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Visual Arts

Kwantlen Polytechnic University

Visual Arts: blue ink subject illustration
Image source

AI-generated ink illustration

Conceptual study artwork, not a photograph of teaching facilities.

Unidex · generated with ImageGen

Checked 2026-11-05

Symbolic subject artwork; no university facility depicted

Deadlines

See the published deadlines below.

Other deadline details
No central deadline, each B.C. institution sets its own application open and close datesEducationPlannerBC, deadlines are set per institutionRecurring annual · Every year
  • No central deadline, each B.C. institution sets its own application open and close dates
  • No central B.C. deadline
  • Each institution and sometimes each program sets its own dates
Full source wording

Verbatim: "Each institution sets their own application open and close dates. These dates also may vary based on the program you are applying to. You can use the search database to explore programs you are interested in applying to or visit the institution's website directly. Please refer to the institution's website or contact the Admissions/Registrar's Office directly for application deadlines and details." EducationPlannerBC is the single application service for B.C.'s 25 public post-secondary institutions but publishes no deadline dates of its own.

SourceChecked
July 1Fall final/open-intake applicationStanding annual Fall admission timeline · Every year
  • Canadian/PR applicants
  • programme-specific earlier deadlines remain applicable
  • July 1
  • No entry year is stated
  • Programme intake type and availability must be checked in the calendar and application checklist
  • The domestic table permits some select limited-intake consideration after the final/open-intake date
SourceChecked
July 1Fall final/open-intake applicationStanding annual Fall admission timeline · Every year
  • International applicants
  • programme-specific earlier deadlines remain applicable
  • July 1
  • No entry year is stated
  • Programme intake type and availability must be checked in the calendar and application checklist
  • The international table says no applications after this final date
SourceChecked
March 1Fall limited-intake applicationStanding annual Fall admission timeline · Every year
  • Canadian/PR limited-intake applicants
  • March 1
  • No entry year is stated
  • Programme intake type and availability must be checked in the calendar and application checklist
  • Some limited intakes close early or have published extensions
SourceChecked
March 1Fall limited-intake applicationStanding annual Fall admission timeline · Every year
  • International limited-intake applicants
  • March 1
  • No entry year is stated
  • Programme intake type and availability must be checked in the calendar and application checklist
  • Some limited intakes close early or have published extensions
SourceChecked
July 1Fall: domestic open/final applicationStanding annual entry · Every year
  • Canadian citizen/PR
  • If this exact programme offers Fall intake
  • current department intake availability and exceptions must be checked
  • Closing 11:59 pm Pacific
  • July 1
SourceChecked
July 1Fall: international final applicationStanding annual entry · Every year
  • International
  • If this exact programme offers Fall intake
  • current department intake availability and exceptions must be checked
  • Closing 11:59 pm Pacific
  • Limited programmes can close early or publish approved extensions
  • July 1
SourceChecked
November 1Spring (January) final/open-intake applicationStanding annual Spring (January) admission timeline · Every year
  • Canadian/PR applicants
  • programme-specific earlier deadlines remain applicable
  • November 1
  • No entry year is stated
  • Programme intake type and availability must be checked in the calendar and application checklist
  • The domestic table permits some select limited-intake consideration after the final/open-intake date
SourceChecked
November 1Spring (January) final/open-intake applicationStanding annual Spring (January) admission timeline · Every year
  • International applicants
  • programme-specific earlier deadlines remain applicable
  • November 1
  • No entry year is stated
  • Programme intake type and availability must be checked in the calendar and application checklist
  • The international table says no applications after this final date
SourceChecked
August 1Spring (January) limited-intake applicationStanding annual Spring (January) admission timeline · Every year
  • Canadian/PR limited-intake applicants
  • August 1
  • No entry year is stated
  • Programme intake type and availability must be checked in the calendar and application checklist
  • Some limited intakes close early or have published extensions
SourceChecked
August 1Spring (January) limited-intake applicationStanding annual Spring (January) admission timeline · Every year
  • International limited-intake applicants
  • August 1
  • No entry year is stated
  • Programme intake type and availability must be checked in the calendar and application checklist
  • Some limited intakes close early or have published extensions
SourceChecked
November 1Spring: domestic open/final applicationStanding annual entry · Every year
  • Canadian citizen/PR
  • If this exact programme offers Spring intake
  • current department intake availability and exceptions must be checked
  • Closing 11:59 pm Pacific
  • November 1
SourceChecked
November 1Spring: international final applicationStanding annual entry · Every year
  • International
  • If this exact programme offers Spring intake
  • current department intake availability and exceptions must be checked
  • Closing 11:59 pm Pacific
  • Limited programmes can close early or publish approved extensions
  • November 1
SourceChecked
March 1Summer final/open-intake applicationStanding annual Summer admission timeline · Every year
  • Canadian/PR applicants
  • programme-specific earlier deadlines remain applicable
  • March 1
  • No entry year is stated
  • Programme intake type and availability must be checked in the calendar and application checklist
  • The domestic table permits some select limited-intake consideration after the final/open-intake date
SourceChecked
March 1Summer final/open-intake applicationStanding annual Summer admission timeline · Every year
  • International applicants
  • programme-specific earlier deadlines remain applicable
  • March 1
  • No entry year is stated
  • Programme intake type and availability must be checked in the calendar and application checklist
  • The international table says no applications after this final date
SourceChecked
December 1Summer limited-intake applicationStanding annual Summer admission timeline · Every year
  • Canadian/PR limited-intake applicants
  • December 1
  • No entry year is stated
  • Programme intake type and availability must be checked in the calendar and application checklist
  • Some limited intakes close early or have published extensions
SourceChecked
December 1Summer limited-intake applicationStanding annual Summer admission timeline · Every year
  • International limited-intake applicants
  • December 1
  • No entry year is stated
  • Programme intake type and availability must be checked in the calendar and application checklist
  • Some limited intakes close early or have published extensions
SourceChecked
March 1Summer: domestic open/final applicationStanding annual entry · Every year
  • Canadian citizen/PR
  • If this exact programme offers Summer intake
  • current department intake availability and exceptions must be checked
  • Closing 11:59 pm Pacific
  • March 1
SourceChecked
March 1Summer: international final applicationStanding annual entry · Every year
  • International
  • If this exact programme offers Summer intake
  • current department intake availability and exceptions must be checked
  • Closing 11:59 pm Pacific
  • Limited programmes can close early or publish approved extensions
  • March 1
SourceChecked
June 15Fall: domestic open-intake offer/depositStanding annual entry · Every year
  • Canadian citizen/PR
  • If this exact programme offers Fall intake
  • current department intake availability and exceptions must be checked
  • Closing 11:59 pm Pacific
  • June 15
SourceChecked
October 15Spring: domestic open-intake offer/depositStanding annual entry · Every year
  • Canadian citizen/PR
  • If this exact programme offers Spring intake
  • current department intake availability and exceptions must be checked
  • Closing 11:59 pm Pacific
  • October 15
SourceChecked
February 15Summer: domestic open-intake offer/depositStanding annual entry · Every year
  • Canadian citizen/PR
  • If this exact programme offers Summer intake
  • current department intake availability and exceptions must be checked
  • Closing 11:59 pm Pacific
  • February 15
SourceChecked

