The portfolio

8 of 30 schools · upload platform used mostly by US and Australian schools

Rhode Island School of Design, Pratt Institute, California Institute of the Arts, Savannah College of Art and Design, School of the Art Institute of Chicago, School of Visual Arts, Maryland Institute College of Art, Victorian College of the Arts

4 of 30 schools · UAL’s portfolio platform

Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London, London College of Fashion, University of the Arts London, London College of Communication

12 of 30 schools · evidence of how the work was made

Parsons School of Design, The New School, Rhode Island School of Design, Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London, Tokyo University of the Arts, Tama Art University, Royal College of Art, London College of Fashion, University of the Arts London, London College of Communication, School of Visual Arts, Slade School of Fine Art, UCL, Victorian College of the Arts

14 of 30 schools · alongside the images

Parsons School of Design, The New School, California Institute of the Arts, Domus Academy, School of Art & Design, UNSW Sydney, Tokyo University of the Arts, Royal College of Art, London College of Communication, The Glasgow School of Art, School of Visual Arts, ArtCenter College of Design, Goldsmiths, University of London, Kingston School of Art, Kingston University London, RMIT University - School of Art / School of Design, Victorian College of the Arts

16 of 30 schools · a recorded talk or moving-image work

California Institute of the Arts, University of the Arts London, Tama Art University, École nationale supérieure des Beaux-Arts de Paris, École nationale supérieure des Arts Décoratifs, NABA Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti, Universität der Künste Berlin, Royal College of Art, School of the Art Institute of Chicago, School of Visual Arts, ArtCenter College of Design, Maryland Institute College of Art, Slade School of Fine Art, UCL, Goldsmiths, University of London, RMIT University - School of Art / School of Design, Victorian College of the Arts

17 of 30 schools · selection beyond the portfolio itself

Parsons School of Design, The New School, Central Saint Martins, Pratt Institute, California Institute of the Arts, Tokyo University of the Arts, Musashino Art University, Tama Art University, École nationale supérieure des Beaux-Arts de Paris, NABA Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti, Universität der Künste Berlin, Royal College of Art, London College of Communication, School of Visual Arts, Maryland Institute College of Art, Goldsmiths, University of London, Politecnico di Milano – School of Design, Victorian College of the Arts

Undergraduate. First-year and transfer BFA applicants must submit 8–12 slides (images) of work; transfer applicants may submit up to 20. The portfolio is optional for the BBA in Strategic Design and Management (minimum 2 pieces). Upload through the Admission Hub after submitting the Common Application; personal website links are not accepted. Each image must include dimensions, title and a brief description, and at least two favourite pieces require a process description.

Postgraduate. Most postgraduate programmes require a portfolio, submitted through the Portfolio section of the online application (postal or email submissions are not accepted); requirements vary by programme (for example, the Fashion Studies MA does not require a traditional portfolio and asks for a 250–500 word Programme Essay).

Undergraduate. Submit 12-20 recent works via SlideRoom, accessed after the Common Application; direct-observation drawing/sketching is recommended; up to 3 research or preparatory sheets may be included; recommended formats jpeg/png/gif/mp4/mov.

Postgraduate. Studio graduate programmes require 10-20 visual works submitted via SlideRoom; individual programmes have more specific requirements (e.g. Digital + Media 10 works; Landscape Architecture at least 10 pages / maximum 20 pages; MAT 20 images).

Undergraduate. Digital portfolio submitted via PebblePad (UAL's online portfolio tool) after the UCAS initial application. Example BA (Hons) Fine Art: maximum 25 pages; include finished projects and works in progress; demonstrate experimentation with techniques / materials; show research informing ideas; one sentence per page outlining ideas / interests. BA Graphic Communication Design: maximum 25 pages, recommend 4–8 projects. Apply via UCAS; UAL accepts A-levels / IB only in combination with a Foundation Diploma or equivalent one-year course.

Postgraduate. Digital portfolio submitted via PebblePad after the initial application; specific requirements are set per course page (programme-specific). General UAL portfolio advice applies.

Undergraduate. Portfolio submitted online via pratt.slideroom.com; all majors must submit a visual or writing portfolio (except Construction Management). First-year students have no fixed number requirement; it is recommended to include works created within the last 18 months, each noting medium/material, dimensions and year of creation. Transfer students 15-45 images.

