Alberta University of the Arts

1407 14th Avenue NW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

All around you, artists, designers and craftspeople are pursuing their passions and doing what they love. They dare to be different, and take the road less travelled. You may know exactly what you want, or the future may still be a bit fuzzy. But inside of you exists an undeniable creative force that needs to be explored. You want to be a part of this world. To express your ideas, challenge others, and create what’s never been considered before. At Alberta University of the Arts, you’ll develop your creative abilities in our studios, enhance your critical thinking and problem solving skills, and grow an entrepreneurial spirit. The studio-based education features two BFA and BDes undergraduate degrees, and one MFA post-graduate degree program. You’ll interact with business, culture and society in new and exciting ways. And if you have a travel bug, you can participate in our student travel programs throughout the world. You’ll develop your creative abilities in our studios, enhance your critical thinking and problem solving skills, and grow an entrepreneurial spirit. You’ll interact with business, culture and society in new and exciting ways. And if you have a travel bug, you can participate in our student travel programs throughout the world. You’re standing at the crossroads of a big decision. We’re here to help with that – we’d love to see you walk through our doors.

DEGREES OFFERED: BFA, B.Des, MFA
ACCREDITATION: Government of Alberta, NASAD Substantial Equivalency Status

Hover over dots to see degrees offered and online availability.

MAJORS OFFERED:

CeramicsBachelors Degree Masters Degree
DrawingBachelors Degree
FiberBachelors Degree Masters Degree
GlassBachelors Degree Masters Degree
Jewelry & MetalsBachelors Degree Masters Degree
Media Arts & Digital TechnologiesBachelors Degree

 

 

PaintingBachelors Degree
PhotographyBachelors Degree
Print MediaBachelors Degree
SculptureBachelors Degree
Visual Communications DesignBachelors Degree

MINORS OFFERED:

AnimationBachelors degree
CeramicsBachelors degree
ComicsBachelors degree
FiberBachelors degree
GlassBachelors degree
Jewelry & MetalsBachelors degree

 

Media Arts & Digital TechnologiesBachelors degree
Object Design and FabricationBachelors degree
Print MediaBachelors degree
Print MediaBachelors degree
Visual Communications DesignBachelors degree

LEGEND

Certificate
Associates Degree
Bachelor's Degree

Postbaccalaureate Certificate
Low-Residency Masters
Masters Degree


Fully Online
Partially Online
Optional Online

FOUNDATION PROGRAM
Your first year is all about diving in and getting your feet wet. You’ll have the chance to try everything and build a foundation for more specialized study in art, craft and design. In your first year of studies, you’ll take: two Drawing courses, Four courses from the following programs: Ceramics, Fiber, Glass, Jewelry and Metals, Media Arts, Painting, Photography, Print Media, Sculpture and Visual Communication Design, Visual Arts, Pre-Modern Arts and Visual Cultures, Writing for Critical and Creative Practices, Intro to Critical and Creative Studies.


This program is Residential.

UNDERGRADUATE COST OF ATTENDANCE 2023-2024
FULL-TIME  
TUITION $ 19,273
MANDATORY FEES 1,132
BOOKS & SUPPLIES 2,806
ON-CAMPUS ROOM & BOARD N/A
OFF-CAMPUS ROOM & BOARD 0
OTHER


NOTE: Cost of attendance at Canadian schools is shown here in US dollars. The tuition shown reflects the cost for international (non-Canadian) students. If you are a Canadian citizen planning to study at a Canadian institution, tuition costs will be lower. Please check with individual schools.

FINANCIAL AID 2021-2022 FULL-TIME FRESHMEN *
N/A
ACCEPTANCE RATE: 70%

Acceptance Rate = The percentage of students admitted out of applications received in a given year.

 
ENROLLMENT: FALL 2022

UNDERGRADUATE FTE1 = 1,101

UNDERGRADUATE

FULL-TIME 1,084
PART-TIME 43

NOTE 1: "Full-Time Equivalent" is the common way to measure the relative size of colleges. This adjusts for differences in the percentage of part-time students (or faculty). For example: one full-time student = 1 FTE; three half-time students = 1.5 FTE, etc.

UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS PROCESS
APPLICATION: Required
ONLINE APPLICATION: Required
APPLICATION FEES: 90 (approximate)
HOME EXAM: Not Required
INTERVIEW: Not Required
ESSAY: Required
SAT / ACT: Required
PORTFOLIO: Required
LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION: Not Required
IELTS: Required, depending on program
TOEFL: Required, depending on program

TRANSCRIPTS

HIGH SCHOOL: Required
COLLEGE: Required, if transferring
FACULTY: 2022-2023

FACULTY FTE1 = 79

FULL-TIME 41
PART-TIME 56
 

STUDENT/FACULTY RATIO: FALL 2022
14.1 TO 1
FTE STUDENTS PER FTE FACULTY1

RETENTION

FRESHMAN RETENTION

FALL 2020 FRESHMEN
RETURNING IN FALL 2021
78%
 
FALL 2021 FRESHMEN
RETURNING IN FALL 2022
77%
GRADUATION

SIX-YEAR GRADUATION RATE

FALL 2015 FRESHMEN
GRADUATING WITHIN SIX YEARS
 
54%
 
FALL 2016 FRESHMEN
GRADUATING WITHIN SIX YEARS
 
50%

UNDERGRADUATE ETHNICITY

FALL 2022

THIS DATA IS NOT COLLECTED.

UNDERGRADUATE GENDER DISTRIBUTION

FALL 2022

NEW STUDENT GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION2

FALL 2022
OTHER PROGRAMS

Artstream Bridging Program
Block Transfer Agreement
Continuing Education non-credit courses
Pre-College Program
Spring Session (Undergraduate)
Summer Session (Undergraduate)
Teen Programs

SPECIAL OPPORTUNITIES

Aahwaatkamooksi Indigenous peer mentorship program
Academic Advising
Accademic Acommodations
Emerging Art Writers Program
Exchange & Study Abroad Program
Financial Aid Office
Illingworth Ker Professional Gallery
International support services
Local Community Partnerships
Lodgepole Center
Peer Helper Program Student Ambassadors
Peer Mentors
Student Run Galleries
Students Association
Students Association Job Board
Students Association Show and Sale
Tutoring and Writing Centre
Visiting Artist Program
Work Integrated Learning
AICAD Exchange partnerships
Mental Health Counselling

NOTE 1: "Full-Time Equivalent" is the common way to measure the relative size of colleges. This adjusts for differences in the percentage of part-time students (or faculty). For example: one full-time student = 1 FTE; three half-time students = 1.5 FTE, etc. NOTE 2: Geographic distribution is reported for first-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduates. NOTE 3: Includes all institutional scholarships and grants, but does not include College Work Study or third party awards.