How to Apply to Art and Design at the University of Manitoba: School of Art BFA with 10–15 Works and Six Short Answers by March 1, with Portfolio Requirements and Timeline for Chinese and Canadian High School Students and Transfer Students

At the University of Manitoba (UM) in Winnipeg, undergraduate studio art is offered by the School of Art, founded in 1913. It awards the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), along with a two-year Diploma in Art and a BFA in Art History. Here is what you need to know for September 2027 entry, based on UM’s official information, for students at high schools in China, students at Canadian high schools (including BC and Vancouver students), and transfer students.

1. Degrees and focus areas

• BFA (General): about 3 years, balancing studio practice and theory. All undergraduates start with foundation studies, then go deeper into specific art and design disciplines in second and third year.
• BFA (Honours): about 4 years, adding a year of self-directed studio work and research that leads to an independent project and the Honours exhibition. The applicant information states Honours is by transfer after admission only: complete 63 credit hours in the General program with a degree GPA of 2.5.
• Diploma in Art: about 2 years, essentially technical. UM Diploma graduates with a degree GPA of at least 2.0 can apply to complete the General BFA.
• Focus areas: ceramics, drawing, graphic design, painting, performance, photography, print media, sculpture, and video and sound, or a multidisciplinary mix.
• Also: all School of Art students take a required first-year field trip each October to galleries in Regina and Saskatoon, with a short drawing or writing assignment. Many studios are open 24/7.

2. Portfolio and written statement

All BFA and Diploma applicants upload a digital portfolio and a written statement in the online application.

• Portfolio: typically work from the past two years, 10–15 artworks, maximum 15, drawn from journals or sketchbooks; drawing, painting or printmaking; collage or mixed media; sculpture or installation; photography; ceramics, glass, metal or textiles; and time-based work such as animation, video, audio art, websites or performance.
• Written statement: six questions, up to 50 words each: why you want to study at the School of Art; an experience that inspired you to study art; what you will contribute; what you will gain; your favourite piece in your portfolio and why; and your education, volunteer and work experience.
• Deadline: the portfolio and statement are due to the School of Art by March 1.
• UM does not mention an interview. Admission is competitive with an annual quota; meeting the minimums does not guarantee admission.

3. Students at Canadian high schools (including BC)

• British Columbia (BFA direct entry): a 70% average over three Grade 12 university-preparatory courses and one English 12 credit at 60% or higher, plus the portfolio and statement.
• Manitoba: 70% over three 40S credits and English 40S at 60%, plus the portfolio.
• Alberta: 70% over three Grade 12 university-preparatory credits and ELA 30-1 at 60%; Ontario: 70% over three 4U or 4M credits and ENG4U at 60%.
• Diploma in Art: UM’s pages differ. The high school requirements and program page say “high school graduation including completion of Grade 12 Art recommended,” and the program page says the diploma has no prior education requirement, while the School of Art applicant information says admission to the Diploma requires a high school diploma. The portfolio and statement are required; confirm with the School.
• Direct entry means current high school students or graduates with fewer than 24 credit hours of post-secondary study.

4. Students at high schools in China

• Credential: high school graduation with five senior-level credits. UM’s China requirements do not mention the Gaokao.
• BFA: an equivalent 70% average over the top three senior-level courses and at least 60% in a first-language literature course, plus the portfolio and statement.
• Diploma in Art: high school graduation including senior-level art is recommended; the portfolio and statement are required.
• Documents: non-English transcripts need English translations from the issuing school or a certified translator.

5. English requirements

• IELTS Academic 6.5 with 6.0 in each band; TOEFL iBT 4.5 on the new scale for tests from January 21, 2026 (4.0 per section), or 86 (20 per section) for earlier tests; Duolingo 120 (105 in each subscore).
• Scores are valid for two years and must still be valid when classes start. Three years of secondary or recognized post-secondary study in Canada, among other cases, can qualify for a waiver.

6. Timeline and fees

• Applications open: early September for BFA direct entry, early November for advanced entry, and early October for the Diploma.
• March 1: deadline for fall BFA and Diploma applications, including advanced entry; the fee, portfolio and statement are all due. Fall entry only.
• June 1: deadline for English test results and final official transcripts (per the applicant information).
• Application fee: CAD 100 for Canadian citizens and permanent residents, CAD 130 for international applicants. A CAD 100 acceptance deposit is credited towards tuition.
• Note: the School of Art applicant information page still shows last cycle’s dates (March 1 and June 1, 2026), while the program page lists March 1 each year. Check UM for the 2027 dates.

7. Transfers

• Who: applicants with 24 or more credit hours at UM or another recognized institution apply as Advanced Entry.
• Requirements: BFA applicants need a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 and the same portfolio and statement, by March 1; required coursework should be finished by the end of the April exam period in the year of application.
• Transfer credit: prior courses from recognized institutions are assessed course by course during admission, with direct equivalents or general credit; course outlines may be requested for courses without a current evaluation.
• Applicants who do not meet direct or advanced entry requirements can apply to University 1, the Faculty of Arts or another program.

8. Tuition and awards

• Estimates (full-time fall and winter terms, including associated fees): Fine Arts Degree about CAD 8,700 for Canadians and CAD 30,800 for international students; Fine Arts Diploma about CAD 6,900 and CAD 23,300. UM notes these are estimates; books and supplies are extra.
• International General Entrance Scholarship: for international students on study permits paying international fees who apply for admission by March 1 with an average of 85% or more over their best five senior academic courses; in 2024–25, CAD 3,000 for 95%+, CAD 2,000 for 90%+ and CAD 1,000 for 85%+.
• International Excellence Entrance Scholarship: chosen by a selection committee, CAD 25,000 for first place and CAD 10,000 each for second and third, based on academics, community engagement and leadership; see UM for details.
• School of Art awards: mainly for current students, based on grades or portfolios (many ask for a PDF of 5–6 recent works), submitted through the university’s learning system.

Checklist

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

• English 12 at 60%+ and a 70%+ average over three Grade 12 university-preparatory courses
• Portfolio of 10–15 works (maximum 15) and six short answers of up to 50 words each
• Submit the application, fee and portfolio by March 1

Students at high schools in China:

• Graduation certificate and transcripts (with translations); top three courses averaging the equivalent of 70%, and Chinese literature at 60%+
• IELTS 6.5 (6.0 per band), TOEFL 4.5 (new) or Duolingo 120
• Portfolio and written statement; apply by March 1, which also counts for international entrance scholarship consideration

Transfer students:

• With 24+ credit hours and a 2.0+ cumulative GPA, apply as Advanced Entry with a portfolio by March 1

Sources: University of Manitoba, Fine Arts Studio Program (BFA, diploma); School of Art applicant information; School of Art programs; Direct entry requirements; International admission requirements; English language proficiency; Tuition estimates; International awards; School of Art scholarships. Information is for September 2027 entry. Check the University of Manitoba for the latest details.