Postgraduate. Requirements vary by department; some programmes require a visual portfolio. For example, Fine Arts MFA: 15-20 individual images (JPEG/PNG), multipage PDFs prohibited; Art and Design Education MA: 15 images including 1 life drawing.

Undergraduate. Portfolio must be submitted directly through the CalArts Application (SlideRoom, third-party platforms, PDF or external links are not accepted). Example BFA Art: about 20 individual images or videos (recent three years preferred), total video length no more than 7 minutes; a 30-90 second self-introduction video is required.

Postgraduate. Varies by programme, all submitted through the CalArts Application. Example MFA Art and Technology: about 20 examples of current work, accepting JPEG/PNG/GIF/MP4/MOV and Vimeo/YouTube/personal website links; MFA Art: about 20 individual slides. Most programmes require an artist statement.

Undergraduate. A portfolio is not required for undergraduate admission; however, submission is strongly recommended to compete for achievement scholarships. Portfolios are submitted via SlideRoom and must be original; categories include visual art / fashion (10–20 pieces), time-based media (3–5 minutes) and writing (5–15 pages), among others. SlideRoom charges $10 per submission.

Postgraduate. Postgraduate applicants must submit a programme-specific portfolio or audition to receive an admission decision; the portfolio must meet the specific requirements of the applied programme and is submitted via SlideRoom. Some programmes accept the GRE in place of a portfolio.

Undergraduate. Many practice-based courses require a digital portfolio, requested by email after UCAS application and submitted via PebblePad (UAL online portfolio tool). General portfolio advice: include 3-5 projects showing range of ideas/skills (drawings, sketchbook pages, research, video, 3D objects); course pages give specific page limits (commonly max 30 pages).

Postgraduate. Digital portfolio or video task submitted via PebblePad after initial application; course-specific guidance on portfolio advice page.

Undergraduate. Portfolio not mandatory (a personal statement may be submitted instead); if submitted, digital or physical format accepted, must include sketches and finished work, showing personal style and creativity. Source: https://www.domusacademy.com/documents-required/ and https://www.domusacademy.com/how-to-apply/

Postgraduate. Portfolio (Artistic and Professional Portfolio of Projects): digital or physical format, including sketches and finished work. Not mandatory for: Business Design, Fashion Management, Luxury Brand Management, Design Futures, Design x AI (welcome but not mandatory); 2-year MA in Design Leadership & Strategy may be substituted with an academic/professional experience list. Source: https://www.domusacademy.com/documents-required/ and https://www.domusacademy.com/how-to-apply/

Undergraduate. UNSW Portfolio Entry Early Conditional Offer Scheme: for domestic Australian students only. Category A degrees (including Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Design) require a cover letter (up to 400 words) plus a portfolio (up to 6 JPG/JPEG/PNG images, each with a title and an artist/designer statement of up to 50 words and the year of creation; or a URL showreel/portfolio; or a 500-word critical review) plus a Generative AI declaration, submitted via the portfolio-entry portal (digital submission, 100MB limit). International undergraduate applications are primarily assessed on ATAR/equivalent results and English requirements; a portfolio is not mandatory (music requires audition).

Postgraduate. Depending on background, a portfolio may be required: a 10-page A4 digital portfolio (with critical reflection text) plus a cover letter (up to 400 words, stating interests and motivation) plus evidence of professional experience in design/media (employer/client reference letters) plus a two-page CV (including two referees' contact details). Applicants with a non-related undergraduate background must pass a portfolio assessment.

Undergraduate. Undergraduate entrance examination for privately financed international students is assessed by a combination of the Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU) and the university's individual examination (practical examination / short essay / academic ability test). Most Fine Arts department disciplines do not have a separate interview, selecting through practical examination + short essay; the Department of Intermedia Art requires advance submission of a 'personal portfolio folder'. A portfolio is not a university-wide requirement and varies by discipline.

Postgraduate. Most research areas require a portfolio: Japanese Painting, Oil Painting, Printmaking, Mural Painting, Oil Painting Techniques and Materials, Sculpture, Crafts, Design, Architecture, Intermedia Art all require submission; Global Art Practice (GAP) requires portfolio + short essay (1,600 words). Usually one A4 document volume (around 10 works of images, etc.); some must be posted or uploaded data.

