Alberta University of the Arts (AUArts) – Complete Research Guide for International Students

Alberta University of the Arts (AUArts) is one of Canada’s leading institutions dedicated exclusively to art, craft, design, and creative research. Located in Calgary, Alberta, AUArts offers a vibrant, modern, and professionally driven environment where students can develop their artistic voice, creative skills, and career pathways in the global creative industry.

🌍 Overview

• Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada

• Founded: 1926 (became a university in 2019)

• Type: Public University

• Specialization: Arts, Craft, Design, Media Arts

• Campus: Shared with contemporary arts organizations at the Calgary Arts Commons

• Student Population: ~1,000 undergraduate students

• International Students: Growing and supported with dedicated services

• Model: Studio-based, hands-on, mentorship-driven

AUArts is ideal for students who want a focused, immersive education in the creative industries.

⭐ Why Alberta University of the Arts Is Recognized

1. 100% Arts-Focused University

Unlike general universities, AUArts is fully dedicated to arts and design, offering:

• Small studio classes

• Unlimited access to art facilities

• One-on-one guidance from professional artists and designers

• A creative community environment

2. Exceptional Studio Facilities

Students benefit from advanced creative labs and studios for:

• Digital media

• Photography

• Ceramics

• Sculpture

• Fiber/Textile arts

• Drawing & Illustration

• Animation

• Graphic and Industrial design

• Printmaking

• Jewelry and metals

These facilities are industry-grade, giving students real-world production experience.

3. Strong Professional and Creative Networks

AUArts collaborates with:

• Calgary Film & Media

• Alberta creative industries

• Museums and galleries

• Local and national art councils

Students gain access to exhibitions, internships, residencies, and real-world projects.

4. High Employability in Creative Fields

Graduates enter careers in:

• Creative design

• Digital arts

• Animation and film

• Game design

• Fine arts

• Fashion/textile design

• Media and communications

• Arts entrepreneurship

Many become professional artists, designers, or freelancers.

5. Located in Calgary – One of Canada’s Safest and Most Affordable Cities

Calgary is known for:

• Safety

• Clean environment

• Low cost of living compared to Toronto or Vancouver

• High employment rate

• A growing tech and creative sector

🎯 Popular Programs at AUArts

AUArts offers Canada’s most diverse range of Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and Bachelor of Design (BDes) programs.

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)

• Drawing

• Painting

• Sculpture

• Photography

• Ceramics

• Jewelry & Metals

• Media Arts

• Print Media

• Fiber/Textile Arts

Bachelor of Design (BDes)

• Graphic Design

• Visual Communication Design

• User Experience Design (UX)

• Animation & Digital Media

• Illustration

Special Courses & Electives

• Art History

• Curatorial Studies

• Creative Entrepreneurship

• Contemporary Media

• Interdisciplinary Arts

💬 Language of Instruction

All programs are taught in English.
Accepted English proficiency tests:

• IELTS

• TOEFL

• Duolingo English Test

• CAEL

Some programs may require:

• Portfolio submission

• Interviews

• Supplementary creative work

💰 Cost of Studying at AUArts

Tuition Fees (Approx. per year)

• International students: CAD 22,000 – 25,000
  (depends on course load)

Living Costs (per year)

• Accommodation: CAD 8,000 – 12,000

• Food/Utilities: CAD 4,000 – 6,000

• Transportation & Personal Expenses: CAD 3,000 – 4,000

Estimated Total Annual Cost:

👉 CAD 35,000 – 45,000

Calgary is more affordable than other major Canadian cities.

🏫 Admission Requirements

For Undergraduate Programs

• High school graduation certificate

• English proficiency test

• Academic transcripts

• Portfolio of creative work (most important part)

• Letter of intent (sometimes required)

Portfolio Requirements

Your portfolio may include:

• Drawings

• Paintings

• Sculpture

• Digital art

• Photography

• Design work

• Animation

• Mixed media

• Sketchbooks

A strong portfolio significantly increases your chances of admission.

📅 Intakes & Deadlines

Main Intake: Fall Semester (September)

• Application Opens: October

• Deadline: January – March (varies by program)

• Portfolio submission deadlines may differ

Winter Intake: Limited availability (January)

Students should apply 6–9 months in advance.

🌆 Student Life at AUArts

1. Creative Community Culture

Students become part of a vibrant arts environment with:

• Exhibitions

• Art shows

• Workshops

• Guest artist talks

• Collaborative projects

2. Campus & Location

AUArts is located in a central arts district and connected to:

• Galleries

• Studios

• Museums

• Art supply stores

3. Work Opportunities

International students can work:

• 20 hours weekly while studying

• Full-time on breaks

Calgary’s creative and tech industries offer strong internship potential.

4. Support Services

• Academic advising

• Mental health support

• International student services

• Portfolio development support

• Career and employment guidance

🚀 Career Prospects After AUArts

Graduates find careers in:

• Animation

• Game design

• Graphic design

• Photography

• Fashion/textile design

• Film & TV media

• Visual arts

• UX/UI Design

• Art direction

• Museum & gallery work

• Freelance creative entrepreneurship

Creative graduates benefit from Canada’s growing digital and design industries.

📌 Who Should Consider Alberta University of the Arts?

AUArts is ideal for students who:

• Are passionate about arts, design, or media

• Prefer hands-on studio-based learning

• Want to build a strong creative portfolio

• Want a career in the creative industries

• Enjoy small class sizes and personalized mentorship

• Prefer an affordable and safe Canadian city