California Institute of the Arts
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California Institute of the Arts (CalArts): Rankings, Cost, Programs, Placements

  • Private University
  • Institute Icon60 acre campus
  • Estd. 1961
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Dark Clock Icon Last updated on 27 Sep '24, by Kanishk Aggarwal (Study Abroad Expert)

CalArts
What’s new?

The upcoming application deadline for CalArts for Fall 2025 is Jan 5, 2025. 

About CalArts

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Year of establishment
1961
Also known as
CalArts
University website
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Student website
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Total foreign students
176
Campus size
60 acres
No. of campus
1
Endowment value
USD 165 million
Scholarships granted
531
Scholarship amount granted
USD 11 million
English proficiency test
Required
Accepted exams
SAT/ACT accepted
Not required
Total faculty
150
Faculty/Student ratio
7
Male/Female ratio
1.32
Total criminal offences
10
Quick university statsInsights on student demographics, enrolment, and academic success
UG Race

Others

72%

Hispanic

14%

Asian

9%

Black

4%

UG Student residence

Out of state

40%

In state

31%

Foreign

28%

UG Applicant Icon

UG Number of Applicant

2120
grad RateIcon

Overall Graduation Rate

0.64
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Commonly asked questions
On Highlights

Q:   How much is the CalArts application fee?

A: 

International students can apply online to various courses at the California Institute of the Arts. International students applying online may submit the application fee with a credit card or send a check/money order. International applications received without application fees will not be processed or reviewed by the California Institute of the Arts. Check below the application fees at CalArts

DeadlineApplication Fees
Preferred Deadline of Dec 1, 2023USD 65
Regular Deadline of Jan 5, 2024USD 85

Q:   Is it hard to get into California Institute of the Arts?

A: 

The California Institute of the Arts is one of the most prestigious institutions for arts and design in the United States. CalArts attracts hundreds of thousands of students every year from across the United States and around the world. As per the US News and World Report, California Institute of the Arts acceptance rate is 29%. This shows that CalArts is highly selective for admissions. Please note that, the data on the acceptance rate mentioned above is taken from an unofficial source, therefore, it is subject to vary.  

CalArts Scholarships

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Commonly asked questions
On Scholarships

Q:   Does California Institute of the Arts offer scholarships to international students?

A: 

Yes, the California Institute of the Arts offer a number of scholarships to international students at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. All admitted international students are considered for Merit Scholarships based on the admissions portfolio or audition. These scholarships are limited and very competitive, going only to the top 30% of the incoming class. Merit scholarships at CalArts award up to USD 10,000 per year. The merit-based scholarships are automatically renewed each year. 

Q:   What are the criteria for merit-based scholarships at California Institute of the Arts?

A: 

International students are offered merit-based scholarships upon being admitted to California Institute of the Arts. The merit-based scholarships are highly competitive and only top 30% of students are able to get these scholarships each year. Merit-based scholarships at CalArts are given based on the following criteria: 

  • The student demonstrates outstanding academic and artistic potential.
  • The work is imbued with a strong personal aesthetic and sense of originality.
  • The award supports a diversity of voices and a diversity of practices, in alignment with CalArts’ focus on experimentation, diversity, and interdisciplinarity.
  • The award ensures balance and representation within each programme and throughout the school.
  • The student’s prior academic and artistic achievement, and evaluation of each student’s placement within their group of peers.

CalArts Admission Dates 2024

  • Application fees :No Fees
  • Type of deadline :Depends on course
Document IconDocuments
Type of documentsApplicable for
SOPNot required
LORNeeded for few courses
EssaysNot required
CVNot required
Additional documentsRequired
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Calendar IconImportant dates
Intake seasonDeadline
Fall5ᵗʰ Jan 2023
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Commonly asked questions
On Admissions

Q:   What is the application deadline for CalArts?

A: 

The California Institute of the Arts takes admissions in two intakes the Fall season and the Spring season. The applications for the Fall 2024 are now closed. Application dates for the upcoming Spring season are yet to be released by CalArts. The last date to apply for the Fall 2024 was Jan 5, 2024. However, for certain programs CalArts is still accepting applications. The California Institute of the Arts takes admissions on rolling basis untill all the seats are filled. Therefore, international students should check the university's website for admission deadlines for their program. 

Q:   How to apply at the California Institute of the Arts as an international student?

