FAQ

When is the application deadline for next Fall?

The application has 3 rounds of review as follows:

• Round-1: Ap​ply by: December 1st* / Hear Decision by: February 1st*
• ​Round-2: Apply by: February 1st / Decision Hear by: April 1st
• ​Round-3: Apply by: April 1st / Decision Hear by: June 1st

*International students are encouraged to apply no later than the first round of admissions applications (by February 1st) to accommodate time for the i-20 and F-1 visa interview process.

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Where do I send my official transcripts, letters of recommendation, TOEFL/IELTS scores, translations to?

Letters of recommendation

Letters of recommendation should be submitted online, however in the event a letter needs to be emailed, have the recommender send their letter to: graduateadmissions@ccny.cuny.edu

Official Test Scores:

CCNY’s ETS school code is 2083. Official TOEFL, IELTS, Pearson (PTE) and/or Duolingo score reports should be requested directly from the appropriate testing agency and sent electronically when available. You can also email applicant score reports directly, if necessary.

Transcripts:

Official transcripts should be sent immediately upon receiving and accepting an admissions offer. When available, please send official transcripts electronically using an official document transferring system; i.e. National Clearing House or Parchment if the service is offered by your institution. Unofficial transcripts should be uploaded to the application for review purposes.

Official sealed documents can also be mailed to:

The City College of New York
Office of Graduate Admissions
Marshak Science Building, Office 24
160 Convent Avenue
New York, NY 10031

For questions regarding any of the official documentation, please inquire directly with the Graduate Admissions Office via phone: 212-650-6898 or via email: Rosalia Rodriguez

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Can I apply for acceptance in the Spring semester, if I miss the Fall application deadline?

Acceptance is for FALL ONLY– Each entering class begins together in the fall semester and moves forward in sequence to build and nurture their productions in collaboration.

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Can I attend as a part-time student?

The Program is designed as FULL-TIME. Classes are scheduled within 2-3 consecutive days, allowing for p/t employment, as most of our students hold jobs. There are considerable production assignments to be completed outside of class.

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How long does it take to complete the Program?

This Program is full-time, 5 semesters (two years, including 1 summer semester in between); total of 54 credits.

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What are the academic requirements for entrance?

Applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA in the major. International applicants MUST have an equivalency of a U.S. 4-year B.A. or BFA degree (this is determined by the UAPC). Applicants must also have the following prerequisite courses related to the following (or the equivalent of in work experience): film history and aesthetics; screenwriting; digital motion picture production, digital editing, directing for fiction and/or documentary.

For applicants who do not have a film/video undergraduate degree (or comparable film/video experience) we may require taking foundation courses in directing, camera, and editing in the summer prior to starting the MFA program. Such workshops are offered through colleges and media arts organizations around the country, and will count as pre-requisite “experience”. In NYC, the following media arts organizations offer such courses: DCTV, NYU – SUMMER INTENSIVES, BRIC, MAYSLES DOCUMENTARY CENTER, TWN.

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Do I need to take entrance exams?

Standardized entrance exams such as GRE’s are not required. However, international students from non-English speaking countries must take one of the following: Minimum Language Test Scores: 577 (TOEFL PBT), 90-91 (TOEFL IBT), 7 (IELTS), 61 (PTE) or 110 (Duolingo). CCNY’s ETS school code is 2083. Official TOEFL, IELTS, Pearson (PTE) and/or Duolingo score reports should be requested directly from the appropriate testing agency and sent electronically when available. You can also email applicant score reports directly, if necessary.

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What is the cost of tuition?

NYS residents are charged a full-time/flat-rate for up to 18 credits per semester, while out-of-state and international students are charged per credit hour. The most up-to-date fees can be found online via: https://www.ccny.cuny.edu/bursar/tuition-and-fee-information

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Are there any scholarships offered?

There are no scholarships offered upon admission. However, the MFA Program grants several scholarships based on merit to students (mostly in their second year of study) in the program. There are also awards of cash and services given at our annual Cityvisions Film & Video Showcase. Please visit our scholarships page for more detailed information via: https://city-film.org/scholarships/

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Are there any Assistantship opportunities?

We do not offer any assistantships or paid teaching assistant positions. However, in their second year of study, students can choose to be a TA in Film/Video classes that require assistants.

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What about Financial Aid?

Students are also strongly encouraged to file a FAFSA application for federal and state financial aid, via: http://www.ccny.cuny.edu/financialaid/ which can ALSO determine their eligibility for Federal Work Study (paid student hourly positions) within our department, or elsewhere in the college.

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Does the program subsidize thesis projects or offer production insurance?

We do not subsidize thesis projects, but we do foster an environment conducive to keeping production costs to a minimum. We offer production insurance (certificates of liability for locations and rental equipment) exclusively for 2nd year MFA thesis projects.

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Does the program subsidize thesis projects or offer production insurance?

Not directly. We do, however, create an environment that is conducive to keeping costs to an absolute minimum. We also offer production insurance (certificates of liability) exclusively for 2nd year MFA thesis projects only.

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What type of cameras does the program currently offer to enrolled City-Film students?

As of Fall 2024, we offer the BlackMagic 4K, RED, Panasonic AC160 and Panasonic UX90, as well as Sony FS5, Sony A7III cameras.

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Are there internships or Independent Study opportunities?

Yes, although most are “unpaid” internships. The program offers academic credit (1-3 credits) for internships and Independent Study projects and TA positions.

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If I am accepted but cannot attend in the fall, can I defer my attendance to the next fall?

Yes, you can opt to defer your enrollment for up to two years, but you must notify the program at least two weeks before the start of the program.

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Does CCNY offer campus housing/dorms?

Yes, for more information on campus housing at The City College of NY, visit: https://www.ccny.cuny.edu/housing. For assistance with “off campus” student housing, please contact the Student Services Office at: 212-650-5370 to inquire about a student housing assistance application, if available.

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Who do I contact with International Student inquiries?

For ALL other International Student inquiries such as immigration, employment, medical insurance, social security numbers, housing) please contact the International Students & Scholar Services at: (212) 650-8106 or via email at: oisss@ccny.cuny.edu or visit their website via: http://www.ccny.cuny.edu/isss/.

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What are the academic standards/requirements to stay matriculated in the program?

As we are a graduate program, students must maintain a cumulative 3.0 grade point average. If the GPA drops below 3.0, the student is automatically placed on probation for the next semester. If the cumulative GPA does not rise above 3.0 by the end of the next semester, the student will be dismissed from the program.