Requirements

Admission requirements

High-school prerequisites

Check the university’s requirements for your province and applicant category.

KPU current general applicant categories and named open/limited admission directory
Application steps
  1. Step 1Check the admission requirements
    • Check the published entry route for your applicant category.
    KPU current general applicant categories and named open/limited admission directoryKPU current general applicant categories and named open/limited admission directory
  2. Step 2Apply through EducationPlannerBC
    • Create your application and select this program.
    EducationPlannerBCEducationPlannerBC
  3. Step 3Official secondary-school transcript
    • KPU requires transcripts from every secondary and postsecondary institution attended.
    KPU official transcript requirementsKPU official transcript requirements
  4. Step 4$40 domestic application fee
    • The non-refundable fee applies to one application term.
    KPU application fees and depositsKPU application fees and deposits
  5. Step 5Apply online in the appropriate applicant category and provide the required official academic documents.
    • Complete this item using the university’s applicant instructions.
    KPU current general applicant categories and named open/limited admission directoryKPU current general applicant categories and named open/limited admission directory
  6. Step 6Satisfy the undergraduate English requirement and any exact programme-specific prerequisite/supplement stated in the linked university calendar.
    • Complete this item using the university’s applicant instructions.
    KPU current general applicant categories and named open/limited admission directoryKPU current general applicant categories and named open/limited admission directory
  7. Step 7Use the myKPU Application Checklist & Status record to identify outstanding documents, programme-specific requirements and any assigned deadline. Limited-intake additional items are conditional, not universal.
    • Complete this item using the university’s applicant instructions.
    KPU current general applicant categories and named open/limited admission directoryKPU current general applicant categories and named open/limited admission directory
  8. Step 8Arrange official academic records under the correct high-school or post-secondary procedure. Current BC high-school students release records through StudentTranscripts Service; other applicants use the published issuing-institution and out-of-country rules.
    • Complete this item using the university’s applicant instructions.
    KPU current general applicant categories and named open/limited admission directoryKPU current general applicant categories and named open/limited admission directory
  9. Step 9Current high-school branches publish March 1 interim and August 1 final-record timing, subject to earlier limited-intake requirements. If transfer credit is requested, provide the required prior records and any requested course outlines.
    • Complete this item using the university’s applicant instructions.
    KPU current general applicant categories and named open/limited admission directoryKPU current general applicant categories and named open/limited admission directory
Applicant pathways
Applicant category

