In 2025, TheWrap again placed NYU Tisch at the top of its annual list of the top 50 U.S. film schools, highlighting its new large-scale virtual production center funded by George Lucas and Mellody Hobson, plus the launch of its one-year Master’s of Professional Studies in virtual production and a 15-month Master’s in Media Producing. Film students interested in working in television will benefit from NYU's close proximity to Discovery, Paramount Global, and NBCUniversal, and other major television studios.
At the time of this update, the undergraduate Film & Television BFA is accepting Early Decision II applicants until January 1, 2026, and Regular Decision applicants until January 5, 2026. The MBA/MFA dual degree is accepting applications until December 15, 2025, and the Master’s in Media Producing is accepting applications until February 15, 2026. Read the guide to learn how to apply, review the admissions timeline, and compare year-over-year changes for each degree program.
What is it like studying film at NYU Tisch School of the Arts?
The Maurice Kanbar Institute of Film & Television is located at 721 Broadway, New York, NY in Washington Square, alongside many of the University's Student Life and Academic buildings. Film students can take advantage of various locations around campus to shoot exceptional films — think Karhisma Dube, who won a Student Academy Award for "Bitta."
Undergraduate and graduate students share 20 residence halls; living on campus is optional. Aside from 800 student clubs, students can join engagement communities throughout the residence halls. Freshmen film enthusiasts can also join Big Apple, Big screen.
Students can participate in three student advocacy groups: the Tisch Undergraduate Student Council, the Tisch Undergraduate Black Student Council, and the Graduate Student Organization (GSO). The University boasts a 31% international student body, giving film students the chance to expand their professional network across the world.
High school students interested in studying film at NYU Tisch can get a head start by attending the hands-on summer workshop (see "Young Filmmakers Get a Head Start in the Tisch Summer High School Program").
NYU offers select undergraduates a free ride
In 2024, NYU promised to allow undergraduates with families that earn less than $100,000 a year to attend for free. Undergraduates must apply by the financial aid deadline. If your demonstrated need exceeds the cost of NYU tuition, your NYU scholarships will make up the difference.
Earn scholarships and take virtual production classes at the Martin Scorsese Film Institute
In 2021, NYU Tisch announced the development of the Martin Scorsese Film Institute. Scorcese earned his Master of Arts from NYU in 1968 and went on to teach undergraduate filmmaking courses. Scorsese's students include Oliver Stone (Director, "Natural Born Killers," "Snowden," "Born on the Fourth of July") and other award-winning filmmakers. Scorcese is best known for writing, producing, and directing award-winning films that supported a groundbreaking shift in narrative technique, from "Taxi Driver" to "Raging Bull."
The Martin Scorsese Film Institute houses a virtual production center, the Martin Scorsese Department of Cinema Studies, and film student scholarships. And in 2023, the University expanded the Institute with a second location in Brooklyn's Industry City Complex, where film students have additional space to learn the art and pedagogy of film.
5 commonly asked questions about NYU Tisch
1. How important is the portfolio?
The Creative Portfolio is the best indicator that NYU Tisch is the right choice for you as a filmmaker and an academic; your sample films and essays carry significant weight. However, the Office of Admissions takes a holistic approach to evaluating all applications.
2. What is the NYU Tisch Kanbar Institute of Film & Television acceptance rate?
NYU Tisch's film program has an acceptance rate of 13%, on par with NYU as a whole.
However, FilmSchool.org members have reported much higher acceptance rates (see "NYU Tisch Acceptance Rate"). Our Application Database contains NYU Tisch acceptance rates from our members and tabulates additional data, such as accepted applicant demographics, prior filmmaking experience, the lowest accepted GPA, and more.
3. Does NYU Tisch have early action and early decision?
NYU Tisch does not offer Early Action, but undergraduates can apply Early Decision I and II. Both Early Decision applicant groups are given equal consideration.
4. What equipment and technology do NYU Tisch film students use?
Film students learn to use creative tools such as Adobe Premiere Pro and Avid Media Composer. Access to equipment depends on your course, not your class standing or division. The Stage Equipment Room contains 35mm & 16mm film and a variety of HD video cameras, grips, and lighting gear. The above-set grid contains lights on rolling stands that range from tiny Fresnels to HMI's.
