Visual Arts (MFA)

Frequently asked questions

• How much does Visual Arts (MFA) cost?

  CAD 8,571 / year.

• What English score does it need?

  IELTS 6.5 overall is the score listed for this programme.

• How long is it?

  2 years, as listed by the university.

• What are the entry requirements?

  Program specific requirements As part of your application, you must submit: - a portfolio - a statement of intent that describes your approach to art-making and explains why you are applying to the MFA program - a curriculum vitae - two reference names and their email addresses Due to limited program capacity, if you have a BFA from UVic, we encourage you to pursue your master's degree at another university. Portfolio Your portfolio is the most important piece of your application. Include a range of what you consider to be your best work. You may choose a specific medium to demonstrate your versatility. Please upload your portfolio media in the form of either: - 20 digital images (jpg only) OR - 10 digital images and 5 links to video files (Vimeo or YouTube) Please provide us with your images in chronological order (most recent to least recent work). Example of image labelling (image number, last name, title, date): - 01lastname_title_yyyy.jpg - 02lastname_title_yyyy.jpg - 03lastname_title_yyyy.jpg You should have your media files ready before starting the online application process. Image format: - submit jpeg image files only - image resolution must be 72 dpi - maximum pixel dimensions of each image must be 1920 x 1080 pixels - submit RGB colour mode files only - use only alphanumeric characters for file names Video format: - post a link to a video you've published online Ensure you meet the minimum graduate school admission requirements . You must demonstrate English language proficiency to attend UVic. Learn about language requirements , including allowable exemptions and tests. IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with no section less than 6.0 (Academic IELTS only, test centre or online; IELTS Academic One Skill Retake accepted); TOEFL iBT for tests taken after 21 January 2026: 4.5 overall with no section less than 4.0; for tests taken before 21 January 2026: 90 overall with no section less than 20 (iBT test centre or Home Edition; MyBest Scores accepted); PTE 65 with no skill less than 60; CAEL 70 with no component below 60; MET 64 with no section less than 60; Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency 180 with no component below 170. Test scores more than two years old are not accepted. Individual departments may set a higher standard. (Source: UVic Graduate Admissions, Language proficiency.) · English: IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0); TOEFL iBT 90; PTE Academic 65 · English test waiver: Requirement already met if English is your primary language, you hold a degree from a designated English-speaking country, or you hold a degree from a recognized institution at which the language of instruction is English. Applicants who cannot provide proof may still be considered and complete UVic's University Admission Preparation (UAP) course with a grade of at least 80%, provided the prospective academic unit is willing to admit on that condition; UAP is a 12-week program offered in January, April and September, and in an intensive four-week summer format. UVic does not accept university English preparation courses from other institutions. · Application fee: CAD 187.00 if any documents originate outside Canada; CAD 145.25 if all documents originate within Canada (payable online by credit card; the application is not processed until payment is received). Source: UVic Graduate Admissions, How to apply.

• Is there a scholarship?

  We offer all our graduate students a one-term paid teaching position in their second year.