Canada · Current published BFA Visual Studies instructions; confirm the applicant checklist deadline
Calgary Visual Studies BFA portfolio statement
Calgary asks Visual Studies BFA applicants to explain in their own words why they want to major in Art. The written section accompanies five original works in one Word or PDF portfolio document. Applicants upload that document through the Portfolio To-Do item in their UCalgary Student Centre after applying for admission.
Writing format
Up to 250 words on why you want to major in Art, submitted with five works
Academic integrity
Calgary asks applicants to identify the role AI played in any submitted artwork. Write the 250-word response in your own words and disclose AI use on affected works.
What to prepare
- 1Choose an artist, writer, experience, or question that actually shaped your decision to study Art, then show its effect on your own work.
- 2Explain what you do when making or studying art, rather than listing every medium in the five-work portfolio.
- 3Use the 250 words to say why Art matters to you and what you hope to pursue through the Visual Studies major.
How to approach the writing
- Write the response in your own words and place it in the same document as the five original works, with each work's title, date, size, and materials.
- Choose works that show your interests and influences across media; check video links and passwords if a selected work is video based.
Before you submit
Calgary places the portfolio due date in each applicant's Student Centre rather than giving one date on its BFA instructions. Check the Portfolio To-Do item after applying; upload one Word or PDF file and disclose any AI role in each affected work as the school requires.
Read University of Calgary BFA Visual Studies entrance portfolio ↗Official source checked 2026-09-26.