Undergraduate. Special selection for international students: the Departments of Japanese Painting, Oil Painting (Painting course / Graphic Arts course) and Sculpture must submit a portfolio (A4-size document, about 10 pieces including photographs of works, brought and submitted on the examination day between 8:45 and 9:15; Oil Painting, Graphic Arts and Sculpture must additionally submit 5 copies of the portfolio). Other departments select via practical examination (pencil drawing, etc.) and do not require a portfolio. A 'name label for works' and a certificate of own production issued by the supervising instructor must be attached.

Postgraduate. Master's programme selection (Schedule A/B): most courses require a portfolio. For example, the Basic Design course requires one A3-size document (mailed, containing 3 or more works plus a portfolio; moving-image works submitted separately on DVD/USB); Oil Painting, Printmaking, Sculpture, Visual Communication, Craft and Industrial Design, Spatial Design, Architecture, Design Informatics, Imaging and Photography courses each have work/portfolio requirements that vary by course (see the guidelines for details).

Undergraduate. The international-student selection requires submission of work / portfolio, varying by discipline: Japanese Painting (about one work of around 50-gou, submitted on interview day); Printmaking / Print Media (one A4 portfolio at application plus 5–10 works on interview day); Sculpture (one A3-or-smaller portfolio at application); Crafts / Graphic Design / Product (Textile) / Architectural Environment / Information Design / Art / Integrated Design / Theatre and Dance (work or portfolio submitted on interview day, free format). A work description sheet and proof of personal authorship are required.

Postgraduate. The pre-doctoral course requires submission of work / portfolio, varying by specialisation: Japanese Painting (up to two works of 50-gou or larger); Oil Painting (one flat work up to F200 plus a portfolio); Printmaking (a USB portfolio PDF of up to 20 pages plus 5–10 works); Sculpture (at least two works plus one A3 portfolio); Crafts (two works plus a portfolio); each Design specialisation (at least three works plus a portfolio); Integrated Design (an mp4 video explaining the research content, a portfolio PDF and a pre-assigned task); Theatre and Dance (at least three works plus a portfolio). Proof of personal authorship is required for all.

Undergraduate. First-year (Parcoursup): artistic portfolio in PDF only, max 10 MB, and/or two MP4 videos (max 2 min each); CV on provided template; letter of intent ~2000 characters PDF. In-course entry: single PDF only, max 20 MB (may add 1-2 MP4 videos, max 2 min each) + CV + letter of intent ~2000 characters. Submitted on Oasis platform.

Postgraduate. Same digital portfolio requirements as in-course entry: single PDF max 20 MB (+ optional 1-2 MP4, 2 min each), CV, letter of intent; admission via oral interview and portfolio presentation with jury.

Undergraduate. First year: anonymous digital application comprising (1) a 'création réalisée à domicile' PDF of up to 5 pages (20 MB) plus optional 1-minute audio / video (50 MB); (2) a personal-works file: a motivation letter of at most 1 page, a portfolio PDF of up to 15 pages (20 MB), and optional 1-minute audio / video (50 MB). No hyperlinks allowed.

Postgraduate. In-course entry to M1: a portfolio PDF of up to 15 pages (20 MB), a detailed CV, a motivation letter of 1 page (may be in English), plus a mémoire project outline (a few lines) for M1 entry; links to webpages / videos are allowed.

Undergraduate. Portfolio not mandatory; may be shown at interview. Applicants must submit a 'Portfolio of projects or/and project assignment' (per application form guidance). A portfolio of 5-10 projects in folders is suggested, covering drawing, design, photography, fashion and 3D; digital format PDF/JPG/PNG 300dpi, video MPEG4/AVI.

Postgraduate. No uniform mandatory portfolio requirement is clearly stated on the official website (the postgraduate admission page lists language requirements and visa procedures but specifies no number or format); some programmes may refer to the undergraduate portfolio guidance.

Undergraduate. Varies by programme. Example Visual Communication BA: artistic sample (portfolio + Hausaufgabe) uploaded on Bemus platform (https://bemus.udk-berlin.de); max 4 files, max 350 MB; PDF max 50 MB, MP4/MOV/M4V 150 MB (max 2 videos, 3 min each); up to 20 own works. Deadline 01 Feb–15 March. Other programmes (e.g. Stage Design) require ~20 own works as one PDF.

Postgraduate. Varies by programme. Example Visual Communication MA: portfolio on Bemus, 3 files max 350 MB, PDF 50 MB / video 150 MB (max 2 videos 3 min), + 1 A4 page project description. Design MA: PDF portfolio max 20 pages (20 MB) + CV + exposé (250–500 words) + 1-min MP4. GWK MA: 4 tasks, max 6 DIN A4 pages PDF + video/audio.

