FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Program dates for 2026 will be announced this fall.
What are the enrollment requirements for UCLA Emerging Filmmakers?
Students must be 14 years of age or older by the first day of Emerging Filmmakers. Programs may impose further eligibility and admission requirements. Please visit the individual program page for details.
What is the application timeline?
Applications open on February 15 and are reviewed on a rolling admission basis. Early application is highly recommended, as spaces in each program are limited.
Is housing available for UCLA Emerging Filmmakers?
Yes, on-campus housing is mandatory for all in-person programs and included in the total program fee. The housing plan also includes a meal plan, and students are supervised by residential staff throughout their stay at UCLA.
Once accepted to UCLA Emerging program, how do I secure a space?
If admitted to the program, you will be able to reserve your space in the program by paying the non-refundable $350 registration fee. A space in the program is not reserved for you until the required non-refundable registration fee is paid. Students must abide by all payment deadlines. After the May 1 payment deadline, a full payment of all program fees including the non-refundable registration fee will be due immediately to secure a space in the program.
The $350 registration fee and the $35 application fee are non-refundable at all times, even if you drop all courses before they begin.
What is the payment deadline?
Full fees are due by 5pm PDT May 1 for all Emerging Filmmakers programs. If registering for a program after the May 1 payment deadline, the full program fee will be due at the time of enrollment.
What is the refund policy?
The non-refundable registration and application fees may NOT be refunded under any circumstances. The remaining applicable charges excluding the non-refundable registration and application fee are refundable if the program is dropped or cancelled before June 15, 2026.
Fees are 100% NON-refundable after the June 15 deadline and students are financially liable for all fees if withdrawal occurs after that deadline. It is the responsibility of each student to know and comply with UCLA Emerging Filmmakers policies and deadlines. Lack of knowledge of the UCLA Emerging Filmmakers refund policy and deadlines is not justification for a refund.
Are there scholarships or financial aid options available?
Yes, a limited number of scholarships are available for UCLA Emerging Filmmakers. Details about scholarship opportunities and how to apply will be shared when applications open.
Can I enroll in an Emerging Filmmakers program and a Summer Course?
Students may enroll in both an Emerging Filmmakers Program and a Summer Course, provided there are no time conflicts. However, enrolling in additional coursework outside of the Emerging Filmmakers Program is not recommended. Please review your selected course and program schedules carefully to ensure there are no overlaps. For a list of approved courses, please visit the UCLA Schedule of Classes.
Can I enroll in two Emerging Filmmakers programs?
Students may enroll in multiple Emerging Filmmakers Programs as long as the program dates and meeting times do not overlap. Enrolling in consecutive program offerings is recommended, as some programs are designed to build upon one another. Please review your selected programs carefully to avoid scheduling conflicts.
Are international students allowed to enroll in UCLA Emerging Filmmakers?
International students are welcome to enroll in UCLA Emerging Filmmakers. Please note that all class times are scheduled in PT.
Students in UCLA Emerging Filmmakers programs are not eligible for F-1 visas. International students should apply for the B-2 tourist visa in consultation with the local U.S. embassy or consulate. UCLA Emerging Filmmakers does NOT provide visa advising or assistance. It is the responsibility of both the student and their parent or guardian to contact the U.S. embassy or consulate to ensure that all applicable laws are followed.
If you are a non-native English-speaking student, please be advised that our programs are intensive and that all work must be practiced in English. A sufficient command of the English language is necessary to participate in our programs.
What are the English language requirements for International Students?
If you are from a country in which the official language is not English, you are required to submit proof of English proficiency.
For Media Parks and Writing for TV, the minimum scores are:
TOEFL: 80 (revised PT) or 100 (iBT)
IELTS: 7
iTEP: 5.0
CAE: A (CEFR C1)
CPE: B (CEFR C2)
TOEIC: 820
DUOLINGO (DET): 120
For Digital Filmmaking and Cinematography the minimum scores are:
TOEFL: 60 (revised PT) or 80 (iBT)
IELTS: 6.5
iTEP: 5.0
CAE: B (CEFR C1)
CPE: C (CEFR C2)
TOEIC: 685
DUOLINGO (DET): 105
What are the health insurance requirements for students?
All students attending in-person programs at UCLA Emerging Filmmakers are required to have health insurance. Students must demonstrate that they have insurance coverage by submitting documentation showing proof of coverage by uploading documentation into the enrollment form. The documentation required includes but is not limited to the following: a copy of their insurance card, a confirmation letter from their insurance provider, etc.
International student health insurance should include coverage for dates starting from the first day of arrival in the U.S. to the last day the student will attend UCLA Emerging Filmmakers, including vacations, during school breaks between academic quarters, and OPT/CPT participation. International student health insurance must include repatriation (return) of remains and medical evacuation coverages.
Will students receive college credit for UCLA Emerging Filmmakers?
No. Emerging Filmmakers is a non-credit, professional development program. Students who successfully complete a program will receive a Certificate of Completion—recognizing their achievement in a college-level creative environment.
I have a question that has not been answered here.
Contact us via email at summer@tft.ucla.edu