Offered by NSCAD University in Halifax, Canada, BA/BS in Fine Art - Painting (BFA) is a bachelor's degree in Visual Arts programme. The programme runs for 4 years, delivered on campus. Tuition for international students is CAD 827 per credit (CAD 352 per credit for local students).
At a glance
Degree:Bachelor's Degree
Field:Visual Arts
Duration: 4 years
Delivery: On Campus
Local tuition: CAD 352 / credit
International tuition: CAD 827 / credit
Information for the 2027/28 academic year · Last reviewed September 2026 ·
Program details
Overview
This Bachelor of Fine Art with a focus on painting runs four years, based across NSCAD's Fountain and Port campuses. Students first build skills in observational painting before moving into abstract and experimental work, developing technical proficiency while expanding into unconventional materials, surfaces, and processes; painting is taught within a broader Fine Arts structure that also integrates drawing, sculpture, and printmaking, letting students blend techniques across media. All students complete a foundation year introducing NSCAD's disciplines before moving into studio-intensive years with dedicated personal studio access; facilities include spray booths and woodshops. Delivery is in person and studio-based. It suits students who want a hands-on, materials-driven approach to fine art. Graduates pursue careers as practicing artists, illustrators, animators, curators, and arts administrators, as well as entrepreneurial paths within the cultural sector.
Requirements
Minimum GPA:70.00 / %
Admission Requirements: The Fine Art - Painting programme page defers to NSCAD University's general undergraduate admission requirements rather than stating separate criteria. Applicants completing high school need Grade 12 (or the highest grade required for secondary graduation) with an overall average of at least 70%, including a minimum of 70% in Grade 12 English; an International Baccalaureate Diploma of at least 24 points is accepted, and CEGEP applicants need one full year of a DEC with a 70% average. All applicants must submit a portfolio and sketchbook. Applicants whose prior schooling was not in English must demonstrate proficiency: TOEFL iBT 90 (no section below 20), IELTS Academic 6.5 (no band below 6.0), PTE Academic 70 (no score below 65), CAEL 69 (no part below 60), Duolingo English Test 120 (no sub-score below 110), or Oxford ELLT 7 (no band below 6).
Application Details
Start Date:September
Application Deadline:NSCAD considers applications year-round but gives priority to applicants who meet its posted deadlines: for September 2027 (Fall) entry, applications open 1 October 2026, entrance-scholarship consideration requires applying by 1 March 2027, the extended international deadline is 1 May 2027, and the extended domestic deadline is 31 July 2027; transfer applicants have until 1 June 2027. For January 2027 (Winter) entry, international, domestic and transfer applications are due 1 October 2026, with an extended domestic deadline of 30 November 2026. Graduate programmes (MFA, MDes, MAAE) begin only in September, opening 1 October 2026, with early deadlines of 1 November 2026 and a final deadline of 15 January 2027. Late applications for any term may still be considered on request, making admission effectively rolling around these posted dates. These are institution-wide dates; this programme publishes no deadline of its own.
