Discover how to apply to Maine College of Art & Design’s Master of Fine Arts (MFA) program. Find application deadlines, scholarship details, and important dates.
Application Deadlines & Key Dates
Consider completing your application by the earliest deadline. We cannot guarantee decision extensions, deferral requests, or graduate housing if you apply in the rolling admissions period.
Full Tuition Scholarship Deadline: Sunday, January 18, 2026
Applicants may be invited to have a brief interview with the reviewers and admitted students will be considered for our one Full Tuition Scholarship (regardless of low or full residency interest).
For applications received before the Full Tuition Scholarship deadline, we aim to provide an admission decision starting late February. We encourage international applicants and those seeking scholarships to apply by this deadline.
Priority Application Deadline: Sunday, February 22, 2026
We encourage applicants who want graduate housing to apply by this deadline.
Rolling Admission
After the Priority Application Deadline, applications are reviewed on a rolling basis as space permits. Interviews will not be arranged during this application period. For applications received after the Priority Application deadline, we aim to provide an admission decision within a month of receiving your complete application.
Projected Program Start Date: Monday, June 15, 2026
The program begins with a student orientation and classes begin on the same day.
Application Requirements
Applications are reviewed based on the strength of the portfolio, personal essay, and academic achievement, as well as cohesion across application materials. The admission process and criteria are identical between Low and Full Residency interests.
Application
Submit the MFA application and pay the $70 application fee. Eligible students may request a fee waiver by emailing graduateadmissions@meca.edu.
You can use the Applicant Portal to upload your college transcripts, track your admission progress, and make an enrollment decision. We require all materials to be submitted before we begin to review your application.
Portfolio
Please submit 10–20 digital images of work, or up to 15 minutes of video.
A strong portfolio should be properly documented to succinctly convey your studio practice and include detail shots as necessary. Although we are an interdisciplinary program, you are not required to submit a portfolio that spans multiple mediums if that does not represent your practice.
We encourage you to submit your most recent work to demonstrate your skills and interests at the time of application.
Personal Essay
The Personal Essay is an opportunity to convey your interest in the MFA program. Please address the following prompts in one 1,000-word essay:
- Outline your interest in our MFA program. Why are you pursuing an MFA and why now? How is MECA&D a good fit for you, and how do you see yourself being a strong addition to the cohort? If admitted, do you intend to be a Low Residency or Full Residency student?
- Describe your creative practice in the context of your portfolio and program application. Why are you showing us this body of work? Which contemporary artists’ work do you consider to be in dialogue with your work, and why? How do you anticipate your practice evolving during your time as an MFA student at MECA&D?
- Share your goals for graduate studies. What do you want to achieve during your time in our MFA program? What are your career goals after graduate school? How can our community and network help you reach your goals?
A strong essay demonstrates an understanding of the relationship among your personal journey, your creative vision, and your artistic goals.
Résumé or Curriculum Vitae
Please use your resume or curriculum vitae (CV) to highlight your experiences and achievements beyond your essay and your portfolio. Upload your document as a PDF in the application portal.
Two Letters of Recommendation
A letter of recommendation is a written endorsement from someone who knows your work (such as a mentor or supervisor) and can speak to your ability to work independently and thrive in a rigorous, interdisciplinary graduate program.
In the application, you will be asked to provide contact information for two recommenders, and we will send each of them an email invitation to submit their letters. At least one of your recommenders should speak to your artistic capabilities.
You may submit your application before your letters of recommendation are submitted, but your application will not be complete without them. Please follow up with your recommenders and track their submission status in the Applicant Portal.
College Transcripts & Academic Prerequisites
All applicants should hold a bachelor's degree or expect to receive one ahead of the program start date. We also ask that you have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher from previous and current degrees.
You can upload unofficial transcripts after submitting your application or request official transcripts to be delivered electronically to GraduateAdmissions@meca.edu. Official transcripts are only required at the time of enrollment.
Maine College of Art & Design alumni can request a transcript transfer via email to registrar@meca.edu.
Note: We reserve the right to rescind your offer of admission if you fail to meet the GPA requirement upon completion of your undergraduate studies.
International Applicants
International applicants are asked to submit additional materials in order to be offered admission. See Requirements for International MFA Applicants.
Admitted Students
Admitted students should plan to reply to their offer of admission by April 15. International students should enroll as soon as possible to complete additional legal requirements. Visit the Academic Calendar for more information.
All incoming MFA students will start during the Summer Intensive in June. We do not offer Fall or Spring entry.
Next Steps
Contact & Support
Admissions
- Email: joel.tsui-staff@meca.edu or graduateadmissions@meca.edu
- Phone: 207.699.5023
- Office: 522 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101
Financial Aid
- Email: finaid@meca.edu
- Phone: 207.699.5074
International
- Email: ebrighi@meca.edu
Admitted Students
- Email: rkatz@meca.edu