Undergraduate academic requirements
- Applicants should be enrolled in programs that prepare for international leaving examinations such as A Levels, French Baccalaureate, and International Baccalaureate.
Degree type
Bachelor's
Key facts
- Duration4 years
- Delivery methodOn campus
- PaceFull-time
- Annual tuition fee63,204USD
- Start dateSep
- QS Ranking#15
Program overview
What the University of Pennsylvania says about their program:
Visual Studies, BA: Art and Culture of Seeing is an undergraduate program offered at the University of Pennsylvania. This program prepares students to explore the connections between vision and images through an interdisciplinary approach.
The curriculum focuses on critical awareness of seeing and the various problems and possibilities related to it in the 21st century. Students engage with disciplines such as philosophy, psychology, art history, and cinema studies, allowing them to investigate how seeing varies across cultures and what art reveals about vision.
This program is designed for students interested in understanding visual culture and its impact on society. Graduates may pursue careers in fields related to art, communication, and cultural studies, benefiting from the program's diverse academic partnerships.
Admission requirements
Postgraduate academic requirements
- Completion of a bachelor's degree (four or five years) in a suitable subject from a recognised university with a minimum grade of Second Class Honours Lower Division (2
2) or equivalent.
English proficiency
English proficiency is required; accepted tests include IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent.
Documents required
- Passport
- Academic Transcripts
- Degree certificate or diploma
- Proof of English proficiency
- Statement of purpose or personal statement
- Recommendation letters
- Finance proof
- Translations
- Credential evaluations
Required grades
- Holistic
Grade Point Average (GPA)
3.87
All grade information on Studee is provided for guidance only. Always check the for the latest information on required grades.
Additional requirements
Documents
- An official high school transcript must be sent by your school counsellor or another school official for every high school you have attended
- Your school counsellor must also submit a School Report form
- A Mid-Year Report showing your grades for the end of the first semester of 12th grade must be submitted by your school counsellor or another school official
- A high school diploma is required; a recognised equivalent such as the GED is accepted.
Essays and statements
- A personal statement is required as part of the Common App, Coalition Application or QuestBridge Application
- Three Penn-specific essays and short answers are required, one of which is specific to the undergraduate school you are applying to
Recommendations
- Two letters of recommendation are required
one from your school counsellor or another school official, and one from a teacher in a core subject area
- An additional letter from a second teacher, or from a supporter in your community, can be submitted (optional)
Tests and examinations
- SAT or ACT scores are required
- Applicants who face hardship in meeting the testing requirement can submit a waiver through the application
How to apply
2 routes available:
Fees
University of Pennsylvania provides fee information that can help students understand how study costs may be structured or may vary across options. University of Pennsylvania encourages students to review official funding and financial-support information to confirm what cost guidance or support may be available.
What is the cost of living near University of Pennsylvania?
| Category | Cost (in United States Dollar) |
|---|---|
| Rent, 1-bed apartment in city centre | $1,791 |
| Rent, 1-bed apartment outside centre | $1,388 |
| Utilities (electricity, heating, water, refuse) | $270 |
| Internet (60 Mbps unlimited) | $77 |
| Mobile phone plan (data + calls) | $62 |
| Monthly public transport pass | $94 |
| Monthly grocery basket | $350 |
| Books and study supplies (monthly) | $118 |
| Coffee shop drink | $5 |
| Cinema or cultural event ticket | $15 |
| Gym membership | $49 |
Indicative monthly costs per person.
Data sourced from citycost.org (Crowdsourced), numbeo.com (Crowdsourced) and srfs.upenn.edu (University published).
Visa requirements for the University of Pennsylvania
Navigating the visa process is a crucial step in your study abroad journey. Make sure to seek guidance and support to ensure you meet all necessary requirements for your time at University of Pennsylvania.