Bachelor
The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) is a prestigious degree that will give you a broad knowledge in visual arts, multimedia, and design before you specialise in one studio area.
The four-year degree is based within purpose-built facilities and students enjoy being part of a supportive community of practitioners.
To apply for admission to the Intermediate Year (first year) of the BFA, you need to have met University Entrance requirements, and achieved NCEA Level 3 Visual Arts in one or more subjects (or the equivalent in other secondary school qualifications).
It is also recommended that you have at least 14 credits in each of two other NCEA Level 3 subjects (or equivalent) that are not practical art subjects.
All applicants also need to submit an application form, a letter of introduction, and a portfolio of work.
Entry to the first year of the Bachelor of Fine Arts is limited. Send your application materials to the School of Fine Arts Reception by 15 November:
You are encouraged to apply as early as possible, and to visit Te Kura Kowaiwai | Ilam School of Fine Arts before making your application. You should expect to be advised of acceptance by the end of November.
One a case-by-case basis, we may accept late applications. Please contact the Fine Arts Administrator at creativeartsadmin@canterbury.ac.nz.
Your application should include a portfolio of recently completed art and/or design work.
The portfolio must include 12 examples of work from NCEA (or equivalent) practical arts subjects. The format should be in colour and can be submitted in an A4 or A3 folder or as a single file PDF either on a USB drive, attached to an email, or shared via a reputable file sharing service (eg, weTransfer or Dropbox).
This is your opportunity to demonstrate:
For more information on the application process for the Intermediate Year, go to
Find out more about what you can do with a degree from UC.