Ready to make VCUarts your creative home? Start here.
Applying to VCUarts is straightforward: submit the Common Application, complete your program’s specific requirements—think portfolio, audition or interview—and send in your transcripts.
Mark your calendar with the key dates below, then dive into the requirements for your program to start building an application that shows us who you are.
Applying is simple: submit the Common Application, complete any program-specific requirements (like a portfolio, audition or interview) and then submit your transcripts.
Important deadlines
| ENROLLING IN SPRING 2027 | |
| November 1, 2026 | First Year application deadline |
| ENROLLING IN FALL 2027 | |
| November 1, 2026 | First Year application deadline for university-level scholarship consideration |
| January 15, 2027 | Regular decision application deadline.
Applicants who submit their application and all necessary materials by the regular decision deadline are guaranteed a decision by April 1. |
Application requirements
Apply to VCUarts in 3 easy steps.
We’re here to guide you through every step of the process. From preparing your portfolio to submitting your application, you’ll find everything you need to start your journey at VCUarts.
Step 1: Submit your Common Application
Freshman applicants apply using the Common Application. You will not submit your portfolio, audition, or interview through the Common Application.
Step 2: Submit your program-specific materials
If your program requires arts-specific materials, you will receive an email with instructions after submitting the Common App. You’ll also find a link to upload materials in your applicant portal. See the program-specific requirements below for more details.
Step 3: Send your transcripts
Request that your high school guidance counselor send your official transcripts to VCU. Transcripts may be submitted electronically via the Common App or Naviance, or sent in the mail. If sending a hard copy in the mail, please request that your school counselor send your transcript, including:
- Senior-year courses and first-term grades, if available
- Class rank, if available
All foreign transcripts must be official and submitted in the original language. If the original language is not English, an official translation must be submitted along with the transcript.
Transcripts must arrive in sealed envelopes signed across the seal by official high school, university, or college registrars.
Transcripts should be sent to:
Office of Admissions
PO Box 842526
Richmond, VA 23284-2526
Art Foundation Program
for visual arts and design majors
Program-specific requirements
Information for international applicants
Bringing your creative vision to VCUarts from outside the U.S.? We would love to welcome you to VCUarts. International applicants follow the same core admission process as domestic students—submitting the Common Application, meeting program-specific requirements, and completing the portfolio, audition or interview components for their intended major.
In addition, international applicants may have a few extra steps to complete. Be sure to review the full details on the Global Education Office website as you plan your application timeline.