Postgraduate. Digital portfolio, specific to the programme applied for. General guidance: School of Communication & Design (incl. Architecture, Communication, Design) should include both finished projects and work-in-progress (sketchbooks, prototypes, research, process books); School of Arts & Humanities only finished projects. Most programmes also require a 300-word written statement and a 2-minute video (critical challenge) speaking to camera about your creative journey. Example (Service Design MA): portfolio showing challenging project topics, user-research insight, empathy, creative ideas, crafted solutions, and ability to shape services/experiences.

Undergraduate. Digital portfolio submitted via PebblePad after initial UCAS application; typically maximum 30 pages of recent work showing creative strengths, technical/visual skills, work in progress and research (course-specific). Sources: LCF course 'How to apply' pages.

Postgraduate. Digital portfolio submitted via PebblePad following initial application; course-specific (e.g. practice-based courses require recent work, completed artwork in any media, visual references/process).

Undergraduate. Digital portfolio via PebblePad after UCAS initial application. Examples: BA Photography / Graphic and Media Design / Illustration and Visual Media – maximum 20 pages of original work, include work in progress and completed projects, visual research/sketchbooks, developmental process. BA Film Practice: a film/sound piece (1 file, max 3 minutes) + contextual statement (max 300 words) + max 8 additional pages (storyboards etc.).

Postgraduate. Digital portfolio via PebblePad after initial application; specific requirements set per course page (programme-specific). General UAL portfolio advice applies.

Undergraduate. Digital Portfolio in PDF format, maximum 15 pages, plus a Portfolio Statement (max 500 words / 3000 characters), submitted via the GSA Digital Portfolio site after the UCAS application. UCAS deadline 18:00 (UK time) 13 January 2027; portfolio deadline 13:00 (UK time) Wednesday 20 January 2027. Product Design Engineering is exempt from the portfolio.

Postgraduate. Digital Portfolio (PDF format, maximum 15 pages) plus a Portfolio Statement (maximum 500 words) uploaded to the GSA Digital Portfolio site after application. Specifics are on the postgraduate 'How to apply' / programme pages.

Undergraduate. Submit 10–15 best and recent works, uploaded via SlideRoom within the Common Application; no media restrictions, no set topic; images .jpg/.gif/.png (72 dpi, no side exceeding 600 px), video/audio have total duration limits.

Postgraduate. Must submit ePortfolio (SlideRoom), requirements vary by programme; e.g. MFA in Studio generally 15–20 still images or up to 15 minutes of time-based work; Fashion, Body and Garment MFA at least 5 projects up to 20 images. Images .jpg/.gif/.pdf (≤5MB), video ≤60MB, text must be .pdf.

Undergraduate. Submission via SlideRoom is encouraged. Most BFA programmes require 15–20 images, of which at least 3 must be direct-observation work; BFA Film requires a 3–5 minute film reel or a two-part film essay. Digital and hand-drawn work are allowed, and including a sketchbook is encouraged.

Postgraduate. Varies by programme, submitted through Graduate Admissions SlideRoom. For example, MFA Fine Arts: 10–20 media files (images ≤5 MB, video ≤60 MB), each as a separate file; MFA Design: 5–7 projects, submitted as a URL portfolio site or a single PDF.

Undergraduate. Portfolio must be specific to the applied major. Requirements vary by major, e.g.: Entertainment Design (Concept) requires a 20–25 page portfolio; Fine Art requires 15–20 works; Graphic Design requires 6–10 projects; First Year Immersion (undecided major) requires 12–15 works. Some majors require a Video Essay. Uploaded via the online application or Applicant Portal.

Postgraduate. Each programme requires a portfolio, written essays and CV; some programmes require recommendation letters. E.g. Art MFA requires 15–20 recent works; Graphic Design MFA requires 6–10 projects. Uploaded via the online application or Applicant Portal.

Undergraduate. Must submit 10-15 pieces of artwork (portfolio of 10-15 pieces of artwork), no prompts, no home exam; may include class and independent works, and should show finished pieces. Uploaded via the Applicant Portal after submitting the application.

