AFI Application Deadline (2024) and What to Expect After Applying

Interested in applying to AFI? Mark your calendar with these important application deadlines and admissions timeline milestones. Review Filmschool.org's Application Year threads to see how your fellow applicants are doing. Additionally, once you submit your application, log it in our Application Database.

AFI graduate application deadline for 2024 entry​


The AFI Admissions Application and all supporting materials for graduate film are due by 8:59 p.m. Pacific Time (11:59 p.m. Eastern Time) on December 1, 2023. The deadline applies to all disciplines. To finalize the Admissions Application, AFI applicants must provide:
  • Two letters of recommendation (artistic, academic only)
  • Unofficial transcripts
  • TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo scores (for international applicants)
Failure to provide these supporting materials will result in your application being ineligible for review.

Does the AFI Conservatory require an interview for acceptance?​


Yes. To be considered for admission, all AFI applicants must complete an interview via Zoom.

AFI Conservatory admissions timeline​


The admissions timeline is determined by the AFI Conservatory’s data and applications logged by FilmSchool.org members. Take a look:
  • Application Open Date for ALL DISCIPLINES: September 7, 2023
Directing MFA
  • Application Deadline: December 1, 2023 at 8:59 p.m. PT (include all supporting materials)
Exclusive FilmSchool.org data calculated from our database:
  • Earliest/Latest Interview Notification Date: January 1 - March 26
  • Earliest/Latest Interview Date:January 23 - March 27
  • Earliest/Latest Decision Notification Date:March 11 - April 24
  • Earliest/Latest Admitted Off Waitlist Date:Not Reported
  • Earliest/Latest Scholarship Notification:Not Reported
Cinematography MFA
  • Application Deadline: December 1, 2023 at 8:59 p.m. PT (include all supporting materials)
Exclusive FilmSchool.org data calculated from our database:
  • Earliest/Latest Interview Notification Date:January 2 - March 30
  • Earliest/Latest Interview Date:January 19 - April 18
  • Earliest/Latest Decision Notification Date:January 31 - May 10
  • Earliest/Latest Admitted Off Waitlist Date:Not Reported
  • Earliest/Latest Scholarship Notification:Not Reported
Editing MFA
  • Application Deadline: December 1, 2023 at 8:59 p.m. PT (include all supporting materials)
Exclusive FilmSchool.org data calculated from our database:
  • Earliest/Latest Interview Notification Date:January 9 - April 2
  • Earliest/Latest Interview Date:January 20 - April 12
  • Earliest/Latest Decision Notification Date:March 13 - May 1
  • Earliest/Latest Admitted Off Waitlist Date:Not Reported
  • Earliest/Latest Scholarship Notification:Not Reported
Producing MFA
  • Application Deadline: December 1, 2023 at 8:59 p.m. PT (include all supporting materials)
Exclusive FilmSchool.org data calculated from our database:
  • Earliest/Latest Interview Notification Date:January 11 - March 24
  • Earliest/Latest Interview Date:January 20 - March 30
  • Earliest/Latest Decision Notification Date:March 13 - May 1
  • Earliest/Latest Admitted Off Waitlist Date:April 19 - July 22
  • Earliest/Latest Scholarship Notification:March 16 - April 15
Screenwriting MFA
  • Application Deadline: December 1, 2023 at 8:59 p.m. PT (include all supporting materials)
Exclusive FilmSchool.org data calculated from our database:
  • Earliest/Latest Interview Notification Date:January 10 - March 7
  • Earliest/Latest Interview Date:January 17 - March 18
  • Earliest/Latest Decision Notification Date:March 8 - June 6
  • Earliest/Latest Admitted Off Waitlist Date:June 30 - July 13
  • Earliest/Latest Scholarship Notification:March 15 - March 15

The AFI Application review and interview determine acceptance. Admissions decisions will be sent via email on March 15, 2024. Applicants who have not received their decisions by this date should check their spam/junk folders or contact admissions@AFI.com.

Rejected applicants do not receive portfolio or application critiques. Additionally, applicants cannot appeal admissions decisions. The AFI Conservatory retains all supporting materials and documentation.

Access AFI’s acceptance statistics and admitted applicant demographics​


The AFI Conservatory is one of the most competitive film schools worldwide. Before you apply, understand how you measure up to past applicants and currently admitted AFI Conservatory fellows by becoming a Supporting Member.

As a Supporting Member, you gain access to:
  • Data about the AFI Conservatory waitlist
  • The average AFI Conservatory Scholarship award
  • Applications from admitted AFI Conservatory Fellows
  • Admissions statistics for all six disciplines
Filmschool.org also offers dozens of AFI applications from admitted, waitlisted, and rejected applicants. Upgrade your membership today to enjoy full access to our exclusive data.