M.F.A. in Animation & Visual Effects

Entry requirements for Postgraduate Programs

Application Fees : US$ 500

1. Academic Qualifications:

• For Postgraduate Programs, international students are required to have a bachelor's degree from a recognized institution. The academic qualifications must be equivalent to U.S. standards.

2. English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: A minimum overall score of 7 with no individual band score less than 6.5.
• TOEFL iBT: A minimum overall score of 82.
• DET (Duolingo English Test): A minimum DET score of 110 is required.

The Academy of Art University offers a range of scholarships to international students, helping to make art and design education more accessible. Scholarships are available for both undergraduate and graduate programs, and they can significantly ease the financial burden of tuition. 

1. International Student Scholarship: This scholarship is specifically designed for international students who are applying for undergraduate programs. The award amount varies, and eligibility criteria may include a strong academic background, portfolio quality, and a passion for art and design.

2. The Spring Show Scholarship: The Spring Show is an annual event showcasing the best works from the Academy's students. This scholarship recognizes students who have participated in this event and demonstrated exceptional talent. It can be a substantial financial aid package.

3. Athletic Scholarship: International students with exceptional athletic skills may be eligible for athletic scholarships. The availability and amount of these scholarships depend on the student's performance and contribution to the university's sports teams.

4. Academic Scholarships: The Academy of Art University offers various academic scholarships based on a student's academic performance. Students who have achieved excellence in their previous studies may qualify for these scholarships.

5. Portfolio Scholarships: Many scholarships are awarded based on the quality of a student's portfolio. These scholarships often require students to submit a portfolio that demonstrates their artistic skills and creativity.

6. Alumni Scholarships: The Academy values its alumni and offers scholarships to relatives of alumni. This scholarship may be open to international students who have family members who attended the university.

7. Graduate Scholarships: International students pursuing graduate programs can also access scholarships based on their academic achievements and career goals. These scholarships can help offset the costs of a master's or doctoral degree.

It's important to note that scholarship availability and criteria may change over time.

The Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) in Animation & Visual Effects program at the Academy of Art University is a pioneering program that prepares students for dynamic careers in the animation and visual effects industry. With a strong foundation in both artistic and technical aspects, graduates are well-prepared to make significant contributions to various media and entertainment projects. 

1. Visual Effects Supervisor: Graduates can pursue leadership roles as visual effects supervisors, overseeing the creation of stunning visual effects for film, television, and gaming projects. They work closely with directors and creative teams to bring cinematic visions to life.

2. Animation Director: Animation directors lead animation teams in the creation of animated content. They play a pivotal role in shaping the artistic and narrative direction of animation projects, from feature films to commercials.

3. 3D Animator: As 3D animators, graduates specialize in creating lifelike and dynamic 3D character animations. They work on a wide array of projects, including video games, movies, and simulations.

4. Character Designer: Graduates can become character designers, crafting memorable and unique characters for animation and gaming projects. They infuse personality and distinctive traits into characters to engage audiences.

5. Visual Effects Artist: Visual effects artists create compelling visual effects, including explosions, fantastical creatures, and magical transformations. They use computer-generated imagery (CGI) to enhance storytelling in film and television.

6. Technical Director: Technical directors bridge the gap between artistic creativity and technical execution. They ensure that visual effects and animations meet the necessary technical requirements.

7. Storyboard Artist: Storyboard artists translate scripts into visual sequences, providing a blueprint for filmmakers and animators. They play an essential role in pre-production planning.

8. Concept Artist: Concept artists are responsible for creating initial visual concepts and designs for characters, environments, and objects in various media, setting the artistic direction for projects like video games and animation.

9. Character Rigger: Character riggers design the skeletal structure (rig) of 3D characters, allowing them to move realistically. This skill is crucial for character animation.

10. Compositing Artist: Compositing artists integrate visual elements into a cohesive final image, working in post-production to combine live-action footage with CGI, creating seamless visual effects.

11. Motion Graphics Designer: Motion graphics designers create animated graphics for broadcast, web, and social media, conveying information and enhancing storytelling.

12. Game Designer: Graduates can enter the gaming industry as game designers, shaping gameplay, mechanics, and the overall player experience in video games.

13. Educator: Some graduates opt for careers in education, becoming instructors in animation and visual effects programs, imparting their knowledge to the next generation of creative talent.

14. VR/AR Developer: Graduates can explore emerging fields like virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), developing immersive experiences and applications.

15. Freelance Artist: Freelancing offers graduates the flexibility to work on a project-by-project basis, enabling them to explore diverse creative opportunities.

16. Art Director: Art directors oversee the visual style and direction of projects, ensuring that they meet artistic and storytelling objectives.