Bachelor's degree application process

Due to large volumes of applications and limited remaining space in our programs, applications for Fall 2023 will be closing earlier than expected. Note that admission for Fall 2023 is not guaranteed, and you may be placed on a waitlist.

AUArts accepts students on an annual basis for a Fall (September) intake.

Admission to AUArts is competitive and is based on academic standing and the merit of your portfolio. 

High School and Mature applicants must complete First Year Studies prior to declaring a Bachelor of Fine Arts major or applying to the Bachelor of Design.

More information on applying to AUArts as a Transfer Applicant can be found here.

Step 1: Application form & fee

Review the Academic and Portfolio requirements.

Apply online at ApplyAlberta.ca and pay the $110 non-refundable application fee. 

Step 2: Portfolio submission & in-progress transcripts 

Once we have processed your application (Step 1), we will send you an email with a link to submit your Portfolio and Statement of Intent through Slideroom.

AUArts automatically receives in-progress transcripts from Alberta schools through Apply Alberta. Unofficial transcripts from schools outside Alberta must be submited with your portfolio through Slideroom. 

Complete Steps 1 and 2 by the February 1 Priority Admission deadline to be automatically considered for Entrance Scholarships. Applications completed after February 1 will be considered for General Admission while seats are available. 

Step 3: Official transcripts and English language proficiency documents

All final high school and post-secondary transcripts must be sent directly from your educational institution to Admissions by August 1. AUArts automatically receives final official transcripts from Alberta schools through Apply Alberta. 

All transcripts issued in a language other than English must be accompanied by notarized English translations.

Applicants who attended a high school where the primary language spoken was not English, must also demonstrate English language proficiency.

When will I hear if I have been accepted to a bachelor's degree program at AUArts?

Applications will be reviewed upon receipt of a completed application (application, transcripts, English proficiency and portfolio). We will communicate decisions of acceptance or decline as completed applications are reviewed. Entry scholarships will not be assessed until after the February 1 Priority Admission deadline. 

I attended high school in Alberta. Do I need to submit transcripts?

No. AUArts will automatically receive both in-progress and official transcripts once applicants complete their application through Apply Alberta.

What if I attended high school in another Canadian province?

Official transcripts must be sent to AUArts by your school or Ministry of Education. They can be mailed in a sealed envelope or emailed to admissions@auarts.ca. 

Canadian applicants from outside Alberta can refer to Transfer Alberta or their provincial Ministry of Education for assistance.

What if I completed Advance Credit coursework in high school or at another post-secondary? Will I receive credit towards my degree?

Students who have attended a previous accredited post-secondary institution or who have completed advanced high school coursework, Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), or Dual Credit course credits, may request an evaluation of their coursework to be considered towards their AUArts degree.

Please note that AUArts does not automatically assess transfer credit for students applying to First Year Studies. Applicants must submit the Advance Credit Request Form. This form will be provided to you by Admissions upon receipt of your online application. You may be required to submit program and course outlines/syllabi of previous studies to determine official transfer credit. 

The Advance Credit Request form must be submitted by May 1 for credit to be applied towards your degree for the Fall term. Late form submissions will be evaluated for the Winter term provided we receive the completed form and supporting documentation by October 1.

I am an international student. How do I submit my transcripts?

Contact your appropriate educational agency or school to request your transcripts be sent to AUArts. If you’re still attending high school, you must submit in-progress transcripts with your Portfolio. If your transcripts aren’t in English, you must include a translated and notarized copy. Learn more about the requirements for international students.

Am I eligible to pursue a BFA, BDes or MFA program on a study permit?

Yes. These programs are Designated and eligible to receive foreign nationals on a study permit.

Do you have questions about our programs or application process? Would you like to discuss your portfolio? You can schedule an appointment to meet with one of our Recruitment Officers via MS Teams video-conferencing or over-the-phone. 

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