Admissions Requirements

Ranked as one of the top film schools in America, the AFI Conservatory is searching for the next generation of filmmakers with individual artistic voices to apply as Fellows to one of the six disciplines in our MFA program. The AFI Conservatory does not offer any undergraduate degree programs and only admits once a year for fall term.

AFI Fellows come from a diverse background and are represented by the majority of states in the U.S. and over 40 countries around the world. Fellows at the Conservatory bring to life our mission and vision by serving as artists and leaders in the art of storytelling and influencing culture through their contributions to film and television.

The information on this page is for applicants to learn how to successfully apply to the MFA program, as well as provide instructions on material submissions for the Cinematography, Directing, Editing, Producing, Production Design, and Screenwriting disciplines.

The AFI Admissions Office understands applying to graduate school is a lot of work and appreciates the time and attention every applicant puts into their materials. Should there be any questions about the admissions requirements, please contact the Admissions Office for clarification at Admissions@AFI.edu.

BEFORE YOU APPLY

Learn about each AFI Conservatory program and decide which program is the best fit.
Read the FAQ as it provides answers to many frequently asked questions.
Learn about tuition, fees and estimated living expenses by reviewing and understanding the cost of attendance.
Review the admissions requirements and discipline-specific requirements to prepare for submitting the online application.
Prepare all your application material well in advance. All material is due on the application deadline date.
Visit the Scholarship page to learn more about our donor-based scholarship opportunities for applicants who may need tuition assistance.
Be aware that any use of LLM Artificial Intelligence technology must be disclosed in the application. Failure to disclose the use of AI technology may disqualify applicants from admissions consideration or result in early dismissal if enrolled.
Add Applications@AFI.edu, Admissions@AFI.edu and the domain address AFI.com/AFI.edu to your preferred email settings. Communications about your application will come from those email addresses or a staff email address. It is important to check your spam/junk folder to ensure you are not missing important communications.

*AFI is not responsible for any missed communications if applicants are not checking their spam folders or adding AFI domain addresses to their approved list of emails.

2026–2027 Admission Requirements

All applicants for admission to the MFA program or Certificate of Completion at the AFI Conservatory must submit the following:

ONLINE APPLICATION

Applications for Fall 2026 for all disciplines (Cinematography, Directing, Editing, Producing, Production Design and Screenwriting) will open September 2025.

AFI uses the GradCAS application system. The application portal will be available starting on September 5, 2025 for Fall 2026 applicants. Please note applicants can only apply to a maximum of two programs.

Online applications and portfolio requirements must be received by 8:59 p.m. PT (11:59 p.m. ET) on December 1, 2025.

APPLICATION FEE

There is an application fee of $110 per application.

NARRATIVE STATEMENT

The narrative statement is a critical part of the admissions application. It’s an opportunity for applicants to show who they are as a person and storyteller. Narrative Statements should be no longer than 3 pages in length and contain the following.

Applicant’s Personal Story: The majority of the narrative statement should convey an applicant’s unique story and what shaped them as a person. Applicants should consider sharing what kind of stories they want to tell, why those stories are important to them and how their life experience has informed these story choices. In general, the Admissions Committee wants to get to know applicants outside of their resume and professional accomplishments.
Discipline of Interest: Narrative statements should clearly state why an applicant is applying to a specific program and include the people, movies or art that inspires them in that field.
Collaboration Experience: The AFI Conservatory is a hands-on, collaborative learning environment. Applicants should share their experience as a collaborator in the filmmaking process.
Long Term Goals: Applicants should communicate how the AFI Conservatory can benefit their long-term goals.

For applicants applying to two disciplines, the Admissions Office recommends writing a unique narrative statement for each application, tailoring it to their experience and passion for each specific discipline.

Applicants must disclose the use of any LLM Artificial Intelligence technology when writing their Narrative Statement. AI Technology disclosures should be included as a footnote and briefly explain how the AI tool was used in creating the Narrative Statement. Failure to include a disclosure may disqualify applicants from admissions consideration or result in early dismissal if enrolled.

*Narrative statements should be easy to read with a conventional font (Times New Roman), size 12; double-spaced; and 1-inch margins.

RESUME

Resumes should detail professional work, set experience, education level and degree(s) earned. Please see additional information in the TRANSCRIPTS section below about listing education in your resume.

