Alberta University of the Arts
Calgary, Canada • Founded 1926
Updated Sep 2026
Overview
Alberta University of the Arts (AUArts) is a small, specialized public university in Calgary, Alberta, dedicated entirely to art, craft and design.
Founded in 1926 as the Art Department of the Provincial Institute of Technology and Art, it became the independent Alberta College of Art in 1985, was renamed Alberta College of Art + Design (ACAD) in 1995 after gaining degree-granting status, and took university status and its current name in 2019. AUArts is the only dedicated art, craft and design university in Alberta and the Prairie provinces, and one of just four such institutions in Canada.
It enrolls roughly 1,200 undergraduate and graduate students, drawn from over 40 countries, supported by a 1:12 faculty-to-student ratio and studio classes averaging around 22 students. The campus sits on 300,000 square feet of studio, gallery and fabrication space, including 14 specialized studios and the Illingworth Kerr Gallery.
Academically, AUArts offers three four-year undergraduate degrees — the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), Bachelor of Design (BDes) and Bachelor of Creative Industries (BCI) — spanning 17 interdisciplinary concentration areas from ceramics, glass and jewellery/metals to photography, illustration and media arts, plus a 20-month MFA in Craft Media.
Alumni and faculty have won honours including the Sobey Art Award, the Gershon Iskowitz Prize and the Order of Canada, and the university also runs continuing education, micro-credential and youth programming through its School of Continuing Education & Professional Development.
Location & Contact
Need to get in touch with Alberta University of the Arts or find your way to campus? Address, phone, email, and online links are below. These reflect what the institution publishes on its official channels.
Academic Details
Alberta University of the Arts's institutional metrics and recognition context. Recognition reciprocity matters for credential portability — check whether your home country accepts Alberta University of the Arts's qualifications.
Programs Offered
Below are Alberta University of the Arts's active programmes grouped by degree level, with search. Use the filter to narrow by keyword and the level groupings to compare options at the same qualification tier.
4 programmes on record. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Canada
Bachelor's Degree 3 programmes
Master's Degree 1 programme
How to apply to Alberta University of the Arts
Five steps that capture how most applications to Alberta University of the Arts flow, from research through submission to follow-up correspondence.
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1
Identify the right programme
Use the programme finder to browse Alberta University of the Arts's 4 active programmes. Filter by keyword or scan by degree level. Read curriculum details on each programme's dedicated page if available.
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2
Check entry requirements
Programme-level requirements at Alberta University of the Arts typically include academic transcripts, language proficiency proof, identity documents, and a personal statement or interview. Confirm specific requirements with the admissions office.
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3
Prepare your application documents
Prepare academic transcripts, ID/passport copies, language proficiency proof, a personal statement, and reference letters. International candidates may need apostilled or notarised translations — start early to avoid deadline pressure.
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4
Submit via the institution
Alberta University of the Arts processes applications through www.auarts.ca. Create an account, fill out the application form, and submit your documents. Note application deadlines, which vary by intake and programme.
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5
Get in touch with admissions
Confirm receipt of your application with the admissions office and keep an eye on your portal for status changes. Quick responses to any follow-up requests keep your application moving smoothly through the review process.
Frequently Asked Questions about Alberta University of the Arts
The questions below summarise Alberta University of the Arts's vital institutional details — useful as a quick reference before drilling into specific sections.
How old is Alberta University of the Arts?
The institution opened in 1926 (approximately 100 years ago).
Where is Alberta University of the Arts located?
Alberta University of the Arts is located in Calgary, Canada.
How do I find Alberta University of the Arts online?
The institution's website is www.auarts.ca.
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Where Else to Study Applied Design
Foreign-language teaching requirements for Applied Design programmes vary across Canada. Some run entirely in the national language; others offer English-medium delivery for international students.
Universities Compared with Alberta University of the Arts
Application tier strategy benefits from including peer institutions to Alberta University of the Arts: safety, target, and reach picks within a comparable academic band keep your outcomes diversified.
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