How To Apply
Visual Arts - Studio (BFA)

Admission to studio-based programs in the Faculty of Fine Arts at York University is based on both academic and artistic criteria. The University sets academic admission standards, while artistic admissibility is assessed locally in each Fine Arts department.

The application process for Visual Arts (Studio) therefore involves two steps:

1. Application to York University

Students currently enrolled full-time in an Ontario secondary school apply through their guidance office.

All other candidates, including international applicants, may get an application from the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC).

International applicants are also encouraged to visit York University's website for international students.

Deadline to submit application to the University: February 1, 2012

Student at work, image2. Departmental Evaluation


As part of the application process, we would like to learn a bit about your academic and artistic background as well as specific interests and goals you have as they relate to the visual arts.

To this end, BFA (Studio) applicants must complete a supplementary evaluation.

The process is as follows:

  • You will be emailed a link to complete your supplementary application.

  • You will be required to complete a Supplemental Application and submit it along with a $50 fee (payable by Visa, American Express or MasterCard. Personal cheques are not accepted).

  • Once you have completed and submitted the questionnaire online, you will be directed to schedule an evaluation appointment online.

  • For your evaluation, you will be asked to present a portfolio of 8 artworks that illustrate your current technical and creative abilities. Slides or photographs are acceptable for large or awkward pieces but original, unmounted artwork is preferred.

    Your portfolio should include works in at least two different media from the following:
    • drawing
    • photography
    • sculpture
    • digital art
    • video
    • print media
    • painting
    • performance
    • mixed media
    • collage

You must submit a current sketchbook, idea book or journal as one of your 8 pieces.

BFA Portfolio Instructions

  • Your evaluation also includes an interview with a Visual Arts faculty member to discuss your portfolio and your goals.

If distance precludes an on-campus evaluation, other arrangements can be made.

Download a checklist of the application process (pdf)


What's Next?

Come and Meet Us

Apply for Scholarships
York University and the Faculty of Fine Arts offer an array of scholarships for incoming students. In addition to 15 Fine Arts Talent Awards valued at $1000, scholarships are available based on academic performance or by application. For more information, visit York's Admissions website.

Think ahead
Wondering what you can do with a degree in Fine Arts? Find out more about your career options.

Do you have more questions about the undergraduate application/audition procedure? Need to know more about your next steps? Ask finearts@yorku.ca

You can also contact us directly:

Department of Visual Arts
235 Joan & Martin Goldfarb Centre for Fine Arts
York University
4700 Keele St.
Toronto, Ontario, Canada M3J 1P3
Tel: 416-650-8191
Fax: 416-736-5875
visarts@yorku.ca