Master of Fine Arts [MFA]

The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) at Shiv Nadar Institution of Eminence (SNU), Greater Noida, is a 2-year (4-semester), full-time, practice-based and research-centred postgraduate program offered by the Department of Art, Media and Performance (AMP). The program spans contemporary art practice encompassing art history, art theory, photography, moving image, painting, sculpture, and mixed media. The total tuition fee for the 2-year program is INR 1,92,000 (after a 40% waiver on the rack rate of INR 3,20,000), with a one-time admission fee of INR 60,000 and a refundable security deposit of INR 30,000. Admission is entirely portfolio and interview-based, with no mandatory national entrance exam. The program is popular for its interdisciplinary approach, personalised mentorship, internationally active faculty, and a final solo thesis exhibition.

Admissions for the 2026-28 batch are currently open. The last date to submit the online application form is Thursday, 18 June 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be notified by 30 June 2026, and online interviews are scheduled between 6-10 July 2026. Final selected candidates will be informed by 15 July 2026, with the batch commencing in August 2026.

Key Points

• The MFA program requires students to complete 16 courses for 64 credits over 4 semesters, culminating in a solo Fine Art Graduate Thesis Exhibition in the final semester.
• Personalised mentorship is a hallmark of the program: each student is assigned a mentor team of 2 faculty members who guide their individual practice, media preferences, and theoretical development.
• The Department of AMP maintains a worldwide network of institutional and professional partnerships, providing students with exposure to national and international art circuits.
• Up to 2 Teaching Assistantships are available per batch per academic year, offering a monthly stipend of INR 12,000 for 10 months (up to 20 months over the program duration).
• The program encourages interdisciplinary experimentation, with students engaging in lectures, workshops, studio visits, screenings, and field trips alongside guided practice.
• Guest lectures by distinguished art practitioners such as Amar Kanwar, Anandjit Ray, and Anand Patwardhan are a regular feature of the program.

SNU MFA Fees

Tuition and Other Fees

Hostel Fees (Optional - Not Mandatory)

• The refundable security deposit of INR 30,000 is returned at the end of the program, subject to no dues.
• The tuition fee waiver of 40% and hostel fee waiver are applicable for 2 years only.
• Beyond Year 2, fees are payable at the full rack rate.
• The Department reserves the right to reduce or not grant the waiver based on academic credentials.
• Continuation of the fee waiver is subject to maintaining a minimum CGPA of 7.00.
• Failure to maintain CGPA 7.00 at the end of Semester 2 results in permanent loss of the tuition fee waiver for Semesters 3 and 4.
• All fees are payable at the beginning of each semester (semester fees = half of annual fees).
• Mess and laundry services from the university-authorised vendor are mandatory for all resident students.
• Tuition, hostel, mess, and laundry charges are subject to revision by up to 8% every year.
• No EMI option is mentioned in the official fee structure.

SNU MFA Admission 2026

MFA 2026-28 Admission Schedule (College-Specific)

Entrance Exams

• No mandatory national entrance exam is required for MFA admission at SNU.
• Admission is based entirely on portfolio review and a personal online interview conducted by the Department's selection committee.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

• A Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree/diploma or an equivalent undergraduate degree is required.
• Applicants must submit a portfolio demonstrating the necessary skills and aptitude (including an artist's statement of 500 words, a critical analysis of 700 words on a contemporary Indian artist's work, a list of technical/software skills, and up to 20 images of select works).
• Applications from international students with relevant qualifications are welcome.

Admission Process

• Submit the online application form along with all required documents and portfolio at: https://shivnadaruniversity.nopaperforms.com/masters-and-ph-d-application-form
• The portfolio must be uploaded as a single PDF file (less than 20 MB), including artist's statement, critical analysis, skills list, and artwork images.
• The selection committee reviews applications and shortlists candidates for an online interview.
• Shortlisted candidates are notified by 30 June 2026 and must keep 6-10 July 2026 free for the online interview.
• Final selected candidates are informed by 15 July 2026.
• Means-based scholarship application form is sent separately to shortlisted candidates who opt for it.

