Applications Open for Fall 2026 Studio Art MFA Program at The University of Texas at Austin
The MFA in Studio Art program at the University of Texas at Austin offers a unique, fully funded opportunity for artists seeking to expand their creative horizons. This distinguished two-year program supports interdisciplinary practices, admitting 12–15 students annually who benefit from individualized attention and mentorship from professionally active faculty.
Each student in the program receives full tuition coverage, a $21,500 annual stipend, health insurance, and private studio space ranging from 300–800 square feet. This comprehensive financial package, consistent across both years, alleviates financial stress, allowing artists to concentrate fully on their creative endeavors.
The program is structured around five key areas: Painting + Drawing, Photography + Media, Print, Sculpture + Extended Media, and Transmedia. It is flexible, adapting to support individual artistic practices. Students are engaged in a dynamic learning environment where faculty prioritize direct studio teaching while maintaining active exhibition schedules and research practices.
Highlights of the curriculum include the Visiting Artist Program and the Viewpoint Series, which introduce students to a broader artistic discourse by bringing in renowned artists, curators, critics, and scholars for lectures and studio visits. The Guest Artist in Print Program enhances the learning experience with week-long collaborative residencies with contemporary printmakers.
In addition to private studio spaces, students have access to state-of-the-art shared facilities. These include a sculpture lab with advanced fabrication equipment, four specialized print labs, a fully equipped photography lab, a digital fabrication lab, a transmedia lab, and a comprehensive woodshop, providing ample resources for a diverse range of artistic productions.
The program also includes funding opportunities for prestigious summer residencies at locations like Skowhegan, SOMA Mexico City, and Ox-Bow, further enriching the educational experience.
For those interested in learning more, a Virtual Open House is scheduled for Thursday, November 6, from 6–7pm (CT), offering a platform to engage with staff, faculty, and current graduates. Prospective students are encouraged to apply by the suggested application deadline of December 15, with all materials due by January 10, 2026. More information is available at art.utexas.edu.