Parsons School of Design, The New School

BFA, BBA

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.

Non-native English speakers must submit: TOEFL 92 / IELTS 7 / PTE 63 / Duolingo 115 / Cambridge 185.

Parsons full-time tuition is $31,174 per semester (12–18 credits), 2026–27 academic year; per-credit tuition is $2,598 per credit (about $62,348 per year).

Fall Early Action / Early Decision: 1 November (submit the visual portfolio as soon as possible); Fall Regular Decision: 15 January; transfer: 1 March.

No — the official website states: 'An interview or portfolio review is not required for admission.'

MA, MFA, MPS, MS

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).

Non-native English speakers must submit (scores within two years): TOEFL iBT 92 / IELTS 7.0 / PTE 63 / Duolingo 115 / Cambridge 185.

Most Parsons postgraduate programmes charge full-time tuition of $31,970 per semester (12–19 credits), 2026–27 academic year; per-credit tuition is $2,665 per credit.

Fall / Summer intake: 5 January; Spring intake: 15 October.

The official website gives no unified statement; requirements vary by programme (some programmes may require an interview or video).

The first year is a foundational year curriculum shared by all undergraduate programmes. Preparatory / pre-college programmes: Summer Intensive Studies (New York / Paris, 3 credits, for high-school students aged 16–18, to prepare a portfolio for university applications), and Parsons Summer Academy / Parsons Academy Certificate (grades 9–12).

All admitted students are automatically considered for merit scholarships, with no separate application; international students typically qualify only for merit-based awards. Most international students do not qualify for need-based aid.

If any part of the portfolio is AI-assisted or AI-generated, the applicant must describe the creative process and the machine-learning tools used, and state AI use in the written application; the admissions committee strongly advises against submitting entirely AI-generated images or texts and reserves the right to request additional materials.