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
Alberta University of the Arts's campus location, postal address, and admissions contact channels are below.
Academic Details
Scale, staffing, and recognition figures for Alberta University of the Arts are listed below.
Programs Offered
The full set of programmes Alberta University of the Arts offers is searchable and grouped by level below.
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
A short guide to applying to Alberta University of the Arts — five steps.
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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
Quick reference for Alberta University of the Arts: founding, control type, and recognition status.
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.
Top-Ranked Universities in Canada
National rankings in Canada often weight different signals than international rankings. The leaders below typically top both, but the order can differ meaningfully.
Faculties at nearby universities
Universities located near Alberta University of the Arts are listed below.
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Universities Compared with Alberta University of the Arts
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Studying in Canada: guides and resources
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