Application Process
To apply for admission as a full or part-time Bachelor of Fine Arts degree student, the following materials must be submitted:
- A completed and signed application. The application can be found on the last page of the Institute catalog, or can be completed online.
- The $25 application fee by check payable to the New Hampshire Institute of Art. This fee is waived if an online application is submitted.
- The 500 word personal statement. This statement should address why you want to attend a fine arts college and explain what inspires you to create art.
- Two letters of recommendation. Letters may be from present or former teachers, guidance counselors, employers or professionals in the art field who have had a significant influence on your artistic development.
- Official high school transcripts, OR official GED certification. If you are a transfer student then all college level transcripts are required as well. Transcripts should be sent to the Admissions Office directly from the high school/college that you attend or attended.
- Standardized test scores. If you are currently in high school, SAT or ACT scores are highly recommended.
- Portfolio Interview. A portfolio of recent, or in-progress work (10-20), should be presented in person by any applicant living within 100 miles of the Institute, or within 50 miles of a National Portfolio Day event. Please see the Portfolio Guidelines page for more details. Do not mail original artwork to the admissions office.
- If you are a transfer student, all college-level transcripts are required. Official transcripts should be sent directly to the Institute’s Admissions Office from the college(s) or university(ies) you attended. If you are an international student, you must submit results from the TOEFL exam. The ELPT exam is accepted for international students who are currently enrolled at an institution where English is the language of instruction. All transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation, and essays must be in English.
Notification of Acceptance
A notification of the decision regarding a student’s application is usually made within two weeks, and the student is notified in writing by an Admission Officer.
Accepting the Institute’s Invitation
The prospective student will find an enrollment deposit form included with his or her acceptance letter. This form must be completed and returned to the Institute with a $200 enrollment deposit no later than the due date listed on the acceptance letter. The enrollment deposit reserves a space for the student in the next semester’s class, is applied directly to that semester’s tuition, and is non-refundable.
A separate $200 deposit for housing is required if the student would like on-campus housing.
Admissions Office
New Hampshire Institute of Art
148 Concord Street
Manchester, NH 03104-4858
If you have any questions regarding the application process or portfolio review please contact the Admissions office at 1-866-241-4918 Ext. 576 or e-mail admissions@nhia.edu.



