- 1929
- Founded
- 5
- Courses
About Academy of Art University
A private art and design university in San Francisco with open admissions and starts in spring, summer and fall, known for game development, animation, fashion, graphic design and illustration, with an English for Art Purposes programme for new international students.
Courses
View all 55 courses
BFA Game Development
BFAGame Design
- US$40,368 / yr
- Fee
- 4 Years
- Duration
- Feb 2027
- Next intake
- Undergraduate
- Study level
BFA Animation and Visual Effects
BFAAnimation
- US$40,368 / yr
- Fee
- 4 Years
- Duration
- Feb 2027
- Next intake
- Undergraduate
- Study level
BFA Graphic Design
BFAArt and Design
- US$40,368 / yr
- Fee
- 4 Years
- Duration
- Feb 2027
- Next intake
- Undergraduate
- Study level
MFA Fashion Design
MFAFashion
- US$33,426 / yr
- Fee
- 2 Years
- Duration
- Feb 2027
- Next intake
- Postgraduate
- Study level
MFA Game Design
MFAGame Design
- US$33,426 / yr
- Fee
- 2 Years
- Duration
- Feb 2027
- Next intake
- Postgraduate
- Study level
Highlights
Academy of Art University is a private art and design university in San Francisco, founded in 1929. It runs open admissions with rolling starts, and teaches game development, animation and visual effects, fashion, graphic design, illustration and more, with over 30 STEM designated degrees across 14 creative industries. New international students can begin in its English for Art Purposes programme.
Campuses
San Francisco Campus
MapSan Francisco · 79 New Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA 94105
The university teaches across a network of buildings in downtown San Francisco, with its main address on New Montgomery Street, and also offers online study.
Required documents
Identity
- Passport
Academic
- High school transcripts and certificates
- English language test result
Financial
- Bank statement showing proof of funds
- Affidavit of financial support
Visa
- Form I-20 issued by the university
- F-1 visa interview appointment and SEVIS fee receipt
General checklist. Your counsellor will confirm exactly what this institution needs.
Frequently asked questions
Is Academy of Art University a public or private university?
It is a private institution in San Francisco, California.
What is Academy of Art University known for?
Academy of Art University is known for art and design, with strong courses in game development, animation, fashion, graphic design and illustration, and over 30 STEM designated degrees.
What English score do I need for Academy of Art University?
You need to take the TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo English Assessment or LanguageCert before classes start. No fixed minimum is published, and the result decides whether you join English for Art Purposes first.
How much are tuition fees for international students at Academy of Art University?
For 2026/27, the university lists international tuition of $1,682 per unit for undergraduates and $1,857 per unit for graduate students. That is about $40,368 and $33,426 a year at 24 and 18 units. A $5,500 deposit is due after the visa.
When can I start at Academy of Art University?
Starts are in spring, summer and fall, with rolling admissions. The 2026 applications closed on February 9, June 19 and September 15, so check the dates for your term.