Posted by Choosing and knowing the best art schools in Canada is very important because not all schools have what it takes to dish out quality education. Though Canada is home to many of prestigious art schools, it is necessary to aim for the best.
Whether you’re an aspiring painter, sculptor, filmmaker, or designer, Canada has a world of artistic opportunity waiting for you.
Let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Why Study Art in Canada?
Canada offers a diverse and multicultural environment that inspires artists and provides a well-rounded education.
The country’s modern cities, such as Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver, are characterized by their friendly, welcoming, and picturesque scenery.
Canadian art schools offer a well-rounded education that meets the needs of a dynamic world, combining traditional and futuristic teaching methodologies.
The diverse and multicultural environment in Canada fosters personal and professional growth, encouraging individuals to think outside the box, push artistic boundaries, and create meaningful work.
Criteria for Ranking the 20 Best Art Schools in Canada
To determine the 20 Best Art Schools in Canada, we evaluated each institution based on a set of comprehensive criteria.
Our assessment focused on the following key factors:
Academic Reputation: We considered the overall standing and recognition of each school within the art and design community, including any awards and accreditations.
Faculty Expertise: The qualifications, achievements, and industry experience of the faculty members were closely examined, as they play a vital role in shaping students’ artistic journeys.
Program Diversity: A diverse range of art and design programs provides students with more options to pursue their specific artistic interests, from fine arts to animation and beyond.
Facilities and Resources: The quality of studios, labs, equipment, and available resources is crucial for providing students with an environment conducive to creative exploration.
Alumni Success: We investigated the notable achievements of alumni from each institution, highlighting those who have made significant contributions to the art world.
Student Opportunities: The presence of internships, co-op programs, exhibitions, and networking opportunities can greatly enhance a student’s educational experience.
List of the Best Art Schools in Canada
Below is a list of the best Art schools in Canada:
- University of Toronto
- University of British Columbia
- McGill University
- University of Alberta
- University of Calgary
- University of Waterloo
- Simon Fraser University
- York University
- University of Montreal
- Western University
- University of Ottawa
- McMaster University
- Queen’s University
- University of Victoria
- Dalhousie University
- Carleton University
- Laval University
- University of Manitoba
- University of Saskatchewan
- University of Guelph.
Best Art Schools in Canada
1. University of Toronto
- Founded: 1827.
- Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Tuition fee: $7,996 for domestic students and $38,584 for international students in the 2021-22 academic year.
- Ranking: The University of Toronto is ranked among the top universities in the world. In the 2023 QS World University Rankings, it is ranked 26th overall.
- Accreditation: The art programs at the University of Toronto are accredited by the Canadian Association of University Schools of Art and Design (CAUSCAD).
- Financial aid: The University of Toronto offers a variety of financial aid options for students, including scholarships, bursaries, and loans.
The University of Toronto offers a variety of art programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
2. University of British Columbia
- Founded: 1915.
- Location: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
- Tuition fee: The tuition fee for the Master of Arts in Art History program at the University of British Columbia is $5,407 for domestic students and $9,500 for international students per year.
- Ranking: The program is also ranked 101-150 in the world by QS World University Rankings.
- Accreditation: The art program at UBC is accredited by the Canadian Association of University Schools of Art and Design (CAUSCAD).
- Financial aid: UBC offers a variety of financial aid programs for students, including scholarships, bursaries, and loans.
The art program at UBC is part of the Faculty of Arts, which is one of the largest and most diverse faculties in Canada.
3. McGill University
- Founded: 1821
- Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Ranking: McGill University is ranked 37th in the world for art and design by QS World University Rankings.
- Accreditation: McGill University is accredited by the Canadian Association of University Schools of Art and Design (CAUSCAD).
- Financial aid: McGill University offers a variety of financial aid options for students, including scholarships, bursaries, and loans.
4. University of Alberta
- Founded: The University of Alberta Art program was founded in 1912.
