Admissions: Graduate Art

STEP 1: Apply to the University of Florida

UF APPLICATION DEADLINE: February 1, 2026

All applicants must complete the University of Florida’s online graduate application.

*A $30 non-refundable application fee is required. Application fee waivers are not available.

If you’re an international applicant, please review UF Admissions Information for International Students before applying.

What You’ll Need to Submit

The online application includes the following required materials:

1. Statement of Purpose
   Describe your goals for graduate study, area of specialization, interest in working with UF faculty, and long-term professional objectives.
2. Letters of Recommendation (3 required)
   Three letters from faculty or professionals who can speak to your academic or professional potential.
   • You will enter your recommenders’ email addresses in the application.
   • Be sure to allow time for them to receive and submit their letters electronically.
3. Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
   Your resume or CV must include:
   • All post–high school education and employment
   • Any ongoing international affiliations or sources of research funding
     (Required by Florida Statute)
4. GPA Calculation
   Use the GPA calculator provided in the application to report your upper-division (junior/senior year) GPA. Follow all directions carefully.
5. Unofficial Transcripts
   Upload scanned, unofficial copies of your transcripts for initial review.
   Screenshots are not accepted.
   Official transcripts will be required if you are admitted.

After You Apply

You can return to your application portal to check the arrival status of:

• Letters of recommendation
• Transcripts
• Official test scores (if required)

Once you’ve submitted your application, please email graduate@arts.ufl.edu to let us know. We’re happy to assist if you have any questions along the way.

STEP 2: Submit a Digital Portfolio

STEP 2 DEADLINE: February 1, 2026

All graduate applicants must submit a digital portfolio through UF’s SlideRoom portal to complete their application.

*A $10 submission fee applies and is paid through SlideRoom.

Portfolio Guidelines

You may submit up to 20 digital files (images, video, or executable programs).
Your materials must be compatible with Mac OS and should include:

• Images (.jpg, .png, .gif – max 2MB each)
  Recommended size: 1280 x 1280 pixels at 72 dpi
• Video (.mov, .wmv, .flv – max 20MB per file)
  Optional: five one-minute excerpts from longer works
• PDFs (up to 10MB per document)
• Website link (optional)
• Labels for each upload, including:
  • Title
  • Medium
  • Size
  • Date of completion

You may reorder and label your files after uploading. A field is also provided for including a URL to your personal website.

Resume and Artist Statement

In addition to your digital work, upload the following in SlideRoom:

• Resume or CV
  Include academic experience, professional work, awards, and achievements. This information helps determine eligibility for assistantship assignments.
• Artist Statement
  Explain your artistic practice, influences, goals, and chosen media.

Need Help?

For technical assistance with SlideRoom, contact:
support@slideroom.com

Be sure to review all instructions carefully on the SlideRoom portal before submitting.

STEP 3: Request Official Transcripts

Official transcripts are not required for the initial application review, but are required for applicants who receive an offer of admission.

• If you attended the University of Florida as your postsecondary institution, you do not need to order a transcript from the UF Office of the University Registrar.
• Transcripts must be sent from each postsecondary institution you attended.

Mailing Address for Paper Transcripts

University of Florida Office of Admissions
S201 Criser Hall
P.O. Box 11400
Gainesville, FL 32611-4000

Electronic Transcripts

UF accepts official electronic transcripts through the following services:

• FASTER
• Parchment
• National Student Clearinghouse
• ScribbleSoft
• e-Scrip Safe
• Credential Solutions
• SCOIR
• Transcripts Plus

Use the following email address for these services: te@admissions.ufl.edu

Note: All documents submitted become the property of the University of Florida and will not be returned.

Transcripts & Degree Documents

A credential evaluation is optional for college coursework outside of the U.S.

Upload unofficial transcripts and degree certificates/diplomas from every institution listed in your application’s educational history.

Documents may be uploaded directly to the application or via your Check Status page.

Submit scanned copies of the official paper versions issued by your previous or current institutions.

