Program Length
- 2 Years
Credential
- Diploma
Location Offered
- Nanaimo
The Visual Art Diploma Program
Students may apply for VIU’s Visual Art Diploma upon successful completion of 60 credits and a minimum Grade Point Average of 1.84. Of the 60 credits, 45 must be within the Art Department and include 6 credits of Art History with a minimum grade of “C”. Advanced students may apply for transfer credits from other institutions.
Note: All students enrolled in art or design studio courses offered within VIU’s Art and Design department must complete mandatory safety training session(s) before they will be allowed to use the department’s facilities. Each student must purchase and use equipment as specified by the department and sold through the VIU Campus Store.
| Year 1 | Credits |
|---|---|
| ARTS 101 - (Drawing I) and, ARTS 102 - (Drawing II) | 6 |
| ARTS 111 - (History of Western Art I) and, ARTS 112 - (History of Western Art II) | 6 |
| ARTS 120 - (Two-Dimensional Design) | 3 |
| ARTS 121 - (Three-Dimensional Design) | 3 |
| Degree English Requirements | 6 |
| Two Non-ARTS Electives | 6 |
| Total Credits | 30 |
| Year 2 | Credits |
|---|---|
| ARTS 110 - (Contemporary Art: Concepts and Terminology) | 3 |
| Select four Art courses* from: ARTS 294 - (Printmaking I) ARTS 244 - (Photography I) ARTS 254 - (Fundamentals of Painting I) ARTS 256 - (Beginning Watercolour Painting) ARTS 271 - (Ceramics I) ARTS 284 - (Sculpture I) Any one Independent Studies course | 12 |
| * Note: At least one of the choices must be ARTS 271 or ARTS 284. | |
| Select four Art courses* from: ARTS 245 - (Photography II) ARTS 255 - (Fundamentals of Painting II) ARTS 257 - (Watercolour Painting) ARTS 272 - (Ceramics II) ARTS 285 - (Sculpture II) ARTS 295 - (Printmaking II) Any subsequent Independent Studies course | 12 |
| * Note: At least one of the choices must be ARTS 272 or ARTS 285. | |
| Non-ARTS Elective | 3 |
| Total Credits | 30 |
Domestic Fees
Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees
When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.
When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.
Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.
| Fees for Year 1 | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (30 credits x $166.40 per credit) | 4,992.00 |
| Student Activity fee (8 months x $19.97 per month) | 159.76 |
| Student Services fee (8 months x $22.05 per month) | 176.40 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $27.60 per month) | 220.80 |
| Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) | 285.00 |
| Year 1: Books and supplies (approximate costs) | 1,200.00 |
| Total | 7,033.96 |
| Fees for Year 2 | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (30 credits x $166.40 per credit) | 4,992.00 |
| Student Activity fee (8 months x $19.97 per month) | 159.76 |
| Student Services fee (8 months x $22.05 per month) | 176.40 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $27.60 per month) | 220.80 |
| Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) | 285.00 |
| Year 2: Books and supplies (approximate costs) | 2,640.00 |
| Total | 8,473.96 |
The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.
All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.
International Fees
Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees
When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.
When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.
Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.
| Fees for Year 1 | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (30 credits x $799.77 per credit) | 23,993.10 |
| Student Activity fee (8 months x $19.97 per month) | 159.76 |
| Student Services fee (8 months x $22.05 per month) | 176.40 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $27.60 per month) | 220.80 |
| Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) | 285.00 |
| Year 1: Books and supplies (approximate costs) | 1,200.00 |
| Total | 26,035.06 |
| Fees for Year 2 | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (30 credits x $799.77 per credit) | 0.00 |
| Student Activity fee (8 months x $19.97 per month) | 159.76 |
| Student Services fee (8 months x $22.05 per month) | 176.40 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $27.60 per month) | 220.80 |
| Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) | 285.00 |
| Year 2: Books and supplies (approximate costs) | 2,640.00 |
| Total | 3,481.96 |
The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.
All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.
Domestic (Canadian)
| Program Start Date | Accepting Applications | Campus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| to | Nanaimo | ||
|
Next Intake(s):
The Visual Arts Diploma program has one start date each Fall.
Application Fee:
$45.16
Accepting Late Applications:
No
Admissions Assistant:
Name: Ekaterina Kurovskaia Email: Ekaterina.Kurovskaia@viu.ca
Chair Contact:
Name: Justin McGrail Phone: 250.753.3245 ext. 2090 Email: Justin.McGrail@viu.ca
Document Deadline:
Portfolio: Submit Portfolio electronically and letter of intent by July 31, 2025, for the Fall 2025 program.
Comments:
Information regarding the Portfolio requirement, Be sure to apply to VIU before submitting your portfolio. |
|||
International
| Program Start Date | Accepting Applications | Campus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| to | Nanaimo | ||
|
Anticipated intake for someone applying today:
Application Fee:
$150
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Chair Contact:
Name: Justin McGrail Phone: 250.753.3245 ext. 2090 Email: Justin.McGrail@viu.ca
International Admissions Officer Contact:
Name: Ekaterina.Kurovskaia@viu.ca Email: Study@viu.ca
Document Deadline:
Portfolio: Submit Portfolio electronically and letter of intent
Comments:
Information regarding the Portfolio requirement, Be sure to apply to VIU before submitting your portfolio. |
|||
Get more information on The Visual Art Diploma Program
Further information on this program can be found on the Department website.
Visit the Department WebsitePrevious versions of this program can be found in the Program Archive.