QUICK ANSWER
Musashino Art University (MAU) and Parsons are not really competing for the same student. The deciding factor is language, not prestige. MAU’s international admission requires an EJU Japanese score of 200 or higher or a JLPT N2 pass, plus an exam taken in person in Tokyo. Parsons reviews an English application and a digital portfolio online.
Cost is the other big difference. MAU lists ¥1,210,000 a year in tuition for 2026 plus about ¥0.8 million in other fees. Parsons lists $31,174 per semester in BFA tuition for 2026–27, the rate for students who entered before fall 2025.
Families sometimes put these two schools side by side because both are strong in design and both are a short flight from Seoul. The applications, though, test different things. A student can be a good fit for one and not even eligible for the other. This guide sets out the facts each school publishes and then the question that decides most cases.
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The Two Applications Side by Side
| Musashino Art University | Parsons (New York) | |
|---|---|---|
| Language test | EJU Japanese 200+ or JLPT N2 (2027 entry) | English proficiency for non-native speakers |
| Where you are assessed | In person in Tokyo: subject exams, portfolio/artwork review, interview | Online: application, essay and digital portfolio |
| Interview | Yes, and it also assesses Japanese ability | Not a standard part of first-year admission |
| 2027 calendar | Apply Oct 29 – Nov 5, 2026; exams Dec 21–23; results Dec 25 | U.S. Early and Regular Decision cycle |
| Annual tuition | ¥1,210,000 (2026), plus other fees | $62,348 (two semesters, 2026–27 continuing rate) |
MAU figures from its 2027 international student admission page and JPSS listings (2026 fees). Parsons figures from The New School catalog, 2026–27.
The MAU route is called the Special Selection for International Students. Applicants can apply from abroad, but they must travel to Japan for the December exam. In 2025 that route drew 628 applicants for 108 places across the university, according to the JPSS listing. That is about one in six.
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What Each School Actually Costs
| Item | MAU (2026) | Parsons (2026–27) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | ¥1,210,000 | $31,174 per semester |
| Other annual fees | ¥781,000–¥811,000 (support, maintenance, facilities; varies by department) | University Services Fee $720 per semester |
| One-time entry cost | Admission fee ¥300,000; application ¥50,000 | Application fee and enrollment deposit |
The Parsons tuition shown is the published 2026–27 rate for students who entered before fall 2025. New entrants should check The New School’s new-student tuition page, which publishes their rate separately.
MAU’s tuition and fees come to about ¥2.0 million a year. At any recent exchange rate that is well under a third of Parsons tuition, before Tokyo or New York living costs. Parsons does award merit scholarships to international students, though. Royal Blue students admitted to Parsons received 38 scholarships across 63 acceptances, a 60% award rate. The average award was $53,116 across those 38 awards. Scholarships narrow the cost gap for some students, but they don’t close it for everyone.
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The Deciding Question: Which Language Will You Study In?
If a student does not already have, or cannot realistically reach, a JLPT N2 level by autumn of the application year, MAU is not an option for that cycle. If a student is preparing seriously for Japanese study, MAU deserves a full look. It has eleven departments, from Japanese Painting and Scenography to Visual Communication Design and Design Informatics, and it costs far less.
The exams differ as well. MAU tests subject skills in person, so students need practical, exam-style preparation alongside the portfolio. Parsons judges the portfolio and written material together, and it values ideas, research and process. Our guide to what replaced the Parsons Challenge explains Parsons’ two required essays.
A NOTE ON STYLE
Japanese, Korean and U.S. art schools have different portfolio traditions. A portfolio built for an in-person Japanese practical exam will not automatically suit a U.S. design school, and the reverse is also true. If a student is applying to both, plan two sets of work from the start. See Korean, Japanese and U.S. portfolios compared.
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Who Each School Suits
- MAU suits a student who is committed to Japanese, wants a lower total cost and is interested in Japanese design and art practice, and who can sit a practical exam in Tokyo in December.
- Parsons suits a student who works best in English, wants New York’s design industry and a research-led studio culture, and whose family can plan for U.S. costs with merit aid in mind.
- Applying to both is possible because the calendars don’t clash, but it means preparing two different applications in two languages.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need Japanese to apply to Musashino Art University?
Yes, for the international undergraduate route. For 2027 entry, applicants need an EJU Japanese score of 200 or higher or a JLPT N2 pass, and the interview also assesses Japanese.
Can I apply to MAU from Korea?
Yes, but you must travel to Japan for the entrance exam. For 2027 entry, exams run December 21–23, 2026, and results are announced December 25.
How selective is MAU for international students?
JPSS reports 628 applicants and 108 successful candidates in 2025 across the international route, about one in six. Rates vary by department.
Is MAU cheaper than Parsons?
Yes, by a wide margin. MAU lists ¥1,210,000 a year in tuition plus about ¥0.8 million in other fees. Parsons tuition for 2026–27 is $31,174 per semester at the continuing-student rate.
Does Parsons give scholarships to international students?
Yes. Royal Blue students admitted to Parsons received 38 scholarships across 63 acceptances, with an average of $53,116 across those 38 awards.
ROYAL BLUE ART & DESIGN
For 19 years we have prepared Korean students for U.S. and international art schools from our studio in Apgujeong, Seoul. Our public record lists 1,099 acceptances confirmed directly with students, including 63 at Parsons. We help families choose between routes before building the portfolio, and we plan separate work when a student is applying in two systems. Call 02-3446-5929 or book a consultation.
MAU requirements and calendar from its 2027 international student admission page; MAU fees and 2025 applicant figures from JPSS (Japan Student Services listings), 2026 school year. Parsons tuition from The New School catalog, 2026–27. Royal Blue figures from our results record (2009–2026). Checked October 2026. If something here has changed, tell us and we will correct it.
Related reading: Parsons Admissions Guide 2026 · What Replaced the Parsons Challenge · Korean, Japanese and U.S. Portfolios · F-1 Visa Guide 2026 · Royal Blue Results