High-school, transfer, mature or Indigenous applicants as explicitly defined

  • High School : A graduate of a BC secondary school or an equivalent school system. ( Note: Proof of June graduation must be received in order to be eligible for Fall admission. High school students graduating in August are considered for Spring admission. High school students graduating in January are considered for Summer admission. )
  • Transfer: An applicant who has successfully completed 9 or more credits above the preparatory level from a recognized post-secondary institution.
  • Mature: An applicant who will be 19 years of age or older on the first day of the term of admission.
  • Indigenous: An Indigenous applicant who wishes to be considered for admission by the Indigenous Admissions Committee on an individual basis.
  • For further details on all of KPU's applicant categories, refer to the university Calendar.
KPU current general applicant categories and named open/limited admission directory
English evidence

All undergraduate applicants; exact programme criteria can be higher

  • Meet KPU undergraduate English proficiency using an accepted high-school, university/KPU course or testing route. The current official FAQ names English Studies 12 C+ or three undergraduate English credits C− as qualifying course routes; other accepted routes require calendar review.
KPU current undergraduate admission FAQ
High-school applicant category and graduation timing

BC secondary-school graduates or an equivalent school system

  • Qualify through secondary graduation or an equivalent school system, then satisfy the chosen programme/faculty requirements. For Fall entry the page requires proof of June graduation. August graduates are considered for Spring; January graduates for Summer. No new admission year or ISO deadline is inferred.
kpu categories · official applicant policy
Transfer applicant category

Applicants with recognized prior postsecondary credits

  • The public category requires at least9 successfully completed credits above preparatory level from a recognized postsecondary institution. Category recognition is followed by the programme’s actual entry requirements; it does not guarantee credit transfer or waive a later-entry programme’s higher credit requirement.
kpu categories · official applicant policy
Mature applicant category

Applicants aged19 or older on the first day of the admission term

  • Age establishes the mature applicant category. Applicants must still satisfy the stated programme/faculty and appropriate English-proficiency requirements. No general age-based prerequisite waiver is published here.
kpu categories · official applicant policy
Indigenous individual admission category

Indigenous applicants requesting individual committee consideration

  • An Indigenous applicant may request consideration by the Indigenous Admissions Committee on an individual basis. The category does not itself promise admission to a limited intake or satisfy a programme’s special requirements.
kpu categories · official applicant policy
Open versus limited intake after applicant-category review

All KPU applicants; exact programme intake classification remains controlling

  • Qualifying for an applicant category is only the first step. Open-intake study follows the relevant faculty admission requirements; limited-intake programmes follow their own programme requirements and capacity limits.
  • Undergraduate applicants must satisfy the undergraduate English-proficiency requirement through an accepted school course, undergraduate/KPU course or test. Those unable to satisfy undergraduate requirements may be eligible for the separate Pathway to Undergraduate Studies; no automatic progression or approved equivalence is inferred.
kpu categories · official applicant policy

Degree requirements

Credits and degree requirements
  • 2026–27 calendar minimum credits required for the complete credential: 120. Major-only course tables do not replace linked degree-framework requirements.
ReferencesKPU April 2026 current Bachelor of Fine Arts durationKPU 2026–27 exact degree/major requirementsKPU Faculty of Arts: published Dean’s Office physical location

Program facts

Entering averageNot published

The university does not publish a comparable percentage minimum or entering-average range for this program.

KPU undergraduate admission requirements

Courses

2026–27: 1000 and 2000 Level10 listed

Published requirement group, with course alternatives retained. This is not a fixed academic-term timetable or an assertion that every option is required. In the first 60 credits of the BFA program, all students must complete 54 prescribed credits as follows: | . Select 3 additional credits from a course in ARTH at the 1100 or 2000 level | 3. Select 24 credits from courses in FINA at the 1100 or 2000 level, including 6 credits in 3 D Studies 1 | 24

  • ARTH 2122Modern Art and Visual Culture: 1890-19453 credits

    Students will study the development of modern art movements and visual culture in the period from 1890 to 1945 in Europe and North America.

