Full Sail began as a recording studio school in Dayton, Ohio, in 1979, then moved to the Orlando area. Now a private university in Winter Park, it teaches film, music production, game development, animation and entertainment business. Degrees are accelerated, so a bachelor's can take about two years of year-round study. Studios and sound stages across the campus are used for teaching.
Winter Park, Florida, United States
Official website: fullsail.edu
1979
Private university
Media, entertainment and technology
Accelerated, year-round degrees
$32,000 – $45,000
All students, approximate cost per year
$16,000 – $22,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on fullsail.edu before you apply.
BS Recording Arts
Bachelors DegreeDuration
20 Months
Intake
Jan, Apr, Jul, Oct
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 70
BS Film Production
Bachelors DegreeDuration
20 Months
Intake
Jan, Apr, Jul, Oct
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 70
BS Game Development
Bachelors DegreeDuration
29 Months
Intake
Jan, Apr, Jul, Oct
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 70
BS Computer Animation
Bachelors DegreeDuration
29 Months
Intake
Jan, Apr, Jul, Oct
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 70
MS Entertainment Business
Masters DegreeDuration
12 Months
Intake
Jan, Apr, Jul, Oct
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 70
Film, music production and game development.
Degrees finished in about two years.
Studios and sound stages used for teaching.
Graduates work in film, TV, games, music and live events.
Game studios in Orlando, including EA's in Maitland, hire graduates.
F-1 graduates can apply for OPT.
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Rolling
Full Sail's campus is off University Boulevard in the Orlando area, spread across studios and classroom buildings.
Winter Park has Park Avenue's shops and lakes, and Orlando's theme parks are close. A car helps, and rent is moderate.
Form I-20 issued by Full Sail University
Proof of funds for one academic year
SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
Completed DS-160 online application
US embassy or consulate interview
Passport valid six months beyond stay
Full Sail admits students on a rolling basis with starts almost every month. International students should apply three to four months ahead.
Programmes start almost every month. F-1 students should confirm which dates work for their course.
You'll need an F-1 visa. Once you accept your offer and send proof of funding, Full Sail University issues the Form I-20. After that it's the SEVIS fee, the DS-160 form and an interview at a US embassy or consulate.
Recording arts, film, game development, computer animation and entertainment business are popular. Entry needs secondary school completion and English scores. There's an interview.
Full Sail offers some scholarships and grants. Ask admissions which are open to international students.