- Location: The University of Alberta is located in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
- Tuition fee: $18,434 per year (international students)
- Ranking: The University of Alberta Art program is ranked among the top art programs in Canada. In 2023, it was ranked 12th in the Maclean’s University Rankings.
- Accreditation: The University of Alberta Art program is accredited by the Canadian Association of University Schools of Art and Design (CAUSCAD).
- Financial aid: The University of Alberta offers a variety of financial aid options for students, including scholarships, bursaries, and loans.
The University of Alberta Art program is a highly regarded program that offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degrees in art, design, and media.
The program is known for its strong faculty, innovative curriculum, and supportive environment.
5. University of Calgary
- Founded: The U of C’s Department of Art was founded in 1912.
- Location: The U of C is located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
- Tuition fee: The tuition rate per 3-unit course is $715.56 for domestic students and $2,684.88 for international students.
- Ranking: The U of C’s Art program is ranked among the top art programs in Canada.
- Accreditation: The U of C’s Art program is accredited by the Canadian Association of Schools of Art and Design (CASSAD).
- Financial aid: The U of C offers a variety of financial aid options to students, including scholarships, bursaries, and loans.
The U of C’s Department of Art is one of the largest and most comprehensive art departments in Canada. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of disciplines, including painting, sculpture, photography, printmaking, animation, and design.
6. University of Waterloo
- Founded: 1960
- Location: Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
- Tuition fee: The tuition fees for full-time Canadian and international students in an arts and humanities program range from $6,128 to $7,611 (per year)
- Ranking: 10th in Canada (Maclean’s University Rankings 2023)
- Accreditation: Canadian Association of University Schools of Art and Design (CAUSCAD)
- Financial aid: Available for students who demonstrate financial need
The University of Waterloo Art program is a four-year undergraduate program that offers students the opportunity to study a variety of art disciplines, including painting, sculpture, photography, and graphic design.
The program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the liberal arts, as well as the technical skills they need to pursue an art career.
7. Simon Fraser University
- Founded: 1965
- Location: Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
- Tuition fee: $7,064 for one academic year (10 courses over two terms), while the tuition and fees for international students are $32,724 for the same period.
- Ranking: #1 in Canada for Fine Arts, #100 in the world for Fine Arts (QS World University Rankings 2023)
- Accreditation: The Simon Fraser University Art program is accredited by the Canadian Association of University Schools of Art and Design (CAUSCAD).
- Financial aid: Simon Fraser University offers a variety of financial aid options for students, including scholarships, bursaries, and loans.
The Simon Fraser University Art program is a BFA program that offers a variety of majors, including studio art, art history, and art education.
The program is known for its strong academic and studio components, and its focus on preparing students for professional careers in the arts.
8. York University
- Founded: 1965.
- Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Tuition fee: $7,064 for one academic year (10 courses over two terms), while the tuition and fees for international students are $32,724 for the same period.
- Ranking: The Art program at York University is ranked 11th in Canada by Maclean’s magazine.
- Accreditation: The Art program at York University is accredited by the Canadian Association of University Schools of Art and Design (CAUSCAD).
- Financial aid: There are a variety of financial aid options available to students in the Art program at York University, including scholarships, bursaries, and loans.
The Art program at York University is a multidisciplinary program that offers students the opportunity to study a variety of art forms, including painting, sculpture, photography, and design.
9. University of Montreal
- Founded: 1876.
- Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
- Tuition fee: 21,439 CAD per year (international students)
- Ranking: It is currently ranked 6th in the Maclean’s 2023 Canadian University Rankings.
- Accreditation: The UdeM’s Art program is accredited by the Canadian Association of Schools of Art and Design (CASSAD).
- Financial aid: The UdeM offers a variety of financial aid options to students, including scholarships, bursaries, and loans.
The UdeM’s Faculty of Fine Arts is one of the oldest and most prestigious art schools in Canada.
10. Western University
- Founded: 1967.
- Location: London, Ontario, Canada.
- Tuition fee: The tuition fee for the Visual Arts program at Western University is $7,798.00 per year for Canadian students and $32,897.00 per year for international students.