Postgraduate. Each programme requires a portfolio (via SlideRoom, etc.), requirements vary by programme. For example, Graphic Design MA suggests 15-18 digital images; Filmmaking MFA may submit up to 10 videos (total duration not exceeding 40 minutes) or up to 10 visual/writing works; Photography MFA limits still images to 20 and moving-image works to 5 minutes maximum. A work description must be attached.

Undergraduate. Upload invitation sent by email after UCAS application; one PDF (maximum 20 pages, maximum 450MB, recommended above 300dpi) + up to two optional videos (MPEG/.MOV/MP4, each maximum 450MB, 5 minutes). Each work must be labelled with title, year and month of creation, dimensions, medium/process; external links such as YouTube/TikTok/Vimeo are not accepted. Source: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/slade/study/ba-bfa-portfolio-guidance/ and https://www.ucl.ac.uk/slade/study/ba/

Postgraduate. Invitation to submit sent by UCL email after online application; digital portfolio maximum 20 pages, each image not exceeding 5MB, including title, date of creation, dimensions, medium; may include showreel (maximum 5 minutes, ≤450MB) and sketchbook video (≤450MB). Submitted via Microsoft Form + OneDrive. Source: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/slade/study/ma-mfa-admissions/

Undergraduate. Submitted through the online application system; up to 12 works (JPG/PDF images and documents, MOV video, MP3 audio); also a Foundation or A-level (or equivalent) essay. BA Fine Art interviewees must bring a physical portfolio and essay; international students unable to attend submit an electronic portfolio.

Postgraduate. Submitted through the Goldsmiths online application system; up to 20 images (PDF), movie clips or web links suggested; include work dimensions, medium, duration and year.

Undergraduate. Digital portfolio, 15-20 pages; PDF preferred, may include website/Instagram/Flickr/Vimeo links; demonstrate four values: questioning, curiosity, technical ability, enthusiasm. Fine Art BA applicants are notified by email how to upload after applying via UCAS.

Postgraduate. Digital portfolio of 15-20 pages, 1-2 images per page, landscape, PDF (minimum 72 dpi); include work title, date, medium, dimensions and an optional 50-word annotation; moving image up to 2 minutes (Vimeo/YouTube links); plus a statement of up to 600 words or a 2-minute short film.

Undergraduate. Undergraduate design programmes admit via the TOLD entrance examination (Test del Design); no portfolio is required, and admission is based on the entrance exam result.

Postgraduate. A portfolio is compulsory (for Architecture, Urban Planning and Policy Design and all Design programmes). Upload it through the online portfolio under the 'Master of Science programme(s) selection' section, not exceeding 20 MB; hard-copy submissions are not accepted. Applicants without a design background may substitute a thesis abstract or internship report.

Undergraduate. Bachelor of Fine Arts selection task: two applicant statements (each up to 100 words) plus choosing 1–3 majors and stating the first-preference reason (up to 100 words) plus creative works (up to 9 images, each ≤2MB; or YouTube/Vimeo/SoundCloud links, total video/audio length ≤10 minutes, covering the chosen major) plus one additional work (image/sound/video, with a 100-word description). Works must be completed within the last 2 years. Bachelor of Design (e.g. Graphic Design BP115) requires an applicant statement and a folio (up to 4-page PDF, ≤4MB). All materials are submitted via the RMIT selection task system. A declaration of whether AI tools were used to generate works/text is required.

Postgraduate. Master of Fine Art: a curated portfolio folio (PDF, up to 20 pages, ≤100MB, with author/title/year/medium/dimensions/duration notes; collaborative works must state the applicant's role) must be submitted via the selection task, with a declaration of AI tool usage (up to 50 words). Master of Design Innovation and Technology: no selection task; a bachelor degree or 3 years of relevant work experience (with CV and statement) is required.

Undergraduate. A portfolio (folio) must be submitted via SlideRoom: up to 20 individual files/works (drawings, paintings, photographs, sketchbooks, 3D objects, new media, etc.); a visual diary sample (up to 10 images) must also be submitted. Each discipline has specific requirements. An interview is required (approximately 20 minutes, conducted by a panel of two academic staff, online or in person).

Postgraduate. A written proposal (up to 500 words, covering concept/research framework, technical material needs, recent practice and influences), a portfolio (folio, up to 10 images or up to 8 minutes of video, corresponding to the proposal with captions), and a CV must be submitted. Shortlisted applicants must attend an online Zoom interview (approximately 20 minutes).