HYP Global Signs Exclusive Partnership with Otis College of Art and Design for International Undergraduate and Graduate Admissions
On December 15, 2024, HYP Global formalized an exclusive admissions partnership with Otis College of Art and Design (OTIS), becoming OTIS's international student admissions partner for both undergraduate (BFA) and graduate (MFA) programs.
HYP Global Signs Exclusive Partnership with Otis College of Art and Design for International Undergraduate and Graduate Admissions
On December 15, 2024, HYP Global formalized an exclusive admissions partnership with Otis College of Art and Design (OTIS), becoming OTIS's international student admissions partner for both undergraduate (BFA) and graduate (MFA) programs.
This marks two historic firsts: it is OTIS's first-ever partnership with a commercial partner for global student recruitment, and HYP Global's first partnership with an art and design institution. Senior leadership from both organizations conducted site visits in both the United States and China. HYP Global's executives engaged in in-depth discussions with OTIS's Provost, Vice President of Admissions, and other senior leaders before finalizing this agreement. Both parties have committed significant resources to making this a landmark partnership in international art education recruitment.
About Otis College of Art and Design
Otis College of Art and Design (OTIS) was founded in 1918 as Los Angeles's first independent professional art school, with over a century of art and design education heritage. The college was affiliated with Parsons School of Design in New York from 1978 to 1991 before returning to independent operation. Located just 10 minutes from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), OTIS sits at the heart of the U.S. creative industry ecosystem.
In the authoritative Art & Object 2025 U.S. Art School Rankings, OTIS is ranked #10 nationally. The college's 200+ faculty members bring practical industry experience from The Walt Disney Company, Mattel, Nike, and other iconic brands. Alumni and faculty include Fulbright Scholars, MacArthur Fellows, Guggenheim Fellows, Academy Award winners, and core designers at Apple, Pixar, DreamWorks, Nike, and Netflix.
Detail | 2024 Official Data |
Founded | 1918 — Los Angeles's first independent professional art school |
National Ranking | Art & Object U.S. Art School Rankings — #10 (2025) |
Location | 9045 Lincoln Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90045 — ~10 min from LAX |
Enrollment & Faculty | ~1,200 students; 300+ faculty (student-to-faculty ratio: 9:1) |
Degrees Offered | Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA); Master of Fine Arts (MFA) |
Industry Partners & Sponsors | Mattel, Ralph Lauren, Nike, and more |
Academic Experience and Career Resources
● Core Foundation Year: First-year students develop creative skills and critical thinking through studio foundation courses, liberal arts disciplines, and creative coursework.
● Majors and Minors: 7 undergraduate BFA majors available, with 13 interdisciplinary minor options allowing students to broaden their academic and creative range.
● Industry-Sponsored Studio Projects: Mattel, Ralph Lauren, Nike, and other leading brands bring real-world briefs directly into the classroom, with industry leaders guiding studio projects and mentoring students through hands-on practice.
● Career and Internship Services: The Career Services team runs dedicated events including Internship Recruitment Day and the "O-Launch" graduation showcase weekend, connecting students with internship and employment opportunities at top creative companies.
Programs Available Through HYP Global
STEM-designated programs allow international graduates to apply for up to 36 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT).
Level | Program (Chinese) | Program (English) | STEM Status |
Undergraduate (BFA) | 动画 | BFA in Animation | ✓ STEM |
Undergraduate (BFA) | 游戏与娱乐设计 | BFA in Game and Entertainment Design | ✓ STEM |
Undergraduate (BFA) | 时装设计 | BFA in Fashion Design | Standard |
Undergraduate (BFA) | 纯艺术 | BFA in Fine Arts | Standard |
Undergraduate (BFA) | 平面设计 | BFA in Graphic Design | Standard |
Undergraduate (BFA) | 插画 | BFA in Illustration | Standard |
Undergraduate (BFA) | 产品设计 | BFA in Product Design | Standard |
Undergraduate (BFA) | 玩具设计 | BFA in Toy Design | Standard |
Undergraduate (BFA) | 环境设计 | BFA in Environmental Design | Standard |
Graduate (MFA) | 美术 | MFA in Art | Standard |
Graduate (MFA) | 平面设计 | MFA in Graphic Design | Standard |
Admission Requirements
Requirement | 2024 Official Standard |
Application Materials | High school or university transcripts; personal statement; portfolio |
Portfolio | 10–20 of your best and most recent works in any medium |
English Proficiency (Direct Admission) | TOEFL 79+ / IELTS 6.5+ / Duolingo 105+ |
Conditional Admission | TOEFL 67–78 / IELTS 5.5–6.0 / Duolingo 95–100 (Summer language program required) |
Language Waiver | May be available for students who attended an accredited English-medium high school or university |
Priority Deadline | February 15 (rolling admissions thereafter) |
Scholarships | Merit-based scholarships available — up to 50% tuition coverage for outstanding applicants |
Application Process
Step 1 — Prepare Your Portfolio:Compile 10–20 of your most recent and strongest works. Submit to HYP Global for a format review to ensure it meets OTIS's submission requirements.
Step 2 — Prepare Application Documents:Gather your high school or university transcripts, personal statement, and English proficiency scores (or waiver documentation).
Step 3 — Submit Your Application:Complete and submit your application through OTIS's official online portal. We recommend submitting before the February 15 priority deadline to maximize scholarship eligibility.
Step 4 — Admissions and Scholarship Decision:OTIS's admissions committee will review your application and issue a formal offer letter along with your scholarship evaluation result.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this partnership historically significant?
This is OTIS's first-ever partnership with a commercial partner for global student recruitment, and HYP Global's first collaboration with an art and design institution. The partnership was forged through in-person meetings between senior leadership on both sides — in both the U.S. and China — and represents a genuine strategic commitment from both organizations to set a new standard in international art education recruitment.
Is a portfolio required to apply to OTIS?
Yes. The portfolio is the most important element of an OTIS application. It should contain 10–20 of your best and most recent works, and can include any medium — painting, photography, digital design, illustration, 3D work, and more. HYP Global will assist with a portfolio format review to ensure your submission meets OTIS's requirements.
Are Animation and Game Design STEM-designated programs?
Yes. Both BFA in Animation and BFA in Game and Entertainment Design are officially STEM-designated programs at OTIS, making them eligible for up to 36 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT) for international graduates — significantly increasing career opportunities in the United States after graduation.
What if my language score doesn't meet the direct admission threshold?
Students with TOEFL 67–78 / IELTS 5.5–6.0 / Duolingo 95–100 can apply for Conditional Admission and complete a summer language program before formally enrolling. Students who have attended an accredited English-medium high school or university may also be eligible for a language requirement waiver. Contact HYP Global to assess your specific situation.
What support does HYP Global provide for OTIS applicants?
As OTIS's exclusive international admissions partner, HYP Global provides the following free services: profile assessment and application advice, portfolio format review, application document pre-screening, answers to any questions encountered during the application process, and assistance in pursuing available scholarship opportunities. All services are completely free for students.
Contact HYP Global
General Inquiries: contact@hypglobal.com
Admissions: admissions@hypglobal.com
WeChat / LINE / WhatsApp: Contact us via the HYP Global website
HYP Global regional admissions representatives are available to answer your questions and provide a free profile assessment. Stay tuned for upcoming online information sessions featuring OTIS College of Art and Design admissions staff.
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