Calgary's public university for art, design, craft and media, with a hands-on, studio-based approach to creative education.
Alberta University of the Arts, also known as AUArts, is a small public university in downtown Calgary dedicated to the visual arts, design, craft and media. It is Alberta's only university focused entirely on the arts, and it grew out of a long tradition of art education in the province.
Students work in studios and workshops from the start of their programs, learning alongside practising artists and designers. Small classes encourage close contact with instructors and a strong sense of community among classmates.
AUArts offers undergraduate degrees in studio disciplines and design, along with graduate study, and it also runs continuing education and community programming. The campus is home to galleries and public programming that connect students with Calgary's wider arts scene.
Tuition in CA$, 2026-2027
Students who live in Alberta apply for student aid through Alberta Student Aid; students from other provinces apply through their own province’s program. A provincial application also covers the federal Canada Student Grants and Loans.
AUArts offers its own entrance awards, bursaries and scholarships to help students with the cost of studying.
Tuition for 2026-27 from the school’s own published fees, for a typical first-year arts program, rounded. Ancillary fees, books and housing are extra. Confirm the current figure on Alberta University of the Arts’s fee page.
Ask Alberta University of the Arts about its entrance scholarships and bursaries.
Scholarship names and amounts are estimates and change every year; confirm them with Alberta University of the Arts.
Applications to Alberta University of the Arts go through ApplyAlberta, Alberta’s application service.
Applicants usually need high school completion with required courses and must submit a portfolio of creative work. Some programs may also ask for a statement of intent.
Students apply through ApplyAlberta, Alberta's application service, and submit their portfolio and supporting documents as directed by the school.
The admission average and deadline are estimates; confirm them with Alberta University of the Arts and ApplyAlberta.
AUArts is located in Calgary, Alberta, a large prairie city close to the Rocky Mountains. The main campus sits in the city's downtown core, within easy reach of galleries, studios, transit and the city's arts districts.
AUArts has a close-knit, creative community where students spend much of their time in studios and shared spaces. Student groups, exhibitions and events help build connections across programs.
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the school’s official website.