What to expect after you apply

Thank you for applying to AUArts!

Questions about what comes next? Reach out to us at admissions@auarts.ca.

Within 2 business days: You’ll receive a confirmation email informing you we received your application and are processing it. The email will also contain a link to SlideRoom where you'll submit your portfolio.

Within 2 business weeks: Once your application, portfolio and supporting documents (transcripts and/or ELP if applicable) have been evaluated, you’ll receive another email informing you we’ve either conditionally accepted, waitlisted, or declined your application. The email you receive will outline all additional requirements, so be sure to read through it carefully. Here’s what it all means:

Conditionally Accepted

Congratulations! You’re almost there. Conditional acceptance means we’ve reviewed and accepted your application and portfolio but need your confirmation deposit fee and any outstanding documents to finalize your admission. This includes official transcripts and English proficiency documents (final copies are due by August 1 for all applicants).

If your email didn’t specify any outstanding documents, great! Pay your confirmation fee by May 1 (which is the priority deadline to pay this fee) and you’re good to go.

If your email requests official transcripts or English proficiency documents, make sure these reach us by August 1.

If we don’t receive your documents in time, your conditional acceptance will be withdrawn and you’ll have to reapply to the university at a later date.

Fully Accepted

Once all conditions of your application have been met (outlined above) you will receive an email from AUArts confirming your full offer of acceptance 

Declined

If your letter says your application was declined, don’t worry, there are several things you can do to increase your chances of being accepted next time.

If your application was declined because of your portfolio score, book a virtual portfolio reviewThis will give you the chance to have your portfolio evaluated and learn how you can strengthen it.

You might also want to take a Continuing Education portfolio preparation or drawing course to develop your portfolio and become more familiar with AUArts. Most of all, we encourage you to try daily observational drawings on your own, so carry a sketchbook with you and just draw what you see. It often takes time to develop as an artist, so give yourself the time you need and get practicing!

If your application was declined because of academic or English Proficiency requirements, we highly recommend our Artstream program. This one-year certificate program is designed especially for applicants with artistic talent who don’t meet academic or English requirements.

Artstream combines some of AUArts’ First-Year Studies course with courses designed to support an art and design education, so you earn credit towards a bachelor's degree while you study.

Waitlisted

Waitlisted means you’ve met our admission requirements, but our seats are full. The good news is, you’ll be contacted by our admissions office should a seat become available.