FAQ

Please, do not hesitate to call or write if you have any questions. We are a small institution, and relish the opportunity to answer your questions directly.

(800) 882-4734 || (206) 568-4387
info@seattlefilminstitute.com

What is the application deadline and where can I find the application paperwork?

At our school we have a rolling admissions policy, which means that students can apply at any time to their desired program. That being said we always recommend that it is best to apply as soon as possible for a few
reasons.

  • To know as soon as possible if you were accepted
  • To figure out the finances well in advance
  • To obtain the best possible nearby housing
  • To be able to prepare yourself for this new adventure

Application info for the 40 Week Immersion Program is here:
Online Application
and for the Graduate programs here:
Graduate Application
On those pages you can also download a paper application form if you don't wish to apply online.

Do you require a High School Diploma or GED?

Our 40 week total immersion certificate program does require a high school diploma or GED - if you are over 18 and do not have a high school diploma, contact us directly to discuss available options.

To be able to apply for the Masters programs, a student is required to have a bachelors degree. However, the GRE test is NOT required for admissions to our Masters programs. If you don't have a bachelors degree, it is possible to take the MA in Producing for Film as a certificate program instead.

Is there a graduate teaching assistant program?

At this time we do not have a GTA (graduate teaching assistant) program, but we do offer scholarships to assist with the tuition costs.

What is required for in-state tuition (i.e. living in Washington for a period of time, a job, or a place of residence)?

We do not have a difference for in-state or out of state resident's tuition. If you are a US citizen, tuition is the same no matter what state or territory you are from. If a student is not a US citizen then the international tuition would be applicable.

What is the average cost for the program with in-state and international
tuition?

Complete information on Tuition Costs can be found here:
Total Immersion Program Tuition
MA in Producing for Film Tuition
MFA in Filmmaking Tuition

Are you an accredited university?

We are authorized by the State of Washington to offer MA and MFA degrees in film disciplines.SFI is also a member of the Northwest Career Colleges Federation.

As a small institute with a focus on a singular artistic endeavor, film production, University Accreditation is not appropriate for us. We do have an articulation agreement with Shoreline Community College, for transferring credits to be used towards an Associates Degree, which can be a path towards a full Bachelors Degree at a Washington State college. For other colleges acceptance of credits from one institution to the other is not automatic, and is usually done on individual basis.

Will SFI accept credits from another school for transfer?

Our 40 Week Filmmaking Certificate is a cohort program, in which the projects in each class are linked together, and often created as part of a crew effort, making it impossible to separate out or test out of. The Masters degree programs may have courses that transfer credits can be applied to, for information, see our catalog page on transfer of credits.