How to Apply to Art at Bishop’s University: An English-Language University in Quebec Where Fine Arts Is a BA Major, Studio Honours Is Open After 30 Credits and No Portfolio Is Listed, with Requirements and Timeline for Chinese and Canadian High School Students and Transfer Students

Bishop’s University is an English-language university in Quebec. Art is taught by the Department of Fine Arts in the Faculty of Humanities. Bishop’s says the degree is a liberal arts Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), less specialized and more versatile than a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA). Here is what you need to know for 2027 entry, based on Bishop’s official information, for students at high schools in China, students at Canadian high schools (including BC and Vancouver students), and transfer students.

1. Programs

• Major in Fine Arts (42 credits): at least 14 courses in three groups: Studio (30 credits, FIS), Art History (9 credits, FIH or CLA) and Comparative Arts (3 credits, FIN).
• Fine Arts Studio Honours (54 credits): 42 studio credits plus 9 in art history and 3 in comparative arts, designed to prepare for graduate study. Students normally apply after completing 30 credits as a Fine Arts major.
• Studio courses: drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking and photography, starting with introductions to two- and three-dimensional media; Fine Arts students get priority for studio courses. The Foreman Art Gallery is on campus.
• BA in Arts Administration – Fine Arts Concentration: business administration combined with art studies and practical experience, including fundraising and managing arts organizations.
• Other options: Fine Arts Minor (18 credits); the Certificate in Studio Arts (30 credits) is for part-time community students not pursuing a degree and cannot be taken alongside a degree.
• Length: four years for most students (three for Quebec CEGEP graduates).

2. How to apply and deadlines

• Applying: complete the online application, pay the CAD 75 non-refundable fee, upload transcripts, English results and other documents, then track your file in the myBU Applicant Portal.
• Fall (September) 2027 deadlines (updated September 15, 2026): international students March 1, 2027; Quebec, Canadian and US students May 1, 2027.
• Winter (January) 2027: international students September 1, 2026 (passed); Canadian students November 1, 2026. Some programs have only a fall or winter start.
• Decisions: files are assessed on a rolling basis, and most applicants get an initial decision within 10 business days of a complete file. Meeting the minimum does not guarantee admission.

3. Portfolio

• No portfolio is listed: the program-specific supporting documents on the international and college transfer pages are only for music programs (an audition and a letter of musical background); Fine Arts lists no portfolio, interview or assignment.
• Bishop’s says Admissions may ask for a personal statement, letter of intent, recommendation letter, essay or CV when needed.

4. Students at Canadian high schools (including BC and Vancouver)

• Requirements for Canadian high school students (average and courses) are on the “Canadian High School Students” page. When we tried to read it, the site returned a verification page, so we could not read it; check the page directly or email admissions@ubishops.ca.
• Deadlines: May 1, 2027 for fall; November 1, 2026 for winter.
• Tuition: Canadians from outside Quebec pay the out-of-province rate (see section 7).

5. Students at high schools in China

• Credentials: normally 12 years of formal schooling and a secondary credential that allows university access in your country; 11-year systems are evaluated individually.
• Average: the minimum varies by curriculum, and transcripts are reviewed individually. Bishop’s gives no figure for Chinese students; email admissions@ubishops.ca. Bishop’s does not say whether the Gaokao is used.
• Courses: the Humanities division (which includes Fine Arts) has no specified course requirements.
• Documents: proof of English proficiency, high school transcript (with mid-term grades if available) and identification.

6. English requirements

• All applicants must provide proof of English proficiency, regardless of citizenship or status.
• Without a test: at least three years at an accredited secondary school where English or French is the main language of instruction (submit that transcript), or at least 30 credits at such a post-secondary institution.
• IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall, no band below 6.0.
• TOEFL: tests from January 21, 2026, 4.5 overall with no score below 4.0; earlier iBT tests, 90 with no component below 20.
• PTE 65 with no sub-score below 60; Duolingo 115 with no sub-score below 90; Cambridge (B2 First, C1, C2) 176; LanguageCert 70–74 with no score below 65.
• If you fall short, consider Bishop’s partner English pathway programs.

7. Tuition and scholarships

• 2026–2027 tuition (30 credits a year):
  • International (2026 cohort, all disciplines): tuition CAD 29,510.43 plus CAD 1,913.85 compulsory fees, CAD 32,221.28 in total; international health insurance is extra, CAD 443 in fall and CAD 358 in winter.
  • Canadians from outside Quebec: tuition CAD 9,730.50, CAD 11,644.35 in total.
  • Quebec residents: CAD 5,031.45 in total.
  • Housing about CAD 5,900 and meals about CAD 6,532 (based on 2025–2026 rates).
• Cohort-based international tuition: annual increases are limited if you stay continuously enrolled and do not change degree program.
• Competitive admission scholarships: CAD 1,000–4,000 a year, some renewable. You are considered if you apply by March 31 and submit all documents by April 15.
• Michael Goldbloom Excellence Scholarships: CAD 10,000 a year, renewable, for outstanding academic records and Bishop’s values.
• Entrance awards and bursaries: CAD 500–12,000 a year, mostly one-time; complete the separate entrance awards and bursaries application by March 31 (it opens on the date of the Fall Open House). They may also consider leadership, activities and financial need.
• The scholarships page does not say whether international students are eligible; ask Admissions.

8. Transfer students

• College transfer students (at least one college semester, or a college graduate within two years): assessed individually, normally requiring good standing in the latest semester; submit your college transcript (plus your high school transcript if you have less than a full year of college), proof of English and identification.
• Credit: assessed using Bishop’s transfer credit pages and course equivalency catalogue.
• University transfer students should see the “University Transfer Students” page.

Application checklist

Students at high schools in China:

• 12-year secondary credential and transcript (with mid-term grades); no specified courses for Humanities
• IELTS 6.5 (6.0 in each band) or new TOEFL 4.5 (4.0 in each section)
• Apply by March 1, 2027 for fall (CAD 75 fee); for scholarships, apply by March 31 and complete documents by April 15

Students at Canadian high schools (including BC and Vancouver):

• Check the Canadian High School Students page for averages and courses
• Apply by May 1, 2027 for fall; the March 31 and April 15 scholarship dates also apply

Transfer students:

• College transfers are assessed individually from college transcripts; credit is assessed after admission

Sources: Bishop’s University, Fine Arts department; Programs; Arts Administration – Fine Arts Concentration; International high school students; Admission process and deadlines; Proof of English proficiency; Tuition and fees; Scholarships, awards, bursaries; College transfer students. Information is for 2027 entry. Check Bishop’s for the latest details.