MIDAS Admissions

STEP 1: Apply to the University of Florida

Deadline for UF Graduate Application: March 1

The application contains 5 vital sections that you must complete:

1. Describe why you are interested in this degree, and what your career goals are. This 1-2-page statement should contain examples of your capabilities as a problem solver and ability and intent to complete an intensive graduate program in digital arts and sciences. The statement of purpose requested here may be the same as the one submitted with the online application. 
2. A section to electronically request  THREE (3) required letters of recommendation from faculty or professionals who can speak to your ability to be successful in a graduate program.
   • Enter your recommenders’ email addresses in the application. 
   • Be sure to allow time for them to receive and submit their letters electronically. 
   • You will not be able to add recommenders once you have submitted your application. Please have their information and email addresses ready before you finalize. 
3. A section to upload your most recent resume, which must include all post-high school education and employment, as well as information about any ongoing international affiliations and research funding. (Required by Florida Statute)
4. A GPA calculator that requires you to enter the grades earned in the upper-division courses (junior/senior years) as they appear on your transcript. Follow all directions carefully and do not leave this section blank. Only international and non-letter grade degrees should use “non-traditional” for GPA.
5. A section to upload unofficial transcripts for the purpose of initial review (not screenshots of grades). Official transcripts are required separately for applicants who receive an offer of admissions.

NOTE: When completing the university admissions application, you must select the Fall term. Once your application is submitted, kindly email graduate@arts.ufl.edu to let us know it’s completed.

STEP 2: Portfolio Application

Your MiDAS Portfolio refers to a body of original creative or technical work authored, documented, and presented in a digital format. The submitted portfolio should contain examples of the best original work you have done prior to seeking admittance to the MiDAS program. This could be work completed as part of your previous education, or original work completed outside of the classroom, demonstrating passion, talent, and skill in one or more areas of the digital arts and sciences.

While most applicants may not have equal proficiencies in all areas of computer programming and digital arts, your portfolio submission demonstrates the range and strengths of your current skills and creativity to the faculty admissions committee.

STEP 3: Submitting the Portfolio

Deadline to Submit Portfolio: March 1

Digital Worlds applicants submit a web-based portfolio to UF’s SlideRoom portal. This includes:

• There is a $10 submission fee that you pay online after you set up and review your portfolio.
• Images and videos can be labeled and ordered after they are uploaded. Include the title of the work, medium, size, and date. You may also include the URL for your website.

Maximum file sizes:

images: .jpg, .png or .gif – 2 MB each. For good image quality and fast upload, your image files should be sized no larger than 1280 x 1280 px @ 72 dpi.

video: .mov, .wmv, .flv – up to 20 MB;

PDF: 10 MB per document.

Please see SlideRoom for additional instructions for submitting work. For technical assistance, contact support@slideroom.com.

STEP 4: Request Official Transcripts

Official transcripts are not required for the initial application review, but are required for applicants who receive an offer of admission.

• If you attended the University of Florida as your postsecondary institution, you do not need to order a transcript from the UF Office of the University Registrar.
• Transcripts must be sent from each postsecondary institution you attended.

Mailing Address for Paper Transcripts

University of Florida Office of Admissions
S201 Criser Hall
P.O. Box 11400
Gainesville, FL 32611-4000

Electronic Transcripts

UF accepts official electronic transcripts through the following services:

• FASTER
• Parchment
• National Student Clearinghouse
• ScribbleSoft
• e-Scrip Safe
• Credential Solutions
• SCOIR
• Transcripts Plus

Use the following email address for these services: te@admissions.ufl.edu

Note: All documents submitted become the property of the University of Florida and will not be returned

Additional Admissions Information for our Applicants with International Bachelor’s Degrees

Submit certified English translations of the transcript and degree statement. Consideration of an application cannot be given until the Office of Admissions receives ALL required credentials. There is no need to pay and have your document evaluated by an outside credentialing agency, as that task is completed at the University of Florida.

Submit certified academic transcripts, including degree statements for all university-level work.

English Language Proficiency
The University of Florida requires proficiency in spoken and written English to ensure international students can participate fully in academic and campus life. Students from non-English-speaking countries who have not completed at least one year of study at a U.S. college or university must submit scores from one of the following:

• IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System): minimum score of 6.5 
• TOEFL (iBT & Home Edition): minimum overall score of 4.5
• TOEFL Subscores: 4.0 in all subsections (Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing)
  

UF’s TOEFL school code is 5812.

Please make sure to submit your IELTS or TOEFL score by the application deadline as these are required by the Graduate School for admission.

English Proficiency Exemptions 
You may be exempt from submitting English proficiency scores if: 

• You have completed one academic year in a degree-seeking program at a regionally accredited college or university in the U.S. or in a country where English is the official language. 

• You hold an earned associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from a recognized institution in the U.S. or a country where English is the official language. 

See the list of countries exempt from English proficiency requirements. 

English Language Support

• You may be required to take additional courses if the UF Graduate School or your academic department determines your English proficiency needs support. 

• UF’s English Language Institute (ELI) offers:  
  • Academic Writing support 
  • International Teaching Assistant Support (SPEAK and EAP 5836) 
  • Intensive non-degree programs for improving speaking, reading and writing 
  • Housing assistance and academic advising 

Additional Resources

Overview of the I-20 Process 

UF Admissions Information for International Students

UF International Student Services 

Please note the MiDAS program does not offer any assistantships or funding for students. 

The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) application is available to complete annually on October 1. 

Although students must be accepted for enrollment before they are considered for financial aid, we encourage you to submit your FAFSA early—even before your admission decision—to avoid delays.  

Learn more about financial aid at UF 

Financial aid is available for U.S. students only. International students may view resources provided by the UF International Center.