Education
A Guide to Intakes in the USA
July 25, 2025
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5 MIN
The American Film Institute Conservatory (AFI Conservatory) is a top film school located in the Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles. Since 1969, it has helped students learn filmmaking by working directly with professionals in the industry.
At AFI, students are called “Fellows.” They learn how to tell stories in six main areas of filmmaking. With a 6:1 student-to-teacher ratio, each Fellow gets personal help and guidance from experienced filmmakers. AFI was ranked the #1 film school in the U.S. two years in a row by The Hollywood Reporter.
In this blog, we’ll look at AFI’s history, what it offers students, and how its graduates have made a big difference in movies around the world.
About the American Film Institute Conservatory
The American Film Institute (AFI) was founded in 1967 as a national arts organization. Two years later, in 1969, AFI launched the American Film Institute Conservatory, originally known as the Center for Advanced Film Studies, to offer graduate-level training in narrative filmmaking.
Unlike regular college programs, AFI uses a conservatory model. This means students focus deeply on one area while also getting real experience by working on actual film projects.
From the first day, Fellows are part of a collaborative environment where they develop, shoot, and edit films. AFI picks about 144 students each year from thousands who apply. These students come from all six areas of filmmaking.
The program is full-time, lasts two years, and ends with a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree. To graduate, each Fellow must complete a thesis or an AFI cinematography capstone project that demonstrates their skills and storytelling abilities.
American Film Institute Conservatory Programs
AFI Conservatory teaches filmmaking in six main areas:
- Cinematography: Learn how to tell stories with a camera using lighting, angles, and shot choices.
- AFI MFA Directing: The AFI Directing Program trains students to lead a film set, work with actors, and bring a story to life with their vision.
- Editing: Learn how to put all the scenes together to shape the story, mood, and timing of a film.
- Producing: Learn how to plan and manage a movie, from start to finish, including the business side.
- Production Design: Learn how to create the sets, props, and looks that bring a movie’s world to life.
- AFI Screenwriting MFA: Learn how to write strong scripts with good structure, characters, and dialogue for movies and TV.
Each subject is taught by people who work in the film industry, so students get real-world experience and the tools they need to succeed.
American Film Institute Conservatory Admissions
The American Film Institute Los Angeles offers only graduate-level programs and admits students once a year for the fall term. There are no undergraduate degree programs available.
Each year, the AFI Conservatory admissions welcomes a diverse group of Fellows from across the United States and more than 40 countries worldwide. Before applying, it’s important to explore all six AFI Conservatory disciplines and choose the one that best fits your goals. The applicants should prepare their materials well in advance, as all required documents must be submitted by the official deadline.
Admission Requirements at the American Film Institute Conservatory
Here’s what you need to apply to AFI’s MFA degree:
- Online Application: Fill out the official form for the area of film you want to study.
- Application Fee: Application Fee: Pay a $110 application fee (non-refundable).
- Narrative Statement: Write up to 3 pages about:
- Your personal story
- What area you want to study
- How you work with others
- Your long-term career goals
- Use Times New Roman, size 12, double-spaced, with 1-inch margins.
- Student Resume: Include professional and educational background relevant to film or storytelling.
- Two Letters of Recommendation: Must be submitted by or before the application deadline.
- Transcripts: Unofficial transcripts are accepted during the application process. Final, official transcripts will be required upon admission.
- Certificate of Completion: Applicants without an undergraduate degree or its equivalent may still be eligible to apply as an Associate Fellow under the Certificate of Completion track.
- Portfolio Requirements: As part of the application process, all applicants must submit portfolio materials tailored to their chosen discipline. These creative samples play a key role in evaluating an applicant’s storytelling ability, artistic vision, and potential for success at the AFI Conservatory.
For International Applicants:
- Submit all academic records with certified English translations (if not already in English).
- Proof of English language proficiency through one of the following minimum test scores:
What is the Application Process at AFI Conservatory?
Applications open each fall for all six disciplines. Here’s a quick overview of the steps involved in applying to the American Film Institute Conservatory’s MFA program:
- Complete the Online Application: Select your discipline and fill out the official application form.
- Submit Required Admission Materials: Personal statement, resume or CV, two letters of recommendation, unofficial transcripts from all academic institutions, creative portfolio (specific to your chosen discipline).
- Application Review: The Admissions Committee reviews only completed applications to decide who moves forward.
- Interview: Selected applicants will be invited for a Zoom interview with faculty and staff.
- Final Decision: Applicants will be notified of their admissions status by email after the interview process. Because of its strong reputation, the AFI Conservatory acceptance rate tends to be lower than many other film programs.
AFI Conservatory Deadlines
AFI Conservatory accepts applications once a year for fall enrollment. Each discipline has a fixed deadline, and applicants need to plan and submit all materials on time. Here’s what you need to know about the upcoming admission cycles:
- Fall 2025 applications are now closed, except for Production Design.
- Production Design applications remain open until April 1, 2025.
- Applications for Fall 2026 will open in September 2025.
Be sure to monitor the official website for exact dates and updates throughout the application season.
Estimated Cost of Attendance at the American Film Institute Conservatory
Pursuing an MFA at the American Film Institute Conservatory is a significant investment in your creative future. The cost of attendance includes tuition, required materials, and estimated living expenses while studying in Los Angeles. Below is a breakdown of the expected AFI Conservatory tuition for each academic year.
AFI Conservatory Alumni
The American Film Institute Conservatory has graduated over 5,400 Fellows, many of whom have gone on to lead and innovate in the film and television industry. AFI graduates are recognized worldwide for their creative excellence and industry impact. Their work spans major studios, independent films, and top television networks.
Some of the most influential names among its alumni include Darren Aronofsky, Patty Jenkins, David Lynch, and Terrence Malick.
Its alumni also include Oscar, Emmy, and Golden Globe winners and nominees. The accomplishments of AFI Fellows include:
- Academy Awards®: 15 nominations, 4 wins
- Emmy Awards®: 87 nominations, 19 wins
- Major Film Festivals: 350 alumni credited on 481 films
AFI Conservatory Scholarships
The American Film Institute Conservatory offers a range of scholarships to support both domestic and international Fellows. Scholarships are awarded based on financial need, academic merit, and creative potential.
The AFI Scholarship Committee manages all awards and is need-blind, meaning financial need does not affect admissions decisions.
Student Housing Near AFI Conservatory
AFI doesn’t have housing on campus, but students can find places to live nearby. Platforms like amber help students find safe, affordable, and easy-to-reach housing close to the school.
AFI Conservatory is in the Hollywood Hills, near fun and lively areas like Hollywood, West Hollywood, and Silver Lake. These neighborhoods have lots of restaurants, shops, and the best clubs.
Recommended Off-Campus Housing Options:
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