Fine and performing arts: every university, ranked
Visual Studies at University of Calgary
BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts) · Faculty of Arts · Calgary campus
What average do you need for UCalgary Visual Studies?
For an applicant from a high school in Ontario. UCalgary works out your average its own way; the finder does that for you.
What courses do you need?
UCalgary's own list for Ontario high school applicants.
The school lists no specific courses for this program, or we could not read them: check its page (opens in a new tab).
Is there a supplementary application?
Extra steps beyond marks, with the school's deadlines. Miss a required one and the application is not considered.
- Required
- Portfolio: five original works plus a written statement of up to 250 words, uploaded to the Student Centre as one Word or PDF file
How much does UCalgary Visual Studies cost?
For a student from Ontario (the out-of-province rate), at this year's prices.
- Tuition
- $7,400 first year, $29,600 in all
- Student fees
- $1,600 to $2,500 first year, $6,300 to $9,900 in all
- Rent after first year
- $34,300 in allHalf a two-bedroom in Calgary, $954 a month
What do fine and performing arts graduates earn?
Statistics Canada publishes pay by field for each province's graduates, not by school. Figures are for Alberta bachelor's graduates, the class of 2022 two years after and the class of 2019 five years after, in 2024 dollars.
What careers does UCalgary Visual Studies lead to?
Careers people reach through this field, each with its pay, training and what the work is like.
- Graphic DesignerLogos, websites, packaging, apps. A portfolio matters more than a diploma.$65kTypical pay2 to 4 yearsTo qualifyLimitedDemand
- MusicianPlay or sing for money. Almost everyone does it by stacking gigs, teaching and session work together.$33kTypical pay2 to 10 yearsTo qualifyLimitedDemand
- ActorFilm, TV (television), theatre, voice and commercials. Good money per day of work, and most people do not get many days.$50kTypical payup to 4 yearsTo qualifyLimitedDemand
- AnimatorYou make drawings and models move, frame by frame, for films, series and games.$65kTypical pay2 to 4 yearsTo qualifyLimitedDemand
- ArchivistDecide what records survive and make them findable. Quiet work with long consequences.$82kTypical pay6 to 8 yearsTo qualifyModerateDemand
- AuthorYou write books and long pieces for a living, usually alongside other writing work that pays the bills.$77kTypical payup to 4 yearsTo qualifyModerateDemand
Where else can you study fine and performing arts?
The same field at other universities, with what each says it takes.
| Program | School says | Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| ArtULethbridge, Alberta | General admission minimum: 65% average on five Grade 12 courses (no competitive average published) | $6,822 |
| Art History and Museum StudiesULethbridge, Alberta | General admission minimum: 65% average on five Grade 12 courses (no competitive average published) | $6,822 |
| Bachelor of MusicMacEwan, Alberta | Competitive; no average range published; 65% overall is the minimum, and the audition is the main criterion | $9,000 |
| Fine Arts: Arts and Cultural ManagementMacEwan, Alberta | No average range published; 65% overall (no course under 50%) is the minimum to be considered | $8,790 |
| Acting for the TheatreConcordia, Quebec | High school: C+ (Ontario 67 to 69% on Concordia's scale) | $12,986 |
| AdvertisingOCAD U, Ontario | Minimum overall average of 70% | $8,082 |
| Applied ArtsUNB, New Brunswick | Minimum admission average 65%; meeting it does not guarantee admission | $9,189 |
| Art dramatiqueMoncton, New Brunswick | Minimum average of 70% over the five admission courses (French at least 65%, the others at least 60%); meeting it does not guarantee a place in a limited program | $8,601 |
If you don't get in
Routes the data shows: like programs that ask for less, and college programs with a transfer agreement into this one.
- Asks for less
- Visual Arts at UVic: Estimated admission average: minimum 75% (based on the required grade 12 courses)
- Visual Arts at Lakehead: A minimum 70% overall final average
- Visual Arts at Windsor: Minimum average 70%; mean average of entering students 83%
Where these numbers come from
- Admission average: discover.ucalgary.ca (opens in a new tab) (the Fall 2025 version,from an archived copy, 22 September 2025 (opens in a new tab))
- Courses: ucalgary.ca (opens in a new tab) (refused, 403)
- Tuition: discover.ucalgary.ca (opens in a new tab) (alis.alberta.ca (opens in a new tab))
- Residence: ucalgary.ca (opens in a new tab) (refused, 403)
- Pay by field: www150.statcan.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)
How every figure in this part of the site is sourced, and the check of every link.
Careerhelp is not affiliated with University of Calgary. Requirements and averages change every year: check the school's page before you apply.