AFI Conservatory Reviews & Admissions Statistics

Website
https://conservatory.afi.com/
Location
2021 N Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
Degrees Offered
  1. 2 Year Conservatory
Program Style
  1. Conservatory-style
  2. Project-based
Concentrations
  1. Cinematography
  2. Directing
  3. Editing
  4. Producing
  5. Screenwriting
  6. Production Design
Collaboration Model
  1. Cross-discipline collaboration encouraged
  2. Track-specific cohorts
Residency Requirements
  1. On-campus required
Instruction Format
  1. Primarily In-Person
Graduate Tuition (Annual)
$70k to $90k
Graduate COA (Annual)
$90k and above
Scholarship & Funding Types
  1. Merit-Based Scholarships
  2. Need-Based Financial Aid
Graduate Deadlines
January 5, 2026 by 8:59 p.m. PT (11:59 p.m. ET)
Write a review Ask a question

Film School details

Nonprofit/For-Profit?
Nonprofit
Total Graduate Student Body
400
Graduate Entering Cohort Size
144
Per-Track Cohort Size
24
Graduate Faculty-to-Student Ratio
6:1
AFI Conservatory Acceptance Rate (All Programs/All Years)
37.8%
Admitted
193 out of 511
12.7%
Waitlisted
65 out of 511
49.5%
Not Admitted
253 out of 511


First established in 1967, the American Film Institute is world renowned for producing pioneers and trailblazers in the film industry. As a not-for-profit, private graduate film school, the AFI Conservatory teaches multimodal pedagogy in hands-on courses led by industry experts. Film students learn the art of narrative cinema by exploring their specializations in a highly collaborative environment. From Amy Hecklering (Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Clueless) to Terrence Malik (Badlands, Thin Red Line, Tree of Life), many graduates go on to become household names in the film industry. Today, AFI's alumni have taken home more than 149 Academy Award nominations and 30 wins.

Enrollment is limited to around 144 Fellows.

Read our interview with AFI Admissions:

How to Get Into AFI Conservatory: Exclusive Advice From the Admissions Office (Part 1)

How to Get Into AFI Conservatory: Exclusive Advice From the Admissions Office (Part 1)

Ask anyone about where to go to film school, and you’re bound to hear the American Film Institute Conservatory. First established in 1967, AFI is world renowned for producing pioneers and trailblazers in the film industry. In 2024, The Hollywood Reporter ranked AFI the no. 2 film program in the...

And our full guide to applying:

AFI Conservatory: How to Apply for 2026, Acceptance Rate, and What to Expect as an AFI Fellow

AFI Conservatory: How to Apply for 2026, Acceptance Rate, and What to Expect as an AFI Fellow

The American Film Institute Conservatory has been a leader in film education for more than half of a century. Thanks to its rigorous selection process, award-winning staff, and close proximity to the heart of the film industry, AFI is widely coveted by disciplined filmmakers who want to elevate...

Tuition & Cost of Attendance Details

conservatory.afi.com

Tuition and Fees | AFI CONSERVATORY

conservatory.afi.com conservatory.afi.com

Scholarship Opportunities Detailed

conservatory.afi.com

Scholarships | AFI CONSERVATORY

conservatory.afi.com conservatory.afi.com

Graduate Application Requirements
  1. 2 Letters of Recommendation
  2. Official Transcripts
  3. TOEFL / IELTS (International Only)
  4. Personal Essay / Statement of Purpose
  5. Resume/CV
  6. Visual Samples
  7. Creative Samples
  8. Writing Samples
Graduate Application Fee
$110
Minimum Undergrad GPA
  1. None

More Info on Graduate Application Requirements:

