Master of Fine Arts [MFA]

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj University (CSMU), located in Panvel, Navi Mumbai, offers a 2-year full-time Master of Fine Arts (MFA) programme under its Department of Design and Arts, within the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Communication. The MFA is a postgraduate programme available in specialisations including Fashion Design, Interior Design, and Graphics Design, with a seat intake of 30 students. The programme is a regular, on-campus course that combines advanced creative theory with studio-based practice, preparing students for careers in design, fine arts, and creative industries. CSMU's location in Navi Mumbai, a major commercial and industrial hub, provides students with strong industry exposure and internship opportunities.

Admissions for the academic year 2026-27 are open. The admission process started from March 1, 2026, and students can apply online at admissions.csmu.ac.in. Based on the 2025-26 pattern, the last date of admission was extended to October 31, 2025; for 2026-27, the last date is tentatively expected around October 2026. Batch commencement is expected in July-August 2026.

Key Points

• The MFA at CSMU is a full-time, on-campus 2-year postgraduate programme with a seat intake of 30 students.
• Specialisations available: Fashion Design, Interior Design, and Graphics Design.
• The programme is housed in the Department of Design and Arts (DDA), which is described as a temple of creativity with industry-recognised programmes.
• Students in the Graphics Design stream are required to have their own laptops with prescribed specifications.
• MFA students are required to undertake mandatory internships in relevant industries as part of the curriculum.
• CSMU accepts CUET-PG scores for MFA admissions, in addition to its own CSMUCET entrance test.
• The university is UGC-recognised and established under the Government of Maharashtra Act XXXII of 2018.

CSMU MFA Fees

Fee Structure

• Registration fee of INR 15,000 is non-refundable and paid once at the time of admission.
• Application fee of INR 1,500 (plus taxes) is non-refundable and paid at the time of submitting the application.
• Examination fee of INR 1,000 per exam is applicable separately.
• Students in the Graphics Design stream must have their own laptops with prescribed specifications; these may be purchased from the university-authorised vendor or elsewhere.
• Fee refund in case of withdrawal follows UGC guidelines: 100% refund if withdrawal is 15 or more days before the last date of admission; 90% if less than 15 days before; 80% if within 15 days after; 50% if within 30 days after; 0% if more than 30 days after the last date of admission.
• A processing charge of up to INR 1,000 is deducted from the refundable amount.
• Hostel fee (optional, not included in total above): Triple Occupancy Non-AC: INR 92,000/year; Double Occupancy Non-AC: INR 1,10,000/year; Triple Occupancy AC: INR 1,20,000/year; Double Occupancy AC: INR 1,40,000/year (2026-27 rates).
• Mess fee is not included in hostel fee.
• Payment of at least 50% of annual fees is required at the time of confirming admission; the balance can be paid in instalments as per university schedule.

CSMU MFA Admission 2026

CSMU MFA Admission Dates 2026-27

CUET-PG 2026 Exam Dates (Accepted for MFA Admission at CSMU)

Source: exams.nta.nic.in/cuet-pg/

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

• Candidates must have passed a bachelor's degree in a relevant subject such as BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts), B.Des. (Bachelor of Design), B.V.A. (Bachelor of Visual Arts), or an equivalent degree from a recognised university.
• A minimum of 45% marks in the qualifying degree is required (42% for OBC; 40% for SC/ST candidates).
• Candidates appearing in the final year of their qualifying examination are also eligible to apply provisionally.

Admission Process

• Submit the online application form at admissions.csmu.ac.in and pay the non-refundable application fee of INR 1,500.
• The Admissions Office verifies documents and checks eligibility for the MFA programme.
• Eligible candidates are called for CSMUCET (CSMU Common Entrance Test); candidates with valid CUET-PG scores are exempted from CSMUCET.
• Based on entrance test or CUET-PG score, an Offer of Admission letter is issued.
• Candidates confirm admission by verifying original documents and paying at least 50% of the annual programme fee.
• Final enrolment is completed upon submission of all required documents including Transfer/Migration Certificate.