TWO LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

Applicants are required to submit the names of two individuals who will provide a professional (academic or artistic) recommendation. Recommenders will be e-mailed a link from the GradCAS application portal. No personal recommendations are allowed from family members or friends in a non-professional capacity.

Applicants are responsible for ensuring their recommenders have completed the online recommendation by the application deadline date. Applications cannot be reviewed without them. AFI will only accept letters directly from the recommender and not from the applicant. Submissions provided by the applicant will not be considered. No hard copy letters are accepted.

Letters of recommendation are due before or on the application deadline date.

TRANSCRIPTS

The AFI Conservatory Admissions Office accepts unofficial transcripts* during the admissions process. A transcript is a document that provides a list of courses and grades earned by a student at an institution of higher education. Unfortunately, diplomas cannot be accepted in lieu of transcripts.

In the online application, please list only schools of higher education where a transcript can be obtained. A transcript is required for any school listed on the application. Please note, a school cannot be removed or deleted from your application once it is submitted. If a transcript cannot be obtained, applicants are required to procure a letter from the school stating why transcripts are not available.

For applicants who attended other schools that may be pertinent to your application (for example, extension courses or a workshop), these schools should be listed on their resume and not in the GradCAS application system. The Admissions Office will reach out to any applicants directly if additional information about their academic background is needed.

International Applicants: Please submit all credentials and transcripts with an official English translation (if applicable). A Bachelor’s Equivalency Report will be required for Admitted Fellows who decide to enroll at the AFI Conservatory. For more information, please visit our International Applicants page. The Registrar determines final evaluation of applicants’ records.

Certificate of Completion applicants: Applicants with some higher education history should list that school in the Academic History section. Applicants with no higher education post high school (primary school), should list where they received their high school diploma and answer the academic history questions to the best of your ability.

All transcripts and credentials are due before or on the application deadline date.

*Admitted Fellows who decide to enroll at the AFI Conservatory will be required to submit official transcripts. Transcripts are considered official if the AFI Conservatory receives them directly from the issuing school either digitally or by post mail, or if the Admitted Fellow sends a physical copy in a signed and sealed envelope.

CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION

Applicants who do not hold an earned undergraduate degree or equivalent may be eligible to apply as an Associate Fellow. Eligibility is based upon exceptional skill demonstrated in an applicant’s field and a required number of years of applicable experience.

Requirements for Associate Fellow Applicants:

Complete the full application including discipline specific requirements;
Document a minimum of 3 years of professional experience and accomplishments;
Demonstrate the maturity to participate in a graduate level program (and apply a minimum of 4 years post completion of high school in the U.S. or secondary education abroad).

Associate Fellows are required to meet all the requirements and obligations of degree-candidate Fellows. Associate Fellows are awarded Certificates of Completion upon successful completion of all requirements of the AFI Conservatory program within their respective discipline.

AFI SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION

The AFI Conservatory is a need-blind institution. Scholarship or financial need is not taken into consideration during the admissions process and would never be used in hindrance to an applicant’s admissions decision.

Applicants who wish to be considered for a scholarship must complete a Scholarship Application Form by February 1, 2026. Applicants must submit their Admissions Application before their Scholarship Application.

Click Here (new link will be coming in July) to complete the Scholarship Application Form. Please note that submissions will be accepted starting September 5, 2025, and will close February 1, 2026.

Scholarship application forms will be submitted directly to the AFI Conservatory’s Office of Financial Aid. Scholarship notifications are sent out after an admissions decision has been made. Admitted Fellows will receive notification if they have been awarded a scholarship or not.

AFI Scholarship consideration is open to domestic and international applicants. Late applications will not be considered.

INTERNATIONAL APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS

International applicants must submit an English proficiency score if English is not the applicant’s native language. The AFI Conservatory accepts the following tests TOEFL (iBT, MyBestScore, and Essentials), IELTS, and Duolingo.

Minimum scores required:

TOEFL iBT/MyBestScore = 100
TOEFL Essentials = 11
IELTS = 7.0
Duolingo = 130

Applications will not be reviewed without the minimum test score. No exceptions. For testing information, go directly to the testing sites: TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo. Test results must be taken within 24 months of the date you apply to the Conservatory, or they will be considered invalid. AFI only accepts official test results and not results submitted by the applicant. Please use the following codes when submitting official test results: TOEFL code B886*, IELTS code 9760*.

