MFA Courses 2026: Top Specialisations, Eligibility, Fees, Admission, Top Colleges, Distance Learning, Online

Updated on Aug 25, 2022 05:39 IST
Diya Nihalani

Diya NihalaniContent Author

MFA or Master of Fine Arts is one of the most demanding courses among candidates across the globe. The MFA course is considered the best course for candidates aspiring to work in the field of human rights, healthcare, social services etc. MFA course helps students in enhancing their analytical and critical thinking skills for developing insight into the field.

Types of MFA Courses

MFA is a two-year postgraduate specialised course that deals with Painting, Visual Communication, Ceramics, Applied Arts, Sculpture, Printmaking, and other fields of Aesthetic arts. The scope of the MFA course is wide, as candidates can get to work in various national as well as international fields like Animator, Graphic Designer, Curator, Lecturer, Commercial Artist, Art Designer, Art Critic, etc.

Popular MFA Courses

MFA is a popular 2-year program which consists of 4 semesters. Topics covered under MFA are fashion design, graphic designing, and interior design etc., Some other subjects taught in the MFA course include Water Colors, Oil Painting, Sculpture, Modern Art History, Lithography, Printmaking, Digital Art studies, Animation etc.

Some of the popular subjects in MFA includes 

  • Sociology 
  • History of different art/ art forms 
  • Aesthetics & Principles of Art Appreciation 
  • Mechanism of Artistic Perception 
  • Principles and Sources of Art 

MFA Degree Courses

MFA courses are available in different modes. Most of the MFA courses are taught in full-time or regular mode. Some MFA courses are taught as degrees while many courses are taught as a diploma or certificate courses. MFA course consists of both core and elective subjects. Here in the article, we have listed in detail the different types of MFA courses available:  

Core Subjects 

Elective Subjects 

History of Indian Art 

Creative Writing 

History of Indian Architecture 

Acting 

History of European Art 

Computer Animation 

Aesthetics & Principles of Art Appreciation 

Photography 

Sociology 

Illustration 

Principles and Sources of Art 

Mechanism of Artistic Perception 

Also Read: MFA Colleges in India

Distance MFA Courses 

Distance MFA course is a two years duration degree course. The course is designed in a way to provide students with detailed knowledge about subjects who are unable to take regular classes due to many reasons like financial or time management issues. Candidates can study MFA in distance mode in IGNOU and many other open universities in India.

Online MFA Courses

There are multiple websites and institutes in India that provide online MFA courses to candidates. Online MFA courses are quite flexible and candidates can pursue these courses as per their availability and time. There is no age limit for the entrance exam for this course. These courses can be pursued from any part of the country.

MFA Syllabus and Subjects 

Semester I 

Semester II 

Advertising Principles and Practices 

Advertising Principles and Practices-II 

Visualization/ Illustration/ Photography (Any one) 

Visualization/ Illustration/ Photography (Any one) 

History of European Art-I 

History of European Art-II 

Creative Painting/ Mural Design/ Portrait/ Landscape (Any one) 

Creative Painting/ Mural Design/ Portrait/ Landscape (Any one) 

Occidental Aesthetics-I 

 

 

Semester III 

Semester IV 

Oriental Aesthetics-I 

Oriental Aesthetics-II 

History of Modern Indian Art-I 

History of Modern Indian Art-II 

Visualization-III Illustration-III Photography-III 

Visualization-IV Illustration-IV Photography-IV 

Advertising (Principles and practices)- III 

Advertising (Principles and practices)- IV 

Read More: 

MFA Course: Career Scope

After pursuing MFA course candidates can have a bright future. There are a number of job opportunities for candidates in various fields. Some of the such job roles are mentioned below:

MFA Career Options
Photographer Art Director
Art Teacher Creative Director

Graphic Artist/Designer

Graphic Artist/Designer
Table of contents
  • Popular MFA (Master of Fine Arts) Colleges in India
  • Popular Private MFA (Master of Fine Arts) Colleges in India
  • Popular MFA (Master of Fine Arts) Specializations
  • Most Popular Courses

Popular MFA (Master of Fine Arts) Colleges in India

Following are the most popular MFA (Master of Fine Arts) Colleges in India. Learn more about these MFA (Master of Fine Arts) colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.
4 Courses
2.06 L
9 LPA
1.4 L - 1.48 L

