2026 Academic Year
The application to enroll for Spring 2026 is now closed.
It’s okay to start an application now and finish later, just make sure you submit before the deadline. Starting early will give you time to get help from CalArts admissions counselors as you prepare your application materials.
Prepare to apply with our step-by-step guide
Programs may close to new applications at any time and without advance notice. For complete application review and financial aid consideration, you are best off applying as soon as possible.
It is possible to apply to more than one program at CalArts. To do so, simply start two applications, one for each of your programs of interest. Please note, an application fee is required for each application.
Monday, December 1, 2025 11:59 PM PST
Monday, December 1, 2025 11:59 PM PST – Preferred Deadline
Tuesday, January 5, 2026 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.
After the deadline, we will continue to receive applications on a rolling basis until each program closes.
$65 - Preferred deadline* of December 1, 2025
$85 - Regular deadline of January 5, 2026
*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 Dec. 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. CalArts will accept the standard College Board fee waiver, NACAC fee waiver, or a letter from a high school/transfer counselor who can verify family hardship.
We acknowledge that the application fee may present a financial hardship to some applicants; please contact CalArts’ Office of Admissions for more information.
Fee waiver requests are submitted separately from the application for admission to CalArts. Submit your fee waiver request well in advance of your application deadline, whenever possible.
The final deadline to submit a fee waiver request is Jan. 7, 2026. 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 (BFA) programs’ options for fee waiver:
Graduate programs (MFA, MA, DMA) options for fee waiver:
First Time Freshman - If you are applying to an undergraduate (BFA) program and will not have attended another college or university for credit between graduating from high school and coming to CalArts, even if you will be bringing college credit from advanced placement (AP) testing or dual enrollment from when you were in high school.
Transfer - If you are applying to an undergraduate (BFA) program and will have attended another college or university between graduating high school and coming to CalArts.
Graduate - If you are applying to a non-doctoral graduate (MFA or MA) program.
Doctoral - If you are applying to the doctoral (DMA) program.
Email: admissions@calarts.edu
Phone number: 661-255-1050 x2185 or 800-545-2787
Room number: F303