Alberta's creative university.

A place where bold thinkers and makers grow into working artists.

At Alberta University of the Arts, we believe that creative people - artists, designers and craftspeople - are the ones who imagine, innovate and inspire the world we want to live in.

Here, you’ll expand your knowledge, learn new ways of thinking, and gain the creative, technical, and industry-ready skills you need to build a future full of possibility.

Key stats

  • 300,000 square feet of art-focused facilities
  • 1200 current students
  • Average age of undergrads is 24 years
  • Average class size of 18 students
  • Over 14,000 students have attended AUArts over the past 100 years
  • 11 Governor General Award winning faculty and alumni

Tuition & fees

AUArts has the lowest tuition in Canada for fine arts and design degree programs.

Approximate first year material costs is $2500.

View current tuition & fees

Housing

AUArts students have access to housing in the neighbouring SAIT on-campus residence and is close to inner-city communities with affordable housing and rental options.

Find a place to call home

Financial aid & scholarships

AUArts offers 227 scholarships, bursaries and awards to students based on grades, achievements and financial need.

Over $400,000 in student financial awards is distributed annually.

45+ travel and exchange programs and awards.

Funding your education

What makes us different?

Hands-on Learning 🎨

At AUArts, you don’t just study creativity—you live it. 

Every program is built around studio practice, experimentation and making. Learn by doing, with access to professional studios, tools and techniques from day one.

Urban Campus 🌆

Located in Calgary’s creative core, AUArts connects you directly to the city’s thriving arts and culture scene. 

Galleries, studios, design firms and creative community organizations are just steps away – connecting you to Calgary’s growing creative industries. Turning the city into your extended classroom.

Community Culture 🤝

Our intimate class sizes and close-knit community mean you’re more than a student here.

You’re an important part of our network of artists, designers and educators who know your name, support your vision and celebrate your growth.

Creative Futures📈

Creativity is essential to a thriving future economy. 

At AUArts, you can build a path that moves between studio practice, design and the creative industries—developing the skills to create, collaborate and lead across evolving fields.

Explore our programs Discover life at AUArts

Your next steps

Why AUArts?

Meet our alumni

AUArts graduates are a precious resource, enriching our communities, culture, and commerce with their creative talents. Meet the new faces of art, design and craft.

Meet our creatives

Meet our faculty

AUArts' faculty members are some of the most talented artists, designers and critical thinkers in Canada.

Meet our faculty

For parents and teachers

Is someone you know considering attending AUArts? There are many ways to learn more about the university and get involved.

Find the info you need
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Apply to AUArts today!

Start your application View all programs Connect with our team