Fine Arts (Visual Arts) (BFA 4 year)
Related Subject Areas:
- Instruction language
- English
- OUAC code
- JCA
- Degree
- Bachelor of Fine Arts, BFA
- Experiential learning
- Not Available
- Enrollment
- This is an open enrollment program. First-year admissions are not capped.
- Grade range
- 65%+
Requirements
Prerequisites
- ENG4U
- 5 other 4U/M courses
- Portfolio
- 65% combined average in top six 4U/M courses
See Ontario high school course codes
Additional Admission Criteria
A portfolio is required. Read more about portfolio requirements.
Admittance to this program is by portfolio review or interview. The portfolio should include examples of your work in any visual media. While actual works are preferable, photographic or slide documentation is also acceptable. Please include a brief description of your background and expectations in relation to the study of art in a university context. These supplementary materials are required, in addition to standard university admissions policies.
Alternative Offers
If you are not successful in your initial application to the BFA program, you have the option of applying directly to the BA in Fine Arts program and then re-applying for admission to the BFA upon successfully completing your first year in the BA Fine Arts program.
Admission
Basic Requirements for Admission
Admission averages are based on your top six 4U/M marks. Minimum admission requirements:
- 65% for most programs,
- 70% for Business Administration, Computer Science Co-Op, Psychology and Social Work
- 75% for Biology
Failed and Repeated Courses
We do not count failed courses. We select the higher grade from repeated courses for inclusion in the admission average calculation.
Timing and Process for Admission Decisions
If you attend a semestered school, you may receive an early conditional offer once your grades become available, if you fulfill the following criteria:
- you completed at least three 4U/M courses with an overall average equal to, or better than, the program cut-off and
- you are enrolled in a sufficient number of courses in order to complete at least six 4U/M courses by the end of June.
Note: If you are marginally below the program cut-off, but your overall average in Grade 11 and 12 courses is 70% or higher, you may be considered for an early offer of admission.
If you attend a non-semestered school, you may receive an early conditional offer once the Office of Admissions receives interim grades for at least six 4U/M courses showing an interim average that is equal to, or greater than, the program cut-off.
If you do not receive an early conditional offer of admission, you will be considered on an individual and ongoing basis, as additional marks become available. If you are not offered admission to your preferred program, you will automatically be considered for admission to an alternative program, provided you meet the university entrance requirements. Algoma University has rolling admission; therefore, applications for September 2025 will continue to be received and processed until the start of the semester.
Notes
The Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Arts) degree focuses on contemporary studio practices in painting, drawing and printmaking, with supplementary courses in sculpture, photography and mixed media. Studio courses are supported by academic studies in traditional and contemporary art history.
