An ideal applicant for the New York Film Academy MFA Screenwriting must demonstrate a sincere passion for screenwriting, the ability and desire to collaborate with other artists in a creative environment, and must submit a creative portfolio (Supporting Materials) that illustrate the applicant’s ability to undertake graduate level study, accelerated level of talent and potential for success within the profession.

Candidates for admission to the MFA program must possess a Bachelor’s Degree from a post-secondary institution recognized by the United States Department of Education. Candidates who possess a Bachelor’s Degree from a New York or California state approved school will also be considered for admission. No particular major or minor is required as a prerequisite for admission, but applicants with a strong background in storytelling, and/or the arts are preferred. While GPA will be taken into consideration, and is an important component of the admissions process, the strength of the candidate’s creative portfolio is the primary determining factor for admission. Special attention will be given to grades assigned in areas of study related to any aspects of storytelling arts such as the visual arts, creative writing, theater arts, fine arts, performing arts, and the humanities.  A grade of B- or better is required in these areas for MFA applicants.

Applicants who wish to pursue a Master of Fine Arts in Screenwriting Degree who have received a Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent degree) from a foreign institution must submit a credentials comparison evaluation of all undergraduate work in order to verify their Bachelor’s Degree equivalency. All transcripts and portfolio materials documenting prior collegiate experience (including credentials comparison evaluation, if applicable) will be evaluated by the Academy faculty and Admissions Committee. New York Film Academy faculty and the Admissions Committee are also responsible for reviewing all applications and ensuring, via direct interviews and other pre-enrollment portfolio assessment sessions with prospective students that the Academy does not admit students that are obviously unqualified or do not have a reasonable prospect of successfully completing the program of instruction.

In addition to the current application booklet, applicants must submit the following:

• Narrative Statement
• Résumé
• TOEFL Scores or other means of verifying proficiency in English (if first language is not English)
• Supporting Materials (will not be returned; see below)
• Sealed Official Academic Transcripts from Prior Institution(s) sent directly from the issuing institution to the NYFA Registrar’s Office
• Two Letters of Recommendation verifying the applicant’s ability to undertake graduate study in the field successfully
• $50 Non-Refundable Application Fee (Check or money order only in US dollars made payable to NYFA.)

All students for whom English is not a first or native language must submit one of the following to verify proficiency in the language:

• A certified written TOEFL score of 500 or higher.
• A computer-based TOEFL score of 173 or higher.
• An internet-based TOEFL score of 61 or higher.
• A report from a designated English Language School verifying completion of equivalent level of a written TOEFL score of 500 or higher.
• An official transcript verifying completion of postsecondary education in which English is language of communication.

Prospective students whose scores are below our requirements or who are unable to verify proficiency in the language will be declined admission

Transcripts from prior academic institutions must be sealed official transcripts sent directly from the institution in question to the New York Film Academy’s Registrar’s Office. Transcripts, which have been opened, photocopied, or augmented in any way, will not be accepted as

Applicants must submit two examples of original writing that best demonstrate their talent and ability as creative individuals. Each sample should not exceed 20 pages and may be of the same or of two different genres. Examples of work can range from short stories, portion of a novel or nonfiction book, plays, screenplays, speculative television scripts, or creative essays. 

While the creative portfolio is normally the primary determining factor for admission, the New York Film Academy understands that many applicants have attained applicable skills from various professional experiences in publishing, theater, entertainment, literary agency, production, etc. Often, with these applicants, it is the narrative statement and résumé that reveal the most about an applicant's qualifications, and potential for success in the program, to the Admissions Committee.

It is the general policy of New York Film Academy Master of Fine Arts Degree Programs neither to accept transfer credits from other academic postsecondary institutions, nor to consider prior experiential learning for application toward any degree or non-degree course of study.

Veterans and other eligible students desiring credit for previous academic work or training may submit a written request for such credit to the Registrar, along with any supporting documentation (e.g. transcripts or syllabi.)  If credit is awarded, the length and/or requirements of the program will be adjusted

appropriately, at the Registrar’s discretion, and both the student and the Department of Veteran Affairs will be notified in writing.

Furthermore, the New York Film Academy makes no representation whatsoever that credits earned in the Master of Fine Arts in Filmmaking Degree Program or any non-degree program or workshop operated by the New York Film Academy will be accepted or applied toward the completion of any degree or certificate by any other postsecondary institution. The acceptance of transfer credits is always governed by the receiving school.

A student will be declined admission to the Academy if the Admissions Committee determines that he or she does not meet the requirements of the Admissions Policy, or if no space is available in the Master of Fine Arts in Screenwriting Degree Program. Students who

do not speak English will also be declined admission, given that all instruction is conducted in English. Students who are unable to meet the financial obligations of the workshop one month prior to the start date will also be declined admission.

• Apply to the school, and pay an additional $150 International Student Application Fee.
• Complete an I-20 application.  This will be sent via email upon NYFA’s receipt of the application.  Additional copies may be obtained by emailing international@nyfa.edu. Completion of this application will require proof of funding for all tuition and living expenses (e.g. a letter from a bank or a recent bank statement).
• The I-20 Certificate will be sent to the student via courier.
• Make an appointment for a Visa interview at the US Embassy in the student’s home country.  Canadian citizens do not need to complete this last step, but must still obtain an I-20 Certificate and enter the US on F-1 student status.
• Students requiring aid in this process may contact Lenore Lyons, the Director of NYFA’s Office of International students by phone at (212) 674-4300 or by email at international@nyfa.edu