Screenshots of grades will not be accepted.

If your transcripts or degree documents are not issued in English, include a certified, literal, line-for-line English translation. Acceptable translations must be issued by your institution or a professional translation service.

English Proficiency

The University of Florida requires proficiency in spoken and written English to ensure international students can participate fully in academic and campus life. Students from non-English-speaking countries who have not completed at least one year of study at a U.S. college or university must submit scores from one of the following:

• IELTS Academic: minimum score of 6.0
• TOEFL Paper-Based: minimum score of 550
• TOEFL Internet-Based: minimum score of 80

For students seeking teaching assistantships:

• A Speaking score of 28 or higher demonstrates readiness.
• Applicants with Speaking scores between 23–27 may need to complete an additional course before receiving a teaching assignment.
• A minimum Writing score of 24 is recommended for graduate-level coursework.

UF’s TOEFL school code is 5812.

English Proficiency Exemptions

You may be exempt from submitting English proficiency scores if:

• You have completed one academic year in a degree-seeking program at a regionally accredited college or university in the U.S. or in a country where English is the official language.
• You hold an earned associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from a recognized institution in the U.S. or a country where English is the official language.

See the list of countries exempt from English proficiency requirements.

English Language Support

UF’s English Language Institute (ELI) offers academic and language support to graduate students, including:

• SPEAK & EAP 5836 courses for Academic Writing and International Teaching Assistant Support (as required by the Graduate School or your department).
• Intensive non-degree programs to improve speaking, reading, and writing in English, while also building familiarity with American academic and professional culture.

The ELI also provides housing support, academic advising, and additional resources.

Additional Resources

• UF Admissions Information for International Students
• UF International Student Services
• Overview of the I-20 Process

Graduate assistantships are salaried positions requiring 10–20 hours per week and include responsibilities such as:

• Teaching support
• Technical/studio/lab assistance
• Gallery or office administration
• Research assistance

Assistantships make up the majority of the School’s financial aid and are awarded during the admissions review—no separate application is required.

Fellowships are available for top MFA and Ph.D. applicants and include an additional ~$2,000 award for a limited number of years.

Stipends (2025–2026)

• Art Education / Museum Studies
  10 hrs/week (.25 FTE)
  → $10,300 total (~$528.21 bi-weekly, mid-Aug to mid-May)
• Master’s: Art History
  16 hrs/week (.40 FTE)
  → $16,480 total (~$845.13 bi-weekly, mid-Aug to mid-May)
• All MFA / Ph.D. Programs
  20 hrs/week (.50 FTE)
  → $20,600 total (~$1,056.41 bi-weekly, mid-Aug to mid-May)
• Graduate School Opportunity Award
  20 hrs/week (.50 FTE) for top MFA/Ph.D. candidates
  → $30,000 total (~$1,149.43 bi-weekly, 12-month appointment)

Assistantships are typically renewed annually based on faculty evaluations and satisfactory academic progress.

Additional Benefits

Tuition Waiver

Covers required full-time enrollment:

• 9 credits (Fall/Spring)
• 3 credits (Summer A/B) or 6 credits (Summer C)

Estimated Value per Semester:

• ~$10,250 for non-Florida residents and international students
• ~$4,000 for Florida residents

Health Insurance

GatorGradCare health insurance is available with subsidized premiums:

• Employee only: $17.65/month
• Employee + spouse: $162.85/month
• Employee + children: $146.25/month
• Employee + full family: $224.53/month

Leave Benefits

Graduate assistants receive paid personal and family leave, and retain health insurance coverage during approved research leave. More information is available via UF HR Benefits.

University and Course Fees

Not covered by tuition waiver:

• Registration fees (~$850–$950/semester)
• Course fees ($45–$75 per graduate course)

Fee payment:
Fees are deferred until mid-semester to allow time for budgeting. All fees must be paid by the deferment deadline to avoid:

• A $100 late payment fee
• Possible cancellation of registration