MFA

Game Design

Learn more about studying Game Design as an international student.

Image reflecting the subject area of Computer Science & IT, relating to the program.
New York Film Academy university logo

Key facts

  • Program
    Master's
  • Duration
    2 years
  • Program
    On campus
  • Pace
    Full-time
  • Annual tuition fee
    41,000USD
  • Start date
    Jan, May, Aug, Sep
  • University ranking
    Not ranked

Program overview

What New York Film Academy says about their program:

In NYFA’s Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Game Design program, students learn the tools, theory, and craft of visual storytelling in an interactive medium, building their confidence in programming and design. Through hands-on, project-based learning, MFA students study a range of topics from early digital games to highly-advanced 3D graphics. Students build a playable, portfolio quality game every semester in our Game Studio courses.

The MFA students round out their education with history, business, and ethics of video games.

Upon completion of the MFA in Game Design, students have expertise in game design, with a selection of their best game content for use in their personal portfolios. The MFA program is rigorous and challenging and is recommended for aspiring game designers with ambitious goals in interactive media.

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Admission requirements

Undergraduate academic requirements

  • BC Grade 12 Graduation (or equivalent)

Postgraduate academic requirements

  • Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent)

English proficiency

Undergraduate

  • TOEFL iBT

    68

  • IELTS

    6.0

  • Duolingo English Test

    105

Postgraduate

  • TOEFL iBT

    79

  • IELTS

    6.5

  • Duolingo English Test

    120

English proficiency waivers

  • English is the student's first or native language
  • Applicant has been studying in a college or university where the sole language of instruction is English for at least 1 full year at the time of their application
  • Applicant studied in a high school where the sole language of instruction is English for at least 3 full years at the time.

Documents required

Undergraduate

  • Application form
  • Academic transcripts
  • Application fee
  • Diploma of previous studies
  • Translations
  • Proof of language proficiency
  • Narrative Statement
  • Letters of Recommendation
  • Creative Portfolio (if applicable)
  • Passport identification page

Postgraduate

  • Application form
  • Application fee
  • Academic transcripts
  • Diploma of previous studies
  • Translations
  • Proof of language proficiency
  • Narrative Statement
  • Letters of Recommendation
  • Creative Portfolio / Audition (if applicable)
  • Passport identification page
  • Bank statements
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Fees and funding

  • Undergraduate tuition

    from US$32,020 to US$59,700 per year

  • Graduate tuition

    from US$29,986 to US$50,416 per year

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What is the cost of living near New York Film Academy?

Local figures aren't available yet — values reflect New York City, New York-wide averages.

Category Cost  (in United States Dollar)
Rent, 1-bed apartment in city centre$4,166Range: $3,000 to $5,999
Rent, 1-bed apartment outside centre$2,780Range: $2,000 to $3,800
Utilities (electricity, heating, water, refuse)$229Range: $115 to $400
Internet (60 Mbps unlimited)$75Range: $50 to $100
Mobile phone plan (data + calls)$68Range: $30 to $125
Monthly public transport pass$140Range: $130 to $157
Monthly grocery basket$258Range: $142 to $484
Coffee shop drink$6Range: $4 to $8
Cinema or cultural event ticket$23Range: $17 to $25
Gym membership$130Range: $50 to $350

Indicative monthly costs per person.

Data sourced from numbeo.com (Crowdsourced).

Visa requirements for New York Film Academy

Many international students will require a visa to study in the US, and this is a vital step of your study abroad journey. Make sure you understand the requirements you may need to meet before applying.