Overview

The Visual Arts programme at the University of Victoria offers a comprehensive environment for advanced creative exploration and professional development. This two-year master's level course is designed to sharpen the creative edge of students through intensive studio work and academic rigour. Participants benefit from a dedicated private studio space to explore contemporary practices and push the boundaries of their artistic expression.

Why Visual Arts at University of Victoria?

The University of Victoria provides a dynamic learning environment within the Faculty of Fine Arts, where students engage in critical discussions and receive regular feedback from expert faculty. A distinctive feature of this programme is the opportunity for students to teach an undergraduate course during one of their terms, gaining valuable instructional experience. The curriculum supports work that transcends singular categories, encouraging a blend of traditional and experimental expressions. Students also have the option to participate in a co-op programme to further enhance their professional profile.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: CAD 2801 per semester
National fee: CAD 2221 per semester

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is structured around studio practice and critical theory, culminating in a solo exhibition. Modules may include:

Studio Art
Drawing
Painting
Photography
Sculpture
Digital Multimedia
Mixed Media
Seminar

Careers with Visual Arts

Graduates are prepared to enter the professional art world as independent artists and creative practitioners. The programme's focus on both contemporary practice and teaching experience equips students for roles in the cultural sector and higher education. By completing a solo exhibition as their final project, students establish a professional portfolio suitable for gallery representation and international exhibitions. The optional co-op component further assists in building industry links and understanding the professional landscape of the fine arts.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Drawing
Painting

Sculpture

Photography

Digital Media

Directed Study

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-03 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-15 00:00:00

Language

English

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

60 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Victoria, Canada

Disciplines

Visual Arts View 35 other Masters in Visual Arts in Canada

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Applicants to the MFA program must submit a portfolio of work (consult the Visual Arts website for details regarding portfolio submission.) Additionally, a Statement of Intent describing the applicant’s conceptual approach to art-making is required. Applicants should also state why they are applying to the University of Victoria MFA program.
As MFA positions are limited, applications will be reviewed in a competitive context. Students who have not previously completed the equivalent of 12 units of Art History, 6 of which must be at the 300 or 400 level, will be required to take the necessary additional courses at the University of Victoria before the granting of the MFA.

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Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at University of Victoria and/or in Canada, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

5602 CAD / year

≈ 5602 CAD / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

4442 CAD / year

≈ 4442 CAD / year

Living costs

Victoria

Canada

1490 - 2092 CAD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Visual Arts.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic Applies to you

Living costs

Victoria

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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