conservatory.afi.com

Admissions Requirements | AFI CONSERVATORY

conservatory.afi.com conservatory.afi.com

Notification of Decision
March 15
Copyright Ownership
  1. Student owns all scripts written
  2. School owns copyright for cycle films & thesis films
Start of Production Classes
  1. First Year
  2. Second Year
Production Funding
  1. School-funded student films
  2. Other (please specify)
Equipment Checkout Access
  1. Scheduled only
  2. Other (please specify)
Camera Types Available
  1. DSLR / Mirrorless Cameras
  2. Digital Cinema Cameras
  3. Film Cameras (16mm)
  4. Film Cameras (35mm)
  5. High-End Digital Cinema Cameras
  6. Other (please specify)
Lens Access
  1. Professional Cinema Lenses
  2. Photo / DSLR Lenses
  3. Mixed Lens Kits
  4. Other (please specify)
Lighting & Grip Equipment Available
  1. Professional Lighting Kits
  2. Studio Lighting Grid
  3. LED Monolights
  4. Tungsten / HMI Lighting
  5. Portable / Location Lighting
  6. Grip Equipment (Flags/Nets/Stands/Sandbags, etc.)
  7. Dollies / Track
  8. Jibs / Cranes
  9. Rigging Support (Maffers/Grip Clips/Matthelinis, etc)
  10. Steadicam
  11. Other (please specify)
Editing & Finishing Software Taught
  1. Avid Media Composer
  2. DaVinci Resolve
  3. Other (please specify)
Writing & Production Software Taught
  1. Final Draft
  2. Movie Magic Budgeting
  3. Movie Magic Scheduling
  4. Other (please specify)
Filmmaking Facilities
  1. Sound Stage(s)
  2. Editing Bays
  3. ADR / Foley Stage
  4. Screening Rooms
Internship Opportunities
  1. Student must arrange independently
  2. School provides internship resources
  3. Internships available for academic credit
  4. Internships available during academic year
  5. Internships available during summer
  6. Los Angeles–based internship opportunities
Internship Opportunities Detailed
AFI Conservatory Fellows look for internships during fall, spring and summer terms although interning is only really possible during the summer due to the courseload.
Job Placement
  1. Students primarily responsible for job placement
  2. School provides career development training
  3. School hosts pitch sessions
  4. School operates job board or listing service
  5. School organizes student film festival or showcase
Notable Alumni
Rachel Morrison, Melina Matsoukas, Patty Jenkins, Ari Aster, David Lynch, Matthew Libatique, Max Barbakow, Chloe Okuno, Malcom Washington, Darren Aronofsky, Terrence Malick, Todd Field, Janusz Kaminski, Amy Heckerling, Andrea Arnold
Do you manage this film school? Register on the site for free and claim the listing to answer questions, respond to reviews, update this listing and much more.

DISCLAIMER: The information on this page is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time it was last updated. PLEASE verify with the school ALL due dates and requirements as they may have changed since our last update. If any info on this page is incorrect please let us know and we will update it. We are not responsible for missed deadlines or rejected applications due to out of date information on this page. Please do your due diligence.

Latest Film School Reviews

U
Make sure you are committed.
Reviewed by: Alumni
Degree: MA/MFA
Concentration: Directing
Pros
  • Gain a network of people you will continue to work with.
  • Intensive focus on narrative 3 act structure
  • Directing Actor classes for Directors
Cons
  • Some faculty isn't as embedded into the industry
  • Not enough room to experiment.
  • Very little screenwriting classes.
  • Lack of mentorship for directors from faculty
  • AFI Directing showcase is underfunded and there is low effort placed on it.
  • Merit based Scholarships
A couple of things...
AFI like many film schools, and rather like every institution, is not perfect.

If you see your career after film school to be a writer/director RETHINK AFI VERY CAREFULLY.
Many fellows in the directing cohort are sold or marketed AFI to be a place where notable writer/directors (Andrea Arnold, Ari Astor, etc.) have taken root. While that may be half true, I think it's pertinent that incoming fellows know that the directing track is intensely focused on learning to direct other people's work. It's not really a place for you to discover your voice or style as a writer/director but it is a place to become a better director. What I mean by this is that it's focused on building crucial elements in your directing toolbox which means you may have very little/ no chance to write your own stories as cycles. You may get ONE chance to do that for one cycle (short film) out of the three you make.

Also, you may not get to make the thesis you pitch, which means directing a script someone else wrote. Now, if you are someone that can't see themselves ever directing someone else's work then, maybe AFI just really isn't the place for you. THAT IS OKAY because there are other film schools that can be a better fit.

Depending on what you want out of a program that may or may not be what you want. Definitely audit the classes.

Also it helps if you're more experience as a film professional or have worked on sets before. AFI is hard for people that are just getting their feet wet into filmmaking.
Affordability
1.00 star(s)
Alumni Network
3.00 star(s)
Campus
1.00 star(s)
Career Assistance
1.00 star(s)
Coursework
3.00 star(s)
Facilities & Equipment
2.00 star(s)
Professors
2.00 star(s)
Scholarships
2.00 star(s)
Dean
Be careful What You're Getting Yourself Into
Reviewed by: Alumni
Degree: MA/MFA
Concentration: Screenwriting
Pros
  • Good Faculty to Student Ratio
  • Very professional editing and cinematography students to work with
  • Great Location
  • Good Value comparing to other programs
Cons
  • Mixed bag of directing, writing and producing fellows.
  • The writing department has a rigid concept of what's accepted as a Hollywood script
  • Political correctness taking a toll and driving away good teachers
  • The project pairing process can often be disastrous
What's AFI best for?
Students who had at least couple years of industry experience. I don't mean running around and shooting shorts with your buddies. Real paying experience working as a filmmaking professional, or you'd be better off spending the time and money addressing the lack of experience, i.e. interning, working with independent crews, rather than coming to AFI. The system is fast paced and rigid. It is designed to churn out industry professionals. If you still soul searching, don't come. If you want to make friends and have a good time, don't come. If you are a politically vocal person, don't come.
You need to have a very narrow mind of focus to reap the benefit of the school, that is to make money being a film professional.

