Fine and performing arts: every university, ranked
Contemporary Arts at Simon Fraser University
BFA or BA (School for the Contemporary Arts) · Faculty of Communication, Art and Technology · Vancouver campus
What average do you need for SFU Contemporary Arts?
For an applicant from a high school in Ontario. SFU works out your average its own way; the finder does that for you.
Majors or options chosen later: Dance (BFA), Film (BFA), Music & Sound (BFA), Theatre & Performance (BFA), Visual Art (BFA), Performance Production & Design (BFA), Art, Performance & Cinema Studies (BA).
What courses do you need?
SFU's own list for Ontario high school applicants.
- Required
- ENG3U English (Grade 11)
- MCF3M Functions and Applications or MCR3U Functions (Grade 11)
- One of SBI3U Biology, SCH3U Chemistry, SVN3M Environmental Science or SPH3U Physics (Grade 11)
- ENG4U English (minimum 70%)
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
- SCA supplemental application for Dance, Film, Music and Sound, Theatre and Performance or Visual Art (questionnaire plus audition, portfolio, self-tape or interview; live auditions in February and April)Due 7 February 2027
- Optional
- Diverse Qualifications Admission profile and reference letter (optional; only if your grades do not show your full potential)Due 28 February 2027
How much does SFU Contemporary Arts cost?
For a student from Ontario (the out-of-province rate), at this year's prices.
- Tuition
- $6,600 first year, $26,500 in all
- Student fees
- $1,100 to $1,400 first year, $4,200 to $5,700 in all
- Residence and meals
- $15,000 first yearFirst year
- Rent after first year
- $42,600 in allHalf a two-bedroom in Vancouver, $1,182 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 British Columbia bachelor's graduates, the class of 2022 two years after and the class of 2019 five years after, in 2024 dollars.
What careers does SFU Contemporary Arts 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Art History and Visual StudiesUVic, British Columbia | Estimated admission average: minimum 80% (based on the required grade 12 courses) | $6,544 |
| Bachelor of Arts, Major in Applied Creative ArtsTRU, British Columbia | No admission average published: open admission with Grade 12 graduation and English 12 (ENG4U) at 73% or more | $4,953 |
| Film ProductionUBC, British Columbia | No average published; 70% overall is the minimum to be considered | $6,201 |
| Fine Arts (Visual Arts)UBCO, British Columbia | No average published; 67% overall is the minimum to be considered | $6,201 |
| Media StudiesUBC, British Columbia | No average published; 70% overall is the minimum to be considered | $8,252 |
| Media StudiesUBCO, British Columbia | No average published; 67% overall is the minimum to be considered | $8,252 |
| Music (BA)UVic, British Columbia | Estimated admission average: minimum 80% (based on the required grade 12 courses) | $6,544 |
| Acting for the TheatreConcordia, Quebec | High school: C+ (Ontario 67 to 69% on Concordia's scale) | $12,986 |
Where these numbers come from
- Admission average: sfu.ca (opens in a new tab)
- Courses: sfu.ca (opens in a new tab)
- Tuition: sfu.ca (opens in a new tab) (sfu.ca (opens in a new tab))
- Residence: sfu.ca (opens in a new tab) (sfu.ca (opens in a new tab))
- 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 Simon Fraser University. Requirements and averages change every year: check the school's page before you apply.