Applying for Admission
Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Arts)
Step One:
You need to apply online for admission to UBC specifying the BFA program at the Okanagan campus (BFA O-- Specialization “VISA”) as your first or second choice. Information about entry requirements for UBC can be found at: https://you.ubc.ca/ubc/okanagan/admissions.ezc
Program specific requirements for Visual Arts are:
- English 12 or English 12 First Peoples
- Three other approved provincially examinable Grade 12 courses
- Portfolio and a letter of intent
[NOTE—THESE ARE REQUIREMENTS FOR BC HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS. SEE FULL ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS AT THE WEBLINK ABOVE]
Application to UBC opens in October and closes on January 31. There is one online application for both the Vancouver and Okanagan campuses, and you will need to pay a $60 non-refundable application fee. You can only submit one application, but you can specify a first and second choice.
If you plan to live in residence at the Okanagan campus of UBC, apply for housing at the same time you apply for admission. Many first-year students are guaranteed a place in residence provided they meet the requirements.
Step Two:
Once you submit your application for admission declaring your interest in the BFA O Specialization “VISA” program, you will receive an email that lists any documents that may be required.
Applicants to the UBC Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Visual Arts at the Okanagan campus must submit a portfolio and a letter of intent.
The Portfolio
The portfolio must consist of 15–20 pieces of work (do not submit more than 20 pieces).
Work submitted may demonstrate a range of media explored. You may choose to send original works (when size, weight, fragility, etc. make that possible) or well-documented work in the form of slides, photographs, CDs (.tif, .psd, or .jpg formats), videos (each not more than three minutes in length), and other media.
The maximum portfolio size for original two-dimensional work is 30" x 40". Three-dimensional work must be sent as photo documentation. Please supply an itemized information list for all submitted work (i.e., medium, dimensions, year of completion).
The Letter of Intent
The letter of intent, which should not exceed 300 words, should describe the applicant's reasons for wanting to study in the visual arts. In addition, artist statements are welcome but not mandatory.
Deadline for Submission
The deadline for submitting the portfolio and letter of intent is March 15 for admission the following September. The portfolio and letter of intent must be sent together in a strong, reuseable container and must be accompanied by sufficient return postage. Portfolios sent without sufficient return postage will not be returned to the applicant. Please send the portfolio and letter of intent to:
Portfolio Review Committee
Department of Creative Studies
University of British Columbia
Fine Arts Building, 161
3333 University Way
Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7
For inquiries regarding portfolio requirements, please contact the UBC Department of Creative Studies at 250.807.9648.
Entry into this program is very competitive. The number of places within the B.F.A. (Visual Arts) program is limited, and admission is based on a review of the portfolio, letter of intent, and grade average.
Click here to download a printable PDF version of "Applying for Admission to the Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Arts) at UBC".
Last reviewed 
2/3/2012 8:56:47 AM
