Apply to the IVS Graduate Programme

Graduate admissions take place once a year. The filled application form, required documents, and application fee must be submitted through the Online Admission Portal on the IVS website by following the link below.
https://admissions.indusvalley.edu.pk/

Admission Announcement

The Graduate Programme offers annual admissions in the Spring semester each year. The Graduate Programme admissions for the Spring semester 2025 are now open. The deadline to submit an application with all required documents is November 20th, 2024. .

ONLINE ADMISSION PORTAL

Eligibility Criteria

For admission to the Graduate Programme, students must have at least 16 years of prior education including a four-year undergraduate degree and a minimum CGPA of 2.5 or equivalent grade in the previous four-year degree. The Graduate Programme at IVS encourages students and professionals From diverse educational backgrounds with some grounding in the creative fields to apply. They may have an undergraduate degree in a relevant field of study in visual and creative arts, or From extended fields such as Social Sciences and Humanities. Each application is assessed based on the application, portfolio, interview, and how a potential student may contribute to the cohort. Candidates with no Art and Design background may be required to take extra credits to qualify for the degree.

 

Transfer Credits

Students can apply for transfer credits, and attach a letter, transcripts and details of completed graduate programme courses at another institution or university, with their application form. A maximum of 9 credits can be transferred From another institution under the transfer credit rule. Depending on the kind of courses undertaken, the admission committee may or may not accept transfer credits From other universities and institutions.

 

Entrance Test

The entrance test is designed to assess the suitability of the candidates for the M.Phil. in Art and Design. It is composed of the following sections:

  • Visual Analysis and Analytical Writing tests candidate’s critical thinking, logic, visual reading and writing skills.
  • Verbal Reasoning consists of language skills, sentence completion, grammar, vocabulary, and reading comprehension exercises.
  • Quantitative Reasoning section tests quantitative comparisons, problem solving, and maths, geometry and data interpretation related competencies.

 

Merit List

Admission will be offered on merit based on the following criteria:

Personal Statement 10%

Statement of Purpose 15%

Entrance Test 20%

Portfolio 30%

Interview 25%

 

Tuition and Fees

The IVS Graduate Programme fee structure is based on a ‘pay-per-credit’ policy that requires students to pay fee based on the number of credits they enrol for in a semester. This policy enables students, registered for the part-time study route, to register for individual courses. For updated tuition and other fees, log onto the IVS website or contact the academic office at IVS.

Admissions Open       

August 30, 2024

 

Deadline for applications and application fee       

November 20, 2024  

 

Admission Test           

November 30, 2024

 

Interviews      

December 5, 2024  

 

Announcement of Successful candidates   

December 9, 2024

 

Deadline for submission of Financial Assistance forms      

December 16, 2024

 

Announcement of Financial Assistance Result       

December 24, 2024

 

Deadline of admission acceptance and payment of dues for those not applying for Financial Assistance            

December 20, 2024

 

Financial Assistance acceptance and payment of dues – last date for those who applied for Financial Assistance       

December 31, 2024

 

Orientation and Workshop  

January 3-5, 2025

 

Classes begin  

January 13, 2025

The graduate programme admission is conducted in three stages. If a candidate satisfies the eligibility criteria, they can apply to the graduate programme by applying through the IVS Online Admission Portal, and must include the following documents before the deadline given on the school’s website:

  • Personal Statement (500 - 750 words)
  • Statement of purpose (800 - 1200 words)
  • Certified copies of undergraduate degree
  • Certified copies of undergraduate transcript
  • Certified copies of F.Sc./F.A./A-level/class 12 equivalent certificate and transcript (In case of A-level or other foreign qualifications, equivalency certificate From IBCC is required).
  • Updated resume
  • A portfolio of 15-20 images and/or a writing sample
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • A copy of CNIC
  • Passport size photograph
  • All students are required to undertake IVS admission test. Students may want to submit certified copies of General Assessment Test (GAT) score undertaken in the last 2 years, with at least 75% marks. Applications will also be accepted without the GAT score
  • Application fee PKR 10000 paid online using PayPro payment methods that include online banking, ATM, Debit/Credit Cards (3% extra charges are applicable) and over the counter in cash.


Selected candidates who meet the eligibility criteria will be called for an entrance test at the Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture. Shortlisted candidates are called for an interview along with portfolio of creative practice (this should ideally be in the form of a visual presentation of 15-20 slides, or in some cases writing samples or actual work). Candidates must also bring all original documents (transcripts, certificates, degrees) and submit them in the Academic Office when they come for the interview. Please consult FAQs or IVS website for updates or send an email at: [email protected] with your questions.

 

Guidelines for putting together a portfolio and making a presentation at the interview

Portfolio

An applicant’s portfolio is the most important part of the application. In general, it should demonstrate experience, interests, strengths, criticality, creative potential and commitment of the applicant. Specifically, it should aim to address research-based concerns raised in your statement of purpose, and show how your practice is connected to, or may have evolved towards the development of the stated research interests

If you are a creative practitioner: artist, craftsperson, architect or a designer, put together 15-20 digital images of your visual work that best represent your practice and your research interest, and submit with your application.

