How to apply to the MFA

Step 1: Application and fee

Apply online and pay your $110 application fee via ApplyAlberta.

Application deadline: January 15, 2025. The following documents must be received by this date: online application, official transcripts, reference forms, introductory cover letter, statement of intent, CV, portfolio, and if applicable, English Proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo) - please submit your statement of intent, referee forms, CV and portfolio through SlideRoom ($12 USD application fee). 

Note: The application for the MFA Program opens on October 1, 2024, with the application and portfolio evaluation taking place after January 15, 2025 all complete applications that meet the minimum requirement will be considered. Program start is September of each year.

[Applications for entry to the program in September 2025 may be accepted until August 1, 2025. However, these later applications are not eligible to be considered for entrance awards.]

Step 2: Transcripts and English Proficiency Documents

Request your official transcripts at the start of your application process to avoid delays. Transcripts must be received in a sealed envelope directly from the institution. If applicable, request an official English proficiency score to be sent to us directly from the institution.

You may have all official documents mailed to:

Office of Research and Graduate Studies, Room 522
Alberta University of the Arts
522 - 1407 14 Ave NW
Calgary, AB, T2N 4R3
CANADA

Step 3: Reference Forms

Request your reference form as early as possible to allow your referees sufficient time to submit them (via SlideRoom). It is the responsibility of the applicant and the referee to ensure that the referee form and letters are submitted by the application deadline date. 

Step 4: Portfolio

Submit a portfolio of your work via SlideRoom.

The digital portfolio should include up to 20 examples of work. Applicants may upload images (jpg), video (mov, wmv, flv), audio (mp3) or PDF documents. Relevant publications (reviews, critical essays, etc.) (up to 3) authored by the applicant or others (about your work) as evidence of professional activity may be submitted in PDF format along with a portfolio. Your image files should be around 1024x768 pixels for good image quality and fast uploading.

Deadline: January 15, 2025. 

For further assistance with the Master of Fine Arts, Craft Media, application process, the Research and Graduate Studies Office can be contacted at graduatestudies@auarts.ca.

Credit: Jessie Fraser, MFA Student, Her Voice, 2019