Master of Fine Arts in Studio Art

The MFA program at the University of Guelph offers seven graduate students per year an ideal environment in which to challenge and develop their art practice. Exceptionally committed graduate faculty and limited student enrolment result in a community that is intensely engaged in contemporary art and its discourse. A vigorous program of visiting artists extends this community
Course work is structured over a period of four semesters of full-time study. In weekly seminars, students investigate issues central to contemporary practice and pedagogy. Upon completion of course work, degree candidates present a thesis to an external examiner and
their faculty advisory committee. The thesis is comprised of a professional exhibition of artwork, a written support paper, and an oral examination, three components that represent a thorough and integrated art practice.

Admission to the MFA program in studio art may be granted on the recommendation of the School of Fine Art and Music to the following applicants:
Holders of a BFA degree (honours equivalent), or an Honours BA (or its equivalent in fine art or visual arts), or
In exceptional cases, holders of a degree in another field who have completed a minimum of six one-semester courses in fine art or visual arts, or
Students who have satisfied the requirements for transfer from the provisional-student category. Documentation of artwork: 20 digital images or up to a 10 minutes DVD or a combination of the two. A single-page statement that outlines the applicant's interest in art, as well as career objectives and reasons for wishing to study in the University of Guelph's MFA program in studio art.
Two letters of reference should be written by studio professors who know you and your work well. An acceptable alternative to one such letter may be from the department chair on behalf of the department in which you have studied, or from a professional in the field of contemporary art who is familiar with your abilities.
A current curriculum vitae, including education, exhibitions, grants, residencies, and involvement in the art community, including volunteer work.
It is highly recommended that applicants complete at least eight semesters of courses in art history, cultural studies, or related areas prior to applying. Serious interest in, and substantial familiarity with contemporary issues in the visual arts is expected. International English Language Testing System (Academic) (IELTS) 6.5 , Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and (TOEFL Special Home Edition (iBT)) 89 A minimum score of 21 must be achieved in each of the four categories (listening, speaking, reading, writing)