We approach artmaking holistically: artists in the program are not defined or separated by medium or discipline. We view process as a kind of critical thinking.

Artists in the program engage in research-based practices, and are encouraged to converse and collaborate across subject matters using a combination of traditional and non-traditional media, technologies and techniques. We aim to create a global community of artists and cultural producers who look beyond a consensus driven approach to how we define what’s important in contemporary art.

To that end, a carefully selected, small group of MFA candidates come together at SVA’s NYC campus for three successive, intensive summer residency periods where they have the opportunity to work closely with artists, designers, writers, critics and curators.

The MFA Art Practice program’s course of study addresses a wide range of intellectual, aesthetic, technical and practical concerns. An underlying thread across the curriculum is the ability to situate one’s creative practice within a thoroughly considered social context.The program’s low-residency framework comprises three intensive summer residency periods on SVA’s campus in the heart of Chelsea in New York City, and four semesters of rigorous, highly interactive rich-media coursework that can be completed from anywhere in the world. Throughout the program, each artist also works under the close guidance of an assigned mentor.

Artists in the program engage in research-based practices, and are encouraged to converse and collaborate across subject matters using a combination of traditional and non-traditional media, technologies and techniques. Students combine personal narrative with critical theory to create works that comment on societal issues. The atmosphere is one that promotes experimentation without fear of failure.

Degree candidates must successfully complete 60 credits, including all required courses. The final summer semester includes the public presentation of a thesis project and accompanying written thesis document.

See the full course listing here.

Facilities include a digital sculpture center, a bio-art lab and video and sound editing facilities in addition to a wood shop, metals shop, ceramics studio and fibers lab. In the intervening fall and spring semesters, participants engage in required, rich-media online coursework from all over the world. Learn more.

For the most up to date information about tuition and fees, please visit the Student Accounts page.

The SVA Office of Financial Aid coordinates the many sources of aid to meet as much of the students’ financial needs as funding permits. Contact the office for more information at 212.592.2030.

The MFA Art Practice program is committed to forming strong and diverse cohorts of the most promising artists. To that end, we offer over $120,000 in departmental awards annually. Additionally, there are several university wide scholarships as well as outside scholarships that we encourage you to pursue.

Can international students apply to this program?
Yes. This school is authorized under federal law to enroll nonimmigrant alien students. Please see the international applicant's section on the SVA web site for the application requirements specific to you.

Can I apply for the F-1 student visa?
Once you have received an offer of admission and submitted your enrollment fee, a sufficient and official (original) Declaration of Finance form (DOF) and Verification of Finances (VOF, a bank statement or letter), a SEVIS Form I-20 will be issued to you by mail. You must take these forms with other required documents to your local U.S. embassy or consulate. Required documents include a valid passport, the original letter of acceptance from SVA, evidence of financial support, proof of permanent residency outside of the U.S., the visa application form, two photographs in a specified format, and the receipt of your $200 SEVIS fee payment. You must repeat this procedure each summer in your home country before the start of the summer semester.

How long can I stay in the U.S.?
Students can be admitted to the U.S. 30-days before the summer semester begins, and stay for 60-days after the summer semester end date on a "grace period." Since MFA Art Practice students are not enrolled full time in the Fall and Spring semesters, students cannot stay in the U.S. on the F-1 visa during those times. This is because by law, full-time enrollment (minimum of 12-credits at SVA) is required to maintain a valid visa status. The Fall and Spring semesters of the MFA Art Practice program are offered online only and total less than full-time enrollment (total of 9 credits). By law, no more than one online course may count towards full-time enrollment. For this reason, we cannot sponsor the visa during the Fall and Spring semesters.

Am I eligible for F-1 visa benefits, such as employment eligibility?
Federal regulations are very strict about employment for F-1 students. MFA Art Practice students are only eligible to work on-campus during the summer semesters. They are not eligible for paid or unpaid off-campus employment or internships.

What are the English language requirements for the program?
A strong command of both spoken and written English is essential for success in the MFA Art Practice program. Participants must be comfortable reading and engaging with theoretical texts. A written thesis, between 15 and 50 pages is also a requirement for graduation. Therefore, MFA Art Practice applicants must obtain a minimum score of 100 (internet-based) or 250 (computer-based) TOEFL to be considered for admission to the program.

Successful applicants will have completed a full undergraduate education and have been granted a BA, BS, BFA or the equivalent. Applicants are not required to have an undergraduate degree in fine arts. Most candidates will have between two and five years experience as a practicing artist beyond their undergraduate education. However, we expect that some students may come directly from an undergraduate degree program. Applicants should be fluent English speakers and writers and be able to demonstrate technical proficiency in at least one visual art form. Because of the nature of a low residency program, candidates must demonstrate a high level of professional discipline, be self-reliant, and be prepared to take significant personal responsibility for the successful completion of their graduate program. Applications submitted on or before December 9 will be considered for early decision. The preferred general application deadline is January 15.

Full application instructions are available here.

The Summer 2025 session of the MFA Art Practice program runs from June 16 - August 4.

Mandatory orientation: June 16 - 20

Classes begin: June 23

Classes end for Y1 and Y3: August 1

Classes end for Y2: August 4