Include a range of projects and media that shows the diversity/versatility of your practice. It is advisable to edit it for a better reading. Begin with your most recent work.

If you have created an artist book, designed a physical portfolio, published books/magazines, have sketchbooks, or any other type of original work that you want to share, bring it along at the time of the interview.

You are encouraged to include critical essays/writing samples, along with your visual work, in your portfolio. If you are submitting these along with a portfolio, please include a maximum of 2 writing samples, no longer than 2000 words each.

If your creative practice is mostly text based – submit 2-3 writing samples as your portfolio. These must include at least one writing sample of 2000 words or more (not exceeding 4000 words).

You may want to discuss your statement of purpose, portfolio submission and presentation with another creative practitioner or teacher, for advice, before submitting it.

Presentation

At the interview, applicants can either present a range of their work or focus on a few selected works based on a thematic framework You are encouraged to connect at least some part of this to the stated research interests in your statement of purpose.

Applicant should demonstrate creative, critical, and analytical thinking through the presentation of their practice.

Applicants should make an honest and engaging presentation.

Applicants must also demonstrate good organization and design in presenting ideas and concepts.

The applicant/presenter must communicate well and at a professional level.

The presentation must end within the specified time.

GENERAL GUIDELINES

Before writing the statements, or preparing your admissions package, it is very important to go over all of the information provided on the Graduate Programme website, in order to understand if this is the right programme for you. This will help you frame all of your admissions materials, and make for a stronger admissions package.
 

GUIDELINES FOR WRITING THE STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND THE PERSONAL STATEMENT

What is the difference between the two statements?

Very simply put, the statement of purpose explains your interest in pursuing a particular area of study/research, and how you might hope to do so through your course of study, while a personal statement explains why you are the right candidate for the Graduate Programme at IVS. The statement of purpose thus places more emphasis on discussing the area of your research interest, while a personal statement discusses your motivation for applying to the programme.

In short, the statement of purpose tells us what you want to do, while the personal statement tells us who you are. Both of these statements, when seen together, serve the same larger purpose: to tell us why you are a good fit for the Graduate Programme at IVS.

Statement of Purpose

The statement of purpose is a more formal piece of writing than the personal statement. Often, it can contain citations to literature/scholarly texts that are related to your area of interest. In general, this statement speaks to your academic and professional background, any particular skills, and your research interests. It explains how you have arrived at the particular area you are interested in researching, and how you may plan to do so through your course of study at IVS. This statement generally also tells the admissions committee about your professional goals moving forward, and why the Graduate Programme at IVS is the right fit for you.

You are encouraged to read and understand the specificities of the Graduate Programme and frame your statement in a way that speaks directly to these, rather than a general statement that could be applied to a postgraduate programme anywhere else. Keep in mind that this is an M.Phil. degree which focuses on the idea of practice as research and vice versa – this makes your statement of purpose an important consideration for the admissions committee, since it demonstrates whether you may or may not be a good fit within this context. 

Personal Statement

The personal statement is generally not as formal a piece of writing as the statement of purpose. This statement allows the admissions committee to get to know who you are, your personal motivations for applying to the Graduate Programme, and any relevant milestones, experiences, achievements or challenges you may have faced which have brought you to where you are today. It speaks to your commitment and enthusiasm to engage in this particular course of study, as well as any additional interests or qualities which may make you a good fit for the IVS community.

In many ways, the personal statement tells us more about your past and how this has led you to where you presently are, while the statement of purpose looks towards the future and what you aim to do.

Application processing fee

One time

Rs. 10,000

 

Admission fee

One time

Rs. 75,000

 

Tuition Fee

Per credit hour – Rs. 33,100

Total Tuition Fee (40 Credit Hours) – Rs. 1,324,000

 

Registration fee per semester 

For full and part time students, and to keep enrollment active

Rs. 5,000

 

Security deposit

Refundable, one time

Rs. 50,000

 

Graduation expenses (One time - at the time of graduation)

Rs. 30,000

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) — Graduate Programme Admissions

Consider these answers your first source of information regarding admissions.

A: A fee challan will automatically be generated after a candidate has completed their online application form through the Admission Portal. Payments need to be made using PayPro payment methods that include online banking, ATM, Debit/Credit Cards (3% extra charges are applicable) and over the counter in cash. 

A. Recognizing the magnitude of wide-ranging perspectives and ways of thinking within contemporary education, the graduate programme at IVS encourages an interdisciplinary approach, critical thinking and reflexivity in creative practice. This enables students to explore topics across a range of discipline and broaden their understanding of preferred areas of study.

A. Those who have obtained a four-year bachelor’s degree in related disciplines of Arts (architecture, design, fine art), Social Sciences or Humanities, with creative work experience, can apply to the graduate programme.

