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The CFA Graduate Merit Scholarships are prestigious awards offered by the Boston University College of Fine Arts (CFA) to attract and support the most promising graduate students in the fields of Music, Theatre, and Visual Arts. These scholarships are awarded based solely on the strength of each candidate’s artistic promise, academic record, and alignment with program needs. Financial need is not a factor in the selection process, ensuring that talent is the primary focus.

For the 2025–2026 academic year, the application cycle is aligned with the graduate admission deadlines. This guide provides a comprehensive overview for all domestic and international applicants, detailing the eligibility criteria, the automatic consideration process, the value of the awards, and the expectations for scholarship recipients. If you are a dedicated artist ready to elevate your craft at a world-class institution, this scholarship could be a significant step toward achieving your professional aspirations.

The scholarship is applicable to all on-campus graduate programs within the Boston University College of Fine Arts. Admission and scholarship consideration are conducted by the individual schools based on your chosen discipline.

CFA Graduate Merit Scholarships Awards

The CFA Graduate Merit Scholarship is a significant tuition award designed to recognize and support outstanding artistic talent at the graduate level. It provides financial assistance that allows you to focus on your creative and academic development within your chosen field.

The scholarship covers a portion of tuition costs, and the specific amount or percentage is determined by the faculty based on your application for admission. The support is structured as follows:

• Tuition Coverage: A percentage of your tuition fees is covered for the standard duration of your program.
• Automatic Consideration: All admitted students are automatically considered; no separate application is needed.
• Renewability: The scholarship is renewable each year, contingent upon meeting academic and artistic standards.

CFA Graduate Merit Scholarships Amount

The scholarship amount is not a fixed sum but is calculated as a percentage of your tuition charges. The value varies based on artistic merit and program. The financial support is dedicated specifically to tuition expenses.

CFA Graduate Merit Scholarships Benefits

Beyond the direct financial support, receiving a CFA Merit Scholarship signifies that you are among the top artistic talents in your applicant pool and provides a foundation for your graduate studies.

Eligibility for these scholarships is straightforward and inclusive. The primary requirement is applying for admission to a CFA graduate program.

Programs Eligible Under CFA Graduate Merit Scholarships

The scholarships are available for all graduate-level degrees offered by the three schools within the College of Fine Arts.

The application process is seamlessly integrated with the graduate admissions process. There is no separate scholarship application.

Step 1: Check Admission Requirements
Review the specific admission and portfolio/audition requirements for your desired program on the Boston University CFA website.

Step 2: Prepare Your Application Materials
Gather all necessary documents, including your portfolio, transcripts, and letters of recommendation. Ensure your artistic materials are of the highest quality.

Step 3: Submit Your Application for Admission
Complete and submit your graduate application by the program's stated deadline for the 2025-2026 academic year.

Step 4: Automatic Scholarship Consideration
Once your admission application is submitted, it is automatically reviewed for both admission and merit scholarship eligibility by the faculty admissions committee.

Step 5: Receive Your Admissions and Scholarship Decision
If admitted, your official notification will include information about any merit scholarship award you have been offered. Decisions are typically released in the spring.

Application Timeline for CFA Graduate Merit Scholarships

The timeline is dependent on your specific program's admission deadline. Generally, applications are due in the winter for entry the following fall.

CFA Graduate Merit Scholarships Interview

There is no separate interview for the merit scholarship. The evaluation is based entirely on your submitted application materials, which for performance-based programs (like Music and Theatre) includes a live or recorded audition as part of the admission process. Your audition and/or portfolio review serve as the primary assessment of your artistic qualifications for the award.

Available for domestic and international candidates.

Since consideration is automatic, the documents required for your admission application are the same ones used for scholarship evaluation. These typically include:

• Completed Online Application for Admission: Via the official BU application portal.
• Academic Transcripts: From all previously attended colleges or universities.
• Portfolio, Audition, or Program-Specific Materials: This is the most critical component for demonstrating artistic promise.
• Letters of Recommendation: Typically 2-3 letters that speak to your artistic and academic abilities.
• Statement of Purpose/Artist Statement: Outlining your goals and reasons for applying.
• Resume/Curriculum Vitae: Detailing your artistic and academic background.

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