Fine Arts (Studio Art)- Master of Fine Arts (MFA)
CanadaCourse at a Glance
- MasterDegree level
- 1.7 yearsDuration
- Main Campus, Waterloo, CanadaLocation
- Faculty of ArtsField of study
- EnglishLanguage of instruction
- Main Campus, WaterlooCampus
- $23,088Fees
- AvailableScholarship
About this programme
Pursue practice-based research in an intimate setting with the Master of Fine Arts (Studio) program. This distinctive and rigorous program is centred on studio exploration, professional development, and academic excellence.
Read more
With only five students admitted each year, you'll be able to cultivate your practice-based research in an intimate setting, guided by experienced faculty. The pedagogical aspect of the program offers a seminar in course development, hands-on teaching assistantships, and the opportunity to teach a foundation-level studio course. The fully funded Keith and Win Shantz International Research Scholarship offers the life-changing opportunity to study and work alongside an artist of your choice, anywhere in the world. With a funding package, plenty of access to faculty and resources, teaching placements, and an opportunity to exhibit your thesis in our gallery, UWAG, you'll be set up for success.
Is this course right for you?
Our counsellors check your profile against this programme's entry criteria and tell you where you stand — before you pay anything.
What we look at
- Your subject background and grades
- Your English score, or how to get one
- Budget, including living costs
University & programme
Canada- Listed from the catalogueNot yet staff-verified — ask us to confirm the details.
- English requirementIELTS Overall 7.5
- Study modeFull-time
Admissions checklist
Entry requirements
• Applications will be considered from those who have completed a four-year Honours Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) or equivalent with an 75% average or better. || • Applicants will be required to complete an application form, provide 20 images of recent work, and a short statement of intention. || • Applicants without a degree or formal academic qualifications, but showing exceptional promise, may be recommended for admission only in exceptional circumstances. Such prospective applicants should contact the Fine Arts Graduate Advisor prior to submitting their application. || • Portfolio || • Resume || • Statement of interest || • Uploaded as a supporting document in the online application. Review the writing your personal statement resources for helpful tips and tricks on completion. || • Please provide a statement of intent (maximum 500 words) that addresses how you plan to develop your current body of research in our Master of Fine Arts program. || • Program-specific questions (PSQ) || • These are questions specific to the program you’re applying to. They can be viewed once you’ve started an application and are completed through a form in the online application. || • Transcript(s) || • References || • Two references are required. || • Proof of English language proficiency, if applicable || • TOEFL 5 (writing 5, speaking 5), IELTS 7.5 (writing 7.0, speaking 7.0) · English: IELTS 7.5 (no band below 7.0) · English test waiver: Exempt from submitting an ELP test score if any one applies: three or more years of post-secondary education at a Canadian institution or university; a completed graduate degree at a Canadian university; three or more years of post-secondary education or a completed graduate degree in an exempt country (list includes Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, Nigeria, Singapore, South Africa, UK, USA and others); at least three years' employment in a position where English was the language of business in a listed country; or three or more years of post-secondary education / a graduate degree at a university where English is the only language of instruction per the IAU WHED (this WHED exemption expires two years after graduation). Letters from a university stating the medium of instruction is English do NOT satisfy the requirement. Source: https://uwaterloo.ca/future-graduate-students/admissions/admission-and-english-language-proficiency-requirements · Application fee: CAD 150.00 per program, non-refundable (Graduate Studies Applicant Portal)
The usual set for this level. Your counsellor confirms the exact list for this university.
- Academic transcripts
- English test score (IELTS/TOEFL)
- Passport copy
- Statement of purpose (optional)
- Recommendation letters (optional)
Cost & scholarships
- Tuition$23,088 CAD / year≈ $16,976 / year
- Living costsVary by city — see the destination guide.
- ScholarshipsWaterloo publishes guaranteed minimum funding for research-based programs: full-time research-based master's students (domestic and international) often receive minimum funding of CAD 12,000 for one year; full-time doctoral students receive minimum funding of CAD 29,145 per year (effective 1 May 2026) for up to four years. Minimum funding can come from scholarships, awards and graduate teaching/research assistantships. SourceView scholarship page
Application timeline
Typical timings. Deadlines differ per university and intake.
- 1Prepare documents1–2 weeks
- 2Submit application1–3 weeks
- 3Receive offer letter2–6 weeks
- 4Apply for visa4–8 weeks
Application deadline: • February 1 (for admission in September)
Visa & support journey
- Offer letterFrom the university
- Visa guidanceExpert support
- Pre-departureAccommodation & travel
- Ongoing supportEven after you arrive
Student stories
Real students. Real results.
- Average rating
- 4.9
- Google reviews
- 360+
- Rated five stars
- 95%
Average rating
Google reviews
Rated five stars
“I would like to express my gratitude for the excellent assistance provided during my student visa process. The team was responsive, knowledgeable, and supportive at every stage, from document preparation to submission guidance. Their clear communication and professional approach made the process much easier and more efficient.”
1 / 8
Nihad K, 5 out of 5 stars
Every review below is a real Google review — see all of them
Frequently asked questions
How much does Fine Arts (Studio Art)- Master of Fine Arts (MFA) cost?
CAD 23,088 / year.
What English score does it need?
IELTS 7.5 overall is the score listed for this programme.
How long is it?
1.7 years, as listed by the university.
What are the entry requirements?
• Applications will be considered from those who have completed a four-year Honours Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) or equivalent with an 75% average or better. || • Applicants will be required to complete an application form, provide 20 images of recent work, and a short statement of intention. || • Applicants without a degree or formal academic qualifications, but showing exceptional promise, may be recommended for admission only in exceptional circumstances. Such prospective applicants should contact the Fine Arts Graduate Advisor prior to submitting their application. || • Portfolio || • Resume || • Statement of interest || • Uploaded as a supporting document in the online application. Review the writing your personal statement resources for helpful tips and tricks on completion. || • Please provide a statement of intent (maximum 500 words) that addresses how you plan to develop your current body of research in our Master of Fine Arts program. || • Program-specific questions (PSQ) || • These are questions specific to the program you’re applying to. They can be viewed once you’ve started an application and are completed through a form in the online application. || • Transcript(s) || • References || • Two references are required. || • Proof of English language proficiency, if applicable || • TOEFL 5 (writing 5, speaking 5), IELTS 7.5 (writing 7.0, speaking 7.0) · English: IELTS 7.5 (no band below 7.0) · English test waiver: Exempt from submitting an ELP test score if any one applies: three or more years of post-secondary education at a Canadian institution or university; a completed graduate degree at a Canadian university; three or more years of post-secondary education or a completed graduate degree in an exempt country (list includes Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, Nigeria, Singapore, South Africa, UK, USA and others); at least three years' employment in a position where English was the language of business in a listed country; or three or more years of post-secondary education / a graduate degree at a university where English is the only language of instruction per the IAU WHED (this WHED exemption expires two years after graduation). Letters from a university stating the medium of instruction is English do NOT satisfy the requirement. Source: https://uwaterloo.ca/future-graduate-students/admissions/admission-and-english-language-proficiency-requirements · Application fee: CAD 150.00 per program, non-refundable (Graduate Studies Applicant Portal)
Is there a scholarship?
Waterloo publishes guaranteed minimum funding for research-based programs: full-time research-based master's students (domestic and international) often receive minimum funding of CAD 12,000 for one year; full-time doctoral students receive minimum funding of CAD 29,145 per year (effective 1 May 2026) for up to four years. Minimum funding can come from scholarships, awards and graduate teaching/research assistantships. Source View scholarship page
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