    KPU 2026–27 native course content
  • ARTH 2222Contemporary Art and Visual Culture: 1945 to the Present3 credits

    Students will examine the development of visual art and language in Western art from the 1940's to the Twenty-First Century.

    KPU 2026–27 native course content
  • FINA 1100Introduction to Drawing3 credits

    Students will learn the fundamentals of drawing in the field of visual art.

    KPU 2026–27 native course content
  • FINA 1167Visual Language: Making and Meaning3 credits

    Students will be introduced to the visual concepts and principles of constructing and analyzing two-dimensional images.

    KPU 2026–27 native course content
  • FINA 1175Form, Structure and Materials3 credits

    Students will study the fundamental principles of the conception and design of three-dimensional structures within the field of contemporary art.

    KPU 2026–27 native course content
  • FINA 1200Drawing II3 credits

    Students will investigate both traditional and non-traditional strategies for creating art through drawing.

    KPU 2026–27 native course content
  • FINA 2147Issues in Contemporary Art I3 credits

    Students will study theoretical issues relevant to the production and reception of visual art and popular culture in the last 35 years, including debates around semiotics, modernism/postmodernism, feminism(s), postcolonialism, and the attendant politics of identities produced through structures of race, class, gender and sexual preferences/practices.

    KPU 2026–27 native course content
  • ENGL 1100Introduction to University Writing3 credits

    In this introductory university writing course, students will develop their abilities in critical reading and thinking, analysis, and clear written expression.

    KPU 2026–27 native course content
  • ARTH 1120Art and Visual Culture: Prehistoric to Late Gothic3 credits

    Students will study a selective survey of Western visual art and culture objects, including works of sculpture, painting, architecture, and other art forms from the Prehistoric period to the early fifteenth century.

    KPU 2026–27 native course content
  • ARTH 1121Art and Visual Culture: Renaissance to 20th Century3 credits

    Students will study a selective survey of European and North American visual art and culture objects, including works of painting, sculpture, printmaking, architecture, and other art forms from the fifteenth to the twentieth century.

    KPU 2026–27 native course content
KPU 2026–27 exact degree/major requirements
2026–27: 3000 and 4000 Level5 listed

Published requirement group, with course alternatives retained. This is not a fixed academic-term timetable or an assertion that every option is required. In order to satisfy the requirements of the BFA program, students must complete 42 credits from courses in FINA or ARTH at the 3000 or 4000 levels as follows: | . Select 6 credits from courses in ARTH at the 3000 or 4000 level | 6. Select 12 credits from courses in FINA at the 3000 or 4000 level | 12. Select 3 additional credits from a course in either ARTH or FINA at the 3000 or 4000 level | 3. Total Credits | 96

  • FINA 3100Advanced Studio Practice and Seminar I3 credits

    Students will pursue and define individual and collaborative approaches to their art practice.

    KPU 2026–27 native course content
  • FINA 3111Professional Practices3 credits

    Students will study professional issues and practices useful to visual artists, arts administrators, and cultural workers in the field of art.

    KPU 2026–27 native course content
  • FINA 3200Advanced Studio Practice and Seminar II3 credits

    Students will continue to pursue and define individual and collaborative approaches to their art practice and writing skills.

    KPU 2026–27 native course content
  • FINA 4300Advanced Studio Practice and Thesis I6 credits

    Students will begin to develop a body of work in relation to their personal research.

    KPU 2026–27 native course content
  • FINA 4400Advanced Studio Practice and Thesis II6 credits

    Students will develop a substantial body of work based on personal research, with the goal of articulating their practice in relation to contemporary art production.

    KPU 2026–27 native course content
KPU 2026–27 exact degree/major requirements
Study locations
Published academic-unit location
Faculty of Arts Dean’s Office: Surrey campus, Arbutus 2110. This is a faculty administrative contact, not a programme campus assignment or a course room.KPU Faculty of Arts: published Dean’s Office physical location

Careers

Career examples

  • Self-employed professional artist

Career sectors

12
  • Museums and galleries
  • Art curation
  • Advertising
  • Electronic and digital arts
  • Web design and architecture
  • Art therapy
  • Theatre
  • Television and film
  • Education
  • Journalism
  • Publishing
  • Graphics
Career sectorsPublished career information
Scope and qualifications

University-published examples. Some professional, teaching or specialist roles require further study, certification or experience; these are not ranked graduate outcomes.

Costs

Category 1 courses

Published tuition

September 1,2026 through August 31,2027 · Registered native credit categories · CAD

Canadian students example · Choose your category

Tuition$166.10 / credit

Course-category tuition; university and KSA fees are extra

Last updated

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