MFA Applications open till May 31, 2026. Apply Now

1 Course
3.1 L

MFA Applications open. Apply Now

2.8 L
8 Courses
28.5 K - 1.85 L
9.25 LPA
18 K

Popular Private MFA (Master of Fine Arts) Colleges in India

1.4 L - 1.48 L

MFA Applications open till May 31, 2026. Apply Now

5 Courses
2.29 L - 3.23 L
4.3
1.36 L - 1.76 L
6 LPA

MFA Applications open. Apply Now

1 L
1.24 L
7.2 LPA

MFA Applications open. Apply Now

1.63 L
4.5 - 7.5 LPA

MFA Applications open. Apply Now

Popular MFA (Master of Fine Arts) Specializations

Following are the most popular MFA (Master of Fine Arts) Specializations . You can explore the top Colleges offering these Specializations by clicking the links below.

Popular Specializations

Most Popular Courses

Following are the most popular MFA (Master of Fine Arts) courses, based on alumni reviews. Explore these reviews to choose the best course in MFA (Master of Fine Arts).
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Answered 2 weeks ago

Aspirants must pass Bachelor's in Fine Arts degree/ Diploma or equivalent under graduate degree to apply for MFA programme at SNU Noida. Applicants must also have work portfolio demonstrating the skills and aptitude. 

N

Nishtha Shukla

Guide-Level 15

Answered a month ago

MIT School of Fine Arts & Applied Arts offers 4-year BFA (Applied Arts) and BFA (Fine Arts) programmes. The eligibility criteria for these courses is minimum 45% in Class 12 (40% for reserved category) in Class 12.

S

Saumya Gairola

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

The curriculum of MFA in MIT School of Fine Arts & Applied Arts, MIT-ADT University includes practical learning. Students have to do project work and internship to complete this 2-year programme.

S

Saumya Gairola

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Entrance exam is compuslory for MFA Applied Arts and MFA Fine Arts at MFA at MIT School of Fine Arts & Applied Arts. Students also have to attend an interview and present their portfolio.

S

Saumya Gairola

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

The fee for MFA Fine Arts (Painting/Sculpture) at MIT School of Fine Arts & Applied Arts is INR 2.28 Lacs whereas MFA Applied Arts fee is INR 2.53 lakh. Students have to pay INR 3.23 Lacs for MFA Art Therapy.

S

Saumya Gairola

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Candidates need to have minimum 50% in BFA/BVA for MFA Fine Arts (Painting/Sculpture) and MFA Applied Arts. For MFA (Art Therapy), any graduate with preferable Psychology and Creative Arts background can apply.

S

Saumya Gairola

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

No, you cannot get direct admission in MFA at MIT School of Fine Arts & Applied Arts. Candidates have to take entrance exam (for MFA Fine Arts and MFA Applied Arts), interview and portfolio presentation.

S

Saumya Gairola

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

One should have pure passion and basic skills in the chosen domain among Painting, Sculpture, Printmaking, Drawing & Illustration, Ceramic Art & Pottery, etc.

Read more 

MFA

D

Diya Nihalani

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

In India and abroad MFA degree holders usually work in domains like design, performing arts, writing, Painting, Sculpture, Graphic Design, Photography, Film, Ceramics, Creative Writing, and Acting. You can also go for careers in art, academia, and creative industries. The scope of this degree depend

...Read more

D

Diya Nihalani

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Since we are talking about pursuing a Masters of Fine Arts, candidates would be expected to show a significant body of previously executed work during the time of admission. However, candidates are advised to check the same with the university as every university would have its own unique admission

...Read more

A

Aashi Shukla

Contributor-Level 8

Answered 2 months ago

There is no fixed duration. While most specialisations would take up to 2 years to complete, there are other specialisations that could take a shorter period of time or stretch beyond the two years. The duration of the course is entirely dependent on the university and specialisation you have opted

...Read more

R

Rohini Rawat

Contributor-Level 8

Answered 2 months ago

Universities abroad have competitive pricing. Hence, candidates would be required to pay for tuition and also have enough funds to support themselves in the host country. Deserving candidates can apply for scholarships to lessen the financial burden.

R

Ranjeeta Shukla

Contributor-Level 8

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