First-Year Students

We seek unconventional thinkers, dreamers, and doers who are passionate about using their creative works to impact society.


Our admission process is designed for us to get to know you. We want to know about your creativity, passions and drive. 

Admissions Deadlines for First-Year Students

Admissions
University of the Arts offers recommended priority deadlines; first-year students who apply and submit all required materials by the priority deadline will receive first consideration for scholarship aid from UArts. Applications received after the priority deadline will be reviewed on a rolling, space-available basis.


International students requiring an F-1 visa to study in the U.S. might be subject to earlier deadlines to provide time for completion of the visa process. Contact Admissions for guidance if you are an international first-year student who wishes to apply after the priority deadline.

Spring 2024 priority deadline: Oct. 15, 2023

Fall 2024 priority deadline: Feb. 15, 2024

We cannot accept spring 2024 applications after Jan. 8, 2024, and cannot accept fall 2024 applications after Aug. 16, 2024.
 
Financial Aid
If you wish to be considered for financial aid, we recommend that you file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by

  • Oct. 15 for spring admission 

  • March 15 for fall admission

We encourage students to complete the FAFSA by March 15.

Many students and families have encountered technical challenges while trying to complete the FAFSA this year. If this is the case for you, continue to utilize the FAFSA support resources until your issue is resolved. University of the Arts will ensure that all admitted students who file the FAFSA are eligible for the same institutional funding to support your costs.

Learn more

Application Requirements

  • Start or resume your application. 
    • The application includes two required short-answer questions: What excites you about UArts? What inspires you?
  • $60 nonrefundable application fee
    • If you qualify for a fee waiver from NACAC, CollegeBoard, UArts or another source, indicate that on your application. If the cost of the application fee is a barrier, contact Admissions to request a fee waiver code.
  • Official high school transcript
  • Audition or portfolio 
    • A portfolio is required for all Art, Design, Film and Writing programs. Your portfolio may be uploaded during the application process or via your applicant status portal after submission. You must confirm when your submission is complete via the linked electronic form before your portfolio can be reviewed for admission. View a full list of portfolio requirements by program.
    • Auditions or interviews are required for all Dance, Music and Theater programs. After submitting your application, go to your applicant status portal to register for your virtual or on-campus audition day. View a full list of audition requirements by program. 
  • Optional letters of recommendation
    • Letters of recommendation from teachers or mentors are optional and may be submitted by the recommender via email to undergradcredentials@uarts.edu or by your high school through a secure electronic document-delivery service. 

Notification

Admissions Notification

Admissions decisions are sent on a rolling basis beginning in November. 

If you’ve already applied, check your application status portal to ensure all application materials have been received.

Questions? We're here to help.

Request more information.

Contact Admissions.

Resources for First-Year Students

Life at UArts

Experience our supportive, vibrant community where we support, challenge, and inspire the unconventional thinkers, dreamers, and doers passionate about advancing human creativity.

Explore Life at UArts

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The UArts campus is conveniently located in downtown Philadelphia’s cultural district, right along the Avenue of the Arts.

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