- Ranking: The Visual Arts program at Western University is ranked 10th in Canada by Maclean’s magazine.
- Accreditation: The Visual Arts program at Western University is accredited by the Canadian Association of University Schools of Art and Design (CAUSCAD).
- Financial aid: There are a variety of financial aid options available to students in the Visual Arts program at Western University, including scholarships, bursaries, and loans.
The Department of Visual Arts at Western University offers three areas of study: Art History, Museum and Curatorial Studies, and Studio Art.
The program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the history and theory of art, as well as the skills and experience necessary to pursue a career in the arts.
11. University of Ottawa
- Founded: The University of Ottawa was founded in 1865.
- Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
- Tuition fee: 21,439 CAD per year (international students)
- Ranking: The University of Ottawa Art program is ranked 11th in Canada by Maclean’s magazine.
- Accreditation: The University of Ottawa Art program is accredited by the Canadian Association of University Schools of Art and Design (CAUSCAD).
- Financial aid: There are many scholarships and bursaries available to help students finance their education at the University of Ottawa. The university also offers a variety of financial aid programs, such as student loans and grants.
The University of Ottawa Art program is a highly regarded BFA program that offers students a rigorous and creative education in the visual arts.
12. McMaster University
- Founded: 1968
- Location: Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Tuition fee: $1,414.65 – $1,572.44 per unit (international students)
- Ranking: #17 in Canada (Maclean’s 2023)
- Accreditation: The Art program at McMaster University is accredited by the Canadian Association of Fine Arts Schools (CAFA).
- Financial aid: The university offers a variety of financial aid options to students, including scholarships, bursaries, and loans.
The Art program at McMaster University is a highly-ranked, interdisciplinary program that offers students the opportunity to study a variety of art forms, including painting, sculpture, drawing, photography, printmaking, and digital media.
13. Queen’s University
- Founded: 1859
- Location: Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
- Tuition fee: For Canadian students, tuition at Queen’s, on average, is CAD 6,153. For international students, tuition costs around CAD 27,513.
- Ranking: The Queen’s University Art program is ranked 10th in Canada by Maclean’s magazine.
- Accreditation: The Queen’s University Art program is accredited by the Canadian Association of University Schools of Art (CAUS).
- Financial aid: There are many financial aid options available to students in the Queen’s University Art program, including scholarships, bursaries, and loans. The average financial aid package for students in the program is $10,000 per year.
The Queen’s University Art program is a BFA program that offers a rigorous and creative education in the visual arts. The program is accredited by the Canadian Association of University Schools of Art (CAUS) and is ranked among the top art programs in Canada.
14. University of Victoria
- Founded: 1903
- Location: Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
- Tuition fee: $5,998.00 per year for domestic students and $20,460.00 per year for international students.
- Ranking: UVic is ranked #1 in Canada for undergraduate fine arts programs by Maclean’s magazine.
- Accreditation: UVic is accredited by the Association of Architecture Schools of Canada (AASC), the Canadian Association of Fine Arts Deans (CAFAD), and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).
- Financial aid: UVic offers a variety of financial aid options for students, including scholarships, bursaries, and loans.
The University of Victoria (UVic) is a public research university located in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. The UVic School of Art is one of the oldest and most respected art schools in Canada.
15. Dalhousie University
- Founded: 1889
- Location: Halifax
- Tuition fee: $31,900 (Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences)
- Ranking: Maclean’s magazine ranks The Art program among the top art programs in Canada.
- Accreditation: The Art program is accredited by the Canadian Association of University Schools of Art and Design (CAUSCAD).
- Financial aid: There are a variety of financial aid options available to students in the Art program, including scholarships, bursaries, and loans.
The Art program at Dalhousie University is a four-year Bachelor of Fine Arts degree that offers students the opportunity to explore a wide range of artistic disciplines, including painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking, photography, and new media.
16. Carleton University
- Founded: 1942.