SNU MFA Scholarships 2026

Scholarship Details

• The means-based scholarship covers only tuition fees; all other fees (admission fee, security deposit, hostel, mess, laundry) must be paid by the candidate.
• The final decision on the means-based scholarship rests with the University.
• A separate scholarship application form is sent to shortlisted candidates who express interest during the application process.
• Teaching Assistantship requires the student to support faculty with undergraduate courses offered by the Department.
• Continuation of both the fee waiver and TA is subject to satisfactory academic performance (minimum CGPA 7.00) and compliance with all University regulations.

SNU MFA FAQs

Ques. Is a BFA degree mandatory to apply for the MFA at SNU, or can graduates from other disciplines apply?

Ans. The official eligibility states that applicants must have a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree/diploma or an equivalent undergraduate degree. This means graduates from related disciplines such as design, visual communication, or even humanities with a strong art practice may be considered, provided their portfolio demonstrates the necessary skills and aptitude. The key deciding factor is the quality and depth of the portfolio submitted, not just the degree title. If you are from a non-BFA background, it is advisable to contact the Department directly at kamal1.arora@snu.edu.in to clarify your eligibility before applying.

Ques. What exactly should the portfolio contain, and how important is it in the selection process?

Ans. The portfolio is the most critical component of the MFA application at SNU. It must be submitted as a single PDF (under 20 MB) and should include: (1) an artist's statement of 500 words in English or your mother tongue, (2) a critical analysis of 700 words on the work of a contemporary Indian artist, contextualising their practice within broader artistic, cultural, or socio-political frameworks, (3) a list of your technical and software skills, and (4) up to 20 images of your best work (labelled with name, title, medium, dimensions, year, and links for video/sound works). The selection committee uses the portfolio to shortlist candidates for the interview, so it should reflect your individual artistic voice and research orientation clearly.

Ques. How does the personalised mentorship system work in the MFA program?

Ans. Each MFA student at SNU is assigned a mentor team of two faculty members who guide them throughout the program. The mentors are chosen based on the student's practice, media preferences, and thematic interests. They help the student chart a course of study aligned with their individual methods and work preferences, providing guidance on both practice and theory. This is distinct from a regular classroom setup and is one of the most valued aspects of the program, as highlighted by current students. The mentorship culminates in the student's solo Fine Art Graduate Thesis Exhibition in the fourth semester.

Ques. Is hostel accommodation guaranteed for MFA students, and what are the living costs?

Ans. Hostel accommodation is available on campus but is not guaranteed; room allocation is done on a first-come, first-served basis, by lottery, or through another mechanism determined annually by the university management. The actual hostel fee (twin sharing, non-AC) after the waiver is INR 1,20,000 per year. In addition, mess charges of INR 29,250 per semester and laundry charges of INR 2,750 per semester are mandatory for all resident students. This brings the total annual living cost (hostel + mess + laundry) to approximately INR 1,84,000 per year. Students should note that the hostel fee waiver is applicable for 2 years only and is subject to academic performance.

Ques. Are there any career or placement opportunities specifically for MFA graduates from SNU?

Ans. The MFA program at SNU does not have a formal placement cell dedicated exclusively to fine arts graduates, as career paths in fine arts are typically self-directed. However, the Department of AMP maintains a worldwide network of institutional and professional partnerships, and students benefit from exposure to national and international art circuits through exhibitions, residencies, and collaborations. Graduates go on to practice as independent artists, work with galleries, cultural organisations, production houses, and educational institutions. The university's Career Development Centre also provides general support. Students have noted that the program's strong faculty network and the final thesis exhibition serve as important launchpads for professional practice.

Ques. What is the difference between the 40% tuition fee waiver mentioned in the fee structure and the means-based scholarship?

Ans. These are two separate financial benefits. The 40% tuition fee waiver is a standard benefit given to all admitted MFA students (reducing the annual tuition from INR 1,60,000 to INR 96,000), subject to maintaining a CGPA of 7.00. The means-based scholarship, on the other hand, is an additional benefit available to one student per batch whose family income is below INR 3,00,000 per year, and it provides a full tuition fee waiver for 2 years (i.e., the remaining 60% of tuition is also waived). To apply for the means-based scholarship, shortlisted candidates must indicate their interest during the application process, after which a separate form is sent to them. The final decision rests with the University.