*Please note, TOEFL and IELTS scores are sent to our application system GradCAS, and not directly to AFI for processing. Please send test results directly to GradCAS.

For Duolingo, please send test scores directly to the American Film Institute for processing. The GradCAS system does not process these scores.

The Admissions Office recommends international applicants take the TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo well in advance of the application deadline. Please allow appropriate time for test scheduling and the distribution of results.

Qualifying test scores are due before or on the application deadline date.

International Applicants — click here to learn more.

DISCIPLINE SPECIFIC SUPPORTING MATERIALS/PORTFOLIO REQUIREMENTS

Applicants are required to submit material that best fits the discipline requirements. Please make sure any of the following material requested meets these criteria unless otherwise noted:

Films:

Do not exceed the TRT (total run time).
Only one film example is allowed per link.
The AFI Conservatory is a narrative filmmaking school, and submitted films should show narrative ability.
Please submit YouTube or Vimeo links. Ensure links are NOT password protected, and all professional accounts are up to date.
Keep all links active until August 2026.
All films should be in English or subtitled in English.
Film links cannot be updated after an application is submitted. This makes it fair to all applicants.
Any use of LLM Artificial Intelligence technology must be disclosed. Failure to disclose the use of AI technology may disqualify applicants from admissions consideration or result in early dismissal if enrolled.

Essays

All essays should have the applicant’s name, discipline, Fall 2026 and page number as a header.
Do not exceed page requirements.
Essays must be in PDF format.
Please use a conventional font (Times New Roman), size 12; double-spaced; and 1-inch margins.
Any use of LLM Artificial Intelligence technology must be disclosed. Failure to disclose the use of AI technology may disqualify applicants from admissions consideration or result in early dismissal if enrolled.

CINEMATOGRAPHY

Cinematography applicants are required to submit the following:

Moving Image Sample: Submit one example of original work that best demonstrates talent, ability and experience as a Cinematographer. The moving image submission can be no longer than 20 minutes in length. Applicant must be the sole Cinematographer on the project. The submission should demonstrate narrative ability. The project should be in English or be subtitled in English.
“Ten-Sixty” Assignment: Complete a “Ten-Sixty” narrative film assignment about “DISAPPOINTMENT” in 10 shots of video in a total duration of 60 seconds. No audio, dialogue, words, significant text, fancy transitions or color effects allowed in any form. Music is allowed. This should be a narrative moving image film of 10 images, up to 60 seconds maximum TRT. Reviewers are interested in seeing your storytelling skills. Please submit a moving image film and not stills for this project. Creativity is key. This exercise does not require you to spend any money or have a large production value. Cell phones can be used for this project if desired.
Photography Portfolio: Submit a still photographs portfolio of 8-12 images provided on a merged PDF which should include a few formal portraits. One image per page. No montages, screenshots, set stills or frames from a motion picture original allowed. The presentation of images is noticed, so please be thoughtful. No captions necessary as we want the photos to speak for themselves. File size should be limited to 15mb or smaller.
Cinematography Reel: Submit a cinematography “reel” of up to three minutes.

Supplemental Submissions (optional):

Moving Image Sample: Provide a second example of an original work that best demonstrates your talent, ability and experience as a Cinematographer. The moving image submission can be no longer than 20 minutes in length. Applicant must be the sole Cinematographer on the project. The project should be in English or be subtitled in English.
Documentary Sample: Provide a short sample of documentary work as a Cinematographer.

*All film submissions should include a description of the format(s)/camera used, whether the project was completed at an educational institution and use of any AI technology.

DIRECTING

Directing applicants are required to submit the following:

Video Introduction: A 60-second or less self-recorded video that includes an introduction and what the applicant hopes to gain by attending the AFI Conservatory as a Directing Fellow. The introduction video should be one take without edits using good lighting and a simple background. Content should be conversational without feeling read or over rehearsed. Video links should NOT be password protected and remain active until August 2026.

