Diploma in Visual Arts

Application Fees: CAD $ 150

Academic Requirements: The university generally requires a minimum average grade of 70% or higher in the final year of high school or the overall average for all completed high school years. However, specific program requirements may vary, and some programs may have higher admission standards.

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5, with no band score less than 6.
• TOEFL: A minimum score of 88 on the internet-based test (iBT).
• PTE Academic: A minimum score of 60.

Vancouver Island University (VIU) is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive learning environment, the university offers various scholarships specifically designed to support international students pursuing undergraduate diplomas.

Entrance Scholarships: VIU offers entrance scholarships to outstanding international students who are beginning their undergraduate diploma programs. These scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence, leadership qualities, and extracurricular involvement. Eligible students are automatically considered for entrance scholarships upon admission to VIU.

Merit-Based Scholarships: Merit-based scholarships are available to international students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement throughout their studies at VIU. These scholarships recognize and reward students who maintain high grades and actively contribute to the academic community. Eligibility criteria may vary, and students may need to submit an application or be nominated for consideration.

Need-Based Scholarships: VIU also provides need-based scholarships to international students who demonstrate financial need and require assistance to pursue their undergraduate diplomas. These scholarships aim to ensure that talented students have access to quality education regardless of their financial circumstances. Eligibility is typically determined through a thorough assessment of the student's financial situation.

Diversity Scholarships: As part of its commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion, VIU offers scholarships specifically aimed at supporting students from underrepresented backgrounds or marginalized communities. These scholarships may target students from certain geographic regions, ethnicities, or cultural backgrounds, providing them with opportunities to pursue their educational goals at VIU.

Achievement Scholarships: Achievement scholarships are awarded to international students who have demonstrated outstanding accomplishments in various fields such as academics, athletics, arts, or community service. These scholarships recognize students' exceptional talents, achievements, and contributions, encouraging them to continue excelling in their chosen endeavors.

Graduates of Vancouver Island University's (VIU) esteemed Diploma in Visual Arts program possess a diverse skill set and artistic vision that opens doors to a wide range of exciting career opportunities in the creative industries. With a strong foundation in artistic techniques, conceptual thinking, and professional practices, VIU alumni are well-prepared to pursue careers in various fields within the visual arts and beyond.

Professional Artist: Many graduates of VIU's Diploma in Visual Arts program choose to pursue careers as professional artists, creating and exhibiting their artwork in galleries, museums, and art fairs. As professional artists, they may work in diverse mediums such as painting, sculpture, printmaking, photography, or digital media, exploring their unique artistic voice and contributing to the cultural landscape through their creative expression. They may sell their artwork directly to collectors, collaborate with galleries, participate in artist residencies, or undertake public art commissions.

Gallery Curator: Graduates may also pursue careers as gallery curators, overseeing the curation and exhibition of artwork in galleries, museums, or cultural institutions. Gallery curators are responsible for selecting artwork, designing exhibitions, coordinating installations, and engaging with artists and patrons. They play a crucial role in promoting emerging and established artists, fostering dialogue around contemporary art practices, and enriching the cultural life of communities through diverse and engaging exhibitions.

Arts Educator: With their passion for the arts and teaching, some graduates choose to work as arts educators, teaching art classes, workshops, or continuing education courses in schools, community centers, or arts organizations. Arts educators inspire creativity, foster artistic skills, and encourage self-expression in students of all ages and backgrounds. They may teach fundamental art techniques, art history, or specialized workshops in specific mediums or artistic styles, nurturing the next generation of artists and fostering a love for the arts.

Art Therapist: Others may pursue careers as art therapists, using the creative process of art-making to support individuals in exploring emotions, processing trauma, and promoting mental health and well-being. Art therapists work in clinical settings, mental health facilities, schools, and community organizations, facilitating art-based interventions to address a variety of psychological, emotional, and behavioral challenges. They help clients express themselves non-verbally, build self-awareness, and develop coping skills through the therapeutic use of art materials and techniques.

Freelance Designer: Graduates with skills in digital media, graphic design, or illustration may choose to work as freelance designers, offering their services to clients in need of visual communication solutions. Freelance designers create logos, branding materials, illustrations, and digital graphics for clients in various industries, such as advertising, publishing, web design, or marketing. They may work independently or as part of a design studio, collaborating with clients to bring their creative visions to life and meet their communication needs effectively.

Arts Administrator: Some graduates may pursue careers in arts administration, working behind the scenes to support the operations of arts organizations, galleries, or cultural institutions. Arts administrators manage budgets, coordinate exhibitions and events, oversee marketing and promotion efforts, and handle administrative tasks such as grant writing and fundraising. They play a vital role in ensuring the sustainability and success of arts organizations, fostering connections between artists, audiences, and the wider community.