA will join other colleges to review portfolios, offer helpful suggestions and provide information on specific graduate programs and requirements. Additional information, including answers to frequently asked questions can be found on the National Portfolio Day Association website.


    Even if you don’t feel like you have a full portfolio of work to show, you can still meet with a Graduate Admissions representative to ask questions and get info on our graduate programs!

Graduate Dept. Events & Resources

  • Join our combined School of Visual Arts Graduate departments for an in-person portfolio review and information session. Prospective graduate students can get feedback on their portfolio and speak with graduate department representatives about curriculum, SVA campus life, and new interdisciplinary options. 


    Attendees can meet with the following SVA departments:

    • MA/MAT Art Education
    • MPS Art Therapy
    • MPS Branding
    • MFA Computer Arts
    • MA Curatorial Practice
    • MPS Data Visualization and Communication
    • MFA Design
    • MFA Design for Social Innovation
    • MA Design Research, Writing, and Criticism
    • MPS Digital Photography
    • MPS Fashion Photography
    • MPS Film Directing
    • MFA Fine Arts
    • MFA Illustration as Visual Essay
    • MFA Interaction Design
    • MFA Photography, Video, and Related Media
    • MFA Products of Design
    • MFA Visual Narrative
    • Graduate Admissions


    2026 APPLICATION FEE WAIVER: One graduate application fee waiver will be awarded to each attendee after the conclusion of the event. The waiver will be applied to the email address used to register for this event. It is important to use the same email address consistently throughout the entire SVA graduate application process.


    ACCESS:

    SVA wants to ensure persons with disabilities have access to this event. If you are a person with a disability who requires accommodations to access or participate in this event, please email SVA Disability Resources at disabilityresources@sva.edu at least 7 business days prior to the event.


  • Each graduate department hosts a variety of in-person and virtual opportunities to meet prospective students and provide program-specific Information. Many of these experiences involve meeting with the chair, faculty, department staff, current students, or alumni.


    You may view event descriptions and secure your spot via the links below.


    MA/MAT Art Education:

    • Information Session (in-person) - November 11, 2025 (5:30 - 7:00pm ET) REGISTER HERE
    • Information Session (virtual) - December 2, 2025 (5:30 - 7:00pm ET) REGISTER HERE
    • Luncheon Information Session and Q&A (virtual) - January 14, 2026 (11:30am - 12:30pm) REGISTER HERE
    • Appointments and tours are available by request. Please contact Courtney Treglia () to schedule.


    MFA Art Practice:

    • Meet with an MFA Art Practice faculty member. Schedule your conversation today! REGISTER HERE


    MPS Art Therapy:

    • Information Session (virtual) - October 29, 2025 (5:00 - 6:00pm ET) REGISTER HERE
    • Information Session (in-person) - November 1, 2025 (10:00am - 12:00pm ET) REGISTER HERE
    • Q&A Session (virtual) - January 7, 2026 (5:00 - 6:00pm ET) REGISTER HERE
    • Individual information sessions are available by appointment only. Please contact  to schedule.


    MPS Branding

    • You can schedule a one-on-one in-person studio or virtual meeting to learn more about our program! Book a tour or meeting with Amelia Nash, MPS Branding Brand and Marketing Manager.


    MFA Computer Arts:

    • Information Session (in-person) - November 22, 2025 (1:00 - 3:00pm ET) REGISTER HERE
    • Information Session (virtual) - December 13, 2025 (10:00am - 12:00pm ET) REGISTER HERE
    • Tours and meetings (both in-person and virtual) are available by request. Please contact to schedule.


    MA Curatorial Practice:

    • Information Session (virtual) - November 20, 2025 (10:00 - 11:00am ET) REGISTER HERE
    • Application Q&A and Information Session (virtual) - December 11, 2025 (10:00 - 11:00am ET) REGISTER HERE
    • Information Session (virtual) - January 10, 2026 (10:00 - 11:00am ET) REGISTER HERE
    • Individual information sessions are available by appointment only. Please contact Connor Warnick, Director of Operations () to schedule.


