An ideal applicant for the New York Film Academy MFA in Filmmaking must demonstrate a sincere passion for filmmaking, the ability and desire to collaborate with other artists in a creative environment, and must submit a creative portfolio (Supporting Materials) that illustrate the applicant’s ability to undertake graduate level study, accelerated level of talent and potential for success within the profession.

Candidates for admission to the MFA program must possess a Bachelor’s Degree from a post-secondary institution recognized by the United States Department of Education. Candidates who possess a Bachelor’s Degree from a New York or California state approved school will also be considered for admission. No particular major or minor is required as a prerequisite for admission, but applicants with a strong background in storytelling, and/or the visual arts are preferred. While GPA will be taken into consideration, and is an important component of the admissions process, the strength of the candidate’s creative portfolio is the primary determining factor for admission. Special attention will be given to grades assigned in areas of study related to any aspects of Filmmaking such as the visual arts, Design, theater arts, fine arts, performing arts, and the humanities.  A grade of B- or better is required in these areas for MFA applicants.

Applicants who wish to pursue a Master of Fine Arts in Filmmaking Degree who have received a Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent degree) from a foreign institution must submit a

credentials comparison evaluation of all undergraduate work in order to verify their Bachelor’s Degree equivalency. All transcripts and portfolio materials documenting prior collegiate (including credentials comparison evaluation, if applicable) will be evaluated by the Academy faculty and Admissions Committee. New York Film Academy faculty and the Admissions Committee are also responsible for reviewing all applications and ensuring, via direct interviews and other pre-enrollment portfolio assessment sessions with prospective students that the Academy does not admit students that are obviously unqualified or do not have a reasonable prospect of successfully completing the program of instruction.

In addition to the current application booklet, applicants must submit the following:

• Narrative Statement
• Résumé
• TOEFL Scores or other means of verifying proficiency in English (if first language is not English)
• Supporting Materials (will not be returned; see below)
• Sealed Official Academic Transcripts from Prior Institution(s) sent directly from the issuing institution to the NYFA Registrar’s Office
• Two Letters of Recommendation verifying the applicant’s ability to undertake graduate study in the field successfully
• $50 Non-Refundable Application Fee (Check or money order only in US dollars   made payable to NYFA.)

All students for whom English is not a first or native language must submit one of the following to verify proficiency in the language:

• A certified written TOEFL score of 500 or higher.
• A computer-based TOEFL score of 173 or higher.
• An internet-based TOEFL score of 61 or higher.
• A report from a designated English Language School verifying completion of equivalent level of a written TOEFL score of 500 or higher.
• An official transcript verifying completion of postsecondary education in which English is language of communication.

Prospective students whose scores are below our requirements or who are unable to verify proficiency in the language will be declined admission.

Transcripts from prior academic institutions must be sealed official transcripts sent directly from the institution in question to the New York Film Academy’s Registrar’s Office. Transcripts, which have been opened, photocopied, or augmented in any way, will not be accepted as

evidence of prior academic accomplishment. Prospective students who fail to provide the admissions committee with applicable sealed academic transcripts will be declined admission to the Academy.

into account the individual’s history, formative creative experiences, contemporary influences and inspirations, and personal artistic dreams.

Applicants must submit one or two examples of original work that best demonstrate their talent and ability as creative individuals. All film/video submissions must be submitted on VHS videotape or DVD, regardless of image capture format (20 minutes maximum). Applicants may also submit supporting materials such as slides or photographs (10 maximum).

Creative samples are accepted in various stages of development, or as completed work. Examples of work can range from drawings, conceptual illustrations, storyboards, designs, photographs of prop construction, etc. Photographs of set design and/or theater lighting design, three dimensional models, or

digitally generated images can also be included if available. Students may choose to submit a typed screenplay (20 page maximum).

While the creative portfolio is normally the primary determining factor for admission, the New York Film Academy understands that many applicants have attained applicable skills from various professional experiences in publishing, entertainment law, theater, online business ventures, architecture, etc. Often, with these applicants, it is the narrative statement and résumé that reveal the most about an applicant's qualifications, and potential for success in the program, to the Admissions Committee.

It is the general policy of the New York Film Academy Master of Fine Arts in Filmmaking Degree Program neither to accept transfer credits from other academic postsecondary institutions, nor to consider prior experiential learning for application toward any degree or non-degree course of study.

Veterans and other eligible students desiring credit for previous academic work or training may submit a written request for such credit to the Registrar, along with any supporting documentation (e.g. transcripts or syllabi.)  If credit is awarded, the length and/or requirements of the program will be adjusted

appropriately, at the Registrar’s discretion, and both the student and the Department of Veteran Affairs will be notified in writing.

Furthermore, the New York Film Academy makes no representation whatsoever that credits earned in the Master of Fine Arts in Filmmaking Degree Program or any non-degree program or workshop operated by the New York Film Academy will be accepted or applied toward the completion of any degree or certificate by any other postsecondary institution. The acceptance of transfer credits is always governed by the receiving school.

A student will be declined admission to the Academy if the Admissions Committee determines that he or she does not meet the requirements of the Admissions Policy, or if no space is available in the Master of Fine Arts in Filmmaking Degree Program. Students who do

not speak English will also be declined admission, given that all instruction is conducted in English. Students who are unable to meet the financial obligations of the workshop one month prior to the start date will also be declined admission.

The New York Film Academy is authorized under Federal law to enroll nonimmigrant alien students with F-1 student visas.  Once admitted to the Academy, international students will be issued an I-20 form from the Academy.  Students requiring aid in this process may contact Lenore Lyons, Director of NYFA’s Office of International students, by phone at (212) 674-4300, or by email at international@nyfa.edu or Lenore@nyfa.edu.  If you are a student who is already in the United States on an F-1 or other visa, please also contact Lenore, as that process will be different.

Foreign students must complete the following steps to ensure the best chance of being granted a Visa:

• Apply to the school, and pay an additional $150 International Student Application Fee.
• Complete an I-20 application.  This will be sent via email upon NYFA’s receipt of the application.  Additional copies may be obtained by emailing international@nyfa.edu. Completion of this application will require proof of funding for all tuition and living expenses (e.g. a letter from a bank or a recent bank statement).
• The I-20 Certificate will be sent to the student via courier.
• Make an appointment for a Visa interview at the US Embassy in the student’s home country.  Canadian citizens do not need to complete this last step, but must still obtain an I-20 Certificate and enter the US on F-1 student status.

If you are denied a visa, your deposit will be refunded to you minus the $150 fee.