How to apply if you're a transfer student
Applications for Fall 2025 are Open!
We welcome students from other post-secondary in Canada and internationally. A transfer applicant is defined as a student who was/is enrolled at another recognized post-secondary institution and has completed 24 or more credits in a art/design related program. Course work related to English Literature, Humanities, Social Sciences and History will also be considered for transfer credit.
Transfer applicants
AUArts may award transfer credit for courses completed at other post-secondary institutions within and outside of Canada. Eligible credit equivalencies must be earned within 10 years from the date of application to AUArts. Transfer students must complete a minimum of 60 credits at AUArts (50% of a degree program) to obtain an AUArts degree.
Transfer Applicants, including applicants from block transfer partner institutions, must meet English language proficiency requirements and present a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 (grade of C).
Transfer applicants from non-art, craft and design programs
If you have completed studies or are currently completing studies at another post-secondary institution but have taken less than 24 transferable credits that align with a bachelor degree program at AUArts and have decided that art school is for you, you can transfer to AUArts and request an advance credit evaluation.
Transfer applicants applying to AUArts with less than 24 credits must submit the advance credit request form provided by Admissions upon completing the online application. This form must be submitted before May 1 for advance credit to be applied towards your degree for the Fall term. Late form submissions will be evaluated for the Winter academic term provided we receive the completed form, and supporting documentation, prior to October 1.
The priority admission deadline for applicants entering their first year of study is February 1.
Transfer applicants from art, craft and design programs
If you have/are enrolled in an equivalent art, design or craft program at another post-secondary school, you may be considered for direct admission to second or third year in the Bachelor of Design, or Bachelor of Fine Arts. Placement into an advance year (second or third) is dependent on the successful completion of equivalent first year courses AUArts.
Transfer applicants from block transfer agreement partners
Students who have completed a diploma, certificate or other equivalent credential at a partner institution that has a block transfer agreement with AUArts may be eligible for entry to year two or three of the AUArts Bachelor of Design or Bachelor of Fine Arts programs. Transfer students applying for credits from partner institutions must complete at least sixty (60) credits at AUArts to obtain an AUArts degree.
IB and AP students
We accept Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses for transfer credit. Courses must fit into the program you are applying to to be eligible for transfer credit and must be presented through official, final transcripts.
- IB - Final, official scores of 5 or higher in Higher Level (HL) courses are eligible to be considered for 1st year transfer credit.
- AP - Final, official scores of 4 or higher are eligible to be considered for first-year transfer credit.
How to apply in three easy steps
Step 1: Review application requirements and deadlines
- Priority application: May 1
- General application: June 1 (while seats are available)
- Review academic, portfolio and English Language Proficiency requirements
*Please note transfer applicants are not considered for entrance scholarships.
Step 2: Application form and fee
- Apply online at ApplyAlberta.ca and pay a $110 CAD non-refundable application fee.
- Confirmation email will be sent within two business days, which includes a SlideRoom portfolio submission link.
Step 3: Transcripts and English Language Proficiency (if required)
- Portfolio: Upon submitting your application (step 2), you'll receive an email with a link to SlideRoom, where you submit your Portfolio.
- Portfolio submission fee: $10 USD fee required when submitting your Portfolio through SlideRoom.
- Alberta transcripts: AUArts automatically receives transcripts from public Alberta post-secondary schools
- Transcript outside Alberta: Must be submitted with your Portfolio through SlideRoom.
- English Language Proficiency (ELP): If your primary language of instruction was not English, you may be required to submit an ELP test (some exemptions apply).
- Final documents: Must be sent directly from your educational institution to Admissions by August 1.
Academic requirements for transfer applicants
Applicants must obtain an overall CGPA of 2.0 to be accepted as transfer applicants. AUArts will review the most recent level of education; however, it may be required to review transcripts from previous education, including high school. In addition to meeting academic requirements, applicants will be expected to meet English Language Proficiency.
Looking for support?
You can schedule an appointment to meet with one of our Recruitment Officers via Microsoft Teams video-conferencing.