Moving Image Sample: Submit an example of a moving image project solely directed by the applicant and best demonstrates individual talent and ability. Submissions can be the best 10 continuous minutes from a feature or a short whose TRT is longer than 10 minutes, or a completed short that is less than 10 minutes TRT. Submissions longer than 10 minutes will not be considered. Only work that the applicant has directed (not co-directed) will be considered. Submissions that are not narrative (i.e., documentary, experimental, commercial, etc.) will not be considered. The project should be in English or be subtitled in English. Provide a one sentence logline that describes the plot of the film.
Directing Assignment: Direct an original short moving image project that must be made specifically for the AFI Conservatory application about “SECRET.” The project should be no longer than 5 minutes in length. Only fictional narrative submissions are allowed. Submissions that are not narrative (i.e., documentary, experimental, commercial, etc.) will not be considered. Reviewers are interested in seeing storytelling skills. Creativity is key here, not production value. Compelling stories can still be told within these limited conditions. Evaluations will be made in this spirit of appreciating the production value (and performance) limitations. This exercise does not require spending any money or having large production value. Cell phones can be used for this project if desired. The project should be in English or be subtitled in English. Provide a one sentence logline that describes the plot of the film.
Moving Image Sample Essay: Applicants must submit a one-page essay that analyzes the finished Moving Image Sample. Essays should speak to the visual and narrative choices of the applicant and analyze as objectively as possible the strengths and weaknesses of these choices. Did the choices support or serve the storytelling as intended? What worked? What did not work and why? (One page maximum.) Please also include any usage of AI technology.
Directing Assignment Essay: Applicants must submit a one-page essay that analyzes the finished Directing Assignment. Essays should speak to the visual and narrative choices of the applicant and analyze as objectively as possible the strengths and weaknesses of these choices. Did the choices support or serve the storytelling as intended? What worked? What did not work and why? (One page maximum.) Please also include any usage of AI technology.

EDITING

Editing applicants are required to submit two unique examples of original work for which they are the sole Editor. Submissions cannot be longer than 20 minutes per example and should demonstrate editing abilities and knowledge of dramatic narrative storytelling fundamentals. Only one piece of work per link allowed. No editor reels will be accepted. Non-English language submissions should be subtitled in English.

PRODUCING

Producing applicants are required to submit the following:

Video Introduction: A 60-second or less self-recorded video that includes an introduction and what the applicant hopes to gain by attending the AFI Conservatory as a Producing Fellow. The introduction video should be one take without edits using good lighting and a simple background. Content should be conversational without feeling read or over rehearsed. Video links should NOT be password protected and remain active until August 2026

Vision Statement: A statement that outlines a story the applicant would like to create as a feature or TV show (2-page maximum). Story ideas can be original, or based on an adaptation of a novel, play, magazine article, current news event, or historical event. Statements should include the following:
- Be mindful of the clarity of the storyline and delineation of the character arcs.
- Articulate the theme(s), character details and style.
- Describe why the story would connect with an audience – what sets it apart?
Short Answers: Please answer two of the four of the following questions (1-page maximum). Devote a half page to each of the two questions only.

- Tell us something about an incident in your life when you acted in a way that surprised even you.
- In a film of your choosing, identify a specific sequence that stood out to you. Discuss the aspects of the sequence that impressed you and their effect on you as a viewer.
- What is one quality that you need help with to learn and grow to be a better producer?
- Is there something we should know about you, besides your love of film, that is not represented by your resume or undergraduate studies?

Supplemental Submission (optional):

Submit a link to any visual work which best represents the applicant’s endeavors up to this point and specify the applicant’s role. The project should be no longer than 10 minutes in length and should be in English or subtitled in English.

*Any use of LLM Artificial Intelligence technology must be disclosed. Failure to disclose the use of AI technology may disqualify applicants from admissions consideration or result in early dismissal once enrolled.

PRODUCTION DESIGN

Production Design applicants must submit samples of work that demonstrate evidence of a design process and not just a finished project.

Video Introduction

Record a 90-second or less self-recorded video that includes the following:

Personal Introduction
The moment when you discovered what Production Design was and when you decided to pursue Production Design as a profession.
The strengths and skills you want to develop at AFI.

The introduction video should be one take without edits using good lighting and a simple background. Content should be conversational without feeling read or over rehearsed. Video links should NOT be password protected and remain active until August 2026.

Design Portfolio
Portfolios should include at least one example of each of the following skills. Applicants must be clear about what their role was in the projects submitted within their portfolios. Candidates that are missing one or more of the listed portfolio requirements are still encouraged to apply.

