Undergraduate Admissions

In the Department of Visual Art, you get the best of both worlds: Small School. Big University. You will work side by side with world-class, practicing artists. Small classes provide time for directed and individual instruction and space for developing big ideas. You can explore all seven studio areas to create an education as individual as you are.

In order to be considered for Departmental Incoming Freshman and Transfer Scholarships, a portfolio and three essay questions must be submitted via Slideroom no later than Feb. 1st.

Portfolio Requirements:

  • 10 - 20 images 
  • The images should be no more than 5MB each
  • Must be submitted through Slideroom

What to include in your portfolio:

  • If possible, include work in a variety of mediums.
  • Sketches or works in progress are okay to include.
  • The portfolio does not need to specifically address the major in which you are most interested (i.e. If you hope to concentrate on printmaking, but do not have any prints in your portfolio, that's okay.)
  • Images of 3D artwork may be shown from different views.

Essay Questions:

Your slideroom portfolio will include answering the following questions. Each question is set to a 1500 character limit, which is about 250 words.

1.  What has been your past experience(s) in the areas of Visual Art?

2. Describe your professional aspirations and career goals in the areas of Visual Art?

3. What do you expect from your educational experience?

November 1st 
Freshman early action application deadline
KU online admission application must be completed to be eligible for KU general scholarships. 

January 1st 
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) becomes available online. KU's Federal School Code is 001948.

February 1st
Incoming Freshman and Transfer Scholarship Application Deadline 

In order to be considered for Departmental Scholarships, a portfolio and three essay questions must be submitted via Slideroom no later than Feb. 1st.

FAFSA Priority Date

March 1st
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) priority deadline, apply online. KU's Federal School Code is 001948.

March (end of the month)
Notification of Department of Visual Art scholarship award.

May 1st 
State of Kansas Student Aid Application priority deadline, apply online.

Change of School students (students currently at KU) will apply to Visual Art by filling out and submitting a Change of School form available in room 300, Art & Design building. Deadline for Change of School forms to be considered for spring semester is December 1st.

A 3.0 college GPA is preferred for transfer, re-admitted, and Change of School students. A 2.5 high school GPA is preferred for incoming freshmen. 

Undergraduate Admissions

International Student?

Find more information at International Admissions
International Admissions
A student paints outside

Visit the Department of Visual Art

Tours of the beautiful University of Kansas campus can be arranged through the Office of Admissions. Indicate your interest in the Department of Visual Art and they will schedule an appointment on your behalf.

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