Master of Fine Arts
Azadeh Pirazimian. Installation view of "The Story of Tiles and Ropes In-Between / داستان سفالها و طنابها" exhibition, 2025. Photo by Scott Lee
Pursue your Master of Fine Arts (Studio) at the University of Waterloo!
Our distinctive and rigorous program centers on studio exploration, professional development, and academic excellence. With only five students admitted each year, you will be able to cultivate your practice-based research in an intimate setting, guided by experienced faculty. The pedagogical aspect of our program offers a seminar in course development, hands-on teaching assistantships, and the opportunity to teach a foundation-level studio course. Our fully funded Keith and Win Shantz International Research Scholarship offers the life-changing opportunity to study and work alongside an artist of your choice, anywhere in the world. We have one of the most generous funding packages in the country, plenty of access to faculty and resources, teaching placements, and an exhibition in our nationally renowned University of Waterloo Art Gallery (UWAG).
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 Tara Cooper, Graduate Officer, Fine Arts and Associate Director, Graduate, School of Critical and Creative Humanities.
Fine Arts is able to accept international applicants in the upcoming February 1st deadline for fall entry 2027.