Visual Arts
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)
Why choose Visual Arts at UVic?
More than learning techniques — it’s about finding your voice.At UVic, Visual Arts combines hands-on studio practice with critical thinking in a supportive, collaborative community. You’ll work closely with faculty who are practising artists and learn through mentorship, critique and experimentation.
What sets UVic apart:
- Studio-based learning paired with classroom study
- Close mentorship from faculty who know your work and your goals
- A tight-knit community of about 250 Visual Arts students
- Transferable skills in visual communication, collaboration and problem-solving
- Room to experiment and take creative risks
You’ll graduate with a strong creative foundation—and the flexibility to adapt your skills across artistic, cultural and professional settings.
Areas of focus
- Drawing
- Extended media
- Painting
- Photography
- Sculpture
- Video art
Student life & community
- Visual Arts Students Association: Join other Visual Arts students in exhibits, events and parties throughout the year.
- Art opportunities on campus: Take part in on-campus activities like mural-painting or public art projects.
- Visit museums and galleries: Find inspiration at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria and local alumni-run galleries.
Great facilities
You’ll learn and create in well-equipped, purpose-built spaces that support experimentation across media. Facilities available to Visual Arts students include:
- Exhibition spaces for student work
- A dedicated reading room
- On-campus art store
- Metal and wood workshops
- SIM Lab and Equipment Cage
These spaces are designed to support technical skill-building and creative exploration, from early projects to advanced studio work.
Hands-on learning
Co-operative Education (Co-op)
- Through UVic’s Co-op program, you’ll apply what you learn in paid, career-related positions that count toward your degree—and give you a head start after graduation.
- Co-op is available to everyone, including international students with co-op work permits.
- On average, 70 percent of UVic Co-op students graduate with a job offer already in hand.
- Unlike at some universities, at UVic, you don’t have to compete for a spot in Co-op.
Inspiring courses
- Understanding Visual Communication
- Creative Being
- Sculpture
- Exploring World Art
- Video Art
Career possibilities
- Animator
- Architect
- Art director
- Artist
- Conservator
- Creative entrepreneur
- Curator
- Exhibit designer
- Film production
- Photo/videographer
- Storyboard artist
- Teacher/instructor
- UI/UX designer
Admission
Apply directly to this program as a high school student or a transfer student from another post-secondary institution.
Alternatively, you can choose another major and add this program as a minor to broaden your studies.
Program details
Providing you accurate application deadlines, tuition fee estimates, admission requirements, scholarships and transfer credit depends on your situation.
Program details
Application deadline
Admission requirements
Recommended admission average
Expanded qualifications
English language proficiency
Transfer credit
Tuition & fees
Tuition rates effective May 1, 2025 (please note some ancillary fees are subject to change for Fall 2025).
This is an estimate only and should be used to give students, parents, and/or sponsors an approximation of the tuition and ancillary fees. This estimate does not include housing, food, cost of books and supplies or other expenses that students can expect in a term.
Scholarships
Ready to apply?
We'll walk you through all of the steps in the process, from submitting your online application to accepting your offer of admission.
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Faculties & departments
Program planning