M.F.A. in Game Design

Entry Requirements for Postgraduate Programs

Application Fees : US$ 75

Academic Requirements for Postgraduate Programs:

1. A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. This is equivalent to 60% and above.

English Language Proficiency Requirements: 

1. IELTS (International English Language Testing System):

   • Overall Score: 6.5 or higher.
   • No individual band score should be less than 6.
      

2. TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language - Internet-Based Test):

   • Overall Score: 79 or higher.
      

3. DET (Duolingo English Test):

   • A minimum score of 101 is required.

New York Film Academy (NYFA) offers various scholarships and financial aid options to international students pursuing their passion for filmmaking, acting, and the visual and performing arts. Scholarships at NYFA are highly competitive, and eligibility criteria may vary based on the specific scholarship program. 

1. International Student Scholarships: NYFA offers scholarships specifically designed for international students who demonstrate exceptional talent and commitment to their chosen field. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs.

2. Merit-Based Scholarships: NYFA recognizes outstanding academic and creative achievements. Merit-based scholarships are awarded to students who have excelled in their previous studies or have a strong portfolio of work.

3. Need-Based Financial Aid: NYFA provides financial assistance to students who can demonstrate a genuine financial need. This assistance may come in the form of grants, loans, or work-study programs.

4. Diversity Scholarships: NYFA values diversity and strives to create an inclusive learning environment. Diversity scholarships are awarded to students from underrepresented backgrounds who contribute to the academy's diverse community.

5. Continuing Student Scholarships: NYFA offers scholarships to current students who have shown exceptional progress and dedication in their studies. These scholarships encourage students to continue their creative pursuits.

6. Alumni Scholarships: Graduates of NYFA programs may be eligible for alumni scholarships when pursuing advanced studies at the academy. This encourages alumni to further develop their skills and expertise.

7. Country-Specific Scholarships: In some cases, NYFA may partner with governments, organizations, or foundations in specific countries to offer scholarships to students from those regions.

8. Film Festival Scholarships: NYFA has partnerships with various film festivals and may offer scholarships to students whose work is selected or recognized at these festivals.

9. Specialty Scholarships: NYFA occasionally offers scholarships tailored to students pursuing specific areas of study, such as documentary filmmaking, screenwriting, or animation.

To apply for scholarships at NYFA, international students typically need to meet specific application deadlines, provide a portfolio or samples of their work (for creative programs), and submit scholarship essays or statements that demonstrate their passion and dedication to their craft.

Graduates of NYFA's M.F.A. in Game Design program have a wide range of career prospects in the competitive field of game development. The New York Film Academy's M.F.A. in Game Design program offers a transformative educational journey for aspiring game designers and developers. Graduates, equipped with comprehensive education, industry-relevant curriculum, practical experience, experienced faculty, collaborative projects, and professional development opportunities, are well-prepared to embark on successful careers in the dynamic field of game development.

1. Game Designer: Graduates can pursue careers as game designers, responsible for conceptualizing game ideas, creating game mechanics, and designing engaging player experiences.

2. Game Developer: Graduates can work as game developers, specializing in programming and coding to bring game concepts to life through interactive and immersive experiences.

3. Level Designer: Level designers focus on crafting the individual levels and environments within a game, ensuring they are challenging, engaging, and visually captivating.

4. Narrative Designer: Some graduates may excel in narrative design, shaping the story and characters within games, creating immersive and emotionally resonant narratives.

5. User Experience (UX) Designer: UX designers focus on optimizing the overall user experience within games, ensuring that players find the game enjoyable and intuitive to navigate.

6. Game Producer: With experience, graduates can take on roles as game producers, overseeing the entire game development process, from concept to release.

7. Quality Assurance (QA) Tester: Graduates can start their careers as QA testers, responsible for testing and debugging games to ensure they meet quality standards.

8. Independent Game Developer: Some graduates may choose to become independent game developers, creating their own games or joining small indie studios.