Apply to KU Design
Admission to the Department of Design is highly selective and competitive. Applicants should complete the online University of Kansas application which serves as the application for admission to KU, admission to the Department of Design, and eligibility for University Scholarships. In addition, all applicants must submit a portfolio.
Requirements & Deadlines
Incoming Freshmen
Applicants must submit a portfolio and must be admissible to KU by assured admission or individual review.
21+ ACT (1060+ SAT) and 3.25+ GPA or 24+ ACT (1160+ SAT) and 3.0+ GPA
If you have not had the opportunity to take the ACT or SAT, your application will be given a holistic review with or without test scores.
Portfolio:
- Required for all applicants.
- 10-15 images of creative work and a brief essay question.
- Learn more and submit a portfolio here.
Deadlines:
- Priority Consideration: Dec. 1
- Final Deadline: Feb. 1
Portfolios are not reviewed until after the deadlines. Decision letters are sent approximately one month after the deadline.
Change of School, Readmit, and Transfer Students
- Must have a 3.0+ cumulative GPA from previous institutions, including KU
- Complete online application (Transfer and Readmits Only)
- Submit official transcripts to the KU Office of Admissions
- Submit portfolio
Deadlines:
- Spring 2021: Oct. 1
- Fall 2021: Feb. 1
Portfolios are not reviewed until after the deadlines. Decision letters are sent approximately one month after the deadline.
International Students
International students should apply through the Office of International Recruitment and Undergraduate Admissions.
Requirements:
- Total TOEFL iBT score of 70+ or Total IELTS score of 6.0+
- Must have at least a 3.0+ cumulative GPA on a 4.0-point scale
- Complete Online Application
- Submit Portfolio
Deadlines:
- Spring 2021:
- Transfer, Current KU Students, or Readmits: Oct. 1
- Fall 2021:
- Incoming Freshmen - Deadline for Priority Consideration: Dec. 1
- Incoming Freshmen - Deadline for Final Consideration: Feb. 1
- Transfer, Current KU Students, or Readmits: Feb. 1
Portfolios are not reviewed until after the deadlines. Decision letters are sent approximately one month after the deadline.
Check Out Our Design Program
Questions?
If you have questions about your application to the Department of Design please contact our Admissions Coordinator, Joan Weaver, at jweaver@ku.edu or 785-864-3167.