Overview

The Visual Arts programme at the University of Ottawa provides a robust foundation in both the practical execution and theoretical understanding of contemporary artistic practices. This degree is designed to mirror the rigour of a professional fine arts education while offering the flexibility of a major, allowing students to tailor their academic journey through a wide range of elective choices. By integrating compulsory studio work with critical art history, the curriculum ensures that graduates possess a well-rounded perspective on the role of art in modern society.

Why Visual Arts at the University of Ottawa?

Choosing this programme allows students to benefit from a bilingual environment, as the university offers the curriculum in both English and French. The Department of Visual Arts provides a unique structure where students can choose specific profiles, such as Studio or Arts Administration, to align with their professional goals. Furthermore, the university facilitates a French immersion stream for those looking to enhance their linguistic capabilities alongside their creative development. The programme also serves as a direct academic pathway for those intending to pursue a Master of Fine Arts in the future.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: CAD 21668 per semester
National fee: CAD 3524 per semester

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum balances foundational techniques with advanced professional preparation. Modules may include:

Painting
Sculpture
Modern Art: 1900-1945
Digital Photography Workshop
Professional Practices in Art
Analog Photography
Art, Time and the Technological Imagination
Art and Image
World Art Histories

Careers with Visual Arts

Graduates are well-equipped to enter the professional art world or pursue roles within the broader cultural sector. The programme provides excellent preparation for individuals aspiring to become professional artists, art conservators, or curators. Additionally, the skills gained are highly applicable to roles such as fine arts educators, artist agents, and communications officers within various artistic organisations. Those who complete the Arts Administration profile are particularly suited for management and policy roles within museums, galleries, and heritage sites.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

The Painting Field

The Autonomous Object

The Photograph and Visual Culture

Time-Based Art

Histories of Art

Modern Art and the Crisis of Representation

Art, Utopia and the Avant-garde

Art after Modernism

Artistic Strategies of the Postmodern Era

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-09 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-03-01 00:00:00

Language

Partially taught in English, Partially taught in French

Duolingo English Test

120

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TOEFL^® IBT

OR

86

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PTE Academic

60

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

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Credits

90 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Ottawa, Canada

Disciplines

Visual Arts View 135 other Bachelors in Visual Arts in Canada

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

OR

86

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

60

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Apply online through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC), by completing form 105.

Declare all your current and previous postsecondary studies

Pay the application fees

Must submit your official transcripts with final grades.

Official transcripts must be printed and stamped with an official seal and sent by the issuing institution.

Depending on your academic background and intended program, you might have to submit other documents to complete your application, such as a resumé or cover letter.

English Proficiency

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items like Additional medical costs, Repatriation, Liability etc. Make sure your student insurance covers your needs.

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Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at University of Ottawa and/or in Canada, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

43336 CAD / year

≈ 43336 CAD / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

7048 CAD / year

≈ 7048 CAD / year

Additional Details

Ontario residents: $3,044.08/ semester

Living costs

Ottawa

Canada

1168 - 1925 CAD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Visual Arts.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic Applies to you

Additional Details

Living costs

Ottawa

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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