Fine Arts (Studio Art)- Master of Fine Arts (MFA)

Hagey Hall expansion building

Hagey Hall Hub located on Waterloo's main campus

Unleash your creative excellence as an emerging artist with the Master of Fine Arts Studio Art program.

The program offers a unique blend of creative exploration, professional development, and academic excellence. With only five students admitted each year, you’ll be able to cultivate your artistic passion in an intimate setting, 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. 

You’ll benefit from a fully funded professional development experience where you’ll have the life-changing opportunity to study and work alongside world-renowned artists in international locations such as the Netherlands, Spain, Brazil, China, and more. 

At the end of the program, you’ll be prepared for a successful career as an art director, studio artist, an art educator teaching in post-secondary institutions, and many other roles.   
 

Research areas and degree options

  • Drawing and Painting
  • Digital Media
  • Expanded Media
  • Print Media
  • Sculpture

Program overview

Department/School: Fine Arts
Faculty: Faculty of Arts
Admit term(s): Fall (September - December)
Delivery mode: Master's, Research
Program type: Joint, Master's, Research
Length of program: 20 months
Registration option(s): Full-time
Study option(s): Thesis

Application deadlines

  • February 1 (for admission in September)

Key contacts

Susan King at s2king@uwaterloo.ca
519-888-4567, ext. 32297

Admission limitations

Due to funding restrictions, the Faculty of Arts is currently limiting the number of international students we can admit. Please contact the department's Associate Chair, Graduate Studies prior to applying to discuss your interest in our program.

Supervisors

Admission requirements

  • Applications will be considered from those who have completed a four-year Honours Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) or equivalent with an 75% average or better.
  • Applicants will be required to complete an application form, provide 20 images of recent work, and a short statement of intention.
  • Applicants without a degree or formal academic qualifications, but showing exceptional promise, may be recommended for admission only in exceptional circumstances. Such prospective applicants should contact the Fine Arts Graduate Advisor prior to submitting their application.

Degree requirements

  • Review the degree requirements in the Graduate Studies Academic Calendar, including the courses that you can anticipate taking as part of completing the degree

Application materials

  • Portfolio
  • Resume
  • Supplementary information form (SIF)
    • The SIF contains questions specific to your program, typically about why you want to enrol and your experience in that field. Review the application documents web page for more information about this requirement
    • If a statement or letter is required by your program, review the writing your personal statement resources for helpful tips and tricks on completion
  • Transcript(s)
  • References
  • Proof of English language proficiency, if applicable
    • TOEFL 100 (writing 26, speaking 26), IELTS 7.5 (writing 7.0, speaking 7.0)

Tuition and fees