FAQ

When is the application deadline for next Fall?

The application deadline is MARCH 1st. We will begin to accept online applications after December 1st.

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

All official hardcopy documentation to support your online application should be mailed to the following address: 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. Therefore, we cannot admit new students into the program during Spring semesters.

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Can I attend as a part-time student?

The Program is designed as FULL-TIME, therefore most students work part-time, freelance or are employed on a contract basis. The Program does NOT offer its courses on a non-matriculated, exchange program, CUNY-BA, or audit basis. The Program also does not accept or transfer credits between institutions. Our courses are only offered once a year and primarily during daytime hours (no weekend option available at this time).

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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 BA or BFA degree (this is determined by the UAPC). Applicants must also have prerequisite courses related to the following (or the equivalent of in work experience):

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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 the TOEFL (target score: 575 or 91-IBT) or IELTS (target score: 6).

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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-feeinformation

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Are there any other fees?

You can anticipate about $1,000 per year in materials fees, in addition to books.

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Are there any scholarships offered?

The department 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.

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Are there any Fellowship or Assistantship opportunities?

We do not offer any assistantships or paid teaching assistant positions. However. Students also have an opportunity in their final (Spring) semester of study in the program, to work as a TA in Film/Video classes that require assistants, in conjunction with Graduate Independent Study.

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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 (placement varies per semester and based on the needs of department faculty).

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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 for locations and rental equipment) exclusively for 2nd year MFA thesis projects only.

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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 2020, we offer the Panasonic UX90s and HMC160s, the Steadicam Jr. (only loaned out after class instruction), a large studio jib and a small Ikan mini jib, the standard small audio recorder and the Tascam DR40. We also have some Zoom F4s and SD Mixpre 3s for audio, and Sony FS5s and Sony A7IIIs cameras (for advanced/2nd year thesis classes).

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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 (TA positions) assigned within the program, and at times may place students with outside agencies.

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

No, you must re-apply for the following year, however some of your initial application can be recycled forward.

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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: OISCC@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 a graduate program, we institute very high standards. Students must maintain a cumulative “B” (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.