Fall 2024 application is now open!

Start an application for your program of interest. It's okay to start now and finish later, just be sure to submit before the deadline.

Start Your Application

To apply to more than one program at CalArts, simply start two applications, one for each of your programs of interest. Please note, an application fee is required for each application.

Prepare to apply with our step-by-step guide.

Friday, December 1, 2023 11:59 PM PST

  • Herb Alpert School of Music at CalArts (DMA Performer-Composer only)

Friday, December 1, 2023 11:59 PM PST – Preferred Deadline
Friday, January 5, 2024 11:59 PM PST – Regular Deadline

The preferred deadline at CalArts is a reduced application fee, NOT early decision. Applicants must submit all materials (including the portfolio, transcripts, letters of recommendation, etc.) by December 1 to qualify.

  • School of Art (BFA, MFA)

  • School of Critical Studies (MA, MFA)

  • School of Film/Video (BFA, MFA)

  • Herb Alpert School of Music at CalArts (BFA, MFA, DMA)

  • School of Theater (BFA, MFA)

  • Sharon Disney Lund School of Dance at CalArts (BFA, MFA)

After the deadline, we will continue to receive applications on a rolling basis until each program closes. 

$65 - Preferred Deadline of December 1, 2023

$85 - Regular Deadline of January 5, 2024

The preferred deadline at CalArts is a reduced application fee, NOT early decision. Applicants must submit all materials (including the portfolio, transcripts, letters of recommendation, etc.) by December 1 to qualify.

Students applying online may submit their fee with a credit card or send a check/money order. Applications without payment will not be processed or reviewed. Fee waiver requests must be submitted by email (with the applicants full legal name) to admissions@calarts.edu.

Application Fee Waiver

We acknowledge that the application fee may present a financial hardship to some applicants. Contact the Office of Admissions for more information.

Please note, fee waiver requests are submitted separately from the application for admission. Submit your fee waiver request well in advance of your application deadline, whenever possible. The final deadline to submit a fee waiver request is January 2. Do not submit your application fee until your fee waiver request has been processed and you have received a reply. Paid application fees will not be refunded.

Undergraduate programs (BFA) options for fee waiver:

Graduate programs (MFA, MA, DMA) options for fee waiver:

  • CalArts Alumnx

  • CalArts Extended Studies Alumnx

  • California State Summer School of the Arts (CSSSA) Alumnx

  • CalArts Community Arts Partnership (CAP) Alumnx

  • Applicants who applied to CalArts in a previous year

Please know that applying for admissions and need-based financial aid are separate processes. To be considered for federal financial aid or CalArts scholarships, please complete the financial aid process outlined on the financial aid page. Do not wait to learn of your admissions decision to apply for financial aid as the financial aid application deadline (February 15) is before our admissions notification period (March and April).