Each year, SFAI commits a generous amount of scholarship and need-based grant aid to graduate and post-baccalaureate students. In general, aid is limited to full-time, full year programs for domestic students but some limited aid for international students is available.
MFA Fellowships
MFA Fellowships are the highest and most prestigious scholarships awarded at the San Francisco Art Institute. The Fellowships are awarded for partial tuition for selected MFA students whose portfolio of artwork and application to the Graduate program are deemed to be of the highest caliber by the Faculty Admissions Committee. Fellowship recipients are selected from the pool of admitted MFA students by the Graduate program faculty. MFA Fellowships are awarded for two years, contingent upon maintaining full-time enrollment status and satisfactory progress through the MFA curriculum, including the intermediate review. MFA Fellowships are awarded beginning in the term for which the student originally applied for admission and may not be deferred to future start terms. International students and Low-residency MFA students may qualify for MFA Fellowships.
SFAI Grants
Need-based grant awards range from $500 to approximately $10,100, depending on the level of financial need as determined by your Free Application for Federal Student Aid. To be eligible, you must be admitted to the full year MFA, MA, or Post-Baccalaureate program and have met all application deadlines. As SFAI grants are limited, students should make sure to apply by the relevant priority deadline in order to assure maximum consideration (please see Financial Aid Deadlines). SFAI cannot meet the full calculated financial need of all students. International students may not receive SFAI Grants.
Fulbright Scholarship Match
International students enrolling at SFAI with a Fulbright Scholarship may receive a matching award for up to half-tuition from SFAI.
Named Scholarships
SFAI commends the many donors who have chosen to honor students through sponsorship of SFAI scholarships and grants. These funds recognize the achievements and special contributions both of the donors and of exceptional students. Students are automatically considered for named scholarships for which they may be eligible; a separate application is not required.
Application and Renewal
A separate application is not required to be considered the MFA Fellowships. Fellowships are renewable for one additional year conditional upon good standing, progress toward the degree, and satisfactory MFA intermediate review.
Grants are not automatically renewable. Students must apply for grants for each and every year of enrollment. Renewal is contingent upon continued demonstration of financial need and good academic standing.