Canada · Fall 2027
Alberta Art & Design portfolio letter of intent
University of Alberta BFA and BDes applicants submit a Launchpad portfolio with twelve to fifteen pieces and a letter explaining their interest in the Art & Design program. The letter can be addressed and formatted freely; it is a program requirement, while the Art & Design BA does not require a portfolio.
Writing format
A half-page to one-page letter of intent with a 12–15-piece portfolio
What to prepare
- 1Explain why your first-choice BFA or BDes route fits the work you want to make and study, rather than speaking about art and design in general.
- 2Choose one or two pieces that reveal your process and explain what they taught you about your interests or strengths.
- 3Show how the portfolio demonstrates versatility across approaches or materials without turning the letter into a list of all twelve to fifteen pieces.
How to approach the writing
- Stay within the department's recommended half-page to one-page length, using the freedom of format to make the letter direct and specific.
- After applying and paying the fee, use Launchpad's edit-portfolio control rather than the Materials Checklist to upload the work and letter.
Before you submit
The Art & Design department lists March 1 for both the application and portfolio. Alberta's Fall 2027 admissions calendar also lists March 1 for most programs; confirm your chosen BFA or BDes route and Launchpad status before submitting.
Read University of Alberta Art & Design BFA and BDes portfolio application ↗Read University of Alberta Fall 2027 admissions deadlines ↗Official source checked 2026-09-25.