Art is an expression of creative skill and imagination that gives form to ideas through media such as painting, sculpture, design, and digital work. For students interested in developing an artistic practice or learning more about the art world, formal study can provide structured training, feedback, and access to creative communities.
The schools below are some of the best art schools in Canada. Programs, tuition, and funding can change, so prospective students should confirm the latest details on each university’s website before applying.
Top Art Schools in Canada
1. Ontario College of Art and Design University
Ontario College of Art and Design University, commonly known as OCAD University or OCAD U, offers undergraduate and graduate programs in art, design, and digital media. Its program guides include undergraduate options such as Drawing & Painting and Digital Futures, as well as graduate options such as Digital Futures and the Interdisciplinary Master’s in Art, Media and Design.
Founded as the Ontario School of Art in 1876, OCAD U describes itself as Canada’s oldest and largest art and design university. In 1912, it was incorporated as the Ontario College of Art, becoming Canada’s first school dedicated to educating artists.
For international graduate students, OCAD U currently estimates total tuition of approximately CAD 57,000–84,000, depending on the program. The university notes that fees are approximate and change slightly from year to year. OCAD U also lists internal scholarships and bursaries, and applicants should review the eligibility requirements for each funding opportunity.
2. University of Toronto
Founded in 1827, the University of Toronto offers art-related undergraduate programs across its three campuses. Options include Art History, Art History and Visual Culture, Arts and Media Management, Arts Management, and Visual Studies. At the graduate level, the Art History program leads to Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy degrees.
U of T states that tuition depends on factors such as the program, year of study, course load, and campus, and that total fees also include incidental and ancillary fees. International applicants should review the university’s current fee information before applying.
International students can review scholarships and awards, including the competitive Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship. However, U of T states that it does not offer financial aid to international students, so applicants should also explore funding options available in their home countries.
3. Alberta University of the Arts
Alberta University of the Arts (AUArts) is dedicated to art, craft, and design. It is the only art, craft, and design university in Alberta and the Prairies and one of four in Canada. Its programs include the Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Design, the new Bachelor of Creative Industries for Fall 2026, and the Master of Fine Arts in Craft Media. Undergraduate students can explore more than 16 disciplines and may choose a second concentration from available options.
Founded in 1926, AUArts began as the Art Department at the Provincial Institute of Technology and Art. The institution became Alberta University of the Arts in 2019 and celebrated its centennial in 2026.
For the 2026–2027 academic year, AUArts lists an estimated international cost of CAD 25,041.45 for a full 30-credit year in the Bachelor of Fine Arts or Bachelor of Design programs, including the listed fees but excluding materials, equipment, and tools. The estimated international cost for the Bachelor of Creative Industries is CAD 29,841.48 under the same conditions. International graduate tuition is CAD 31,250 per year before additional fees. AUArts also lists scholarships, awards, and bursaries for eligible students.
4. Concordia University
Concordia University’s Faculty of Fine Arts has seven departments, including two schools. Its programs span visual arts, performing arts, cinema, design, digital arts, art education, creative arts therapies, film and moving image studies, and art history.
Undergraduate options include Bachelor of Fine Arts programs such as Art History and Studio Art, Ceramics, Computation Arts, Painting and Drawing, and Photography. Graduate options include master’s and Ph.D. programs, as well as the Master of Fine Arts in Studio Arts and the Master of Design.
Concordia’s current undergraduate admissions page lists CAD 32,120 in tuition and compulsory fees for U.S. and international Fine Arts students, subject to change. Some students may qualify for lower tuition, and the health and dental insurance plan is listed separately. Concordia also states that some financial awards are available for U.S. and international students. Applicants should review the current costs and financial aid page and use the university’s tuition estimator.
5. Nova Scotia College of Art and Design University
NSCAD University has been shaping art, design, and craft in Canada since 1887. Its undergraduate programs include the Bachelor of Design, Bachelor of Arts, and Bachelor of Fine Arts, with areas such as Interdisciplinary Design, Art History, Film, Fine Art, Photography, and Textiles+Fashion.
NSCAD also offers graduate programs: the Master of Design, Master of Fine Arts, and Master of Arts in Art Education.
For Winter 2026, NSCAD’s posted tuition table lists international undergraduate tuition of CAD 12,041.74 for 15 credits and international Master of Fine Arts or Master of Design tuition of CAD 12,148.94 for 15 credits, before additional listed fees. NSCAD notes that fees are subject to change and that students should consult the Self-Service platform to confirm the amount owed. The university also offers entrance awards, scholarships, and bursaries for eligible students.
We hope this article about art schools in Canada will help you in your journey toward becoming a part of the art world! For more information about Canadian universities and scholarship opportunities, visit our Study in Canada and Open Courses for International Students pages.