5. Does NYU Tisch have a minimum required GPA?
There is no minimum required GPA to apply to the film program at NYU Tisch. However, NYU ranks among the top 50 post-secondary fine arts universities in America; admissions is highly competitive. Explore our Application Database to discover the lowest accepted GPAs for the undergraduate and graduate film programs (and see "NYU Tisch Acceptance Rate" for additional statistics).
6. Who are notable NYU Tisch graduate film alumni and undergraduate film alumni?
NYU graduate film alumni include Chloé Zhao (Director, "Nomadland," "Songs My Brother Taught Me"), Spike Lee (Director, "BlacKkKlansman," "Do the Right Thing," "Malcolm X"), Ang Lee (Director, "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," "Brokeback Mountain"), and Debra Granik (Director and Screenwriter, "Winter's Bone," "Leave No Trace").
NYU undergraduate film alumni include Chris Columbus (Executive Producer, "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," "The Help"), Joel Coen (Executive Producer and Screenwriter, "True Grit," Hulu's "Fargo"), and Rachel Morrison (Cinematographer, "Black Panther," "Mudbound").
Graduate-specific FAQ
1. Can I include additional creative samples in my portfolio?
Including additional creative materials will disqualify your application.
2. Is an interview required for acceptance?
Select semi-finalists must sit for a formal interview conducted online.
3. Does NYU Tisch offer graduate student housing?
NYU Tisch offers limited graduate housing. The Office of Graduate Admissions also recommends prospective graduate students look for a roommate and subletting opportunities among current NYU students. For active listings, visit the NYU Roommates Facebook page and the New York University (NYU) Housing, Sublets & Roommates Facebook page.
4. How many graduate applicants are accepted to NYU Tisch each year?
The Kanbar Institute of Film & Television accepts 36 graduate students each year.
Undergraduate-specific FAQ
1. Does submitting a film increase my chances of acceptance?
The undergraduate application requires one creative submission, and applicants can elect to submit a film or video with a total run time of five minutes or fewer. However, the Office of Undergraduate Admissions states that providing a film does not automatically increase your chances of acceptance.
2. Can I double major or take a minor?
Undergraduates can either double major and/or pursue a minor offered through the NYU College of Arts and Science. The Office of Undergraduate Admissions recommends choosing a complementary major, such as English Literature and Drama. To select the best possible courses, make a plan with your academic advisor as early in your degree as possible.
3. Can I attend NYU Tisch for undergraduate film if I already hold a bachelor's degree?
If you have earned a bachelor's degree in any area, you must apply to the Kanbar Institute of Graduate Film and Television. Additionally, the undergraduate division does not accept undergraduate transfer students beyond sophomore year.
4. How important is the Common Application?
The Office of Undergraduate Admissions advises applicants to place equal importance on the creative portion and Common Application. A strong portfolio will not override GPA and other core elements that show the University who you are and what you want to achieve.
NYU Tisch information sessions and events
NYU is unable to offer film department tours to prospective students. Instead, attend one of these information sessions:
Undergraduate Film & TV
Date: Wednesday, December 10 at 3:30 p.m. ET
Click here to RSVP
Virtual graduate information session
Date: Any time (via NYU's website)
Click here to watch on Zoom
General campus tour (in-person)
Date: Various days in December
Click here to RSVP
Virtual campus tour
Date: Any time (via NYU's website)
Click here to view
Editor's note: This article has been revised to reflect application instructions for 2026 entry.
Continue reading...
NYU Tisch Acceptance Rate
NYU Tisch Application Deadlines and What to Expect After Applying for 2026 Entry
Cutting-Edge Film Equipment and Technology for NYU Tisch Film Students
Study Away Programs for NYU Tisch Undergraduate Film Students
Young Filmmakers: Get a Head Start in the Tisch Summer High School Program
NYU Tisch General Admissions Requirements for Undergraduates for 2026 Entry
NYU Tisch Undergraduate Film Programs and How to Apply for 2026 Entry
NYU Tisch General Admissions Requirements for Graduates for 2026 Entry
NYU Tisch Graduate Film Degrees and How to Apply for 2026 Entry
NYU Tisch Masters of Professional Studies in Virtual Production and How to Apply for 2026 Entry
Admissions Requirements for NYU Tisch International Graduate Applicants
Increase Your Chances of Acceptance to NYU Tisch
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