NFTS - Directing Fiction 2026 Applicants

[HandDreyer]

Open day tomorrow, see you there!

 

[Chris W]

Good luck everyone! Here are our stats for Directing Fiction. Please be sure to log your application when you apply:

National Film and Television School (NFTS) Acceptance Rate (All Programs/All Years)

28.7%

Admitted

27 out of 94

3.2%

Waitlisted

3 out of 94

68.1%

Not Admitted

64 out of 94

Click here for our full Admission Statistics for this program including interview and acceptance notification dates, accepted GPAs, waitlist acceptance rate, demographics of accepted applicants, $ amount of scholarship awarded, and more...

Here's our interview with NFTS:

How to Get Into NFTS, the #1 International Film School: Exclusive Advice From the Admissions Department (Part 1)

There is no other film school in the United Kingdom more notable than the National Film and Television School (NFTS), an institution renowned for producing high-profile industry players and Oscar winners since 1971. Based in Beaconsfield, a short 25 minute train journey from central London, NFTS...

• Alexa P.
• Mar 11, 2022
• Category: Admissions Interviews

Also here are previous year's threads:

M

Thread 'NFTS - Directing Fiction Applications 2025'

Jan 11, 2024

Hey everyone! It's a bit early but I've just noticed the NFTS Directing Fiction course is taking applications for Jan 2025. I know this has been done pretty much every year to support those applying... and I definitely need that support lold
Good luck all <3

• Mona36
• directingfiction nfts
• Replies: 236
• Forum: Film School Application Year Threads

• 

M

Thread 'NFTS 2024 - Directing Fiction Applications'

Apr 13, 2023

♫ Here I go again [not] on my own ♫
♫ Going down the only road I've ever known ♫

Attempt number 4.... when will it stop?

• maxitos8820
• 2024 directing directing fiction fiction nfts
• Replies: 666
• Forum: Film School Application Year Threads

• 

M

Thread 'NFTS 2023 - Directing Fiction Applications'

May 4, 2022

Here we go again!! Third time's the charm, or so they say...

• maxitos8820
• 2023 directing directing fiction ma nfts
• Replies: 31
• Forum: Film School Application Year Threads

• 
• 

Thread 'NFTS - MA Directing Fiction - 2022 entry'

May 12, 2021

So second time lucky I've applied for the Directing Fiction MA at NTFS for entry in Jan 2022. Just thought I'd throw a thread up here to see if anyone else is in the same boat who want to stew together? Or more helpfully, just connect and share our experiences and whatnot.

• Elbow07
• directing fiction nfts
• Replies: 132
• Forum: Film School Application Year Threads

• 

The 2024 thread got up to 666 replies. Let's see if you can beat that! USC had one over 1000 replies once.

Good luck!!

 

[HandDreyer]

They are taking 10 this year. Half international, half women. No workshop. Just on basis of application then interview.

It kinda bums me out that this is the only top tier MA in the UK—no other school comes close, am I right? The US has several good places. In the UK it's NFTS, then maybe the LFS but it's mega expensive, and then all the places who don't have mega successful grad credits to advertise on their websites.

 

[lvanan3012]

Is it possible to get in without a BA degree?

 

[FD97]

They are taking 10 this year. Half international, half women. No workshop. Just on basis of application then interview.

It kinda bums me out that this is the only top tier MA in the UK—no other school comes close, am I right? The US has several good places. In the UK it's NFTS, then maybe the LFS but it's mega expensive, and then all the places who don't have mega successful grad credits to advertise on their websites.

That's interesting that they have declared that this year, makes a lot of sense though.

Yeah NFTS is by far the UK's leading film school for post graduate courses. Theres some very good European courses but I guess it depends on what language they teach in and if you speak it! Danish National Film School, ECAM and Le Femis come to mind.

 

[FD97]

Is it possible to get in without a BA degree?

I believe so! as long as you are over 21 and have a portfolio of work or industry experience.

 

[Chris W]

We just released a new article with a film composer professor and alumni of NFTS:

Filip Sijanec, Composer and Professor at NFTS and the Royal College of Music, on the Power of Perseverance (Part 1)

Filip Sijanec may have earned an Oscar nomination for scoring Detainment (2018), but he maintains an impressive air of humility, emphasizing the importance of lining up meaningful work. For the London-based composer, creating music for film, video games, online digital content, theater and other...

• Alexa P.
• Apr 2, 2025
• Category: Professor Interviews

Enjoy!

 

[Mona36]

I've always wondered this - is there an unspoken "cut-off" age where it's unlikely you'll get in? For example, is this course more likely to go for people under 30?

 

[FD97]

I've always wondered this - is there an unspoken "cut-off" age where it's unlikely you'll get in? For example, is this course more likely to go for people under 30?

I don’t think so, I remember at the open day I went to a couple of years ago they said the ideal age bracket was 26-28 but they still accept younger or older.

 

[FD97]

I need to get started on my application for this year! Deadline is coming up

 

[Mona36]

I don’t think so, I remember at the open day I went to a couple of years ago they said the ideal age bracket was 26-28 but they still accept younger or older.

That's good to know! I'm applying this year for the first time and I'm 28... nervous that if I don't get in this year then that's it

 

[FD97]

That's good to know! I'm applying this year for the first time and I'm 28... nervous that if I don't get in this year then that's it

In the same boat, I’m also 28 but it’s my third time applying. This is for sure my last dance with NFTS lol

 

[India]

What is the timeline and process this year for 2026 MA applications regarding interview and workshop ? Any idea how many applicants for 2026 MA directing fiction and screenwriting?

 

[maxitos8820]

5th or 6th time's the charm, right?
My personal favorite summer passtime is back, good luck to everyone!

 

[maxitos8820]

In the same boat, I’m also 28 but it’s my third time applying. This is for sure my last dance with NFTS lol

good to see you again!

 

[FD97]

good to see you again!

Back on the frontlines

 

[Zeno]

Open day tomorrow, see you there!

If anyone here wants a professional eye—with a proven track record of helping fellow FilmSchoolers—I'm here to help make the application process smoother and boost your chances. I applied to NFTS back a few so I have some familiarity

 

[lcolds]

They are taking 10 this year. Half international, half women. No workshop. Just on basis of application then interview.

It kinda bums me out that this is the only top tier MA in the UK—no other school comes close, am I right? The US has several good places. In the UK it's NFTS, then maybe the LFS but it's mega expensive, and then all the places who don't have mega successful grad credits to advertise on their websites.

What do you mean? Did they say this at the open day? (I couldn’t attend the open day this year but went to last years one in preparation)

 

[maxitos8820]

They are taking 10 this year. Half international, half women. No workshop. Just on basis of application then interview.

It kinda bums me out that this is the only top tier MA in the UK—no other school comes close, am I right? The US has several good places. In the UK it's NFTS, then maybe the LFS but it's mega expensive, and then all the places who don't have mega successful grad credits to advertise on their websites.

Really? That makes no sense though, if you choose 5 international students then the 5 women must be UK-based. Maybe they're just prioritising? I am now settled in the UK and surely that's much more helpful than applying from overseas.

 

[FD97]

No I imagine that the 5 female directors can be either domestic or international. There will just be 5 female directors and 5 male directors. What it does mean though if you are a UK male director, realistically you are competing for 2/3 spaces on the course.