Applying for graduate school
Prospective MFA Applicants: Free Virtual Q&A
Registration required
We welcome you to a virtual open house with Graduate Program Advisor Beth Stuart and members of the current MFA cohort. This one time session will offer a brief overview of the program, a walkthrough of some facilities, and plenty of space to answer questions. This session will not include any coaching on portfolios, but information and general advice can be gathered though the Visual Arts Application Information page and our FAQ. Note that the MFA does not require a supervisor to be contacted or selected before admission to the program.
Admission requirements
We will consider all applicants with a minimum of a Bachelors degree or equivalent, though a BFA is preferred. The Faculty of Graduate Studies requires a B average or better for admission.
Students who have not previously completed the equivalent of 6 units (4 courses) of Art History, 3 units (2 courses) of these at the 300 or 400 level, will be required to take additional courses at the University of Victoria before being granted an MFA.
How to apply
The Faculty of Graduate Studies will require two names and the email addresses of your references. They will also require unofficial transcripts from each institution you’ve attended.
Applicants to the MFA Program must submit a portfolio, a statement of intent that describes their approach to art-making and states why they are applying to the MFA Program and a curriculum vitae.
Process
Applications are due on the following dates to be considered for graduate placements for the September 2027 entry point.
- You must apply to the Faculty of Graduate Studies for admission by:
- December 15th, 2026 for international applicants (including USA)
- January 15th, 2027 for Canadian applicants.
- A portfolio must be submitted directly to the Visual Arts department via our online form by:
- December 15th, 2026 for international applicants (including USA)
- January 15th, 2027 for Canadian applicants.
To be considered for the September 2027 intake, applicants must submit both their UVic Graduate Admissions application and portfolio by the deadline.
Examples
- a successful MFA portfolio using still images
- a successful MFA portfolio using video & still images
| Portfolio submission deadlines | |
|---|---|
| International Applicant (including USA) | December 15, 2026 |
| Canadian Applicant | January 15, 2027 |