Academic Requirements

Whether you are applying directly from high school, transferring from a recognized post-secondary institution, or returning to education as a mature student, it’s important to review the academic requirements carefully. Admission to AUArts is competitive, and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. All applicants must also meet English Language Proficiency (ELP) and portfolio submission requirements.

To be considered for admission as a first-year applicant from an Alberta high school, you must have:

• A high school diploma
• One of the following:
  • Minimum 60% in English 30-1, or
  • Minimum 65% in English 30-2
• Minimum 60% in three additional Grade 12 courses from the following categories:
  • Fine Arts
  • Humanities (e.g., Social Studies)
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • Career and Technology Studies (CTS)

CTS Course Policy:

• Three single (1) credit Advanced CTS courses may be used to meet academic requirements as one of the additional Grade 12 courses.
• AUArts recognizes the following CTS courses:
  • Computing Science (CSE)
  • Communications Technology (COM)
  • Design Studies (DES)
  • Fashion Studies (FAS)
  • Enterprise & Innovation (ENT)
  • Financial Management (FIN)
  • Information Processing (INF)
  • Management & Marketing (MAM)
  • Criminal Justice Studies (CJS)
  • Legal Studies (LGS)
  • Construction (CON) – only CON3130: Furniture – Leg & Rail and CON3140: Furniture – Surface Enhancement
  • Logistics (LOG)

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To be considered for admission as a first-year applicant from a Canadian curriculum high school, you must have:

• A Canadian high school diploma
• Minimum 60% Grade 12 English (see provincial equivalencies here)
• Minimum 60% in three additional Grade 12 courses from the following categories:
  • Fine Arts
  • Humanities (e.g., Social Studies)
  • Mathematics
  • Science

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AUArts welcomes applicants completing AP or IB programs. To be considered for admission as a first-year applicant, you must have:

• IB: High school diploma and a minimum score of 3 in three subjects including English
• AP: High school diploma and a minimum score of 3 in three AP subjects including English

Transfer Credit Eligibility:

• IB: Higher Level (HL) courses only, with a final score of 5 or higher
• AP: Courses with a final score of 4 or higher
• Transfer credit is based on relevance to your chosen program and must be supported by official final transcripts

For details, visit the Transfer Credit Assessment page.

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If you completed a high school program that does not follow a Canadian secondary curriculum, please refer to the International Student Requirements page.

General Requirements for International High School Applicants:

• High school diploma or leaving certificate equivalent to the Alberta High School Diploma
• Minimum 60% average in your final year
• English Language Proficiency may be required

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If you have completed credit courses at a recognized post-secondary institution, you may be considered as a transfer student. Visit the Transfer Applicant Requirements page for more details.

Minimum Academic Requirements for Transfer Applicants:

• Minimum GPA of 2.0
• Successful completion of an academic English course with a minimum C grade (60%)

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If you're 21 or older and a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you may qualify as a mature applicant. Visit the Mature Student page for full details.

General Requirements:

• Successful completion of Grade 12 English with at least 60%

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Non-degree students may take undergraduate BFA credit courses without being admitted into a degree program. Please note:

• Course registration is subject to availability
• Applicants must meet the minimum academic requirements based on prior education

For more information, contact admissions@auarts.ca

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If you are currently enrolled at another post-secondary institution and plan to take AUArts courses for transfer credit, you are considered a visiting student.

• Only BFA courses are available
• Course registration is not guaranteed and based on availability

For application steps, contact admissions@auarts.ca

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Looking to pursue graduate studies? Please visit the MFA – How to Apply page for specific application details, deadlines, and portfolio requirements.

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Reach out to our admissions team at admissions@auarts.ca or book a 1-on-1 virtual appointment. We're here to help you get started on your creative journey at AUArts!