Master of Fine Arts
Exhibition of work from the Graduate summer studio course, September 2023
Unleash your creative excellence with a Master of Fine Arts.
Our Master of Fine Arts (MFA) program offers a unique blend of creative exploration, professional development, and academic excellence. Admitting only five students each year, we provide an intimate setting where you can cultivate your artistic passion, guided by experienced faculty and abundant resources.
Our program's robust studio research and practice will lead you to the creation, exhibition, and defense of a remarkable body of work, showcased in a solo exhibition at the University of Waterloo Art Gallery (UWAG). The pedagogical aspect of our program offers a comprehensive seminar in course development, hands-on teaching assistantships, and the rare chance to teach a foundations-level course.
In your third term, you'll have a fully-funded professional development experience via the Keith and Win Shantz International Research Scholarship. This prestigious six-week scholarship offers the life-changing opportunity to study and work alongside world-renowned artists in international locations such as the Netherlands, Spain, Brazil, China, and more.
Program structure
Our curriculum provides a thorough and demanding experience, leading students to grasp the theoretical foundations of their work. This understanding is fostered through graduate seminars, research, writing, lectures by visiting artists, and studio visits.
Funding and opportunities
With one of the most generous funding packages in the country, we believe in investing in your talent and future. Our exclusive size, rich teaching assistantships, and unmatched research scholarships present a compelling package that could be your artistic journey's next exciting chapter.
Admissions and applying
Applications are due February 1 and should contain a statement of intent, CV/artist resume, transcripts, references, and a digital portfolio of recent work, reflecting a mature and well-defined personal vision.
Recomposing music and identity
As a bi-racial woman living at the intersection of two cultures, French-Canadian and West Indian, MFA candidate Charlie Star draws upon her unique experiences and perspectives to inform her work. Working primarily with audio and visual collages, her diverse pieces explore the themes of colonial and imperial resistance found within reggae, ska, rocksteady, dub, and dancehall.
Connect with us
For more detailed information of our program or to set up a personalized tour of our state-of-the-art facilities, reach out to Lois Andison, Graduate Chair, or Sharon Dahmer, Administrative Manager.
Due to funding restrictions, the Faculty of Arts is currently limiting the number of international students we can admit. At this time, the MFA program is only accepting applications from Canadian citizens and Permanent Residents.