ALBERTA UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS

Founded in 1926, Alberta University of the Arts is Alberta’s only dedicated art, craft and design institution. The institution was originally called the Alberta College of Art (ACA), and achieved university status in January 2019 based on the high-quality programs being offered.

The institution emphasizes on delivering quality teaching by offering small classes with a focus on one-on-one time. You’ll also have the unique opportunity to exhibit your work through AUArts’s student-run galleries, giving you real-world exhibition experience and an insider’s view of the professional art world.

The campus is surrounded by beautiful parklands and is 20 mins walk to the Bow River.

Along with amazing galleries and world-class studio space, you’ll find a library dedicated to art and design, a cafeteria, and easy access to and from other parts of the city via public transit. There is also access to all the great things the neighbouring Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) campus has to offer. 

The AUArts Students Association supports, unites, and advocates for the student community. AUArts Students Association also manages numerous services for students, including AUArts’s health and dental program, the Marion Nicoll Gallery, student clubs, Show + Sale, a job board, and more

Calgary is one of Canada’s cleanest, safest, most culturally diverse urban centres, repeatedly ranked as one of the world’s most liveable cities. With a population of 1.2 million, it's also the largest city in Alberta and the third-largest municipality in Canada. The city hosts numerous festivals ranging from the well-established to many new and growing influences in art, theatre and music.

The city’s youthful energy can be attributed to having the youngest and most highly educated residents of all Canadian cities. Calgary has the best of big-city living with the Rocky Mountains at the doorstep. Wide open prairies are just a short drive away. Visit the canyons of Drumheller or Banff National Park to ski, hike, cycle or just enjoy this charming town.

Canada is a country in the north of North America, extending from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and northward into the Arctic Ocean. It is the world's second largest country by total area, and shares the world's longest bi-national land border with the USA.

As a whole, Canada is sparsely populated with the majority of its land area dominated by forest and tundra. Over 80% of its 37.6 million people are concentrated in large and medium-sized cities, with 70% residing within 100 kilometres of the US border. Both English and French are commonly spoken.

Cities such as Montreal and Quebec located in the historically French part of Canada offer a European city experience in North America, along with the opportunity to develop language skills and explore a different culture. Canadians are renowned for being friendly and helpful, and Canada experiences very low crime and a high standard of living. The exchange rate is generally more favourable for Canada than the US, making it more affordable for students.

Canada’s incredible range of natural wonders are perfect for exploring – it has the most coastline of any country, alongside famous mountain ranges, huge lakes, ancient forests, arctic lands, some desert and unique wildlife. Popular natural attractions include the Canadian Rocky Mountain parks, the Aurora Borealis, Dinosaur Provincial Park, Nahanni National Park Reserve, Cabot Trail, Niagara Falls, and Banff National Park.

Did you know…..?

Canada offers some amazing festivals and parties, including the Celebration of Light - the largest fireworks competition in the world. The Toronto International Film Festival is also a must-see for film, art, and media students.

Canada is home to the Rocky Mountaineer, one of the most iconic railway journeys in the world!

All students must meet standard exchange selection criteria and any host institution restrictions.

• UniSA academic transcript
• Passport
• Exchange application form
• Cover Page that includes your name, institution, major, semester and year of exchange
• Personal Statement / Letter of Intent (500 words max.) that describes your research interest, why study at AUArts, how the Exchange program will help you fulfil your academic goals
• Resume / Curriculum Vitae
• 10 images of work with dimensions and titles (use still images for sound or video pieces and links to web file)

An average course load is 15 credits per semester.

Therefore, we recommend that:

• 18 units at UniSA = 15 credits at AUArts (so, 5 courses of 3 credits each) 
• 13.5 units at UniSA = 12 credits at AUArts (so, 4 courses of 3 credits each)

UniSA students are exempt from having to provide evidence of English proficiency.

Find courses at AUArts

Alberta University of the Arts does not offer airport pick up. Students will need to make their own way to the campus from Calgary International Airport.

More information on how to get to the campus can be found here.

AUArts offers on-campus accommodation through SAIT Polytechnic (located on the same campus as AUArts). Located in the northeast corner of the SAIT main campus, Theon-campus residence suites boasts two modern high rises with four different floor plans, 24-hour security, come equipped with recreation and study lounges, laundry facilities and a shared studio art space. To apply for on-campus residence, please click here.

More information on accommodation on and off campus can be found here.

As an exchange partner with the University of South Australia, you do not have to pay tuition fees to Alberta University of the Arts, instead you will pay tuition as you would normally at UniSA. Travel and living expenses are at your own cost. The table below gives an indication of costs you will incur:

More information can be found here.

You may be eligible to receive additional grants or scholarships to fund your experience. For more information please see the funding and scholarships website.

UniSA offers travel insurance as part of your exchange for up to 270 days (can be extended up to 365 days). For more information please see travel insurance website.  
 
Please click here to read the travel insurance policy. 
 
A list of Frequently Asked Questions can be found here. 
 
If you have any further questions about travel insurance, please contact the UniSA Insurance Office on 08 8302 1678. 
 
Please see here for additional insurance information from AUArts.