School of Visual Arts
The School of Visual Arts has been a leader in the education of artists, designers, and creative professionals for more than seven decades.
With a faculty of distinguished working professionals, dynamic curriculum, and an emphasis on critical thinking, SVA immerses students in their chosen major from the first year, building skills and preparing them for careers in the arts.
SVA was ranked #1 Best 2D Animation School in the World by The Rookies 2024 Global School Rankings; #1 Best Illustration Schools in the U.S. by The Art Career Project 2024; and Best Fine Arts Programs by U.S. News & World Report.
See more about SVA’s awards and rankings online.
Student experience
- Co-op/Internship Opportunities
- Disability Services
- LGBTQIA Services
- Military/Veteran Services
- On-Campus Housing
- Study Abroad
- Undergraduate Research
- Veteran Fee Waiver
Application information
First-year
The School of Visual Arts reviews applicants for admission on a rolling basis and for as long as space is available in our programs. Priority is given to applications submitted by the postmark deadlines listed below:
Fall Admissions
- December - Early Action Deadline (nonbinding early admission for first-time freshmen)
- February 1 - Scholarship Consideration Deadline for first-time freshmen
- October 1 - Deadline for International Applicants
- November 1 - Scholarship Consideration Deadline for all applicants
Transfer
Find more information about application requirements and transfer policies.
Image gallery
Additional information
Merit-based scholarships are awarded to select freshman and transfer applicants to the full-time BFA program based on creative and academic accomplishments.
To be considered, all admission materials must be submitted by the postmark deadlines listed above. All applicants, including international students and U.S. permanent residents, will be considered without a separate scholarship application form. Portfolios may be submitted online at sva.slideroom.com. Only scholarship recipients will be notified.
NYC Scholarship
Incoming freshman students graduating from any high school within the five boroughs of New York City who qualify for a Federal Pell Grant will be awarded a minimum of $30,000 per year in combined SVA scholarships and need-based grants.
Financial Aid
Financial aid consists of scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs. Scholarships and grants are considered gift aid, as these awards do not require repayment. Loans and work-study are considered self-help, as students must repay loans or work to earn the award. Students are considered for merit-based awards based on their academic performance and achievements, while their financial information is considered for need-based awards.
Find more at sva.edu/scholarship and sva.edu/financial-aid.
Visit us
SVA hosts a range of in-person and virtual events to help students learn about our majors, the application process, and scholarships. Visit Us in Manhattan for a campus tour or Open House, attend a virtual session, or meet us on the road at National Portfolio Day events.
We invite you to attend as many as you wish, and we look forward to meeting you!
Can’t make it to visit us in person? Take the virtual tour. Find out more and plan your trip to New York City at sva.edu/visit.
Questions? Call 212.592.2100 or email admissions@sva.edu.
“There is no creative culture of New York City without SVA.”