Step 1 — Complete Application and Pay Fee

Recommended deadline: December 15 (see note above)

Begin the process by completing an application for graduate admission and paying the application fee ($65 for U.S. and Permanent Resident applicants; $90 for International applicants).

Begin application

program-specific materials

Area(s) of Interest

Our program works across media and disciplines. However, our admissions, space allocation, and other resources are based on traditional break-downs of media. If you have one primary area of concentration, select it. If your work encompasses more than one medium regularly, and the portfolio materials submitted support experience in that area, you may select one additional area. (Do not check more than two areas total.) Applicants will not be penalized for not providing an additional area of interest.

• Painting and Drawing
• Photography and Media
• Printmaking
• Sculpture and Extended Media
• Transmedia

Please note that if you select an additional area, you consent to possibly being reviewed, admitted, and housed in that area.

If you’re uncertain as to which area is most appropriate for you, contact the Graduate Advisor.

Letters of Recommendation

List the names and email addresss of three people writing your Letters of Recommendation. After you’ve submitted your application and paid the fee, each of the three people will be emailed a secure link for submitting their Letter of Recommendation. All letters must be submitted electronically and must be received by the final application deadline.

Statement of Purpose

This should include your artist statement, along with your goals for graduate study and fit with our program. Limit 500 words. Upload as PDF.

CV/Resume

Upload as PDF.

Portfolio

• Images
  Submit up to 20 images (JPG or PNG), each no more than 5MB in file size, with a maximum dimension of 2000px on the longest side. For each image, include the title, year, medium, and dimensions. A description of the work — process, context, or anything else you'd like the committee to know — is optional.
• Video/Time-Based Work
  For video, sound, or performance-based work, submit excerpts of no more than 3 minutes per piece. For us to experience the full video, you may upload a live link to a password-free Vimeo or YouTube page (please ensure viewer controls remain active and the link stays live throughout the review period). Include the title, date, medium, and running time. A brief description of the work is optional.

Step 2 — Submit Transcripts and Language Test Scores

Transcript(s)

Applicants must submit an official transcript from all undergraduate and graduate institutions you’ve attended, with the exceptions of community or junior colleges that offer no coursework beyond the sophomore year.

Language Test Score (international applicants only)

A TOEFL or IELTS language test score is required of all international applicants not otherwise exempt. Reports are to be submitted directly to the Graduate School. Learn more about the Language Test requirement.

Please note that the minimum scores for admission to the graduate Studio Art program exceed those for admission to the Graduate School:

• TOEFL: 577 (paper test), 233 (computer-based test) or 90 (internet-based test)
• IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5

GRE Score

A GRE score is not required for admission to the graduate Studio Art program.
 

Step 3 — Confirm Receipt of all Application Materials

Use the university’s MyStatus website to monitor your application. It’s your responsibility to confirm that all materials have been received and the application is complete by the deadline. Late submissions will not be accepted (no exceptions).

Go to MyStatus

Use MyStatus to:

• See which application materials have been submitted and which are still required.
• Review the status of your recommendation letters, resend recommendation requests, or add recommenders.
• Upload transcripts as PDFs (if institutions can’t submit them electronically).
• See your admission status after a decision has been made.

Step 4 — Interviews with Finalists

Finalists in each area will be interviewed via Zoom at some point by mid-February. The department will initiate contact with finalists. Please do not contact the department to request an interview.

Step 5 — After the Decision

Please visit the Graduate School’s After Your Decision page for further information about admission, admission with conditions, and denials. Admissions to graduate programs at UT Austin are overseen by an Admissions Committee within the program. These committees are composed of experienced faculty members who are best-suited to determine the individuals who best meet program standards.

Unfortunately, when there are more qualified applicants than can adequately be instructed by the faculty or accommodated in the facilities, the Admissions Committee for the proposed area may deny admission to many applicants. Admissions recommendations to the Graduate Dean are final; there is no appeal process. We are not able to provide individual feedback to denied applicants.