How to apply to the MFA

Alberta University of the Arts (AUArts) accepts applications annually for a Fall (September) intake. Admission is competitive and based on academic achievement, the strength of your portfolio, and alignment between your research goals and the program’s priorities. Prospective applicants should familiarise themselves with the program objectives and philosophy in order to inform their application.

Step 1: Review admission requirements and deadlines

• Priority admission: October 1 to January 15
  (Award tip: Complete all application steps by January 15 to be automatically considered for Entrance Awards)
   
• General admission: January 16 to June 1
  (Applications accepted while seats remain)
   
• Review:
  • Academic & Submission Requirements
  • MFA Awards and Scholarships
  • English language proficiency requirements

Step 2: Submit your application form and fee

• Domestic Applicants
  (Canadian citizens, permanent residents, refugees)
  Apply via AUArtsApply Portal (opens October 1)
  Application Fee: $110 CAD (non-refundable)
   

• International Applicants
  (non-Canadian citizens)
  Apply via AUArtsApply Portal (opens October 1)
  Application Fee: $150 CAD (non-refundable)

   

• The AUArtsApply Portal is your home base to upload application documents, track your application status, and make updates to your personal information.
• Important Email Tip: Certain email providers may send AUArts emails to your junk or spam inboxes. To avoid missing emails from us, add @auarts.ca and @mail.apply.auarts.ca to your safe senders list and check your spam/junk folders regularly.

Step 3: Submit your portfolio and required documents

Create an account on SlideRoom to submit the following:

• Portfolio
• CV
• Cover Letter
• Statement of Intent
• 2 Reference Letters: SlideRoom will send a reference form via email those you wish to use as references. The references will also need to submit a letter.

Additional required documents:

Transcripts

Final transcripts: Must be sent directly from your educational institution or Ministry of Education to the AUArts Graduate Studies by August 1.

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

• Alberta transcripts: AUArts automatically receives transcripts from Alberta schools.
• Other transcripts (non-Alberta and international): Request your official transcripts at the start of your application process to avoid delays. Transcripts must be received in a sealed envelope or received via email directly from the institution. If applicable, request an official English proficiency score to be sent to us directly from the institution.

Mailing address:

Office of Research and Graduate Studies, Room 522
Alberta University of the Arts
522 - 1407 14 Ave NW
Calgary, AB, T2N 4R3
CANADA

Email address:

graduatestudies@auarts.ca

• English Language Proficiency (ELP): Required if your primary language of instruction wasn't English. View ELP Requirements.

Once you have completed all 3 steps, your application will be processed.

Check your AUArtsApply Portal to confirm we’ve received your:

• Portfolio
• CV
• Cover Letter
• Statement of intent
• All interim transcripts
• English Language Proficiency test (if required) 

These checklist items are submitted in SlideRoom, once the SlideRoom application is submitted, your checklist will be updated within 2 business days.

The AUArtsApply Portal is also where you will find all application status updates and admission decisions.

When will I hear back about my application?

After the January 15 priority application deadline, fully completed applications (both through AUArtsApply Portal and SlideRoom) will be reviewed. Admission and entrance scholarship decisions are released via the AUArtsApply Portal.

After priority applications are reviewed, those submitted after January 15 will be evaluated on a rolling basis.

I attended post-secondary in Alberta. Do I need to submit transcripts?

No. AUArts will automatically receive both in-progress and final official transcripts once your application through AUArtsApply Portal is complete.

What if I went to school outside of Alberta?

Ask your school or Ministry of Education to send your official transcripts to us directly. They can email graduatestudies@auarts.ca or send by mail in a sealed envelope.

Can I receive transfer credit for AP (College Board), IB (International Baccalaureate) or accredited Post-Secondary courses? 

The MFA program does not accept transfer credit for these types of courses for this program.

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

Contact your school or educational authority to send your transcripts to AUArts. In-progress transcripts are required if you are still in post-secondary. If transcripts are not in English, include a translated and notarized copy. 

Can I study at AUArts with a study permit?

Yes. Our MFA program is designated and is 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? Please email Graduate Studies at graduatestudies@auarts.ca.