A.  Admissions to the Graduate Programme open in September. The last date to submit the application is usually October 30 unless the deadline is extended. Classes will commence in January.

A. It is a two and a half year (four semesters) Masters programme as full-time study. Duration of the programme is determined by the credit hour requirement per semester as well as the total number of credit hours that students must complete to graduate.

A. The graduate programme follows the IVS academic year divided in two terms: Spring (Jan – May) and Fall (Aug – Dec). A term or semester in the graduate programme will span over 16 weeks regular classes scheduled in the evenings and on weekends with a provision to offer 2-week intensive study when offered. It is expected that the students will work outside the class hours towards completion of their assignments and projects.

A. To earn a master’s degree at IVS, students must successfully complete 34 credits of course work and 6 credits of thesis.

A. See below:

Type of CourseNo. of coursesNo. of credits
Mandatory Components  
 = Core Courses5 courses (A 1-5)15 credits
 = Studio3 courses (C 1-3)9 credits­­­­
 = Thesis1 course (A6)6 credits
 = Workshops 1 credit
Elective Courses3 courses (B 1-3)9 credits
Total 40 credits

A. The IVS graduate programme fee structure is based on a ‘pay per credit’ policy that requires students to pay according to the number of credits one is enrolled in for a semester. This would additionally enable students not registered for the full degree program, to register for individual courses. The cost per credit for the graduate programme for the year 2025 is PKR 33,100. In case of full-time enrolment, students will be required to take 9 to 12 credits per semester, which is considered standard for graduate studies. In the semester four, thesis is assigned 6 credits. In addition, students will pay admission fee and security deposit at the time of enrolment. (Also see Q7)

A. Yes. The IVS graduate programme will offer a limited number of loans, scholarships and teaching assistantships in any given year that may provide tuition remission and a stipend, and eligibility of which is determined on the basis of need and merit.

A. The structure encourages professionals, creative practitioners and teachers to enrol in the programme, however, it will be extremely difficult to undertake full time study with a full-time job as students will be required to put long hours towards their course work and thesis. For those who want to continue with their full-time jobs, it is recommended that they undertake part-time study with fewer credits and complete their degrees in up to a maximum of four years.

A.   The graduate programme admission is conducted in three stages. To apply to the graduate programme, applicants must submit a set of documents including duly filled application form, certified copies of undergraduate degree, certified copies of undergraduate transcript, study objectives, personal statement, and letters of recommendation submitted through the IVS Online Admission Portal. All candidates will undertake an entrance test at IVS. Shortlisted candidates will be called for an interview with original documents and portfolio of creative practice. Presentation of creative practice is an important part of the interview and the admission process. The list of successful candidates is announced a few days after the interview.

A. The graduate programme faculty at IVS is drawn from diverse backgrounds. Majority of the faculty members are highly qualified individuals and creative visual practitioners – architects, designers, fine artists – theatre practitioners, curators, social scientists, and urban designers.

A. While it is not important that students have a bachelor’s degree in art and design, it is important that they have relevant creative practice experience to study in the programme.

Guidelines for putting together a portfolio and making a presentation at the interview

Portfolio

An applicant’s portfolio is the most important part of the application. In general, it should demonstrate experience, interests, strengths, criticality, creative potential and commitment of the applicant. Specifically, it should aim to address research-based concerns raised in your statement of purpose, and show how your practice is connected to, or may have evolved towards the development of the stated research interests

If you are a creative practitioner: artist, craftsperson, architect or a designer, put together 15-20 digital images of your visual work that best represent your practice and your research interest, and submit with your application.

Include a range of projects and media that shows the diversity/versatility of your practice. It is advisable to edit it for a better reading. Begin with your most recent work.

If you have created an artist book, designed a physical portfolio, published books/magazines, have sketchbooks, or any other type of original work that you want to share, bring it along at the time of the interview.

You are encouraged to include critical essays/writing samples, along with your visual work, in your portfolio. If you are submitting these along with a portfolio, please include a maximum of 2 writing samples, no longer than 2000 words each.

If your creative practice is mostly text based – submit 2-3 writing samples as your portfolio. These must include at least one writing sample of 2000 words or more (not exceeding 4000 words).

You may want to discuss your statement of purpose, portfolio submission and presentation with another creative practitioner or teacher, for advice, before submitting it.

Presentation

At the interview, applicants can either present a range of their work or focus on a few selected works based on a thematic framework You are encouraged to connect at least some part of this to the stated research interests in your statement of purpose.

Applicant should demonstrate creative, critical, and analytical thinking through the presentation of their practice.

Applicants should make an honest and engaging presentation.

Applicants must also demonstrate good organization and design in presenting ideas and concepts.

The applicant/presenter must communicate well and at a professional level.

The presentation must end within the specified time

Note: The Graduate Programme at IVS has been approved by HEC.

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