CSMU MFA Scholarships 2026

CSMU offers the Bharatratna Dr. Bhimrao (Babasaheb) Ambedkar Scholarship and Financial Assistance Schemes for the academic session 2026-27. These are applicable to MFA students as well.

Scholarship Schemes

• Scholarships are applicable to the programme fee component only; they do not cover add-on courses or industry-partner course fees.
• Only one scholarship scheme can be availed at a time; schemes cannot be combined.
• Students must maintain a minimum attendance of 75% to remain eligible for scholarships.
• For PG programmes, the student must be under 26 years of age and must not have any gap years between qualifying examination and admission to CSMU.
• Scholarships are disbursed as a concession at the end of the academic year after verification of all documents and attendance.
• Additionally, as per Government of Maharashtra rules, 10% of economically weak students among total admitted students shall receive a 50% waiver on tuition fee only.
• Application for scholarships must be submitted on the prescribed form with documentary proof by the date announced by the university each year.

CSMU MFA FAQs

Ques. What specialisations are available in the MFA programme at CSMU, and how do I choose one?

Ans. The MFA at CSMU is offered in three specialisations: Fashion Design, Interior Design, and Graphics Design. You select your preferred specialisation at the time of application. Each specialisation has its own studio-based curriculum and industry focus. Fashion Design focuses on garment construction, textile design, and fashion merchandising; Interior Design covers spatial planning, materials, and architectural detailing; Graphics Design deals with visual communication, typography, and digital media. Students in the Graphics Design stream are required to have their own laptops with prescribed specifications.

Ques. Is a BFA degree mandatory to apply for MFA at CSMU, or can graduates from other streams apply?

Ans. A BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts) degree is not strictly mandatory. Candidates with a bachelor's degree in relevant subjects such as B.Des. (Bachelor of Design), B.V.A. (Bachelor of Visual Arts), or equivalent design/arts degrees from a recognised university are also eligible. The minimum marks required are 45% in the qualifying degree (42% for OBC; 40% for SC/ST). Candidates in their final year of graduation can also apply provisionally.

Ques. What is the total fee for the MFA programme at CSMU, and are there any additional costs?

Ans. The total fee for the 2-year MFA programme at CSMU is INR 2,35,000 (including the one-time non-refundable registration fee of INR 15,000). The annual fee is INR 1,10,000 per year. Additionally, an application fee of INR 1,500 and an examination fee of INR 1,000 per exam are charged separately. Students in the Graphics Design stream will also need to budget for a laptop as per prescribed specifications. Hostel accommodation is optional and costs between INR 92,000 to INR 1,40,000 per year depending on the room type, with mess charges billed separately.

Ques. Are there mandatory internships in the MFA programme at CSMU?

Ans. Yes, MFA students at CSMU are required to undertake mandatory internships in relevant industries as part of their curriculum. This is a key feature of the Design and Arts programmes at CSMU, providing students with real-world exposure and industry connections. The internship component is designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and professional practice in the creative industries.

Ques. What career opportunities are available after completing MFA from CSMU?

Ans. MFA graduates from CSMU can pursue careers as fashion designers, interior designers, graphic designers, art directors, visual merchandisers, UI/UX designers, and creative consultants. They can work with fashion houses, design studios, advertising agencies, media companies, hospitality firms, and retail brands. CSMU's location in Navi Mumbai, close to Mumbai's thriving fashion, media, and design industry, provides strong networking and placement opportunities. Graduates can also pursue doctoral research (Ph.D.) in Design and Arts.

Ques. Does CSMU have industry collaborations for MFA students, and what kind of exposure can students expect?

Ans. CSMU has collaborations with various industry partners and has signed MoUs with companies in the creative and technology sectors. The Department of Design and Arts regularly invites industry professionals for guest lectures, workshops, and critique sessions. Students also benefit from CSMU's international collaborations with foreign universities, which offer opportunities for student exchange, joint seminars, and foreign internships in countries including Singapore, UAE, Germany, and the UK. The university's Training and Placement Cell actively facilitates campus placements and internship opportunities for design students.