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
Illustration of academic elements  representing admission requirements, including a graduation cap, clock, documents, resumes, ID card, a calendar, and a clipboard.

Fees and funding

Fee information

  • Undergraduate tuition

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

  • Graduate tuition

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

Funding

Undergraduate Scholarships

Talent Based Award

- Amount: Up to USD$15,000 per year - Requirements: The Talent Based Tuition Award is a program designed to identify applicants with exceptional aptitude for their program of study. All Talent Based Awards are based on an applicant's audition or portfolio and determined by the Admissions Department during the admissions process.

Needs Based Tuition Assistance

- Amount: Up to USD$15,000 per year - Requirements: The Need Based Tuition Assistance is designed for applicants with financial need in order to help reduce the cost of education in New York Film Academy's long-term programs including the One-year and Two-year Conservatory Programs as well as the AFA, BA, BFA, MA and MFA degree programs. In order to qualify, applicants must show a credible need through documentation such as income tax statements or bank statements. Applicants must also submit an essay describing their need and accomplishments.

Merit Based Award

- Amount: Up to USD$15,000 per year - Requirements: Recipients must demonstrate a history of academic achievement in addition to leadership, community service and a commitment to the arts. In order to be eligible for a Merit Based Tuition Award, candidates must be accepted to a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Fine Arts program. Applicants are evaluated based upon information provided in the admissions process including high school GPA and documentation of leadership roles, awards, community service or arts involvement.

Graduate Scholarships

Talent Based Award

- Amount: Up to USD$15,000 per year - Requirements: The Talent Based Tuition Award is a program designed to identify applicants with exceptional aptitude for their program of study. All Talent Based Awards are based on an applicant's audition or portfolio and determined by the Admissions Department during the admissions process.

Needs Based Tuition Assistance

- Amount: Up to USD$15,000 per year - Requirements: The Need Based Tuition Assistance is designed for applicants with financial need in order to help reduce the cost of education in New York Film Academy's long-term programs including the One-year and Two-year Conservatory Programs as well as the AFA, BA, BFA, MA and MFA degree programs. In order to qualify, applicants must show a credible need through documentation such as income tax statements or bank statements. Applicants must also submit an essay describing their need and accomplishments.

Matthew Modine Masters Scholarship

- Amount: Up to USD$15,000 per year - Requirements: The New York Film Academy Matthew Modine Masters Scholarship provides financial assistance to outstanding candidates of the school's Master of Fine Arts (MFA) programs in Filmmaking and Acting for Film. Recipients must demonstrate the values set forth by New York Film Academy to further the art of visual storytelling. Candidates will exhibit exemplary purpose, creativity, and commitment to community. All scholarship decisions by NYFA are at its sole and absolute discretion and final.
Illustration of education and financial elements including a graduation cap, trophy, diploma, books, a piggy bank, stacks of cash notes, and coins, representing fees and funding.

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.