Applying

Artists who seek the stimulation and challenges of an interdisciplinary environment in their pursuit of the MFA degree are invited to apply for admission to the Milton Avery Graduate School of the Arts. Applicants are cautioned that, while the program convenes during the summer months, it is not a residency.

The 2025 Summer Session dates are June 2 – July 26, 2025. Attendance throughout the summer is mandatory for all accepted students.

Click HERE to Begin Your Bard MFA Application Today!


The application and all supporting materials are to be submitted online. Applications for admission are accepted once per year. Applications and portfolios are reviewed and evaluated by a committee of faculty within the applicant's chosen discipline. Approximately 12 candidates per discipline are selected from this pool and invited to interview at Bard. Interviews will be held in March. Initial admission offers are made shortly thereafter; admitted students must pay a $515 enrollment deposit at the time of acceptance in order to secure their position in the program. If you are interviewed and not accepted, you are automatically placed on the wait list.
 

Application Checklist

We do not require the GRE, and we do not have any grade point average requirements. An undergraduate degree is not required for admission; an applicant's life experience may take the place of an undergraduate degree. Students must commence the program with the upcoming summer session. Deferment of admission is not permitted. Admitted candidates who cannot attend the upcoming summer session must reapply to the program for consideration in a future year. 
  • 1. Completed Online Application Expand for more.
  • 2. Non-Refundable Application fee of $65 Expand for more.
  • 3. Personal Statement Expand for more.
  • 4. CV/History of Work in the Arts Expand for more.
  • 5. Letters of Recommendation Expand for more.
  • 6. School Transcripts Expand for more.
  • 7. Portfolio Expand for more.

Portfolio Requirements

Your portfolio should demonstrate what you consider to be your best work over the past three years, with an emphasis on work from the past 12 months. Work-in-progress is welcomed. You may include multiple works from a particular series, but it is recommended that your portfolio not consist entirely of one series of work. If your work spans more than one discipline or medium, you can include work from the other mediums as well. All portfolios are submitted entirely online.
  • Moving Image Expand for more.
  • Music/Sound Expand for more.
  • Painting Expand for more.
  • Photography Expand for more.
  • Sculpture Expand for more.
  • Writing Expand for more.

+ Interdisciplinary Applications

+ Reapplying

+ International Applicants

+ Financial Aid