UCLA TFT: How to Apply for 2026, Acceptance Rate, and What To Expect as a UCLA Film School Student

As the only film school in the nation where theater, film, television, and digital media studies are concentrated within a single professional school, the University of California Los Angeles School of Theater, Film and Television combines rigorous courses with hands-on training in production, direction, editing, and all other phases of filmmaking.

Established in 1947, UCLA's film program teaches students about the theoretical, historical, and cultural foundations of cinema to create impactful films, television series, and other forms of digital media. In 2025, TheWrap named UCLA no. 6 in its annual list of the top 50 U.S. film schools, while The Hollywood Reporter ranked UCLA no. 11 in its annual list of the top 25 U.S. film schools.

UCLA TFT’s star-studded alumni include Francis Ford Coppola (Director, "The Godfather," "Apocalypse Now," "Bram Stoker’s Dracula"), Ray Manzarek (Composer, "The X-Files," "Forrest Gump"), David Koepp (Director and Screenwriter, "Jurassic Park," "Mission: Impossible," "Spider-Man"), and Pietro Scalia (Editor, "Black Hawk Down," "JFK"). Alumni have earned more than 100 Academy Award nominations, 81 Golden Globe nominations, and 388 Emmy nominations.

At the time of this update, the undergraduate program is still accepting applications; the general (UC) application to UCLA is due December 1, while the supplemental application to the Film, Television & Digital Media BA is due December 9. In addition, the Animation MFA is accepting applications through February 1, 2026, and the Cinema & Media Studies MA/Ph.D. is accepting applications through December 1, 2025.

Before you apply, read the guide to learn more about the application requirements, admissions timeline, and what to expect as a UCLA TFT student.

What is it like to attend UCLA TFT?​

Located in the Westwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, UCLA TFT is within a short distance of the city's most famous tourist attractions, such as Westwood Village, Bel Air, and Beverly Hills. In 2024-2025, UCLA TFT remained one of the largest public universities in the country with 48,651 enrolled students, including 33,471 undergraduates and 13,855 graduates.

UCLA offers guaranteed three-year housing to all incoming freshmen. 97% of undergraduates choose to live on campus. It's not difficult to see why, given that the campus has an abundance of greenery and new facilities. In 2024, the University announced an extended reality and artificial intelligence research studio will be launched at the downtown campus. The film school has also served as the set for major motion pictures, including "Legally Blonde" and "Oppenheimer."

In addition to 1,000 student-run clubs and organizations, UCLA offers many opportunities for film students to network and grow their creative skills. Each year, UCLA and USC jointly host the Transforming Hollywood conference to bring together creators, producers, and executives with top researchers across film and media studies in a discussion about the future of the industry. During UCLA's Actor’s Showcase, film students can connect with acting students to pull talent for their forthcoming projects.

FilmSchool.org spoke with the director of UCLA TFT's Professional Programs, a cost-effective and streamlined option for aspiring UCLA TFT students. Read the two-part interview for in-depth information about the admissions requirements and tips to craft a strong application:

UCLA TFT's Emerging Filmmakers program​

UCLA TFT offers Emerging Filmmakers, a not-for-credit certificate program for pre-college students to explore their passion for film and television under the guidance of industry experts. To apply, you must be aged 14 or older and pay the non-refundable $35 application fee. If you pursue a UCLA TFT Pre-College Summer Course in other areas of the arts and humanities, the two programs cannot overlap.

Participants take hands-on courses, learn more about the industry, and build a portfolio; on-campus housing is required and part of the total program cost. A limited number of scholarships are available, and international students who independently obtain a B-2 tourst visa can participate.

If accepted, you must pay the non-refundable $350 registration fee. Full payment is due by May 1, 2026 at 5 p.m. PT; for students registering after the payment deadline, the full payment is due upon enrollment. If students choose to withdraw, they must do so before June 15, 2026 to receive a full refund on all refundable costs.

To learn more about Emerging Filmmakers, submit an interest form and read the full FAQ.

5 commonly asked questions about UCLA film school​

1. Does UCLA have a minimum GPA requirement for film students?​

Yes. For undergraduates: California residents must have 3.0 GPA or better, and non-residents must have a 3.4 GPA or better. For graduates: All applicants must have a 3.0 GPA or better.

2. Does UCLA require standardized test scores for film students?​

SAT/ACT scores do not factor into undergraduate admissions decisions. The GRE is optional for MFA/MA students.

3. Can applicants apply to multiple degree programs per cycle?​

UCLA TFT allows graduate applicants to apply to only one degree program per cycle. Minimal changes are allowed after applications have been submitted. For more information about the graduate application, see "How to Submit the UCLA Graduate Division Online Application for 2024 Entry."

4. What do admissions officers look for on the application?​

Admissions officers look at grades, the strength of the Supplemental Application (i.e., creative materials), academic experience, professional experience (for graduates), and letters of recommendation. Applications must strictly follow all posted guidelines on the admissions checklists available on each program overview page within our guide.

5. What is the UCLA film school acceptance rate?​

Acceptance rates differ by program (see "UCLA TFT Acceptance Rate"). Historically, UCLA TFT has accepted fewer than 10% of undergraduates and fewer than 20% of graduates.

However, FilmSchool.org members have reported higher acceptance rates. Learn more by browsing Filmschool.org's Application Database.

Guided tours and events​

For a behind-the-scenes look into UCLA TFT’s world-class filmmaking facilities and sound and television studies, schedule a guided tour. Click here to book your tour.

Undergraduates can take a self-guided campus tour using this PDF or schedule a guided tour of the entire UCLA campus in-person or online.

Pre-college virtual information session​

Emerging Filmmakers
Date: Tuesday, December 9th at 6:30 PM PT
Details: Attend a virtual information session on UCLA Film & Television Pre-College offerings for Summer 2026. Learn about the program faculty, the University culture, and how the certficiate program can enrich your understanding of filmmaking while preparing you for collegiate courses.
Click here to RSVP

Editor's note: This guide has been updated to reflect application instructions for 2026 entry.​

Continue Reading…​

• UCLA Acceptance Rate​

• UCLA TFT Cost of Attendance, Financial Aid, and Scholarships for 2025 Entry​

• UCLA TFT Application Deadlines and What to Expect After Applying for 2026 Entry​

• UCLA TFT General Admissions Requirements for Undergraduates for 2026 Entry​

• How to Apply to UCLA TFT’s Film, Television & Digital Media BA and Minor for 2026 Entry​

• UCLA TFT General Admissions Requirements for Graduates for 2026 Entry​

• How to Apply to UCLA TFT’S Screenwriting MFA for 2026 Entry​

• How to Apply to UCLA TFT’s Production/Direction MFA for 2026 Entry​

• How to Apply to UCLA TFT’s Cinematography MFA for 2026 Entry​

• How to Apply to UCLA TFT’s Producers Program MFA for 2026 Entry​

• How to Apply to UCLA TFT’S Animation MFA for 2026 Entry​

• How to Apply to UCLA TFT’s Cinema & Media Studies MA/Ph.D. for 2026 Entry​

• How to Apply to UCLA TFT as an International Student​

• Increase Your Chances of Acceptance to UCLA TFT​

• Read the full article​