Central Academy of Fine Arts International Student Admissions Guide

About Central Academy of Fine Arts

The Central Academy of Fine Arts (CAFA), established in 1918, is China’s premier institution for art education. Known for its rigorous academic programs and exceptional faculty, CAFA plays a pivotal role in shaping the global art scene. Located in Beijing, the academy combines traditional Chinese art with contemporary practices, creating a vibrant and inspiring environment for students worldwide.

Program Overview

CAFA offers a variety of undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs tailored for international students, emphasizing creativity, technical excellence, and cultural heritage.

Key Fields of Study:

• Fine Arts: Training in painting, sculpture, and printmaking with an emphasis on individual expression.
• Design: Programs in visual communication, product design, and fashion.
• Art Theory: Focused on art history, criticism, and cultural studies.
• Architecture: Combining artistic vision with technical expertise to create sustainable designs.
• Public Art: Exploring art in urban and community spaces.

Program Highlights:

• Access to state-of-the-art studios and galleries.
• Faculty comprising renowned artists and scholars.
• Opportunities for exhibitions, competitions, and cultural exchange.

Scholarships

CAFA offers various scholarships to support talented international students:

1. Chinese Government Scholarship (CGS)
   • Covers tuition, accommodation, living stipend, and medical insurance.
   • Application: Apply via the Chinese Embassy or directly to CAFA.
2. Beijing Municipal Government Scholarship
   • Provides tuition waivers for outstanding students.
   • Application: Indicate interest during the admission process.
3. CAFA Art Excellence Scholarship
   • Awarded to students with exceptional artistic and academic achievements.
   • Coverage: Full or partial tuition support.

Eligibility

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. Nationality: Non-Chinese citizens with a valid passport.
2. Educational Background:
   • Undergraduate: High school diploma or equivalent.
   • Master’s: Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
   • Doctoral: Master’s degree in a relevant discipline.
3. Portfolio Requirement: Submit a portfolio showcasing previous works relevant to the program.
4. Language Proficiency:
   • Chinese-Taught Programs:
     • HSK Level 4 or above (Level 5 or 6 preferred for advanced programs).
     • Applicants without the required Chinese proficiency can enroll in a preparatory Chinese language course at CAFA before starting their degree program.
   • English-Taught Programs:
     • TOEFL (≥80) or IELTS (≥6.0), unless prior education was conducted in English.

Application Procedure

1. Online Application:
   Complete your application through the CAFA International Student Portal.
2. Required Documents:
   • Academic transcripts and graduation certificates.
   • Portfolio of recent artworks (specific requirements depend on the program).
   • Personal statement or study plan.
   • Two recommendation letters (for graduate programs).
   • Passport copy and recent photo.
   • Language proficiency certificates.
3. Application Fee:
   • Non-refundable fee of RMB 800.
4. Submission Deadline: Ensure all required documents are submitted before the deadline.

Key Dates

• Application Opens: December 1, 2024
• Application Deadline: April 30, 2025
• Admission Results: June 2025
• Enrollment: September 2025