Pre-College Program

Curious about pursuing a degree in art?

Pre-College provides an immersive art school experience.

July 6 - July 31, 2026

Pre-College is a four-week intensive summer program where you will experience life as an AUArts student. Work alongside other talented young artists creating art, building your portfolio and earning university credits.

Pre-College provides an opportunity to practice working independently, in a flexible environment, while building a purposeful connection with your peer group through interactive projects and discussions.

teenager and instructor discussing a piece of art

Besides immersing yourself in art and design, you will also:

Build Your Portfolio

Experiment with different mediums, tools, and techniques to build a body of work to use as your portfolio. Engage in critiques with your peers while receiving feedback from your instructor to enhance your work. Finish the month a solid, varied portfolio that will prove impressive for post-secondary admissions and bursary applications.

Prepare for University

Pre-College is your chance to experience what post-secondary life is like. Follow a university-level curriculum with studio classes under the mentorship of professional artists and designers. Preparing you for the transition into post-secondary studies and re-shaping your approach to art and design.

Earn Credits

Pre-College is equivalent to an AUArts' first year studio elective. Which means, you will earn three credits towards your AUArts undergraduate degree and a head start on whatever program you choose.

Join a Community

Connect and work with others who share a passion for art and design. You will forge friendships and collaborative partners that will support you over Pre-College's four-weeks, across your undergraduate, and beyond. In just a month, you may form friendships that last a lifetime.

2026 Pre-College Important Dates

February 13

Early-Bird applications open

March 31

Early-bird application deadline

June 5

Applications Close

June 12

Final day to submit payment

June 19

Withdraw and refund deadline

July 6

Pre-College program start

July 31

Closing exhibition 

 

What will I do?

Check out your weekly schedule, class descriptions, events and activities

Pre-College schedule

Residence

Coming from out of town and need a place to stay? We've got you covered.

View residence

Ready to apply?

Looking forward to the best summer ever? Here's how to apply

Apply here

2026 Program Fees

Registration Dates

Early Bird: 

Feb 13 - March 31

General:

April 1 - June 5

Domestic Price

$2588$2875

International Price

$3276$3640

If you are paying for your tuition between February 13 - March 31, 2026, please use the code EARLYBIRD26 during checkout to apply your discount. Discount is not applicable after March 31, 2026. 

Payment

Full payment for Pre-College is due before June 12, 2026. Students are accepted into the program on a first-come, first-served basis from the date payment is received. 

Please note: You will be required to pay a non-refundable application fee of $150 for domestic and $300 for international students at the time of application. This amount will be deducted from the total tuition owed. 

Withdrawal Policy

Withdraw by June 19, 2026 to receive a refund on your tuition excluding application & administration fees. 

Withdrawals must be communicated in writing (letter or email) and will be in effect on the day it is received at AUArts. 

Please note: the Pre-College program is an articulated credit course. Students are governed by AUArts Academic Policies and Procedures. 

Student experiences

See what last summer's students have to say...

"This program really helped expand my horizons."

"I was exposed to new ways of approaching art..."

"I loved it so much, but the best part was being around other artists just as passionate about art as I am"

Tell the world!

Did you love Pre-College?

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group of pre-college students

AUArts Pre-College