B.F.A. in Animation & Illustration

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Application Fees: US$ 70

Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their previous academic qualifications.

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
• TOEFL: Overall score of 61 or higher.
• PTE: Overall score of 44 or higher.
• DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.

San Jose State University (SJSU) offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid opportunities to support international students in pursuing their academic and career goals. These scholarships are awarded based on academic merit, leadership potential, extracurricular involvement, and other criteria. 

International Student Scholarship: SJSU offers the International Student Scholarship to outstanding international students who demonstrate academic excellence and leadership potential. The scholarship amount varies and is renewable each year, provided the recipient maintains the required GPA.

SJSU Merit Scholarships: International students are eligible to apply for various merit-based scholarships offered by SJSU. These scholarships are based on academic achievements and may cover partial or full tuition fees.

San Jose State University Honors Program Scholarship: The Honors Program at SJSU offers scholarships to academically talented international students who join the program. These scholarships provide financial assistance and may also offer opportunities for research and leadership development.

College and Departmental Scholarships: SJSU's colleges and departments may offer scholarships specifically for international students pursuing studies in particular fields or disciplines. These scholarships aim to support students' academic endeavors and may have specific eligibility criteria.

External Scholarships: SJSU encourages international students to explore external scholarship opportunities from organizations, governments, and foundations in their home countries. Some of these scholarships may be applicable to study at SJSU.

Privately Funded Scholarships: International students may also apply for privately funded scholarships and grants that are not administered by the university. These scholarships are often based on various criteria, such as financial need, academic performance, and community involvement.

Athletic Scholarships: SJSU's athletic program provides scholarships to student-athletes, including international athletes, who excel in sports. These scholarships cover tuition, fees, and other expenses related to their participation in university sports teams.

Graduates of San Jose State University's B.F.A. in Animation & Illustration program are equipped with a diverse skill set that prepares them for exciting careers in animation studios, film production, gaming industries, advertising agencies, and digital media.

Animator: Animators bring characters and scenes to life through movement and storytelling. They work in animation studios, film production companies, and gaming studios, creating animated sequences for movies, TV shows, video games, and interactive media.

Illustrator: Illustrators specialize in creating visual interpretations and narratives through drawings, paintings, and digital art. They work in publishing, advertising, editorial, and entertainment industries, producing illustrations for books, magazines, advertisements, and online content.

Storyboard Artist: Storyboard artists visualize and plan the sequence of events in visual storytelling, such as animation, film, or commercials. They create sequential drawings that outline the key scenes and actions to guide production teams and directors.

Character Designer: Character designers specialize in creating original characters for animation, gaming, and entertainment projects. They develop visual concepts, personalities, and unique traits that resonate with audiences and enhance storytelling.

Concept Artist: Concept artists visualize and develop visual concepts for environments, characters, and props in entertainment and gaming industries. They work closely with art directors and production teams to establish the visual style and direction of projects.

Game Artist: Game artists create artwork and graphics for video games, including characters, environments, textures, and user interface elements. They collaborate with game designers and developers to ensure visual consistency and enhance the gaming experience.

Visual Development Artist: Visual development artists explore and establish the visual style and mood of animated films, TV shows, or games. They create concept art, color scripts, and visual guides that define the look and feel of productions from early development stages.

Motion Graphics Designer: Motion graphics designers specialize in creating animated graphics and visual effects for videos, commercials, and digital media. They use animation software to integrate text, graphics, and visual elements that enhance storytelling and engage audiences.

Art Director: Art directors oversee the visual style and creative direction of projects in animation studios, advertising agencies, or design firms. They collaborate with creative teams, manage production timelines, and ensure artistic vision aligns with project goals and client expectations.

Freelance Illustrator/Animator: Freelance illustrators and animators work independently or on a contractual basis, offering their artistic skills to clients across various industries. They have the flexibility to work on diverse projects, from book illustrations and editorial cartoons to animation commissions and digital artwork.