The writing, producing, and directing program have significantly lower quality of candidates than the editing and cinematography program. If you want to attend the first three programs, you need to be a mature person who knows what you want. It's very easy to get into creative disagreements in AFI because its system of pairing people up practically encourages it.

If you are mature, competent, flexible about your work, then AFI is probably the best value of all top-tier schools. It's only two years instead of three. It introduces you to the heart of Hollywood. And most people hang around for at least couple of years after graduation.
Affordability
4.00 star(s)
Alumni Network
4.00 star(s)
Campus
2.00 star(s)
Career Assistance
4.00 star(s)
Coursework
3.00 star(s)
Facilities & Equipment
4.00 star(s)
Professors
4.00 star(s)
Scholarships
3.00 star(s)
Dean recommends this film school
2 members found this helpful.
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: shyaboutmyart, AdrianC and Chris W
parkstickney
parkstickney
Can you elaborate on the cons more? A few of those are major red flags for any prospective student yet you still rate the school highly
M
mandaa
hello, which discipline did you do at AFI?
Read more…

Related Threads

Alexa P.
Input needed What would you like to ask the Chapman University's Dodge College of Film and Media Arts Admissions Office?
Replies
3
Views
4K
Chris W
Chris W

Latest questions

JaredFilms378
Does anyone know the number of people they usually interview vs accept for cinematography?
K
kingofsweaters
Usually they interview ~100 people in each discipline and narrow that down to 24-25 people for admission with a few alternates because usually a few people end up not attending but they try to have the same amount of people in writing, producing, directing, and cinematography because of how teaming works.
Chris W
Chris W
P
I applied for cinematography- I got my interview notification yesterday. Is there an advantage to being notified in the first wave?
One member found this helpful.
K
kingofsweaters
No. When I was going through this process last year I was definitely worried about this because I heard back in the second wave for writing, but there were people from the first wave who didn’t get in or were waitlisted and I got in.

It really comes down to the holistic view of applicants. They want diverse and unique fellows who will compliment each other since the first year is spent on cycle and the program is so small.
One member found this helpful.
HatsOnHatsOnHats
I do have a question-- I know the program is totally all-consuming and will take over your entire life, but- and this may seem an odd question- what about pets? Are there students who have pets? I guess what I mean is, can one be in the program and also maintain the life of another being who lives at their home?
K
kingofsweaters
What a great question! There are definitely students with pets. I have 2 dogs but also am married so my spouse has definitely picked up the slack there and life generally.

I think it sort of depends on you and also your pets needs. The screenwriting program definitely gives the most room to be home because they have to bake in writing time. Producing on the other hand might be more challenging depending on pet needs.

If you’re only doing school (which I’d highly highly recommend) it’s about equal to a full time job with occasional weekends. So, if you think you could provide adequate pet care with that then it’s doable.
One member found this helpful.
HatsOnHatsOnHats
HatsOnHatsOnHats
Very helpful! Thank you!!
P
productionapplicant81
@kingofsweaters Do you have a sample of what a weekly schedule looks like for a producing student?
Read more…

Latest Accepted Applications

View more applications

Unread posts

M
UT Austin Screenwriting MFA 2026 (6 Viewers)
Replies
7
Views
335
Mophilos16
M
Chris W
  • Sticky
Thank you for being a Supporting Member of FilmSchool.org! (2 Viewers)
69 70 71
Replies
1K
Views
102K
Chris W
Chris W
T
UT Austin MFA Film 2026 (4 Viewers)
Replies
9
Views
650
rhinoman
rhinoman
egg
fall 2026 film school applications - Has anyone gotten interview invites yet? (7 Viewers)
3 4 5
Replies
90
Views
10K
WallyWood
WallyWood
vichobarraza
NYU MFA – Film and Television – Fall 2026 (6 Viewers)
2 3
Replies
47
Views
5K
filmpipedream
F
View more…

Acceptance Data
For up to date Film School Acceptance Rates, including Minimum GPAs, Minimum Test Scores, After Interview and Off-Waitlist Acceptance Rates, Film Experience and Undergraduate degrees of accepted applicants, Age data, and other acceptance statistics for your film program of choice simply navigate to the Acceptance Rates tab on each film school's page in our Film School Database.

For example:
Log your own Application with our application database to help improve the site's acceptance data.

Log Your Application...

Film School information

Category
California
Added by
AFIadmissions
Views
69,880
Watchers
26
Reviews
2
Questions
7
Last update
Rating
3.50 star(s) 2 ratings
Join the discussion

Location

2021 North Western Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90027-1657

More in California

Share this Film School

Applications
Articles
Forums
Film Schools
Scholarships
Back
Top