AFI General Admissions Requirements for 2026 Entry

Before starting the application, the Admissions Office encourages prospective Fellows to:
  • Read about AFI Conservatory's six disciplines.
  • Consider the cost of attendance to determine if AFI Conservatory is a good financial fit.
  • Visit the AFI Conservatory's Scholarships page to learn about federal financial aid and donor-based awards.
  • Add Applications@AFI.com, admissions@afi.com and AFI.com/AFI.edu to your list of contacts to receive important updates about your application in a timely manner.
When you're ready to apply, follow the guidelines as shown on the AFI Conservatory's website:
  1. Pay the $110 application fee. Should you apply to two disciplines, you must complete an application and pay the fee two separate times.
  2. Write the narrative statement. The narrative statement is a critical part of the application, offering prospective Fellows the chance to make a strong introduction and exhibit their storytelling skills.Your response should be no longer than 3 pages total, double-spaced with 1-inch margins. Use an easy-to-read conventional font (i.e., Times New Roman), size 12. Be sure to address the following components:
    • Personal Story: The majority of the narrative statement should convey your unique story and what shaped you as a person. Think about what kinds of stories you want to tell and why they are important, plus how your life experiences informed these story choices. The Admissions Office wants to get to know applicants outside of their resume and professional accomplishments.
    • Discipline(s) of Interest: Explain why you're applying to the discipline(s). Mention the people, films, and/or art that inspire you in this area(s).
      • For applicants applying to two disciplines, the Admissions Office recommends writing a narrative statement specific to each application.
    • Collaboration Experience: The AFI Conservatory is extremely hands-on. Discuss your experiences as a collaborator in the world of film.
    • Long-Term Goals: Express how and why the AFI Conservatory will benefit your long-term goals.
  3. Academic / Professional Resume. Your resume should reflect your professional work, on-set experience, education, and degree(s) earned.
  4. Transcripts. The Admissions Office accepts unofficial transcripts* on the application. Transcripts must demonstrate all the courses and grades earned at your previous institution(s) of higher education listed in the academic history section of the application. (Any one institution cannot be removed from your application after it is submitted.) In order to be considered for admission, unofficial transcripts mustbe provided by the application deadline. Take a look at common issues with transcripts and how to troubleshoot them:
    • If a transcript cannot be obtained: Procure a letter from the school stating why transcripts are not available.
    • If you attended a non-degree-granting institution that is relevant to your application (i.e., film extension courses): List these courses and institutions on your resume, not in the official GradCAS application.
    • If you're applying as an international student: Submit all transcripts with an official English translation. Admitted Fellows must supply a Bachelor’s Equivalency Report; AFI's Registrar will conduct an evaluation.
    • If you have a certificate of completion rather than transcripts: Applicants with some higher education history should list the school and the end date in their academic history. If you have no higher education experience, list when and where you received their high school diploma.
      • For more information, see "Additional instructions for Certificate of Completion applicants" in the following section.
  5. Two Letters of Recommendation. Applicants must submit the names of two individuals who will provide a professional (i.e., academic or artistic) recommendation. Recommenders will receive a link via e-mail from the GradCAS application portal. No personal recommendations are allowed.
    • Applicants must ensure their recommenders have completed the form by the application deadline of December 1, 8:59 p.m. PT. Applications cannot be reviewed without them. AFI will only accept letters directly from the recommender. Hard copy letters are not permitted.
  6. Complete the Scholarship Application. The AFI Conservatory is a need-blind institution; financial and scholarship need are not considered. International and domestic applicants who aim to receive an institutional scholarship must complete the online application by the projected deadline of February 1, 2026.
    • Click Here to complete the Scholarship Application Form.
*Note: Fellows who decide to enroll at the AFI Conservatory will be required to submit their official transcripts prior to enrollment. Transcripts are only considered official if the AFI Conservatory receives them directly from the issuing school either digitally or by post mail, or if the Fellow sends a physical copy in a signed and sealed envelope.

Additional instructions for Certificate of Completion applicants​


Applicants who do not hold an undergraduate degree may be eligible to apply as an Associate Fellow. Eligibility is based upon exceptional skill demonstrated in your field and years of applicable experience. Take a look at the requirements:
  1. Apply a minimum of four years after completing high school or the equivalent.
  2. Complete the online application and pay the $110 application fee.
  3. Prove that you hold at least three years of professional experience in your targeted discipline.
  4. Demonstrate the maturity to participate in a graduate-level film program.
Associate Fellows are awarded Certificates of Completion.

The AFI Conservatory's stance on AI​

You must disclose any use of LLM/AI technology on the Narrative Statement. In a brief footnote, explain how you utilized AI. Failure to provide a disclosure may disqualify you from admissions or result in early dismissal, if you are enrolled.
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