- Location: The Art program is located on Carleton University’s campus in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
- Tuition fee: $31,796.15 for international students.
- Ranking: The Art program at Carleton University is ranked 10th in Canada by Maclean’s magazine.
- Accreditation: The Art program at Carleton University is accredited by the Canadian Association of Fine Arts Schools (CAFA).
- Financial aid: There are a variety of financial aid options available to students in the Art program at Carleton University, including scholarships, bursaries, and loans.
The Art program at Carleton University is a 4-year Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree program that offers a variety of specializations. The program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the fundamentals of art, as well as the skills and knowledge they need to pursue a career in the arts.
17. Laval University
- Founded: 1852
- Location: Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
- Ranking: Laval University is ranked 151-200 in the world by the QS World University Rankings 2023.
- Accreditation: Laval University is accredited by the Canadian Association of University Business Schools and Programs (CAUSBP).
- Financial aid: Laval University offers a variety of financial aid options to students, including scholarships, bursaries, and loans.
Laval University is a public research university in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada. The university offers over 300 undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields, including art.
18. University of Manitoba
- Founded: 1877
- Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Tuition fee: $4,400 [for local students] & $14,800 [for international students]
- Ranking: The Faculty of Arts is ranked 10th in Canada for undergraduate arts programs by Maclean’s magazine.
- Accreditation: The Faculty of Arts is accredited by the Canadian Association of University Schools of Art (CAUS).
- Financial aid: The Faculty of Arts offers a variety of financial aid programs for students, including scholarships, bursaries, and loans.
The Faculty of Arts is one of the largest faculties at the University of Manitoba, offering over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs in various disciplines, including art history, English, history, languages, philosophy, political science, and sociology.
19. University of Saskatchewan
- Founded: The University of Saskatchewan was founded in 1907.
- Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.
- Tuition fee: CAD 7,257 per year for Canadian students and CAD 30,480 per year for international students.
- Ranking: The University of Saskatchewan is ranked 14th in Canada and 401-450 in the world for art and design schools by QS World University Rankings.
- Accreditation: The University of Saskatchewan’s Art program is accredited by the Canadian Association of University Schools of Art (CAUSA).
- Financial aid: The University of Saskatchewan offers a variety of financial aid options for students, including scholarships, bursaries, and loans.
The University of Saskatchewan’s Art program offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree with specializations in Studio Art, Art History, and Visual Communication Design.
Here is some additional information about the Art program at the University of Saskatchewan:
- The program has a strong focus on studio practice. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including studios, labs, and galleries.
- The program also offers a variety of courses in art history and visual communication design.
- A team of experienced and accomplished artists and scholars teaches the program.
- The program has a strong alumni network, which provides students with support and opportunities after graduation.
20. University of Guelph
- Founded: The University of Guelph was founded in 1964.
- Location: Guelph, Ontario, Canada.
- Tuition fee: CAD 7000 to 34500 per year.
- Ranking: The University of Guelph is ranked 14th in Canada and 265th in the world for art and design by QS World University Rankings.
- Accreditation: The University of Guelph’s BFA program in Art is accredited by the Canadian Association of Fine Arts Deans and Directors (CAFDA).
- Financial aid: The University of Guelph offers a variety of financial aid options for students, including scholarships, bursaries, and loans.
The University of Guelph’s Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) program in Art is a four-year, full-time program that offers students a broad foundation in the visual arts.
FAQs on Best Art Schools in Canada
Can international students apply to these art schools?
Yes, many Canadian art schools welcome international students. Each school has its own admission requirements and procedures for international applicants.
What financial aid options are available for art school students in Canada?
Canadian art schools often offer scholarships, grants, and financial aid to both domestic and international students. Details on these opportunities can typically be found on the school's website or through their financial aid offices.
Are their opportunities for international students to work in Canada after graduation?
Canada offers various post-graduation work permit programs for international students, allowing students to gain valuable work experience in Canada after completing their studies.
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Conclusion
Also, some art schools may offer online courses or programs. We’ve come to the end of this article.
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