A: 

International students can apply online for a variety of programs at the California Institute of the Arts via CalArts's application portal. Check below the step-wise application process for California Institute of the Arts:

  • Step 1 - Create an Application Account
  • Step 2 - Choose Programs of Study and CalArts Schools
  • Step 3 - Plan Application Timeline 
  • Step 4 - Start an Application
  • Step 5 - Research Audition and/or Portfolio + Artist Statement
  • Step 6 - Research Financial Aid 
  • Step 7 - Request Required Materials
  • Step 8 - Complete & Submit Your Application
  • Step 9 - Check Application Status

 

CalArts Fees & Eligibility 2024

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Courses1st Year Tuition FeesDuration & Eligibility
BFA(1 course)
INR 49 L
Duration4 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above, PTE: 53 & Above
M.A.(2 courses)
INR 39 L - 49 L
Duration1 year-2 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 7 & Above, TOEFL: 100 & Above, PTE: 63 & Above
MFA(1 course)
INR 46 L
Duration2 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 7 & Above, TOEFL: 100 & Above, PTE: 63 & Above
Read more
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Commonly asked questions
On Fees and Eligibility

Q:   How to get into California Institute of the Arts?

A: 

The California Institute of the Arts offers many courses at the undergradaute and postgraduate levels. To get into CalArts international students need to meet the minimum eligibility for their program. The minimum admission requirements at California Institute of the Arts vary from course to course. Therefore, international students should check the minimum admission requirements before applying at CalArts. Check below the general admission requirements for international students

  • Upload portfolio/plan your audition
  • Academic transcripts showing all academic work
  • Two letters of recommendations
  • SAT/GRE
  • English target="_blank" rel="noopener">ACT
  • GRE
  • English language proficiency test

 

Q:   What are the English language requirements for international students at California Institute of the Arts?

A: 

The language of instruction at the California Institute of the Arts is English. Therefore, international applicants with a native language other than English are required to demonstrate their proficiency in the English language. The minimum English language requirement at CalArts vary from program. Check below the minimum English language requirement for international students

ExamMinimum Score (for BFA)Minimum Score (for MA, MFA, DMA)
TOEFL80100
TOEFL80100
PTE 5363
DET105120

  







CalArts
College comparison

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CalArts
Studying in USA

Key Facts About USA

Insights on education, demographics & weather.
Education in USA
school Key Fact Icon
963+
backpack Key Fact Icon
3.38L
cashRegister Key Fact Icon
20 hours per week
cashRegister Key Fact Icon
12 months
Country stats
mapPin Key Fact Icon
Washington D.C.
keyUsers Key Fact Icon
334.23M (2023)
chartMixed Key Fact Icon
2%
letterA Key Fact Icon
English
Weather
December
CF
Popular LocationsMinMax
Boston-26
New York07
Chicago-33
Los Angeles920
Explore popular study abroad destinations

CalArts Notable Alumni

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Commonly asked questions
On Alumni

Q:   Who are the popular alumni of California Institute of the Arts?

A: 

Some of the notable alumni of the CalArts are given below:

AlumniBest Known for
Tim BurtonAmerican director, producer, writer, and animator
Alison BrieAmerican actress, writer, and producer
Ed HarrisAmerican actor and filmmaker
Katey SagalAmerican actress and singer
David HasselhoffAmerican actor, singer, and television personality
qna

CalArts

Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered 2 months ago

CalArts is one of the top Arts University in the region. Some of the famous people who graduated from CalArts are:

AlumniBest Known for
Tim BurtonAmerican director, producer, writer, and animator
Alison BrieAmerican actress, writer, and producer
Ed HarrisAmerican actor and filmmaker
Katey SagalAmerican actress and singer
David HasselhoffAmerican actor, singer, and television personality

K

Kanishk Aggarwal

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 10 months ago

The California Institute of the Arts offers a variety of accommodation options through its two units; Chouinard Hall (for undergraduates only) and Ahmanson Hall ( for graduates only). Please check below the on-campus housing rates at accommodations offered by CalArts.

Chouinard Hall (Undergraduate St

...more

43282603
Anurag Pal

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 10 months ago

Yes, all residents in the Chouinard Hall are required to enroll in the 10-meal per week plan at a minimum, and this cost will be reflected on the student’s bill. Students may choose to upgrade to a 14, 17 or block meal plan during registration each semester. Check below various meal plans at CalArts

...more

43282603
Anurag Pal

Contributor-Level 10

About the author

author image
Kanishk Aggarwal

Study Abroad Expert

Kanishk Aggarwal is a content writer at Shiksha.com, creating content for universities abroad. Having pursued an M.Sc. in Forensic Science from GD Goenka University, Gurugram, he has been creating content across diverse domains. When not guiding stud...Read Full Bio
CalArts Others(1)California Institute of the Arts Front
CalArts Others(2)CalArts Front
CalArts Others(3)Main Building
CalArts Others(1)
CalArts Others(2)

CalArts
Location

Accordion Icon V3
University CityLos Angeles, California, USA
Size of cityLarge
Population of City39,99,759

CalArts
Campuses

Departments Icon1   Campuses
CalArts CampusUp Arrow Icon
Address

24700 McBean Pkwy, Valencia, CA 91355, United States

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CalArts
Contact Information

Address

24700 McBean Pkwy, Valencia, CA 91355, United States
Los Angeles ( California)

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