Hand Drafting in architectural, theater, TV or industrial design AND/OR Computer Drafting (Vector Works, Rhino, CAD, SketchUp). *Hand Drafting is an important foundational principle of the Production Design program. Qualified applicants who are missing this skill are still encouraged to apply. However, admission may be contingent upon the candidate taking a hand drafting or equivalent course before the first day of class. For information about supplemental hand drafting courses please contact the Admissions Office at Admissions@AFI.edu.
Hand and computer model-making skills.
Drawing ability (hand or digital) including perspective, sketch, illustration and life drawing.
Set and prop construction experience.
Graphic design (Photoshop and Illustrator).
Set decorating ability.

If any of the above skills cannot be demonstrated, please briefly address what skills are missing as a page in the portfolio.

Portfolio materials must be formatted as PDF files at 72ppi. Please limit content to a maximum of 24 pages. There is a file size limitation of 15MB when uploading your portfolio.

Design Process Example
Applicants should submit materials from 1-2 projects that show the design process from conception to creation. Projects can include film, TV, theater, music videos, installations, exhibitions, etc. Examples can include a mood or tone board, research, sketches, a hand or computer rendered set illustration, models, and before and after photos from the same angle of any location design transformations. This helps the Admissions Committee understand the amount of work the applicant and art department did to make this space work for the story. Set the mood and define the character that lives there.

Applicants must be clear about what their role was in the projects submitted. Design process materials must be formatted as PDF files at 72ppi. Please limit content to a maximum of 20 pages, 10 pages per project. There is a file size limitation of 15MB when uploading your example.

Supplemental Submissions (optional):

A link to applicant’s personal design website.
A link to a moving image production featuring design work.

SCREENWRITING

Screenwriting applicants are required to submit the following:

Video Introduction: A 60-second or less self-recorded video that includes an introduction, a fun fact that might not be covered in the application, and something the applicant hopes to gain by attending the AFI Conservatory as a screenwriter. The introduction video should be one take without edits using good lighting and a simple background. Content should be conversational without feeling read or over rehearsed. Video links should NOT be password protected and remain active until August 2026

Screenwriting Sample: Submit a screenplay in professional format (20 pages maximum, title page not included). Applicant must be the sole writer of the script. If the sample is from a longer script, select the best portion of your script. It could be the first 20 pages, or another section. Briefly include enough context to know where the excerpt takes place in the story, if it is not the first 20 pages. Co-authored and adaptations will not be considered.
Screenwriting Assignment: Write a scene in professional format about “GETTING AWAY WITH IT” (5 pages maximum). Make sure the scene contains three characters. It should introduce a main character, contain a turn and an ending that points to further story and makes the reader want to know more.

Both scripts should include a title page with the applicant’s name and email address, and 2026-2027 SCR.

*Applicants must disclose the use of any LLM Artificial Intelligence technology. AI technology disclosures should be included as a footnote and briefly explain how the AI tool was used in creating the screenplay. Failure to include a disclosure may disqualify applicants from admissions consideration or result in early dismissal if enrolled.

APPLICATION DEADLINES 2026

Online applications and portfolio requirements must be received by 8:59 p.m. PT (11:59 p.m. ET) on the designated date below.

December 4, 2024: Cinematography, Directing, Editing, Producing, Production Design and Screenwriting.

In order for applications to be considered complete and eligible for admissions, all application material including letters of recommendation, transcripts, and/or qualifying TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo scores (if applicable) must be received by the deadline. Applications will be considered incomplete and ineligible for admission without these requirements.

REVIEW AND INTERVIEW PROCESS

Only completed applications will be reviewed by the Admissions Committee to determine if a candidate will be invited to participate in an interview.

Interviews for all disciplines take place via Zoom.

Due to the high volume of applications that are processed, the Admissions Office does not provide application status updates. All decisions will be communicated via email on the pre-determined notification dates. Application materials are not returned to the applicant.

The review and interview process will determine acceptance.

NOTIFICATION

Applicants will be notified of their final admissions status via e-mail on March 14, 2025.

The Admissions Committee does not provide individual critiques of any applicant’s work. The decisions of the Admissions Committee are final and not subject to appeal. Individuals who are denied admission to a program of study are not entitled access to materials relating to the denied application. Application materials are not returned to the applicant.

Applicants should check their spam/junk folders if they have not received a decision letter via email by March 14, 2025.