    MFA Design:

    • Weekly Q&A sessions are offered via Zoom or in person every Thursday at 11:00am ET. Please contact Veronika Golova, Director of Operations () to schedule.


    MA Design Research, Writing, and Criticism

    • Information Session (virtual) - October 28, 2025 (12:00 - 1:00pm ET) REGISTER HERE
    • Open House (in-person) - November 4, 2025 (6:30 - 8:00pm ET) REGISTER HERE
    • Individual information sessions are available by appointment only. Please contact  to schedule.


    MFA Design for Social Innovation

    • Ask Us Anything Information Session (virtual) - October 23, 2025 (9:00 - 10:00am ET) REGISTER HERE
    • Open House (virtual) - November 6, 2025 (8:30 - 10:00am ET) REGISTER HERE
    • Open House (in-person) - November 14, 2025 (5:00 - 8:00pm ET) REGISTER HERE
    • Ask Us Anything Information Session (virtual) - November 18, 2025 (9:00 - 10:00pm ET) REGISTER HERE
    • Ask Us Anything Information Session (virtual) - December 9, 2025 (9:00 - 10:00am ET) REGISTER HERE
    • Individual information sessions and virtual/in-person tours are available by request. Please contact to schedule.


    MPS Digital Photography:

    • Application Q&A (virtual) - November 11, 2025 (8:00 - 9:00pm ET) REGISTER HERE
    • Application Q&A (virtual) - December 8, 2025 (9:00 - 10:00am ET) REGISTER HERE
    • Individual virtual or in-person information sessions are available by appointment only. Please contact to schedule.


    MPS Fashion Photography:

    • Individual information sessions are available by appointment only. Please contact Barry Sutton, Chair () to schedule.


    MPS Film Directing:

    • Individual information sessions are available by appointment only. Please contact Cailin McFadden, Director of Operations (cmcfadden@sva.edu) to schedule.


    MFA Fine Arts:

    • Individual information sessions are available by appointment. Please contact Nelson Santos, Academic Advisor () to schedule.


    MFA Interaction Design:

    • Information Session (virtual) - November 19, 2025 (8:00 - 9:00pm ET) REGISTER HERE
    • Open Studios (in-person) - December 10, 2025 (4:00 - 8:00pm ET) REGISTER HERE
    • Schedule a one-on-one in-person studio or virtual meeting to learn more about the program! Please contact interactiondesign@sva.edu to schedule.


    MFA Illustration as Visual Essay:

    • Information Session (virtual) - October 22, 2025 (6:00 - 8:00pm ET) REGISTER HERE
    • Application Q&A (virtual) - December 2, 2025 (10:00 - 11:00am ET) REGISTER HERE
    • Individual information sessions with the chair, Riccardo Vecchio, are available Monday-Wednesday mornings by appointment only. Please contact to schedule.


    MFA Photography, Video, and Related Media:

    • Open House (in-person) - November 11, 2025 (5:30 - 7:00pm ET) REGISTER HERE
    • Open House (in-person) - December 2, 2025 (5:30 - 8:00pm ET) REGISTER HERE
    • Individual appointments are available by appointment only. Please contact Randy West, Director of Operations () to schedule.

    

    MFA Products of Design:

    • Open House & Information Session (virtual) - November 6, 2025 (7:30 - 9:00pm ET) REGISTER HERE
    • Open House & Information Session (in-person) - December 3, 2025 (6:30 - 8:00pm ET) REGISTER HERE
    • In-person or video-chat meeting requests, scheduling appointments to sit in on a class, portfolio preparation tips, or any other questions can be directed to Julia Knoll, Director of Operations, ().


    MFA Visual Narrative:

    • Information Session (virtual) - November 3, 2025 (7:30 - 9:30pm ET) REGISTER HERE
    • Alumni Panel (virtual) - December 3, 2025 (7:30 - 9:30pm ET) REGISTER HERE
    • Individual Information sessions and portfolio reviews are available by appointment only. Please contact to schedule.


    If you don’t see your program of interest listed above, please contact the department directly for more information about other upcoming events and opportunities to visit throughout the year!

  • Please contact your chosen program directly to find out about other opportunities to visit or ask questions about the curriculum or faculty.


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