Apply

Students working in a ceramics class.

At the University of Waterloo you do not apply directly to Fine Arts and there is no portfolio required. Instead, you apply to the Faculty of Arts and indicate your interest in pursing a degree in Fine Arts.

Learn more about applying to the University of Waterloo

Learn more about selecting Fine Arts

Studio

To begin, students enroll in FINE 100 (Studio Fundamentals). Studio materials for FINE 100 are included in the course kit and can be purchased in the department the first week of classes. Then in the second term of study (offered Winter only) students take FINE/VCULT 101 (Art History and Visual Culture).

For students wishing to continue in Fine Arts you must complete two online modules UW/WHMIS and the Fine Arts Health and Safety Milestone as well as sign up for one of the in person Woodshop Workshop Milestones, offered at regular intervals throughout the year.  (Please note: students in studio courses should expect a communal fee for shared supplies.) 

Admission to the Fine Arts Studio program is based on successfully completing:

• FINE 100,
• FINE/VCULT 101,
• UW/WHMIS,
• Fine Arts Health and Safety Milestone,
• Woodshop Workshop.

Visual Culture

Students interested in the Visual Culture program should take VCULT 100/FINE 102 (World Cinema and Visual Culture) and FINE/VCULT 101 (Art History and Visual Culture). Students may declare a Visual Culture major or a Visual Culture in a Global Context Minor after successfully completing these requirements.

Transfer credits

If you are interested in transferring from another institution, please review the Undergraduate Advising page for transfer students for the current policies. 

Mature students

To enroll at the University of Waterloo as a Mature Student, please read the guidelines at Mature Student Advising.

For advanced placement in Fine Arts Studio, a portfolio must be submitted for review.