International students

Accreditation - Alberta University of the Arts (AUArts) is a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), DLI# O18760756062, under the Government of Canada’s International Student Program. As a DLI, AUArts fulfills Alberta’s high standards of program quality, and meets the criteria for study permits that is required for international students desiring to enrol.

Community - We are a community of thinkers, shapers, makers and risk-takers. We are students, faculty, staff and alumni rich in diversity of culture and thought, challenged to fearlessly explore what moves us, drives us and implores us to see the world differently. We are Alberta’s only university dedicated to art and design. We want to introduce you to a whole new world of passionate minds, provocative thinkers, ambitious doers and brave creators - including the one in you. Come and join us! 

Diversity - Our diversity here on campus provides an intimate learning environment with a diverse faculty and student body. AUArts has hosted international students from many countries that include: Australia, China, Colombia, Germany, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Norway, the Philippines, Poland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, Iceland, the United Kingdom, UEA and the United States. 

Calgary - The third largest city in Canada, Calgary is a major metropolitan city with stunning outdoor beauty and is home to innovative creative industries. Voted the 4th most livable city in the world, you'll love it here!

In 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) implemented a series of changes to strengthen the International Student Program (ISP) and to further protect international students. 

Under these new changes, international students seeking to pursue an undergraduate (Bachelors) or graduate (Masters) degree program at Alberta University of the Arts (AUArts) must obtain and submit a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) as part of their study permit application. This document is issued by the university upon accepting an offer of admission into our programs and paying the confirmation deposit.

Rest assured that many of the new measures introduced to the ISP do not impact prospective AUArts international students. This includes no changes to the eligibility of the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) for AUArts undergraduate and graduate students. Your ability to apply for the PGWP after graduation remains unaffected as long as you meet the necessary requirements of your program and maintain your full-time student status. 

While we understand that these new measures may raise concerns, we want to emphasize that they do not adversely affect your ability to apply to AUArts. We remain committed to welcoming international students and fostering a diverse and inclusive academic environment.

We encourage you to reach out to our undergraduate office at admissions@auarts.ca or graduate studies office at graduatestudies@auarts.ca should you have any questions or need assistance.

Don't know where to start? We've got you.

☐ Apply to AUArts - How to apply to our bachelor's degrees as an international student. (After your AUArts application is received, processed and approved, you will receive an email from Admissions with information on how to apply for a study permit).

☐ Study in Canada - What you'll need to start your study permit process

☐ Work and Study - Working in Canada with a study permit

☐ Social Insurance Number - Apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN)

☐ Alberta Government ID Card - Apply for an Alberta ID

☐ Alberta Healthcare - Apply for Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)

☐ Tuition - Check out International tuition and fees

☐ Housing - On and Off-campus student housing

☐ Taxes - Check if you need to file taxes

☐ Student Association VIP Plan - Benefits including health and dental through your AUArts Student Association

☐ My Fare UPass - Set up your student transit pass

☐ Academic Accommodations - (arrange if needed)

☐ After Graduation - Extend your study permit

☐ Stay up-to-date

• Keep note of all important dates, such as fee payment deadlines using the Academic Calendar
• Review the AUArts tuition payment methods with the Academic Calendar: Fees
• Check your email for important pre-arrival messages from AUArts and the International Centre
• Add AUArts email address (@auarts.ca) to your safe sender list
• Check your AUArts email for the bulletin so you don’t miss any important news

• Housing
• Food
• Shopping
• Calgary transit
• Weather, temperature, clothing
• Mobile phone plan
• Activities and events

There are possibilities for international students to live with a Canadian family through homestay programs. Visit these websites to find out more:

• HomeStay
• Canada Homestay Network
• Homestay Calgary 

• Explore Calgary 
• Calgary Public Library 
• Glenbow Museum 
• Esker Foundation 
• Contemporary Calgary 
• Calgary Tower  
• Telus Spark Centre 
• Stephen Avenue 
• Calgary Zoo 
• Heritage Park 
• Inglewood 
• Devonian Gardens 
• Studio Bell – National Music Centre 
• Prince’s Island Park 
• Drumheller – Royal Tyrrell Museum 
• Banff National Park  
• Lake Louise 

• Current Student Support
• International Student Support
• International Student SharePoint
• Steps to Study in Alberta

See upcoming information sessions specific to international students here.

Office hours: Monday to Friday 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. MST

Study Permit related questions - advising@auarts.ca
Admissions related questions - admissions@auarts.ca
Meet with Admissions - Book a virtual meeting

Check back for updates soon!