Bachelor Programme
Visual Arts
Visual Art at UBC Vancouver is a four-year Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Department of Art History, Visual Art and Theory that combines studio practice with critical theory and art history. Students work in at least four media areas, from digital art, photography and painting to drawing, sculpture and print media, and Honours and co-op are available. Admission is competitive (about 300 applications for 20 places): students apply to the BFA through UBC and send a portfolio and written statement to the department, and can enter directly from high school or transfer into Year 2 or 3.
University
University of British Columbia
Country
Canada
Level
Bachelor
Field
Visual Arts
Duration
4 years
Language
English
Campus
Vancouver
Degree
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), Major in Visual Art
Intake
September
Application Deadline
January 15, 2027 for the UBC application (international scholars: November 15, 2026); the departmental portfolio deadline for 2027 entry is not yet posted (for 2026 entry it was February 1, extended to February 9, 2026)
Tuition Information
2026/27 first-year tuition: CAD 51,530.40 per year for international students (Fine Arts rate, CAD 1,717.68 per credit x 30 credits) and CAD 6,200.70 for Canadian students (CAD 206.69 per credit x 30 credits). Fees for students starting in 2027/28 have not yet been published. Tuition only; student fees, health insurance and housing are extra.
Admission Requirements
- Two-step application: list the BFA as first or second choice on the UBC application, then submit the departmental supplemental application (up to five finished works in at least two media as one PDF, plus a 250-500 word statement on one work)
- Honours needs permission from the Visual Art advisor and an 80% average; the separate BA in Visual Art is declared at second-year standing after VISA 110, 180 and 183 with a 72% average
- BC high school: English Studies 12 (or English First Peoples 12)
- IB: no specific courses beyond UBC's general admission requirements; an audition or portfolio is required (Fine Arts)
- English language proof, if required, is due February 15, 2027 (see English Language Requirements below)
English Language Requirements
International applicants must satisfy UBC's English Language Admission Standard.
IELTS Academic
6.5 overall, no band below 6.0
TOEFL iBT
90 overall
PTE Academic
65 overall
Duolingo English Test
125 overall
CAEL
70 overall
Cambridge English
180