- Program Length2 Years
- CredentialDiploma
-
Location OfferedNanaimo
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 |
---|---|
6 |
|
ARTS 111 - (History of Western Art I) and, |
6 |
ARTS 120 - (Two-Dimensional Design) |
3 |
ARTS 121 - (Three-Dimensional Design) |
3 |
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: |
12 |
* Note: At least one of the choices must be ARTS 271 or ARTS 284. |
|
Select four Art courses* from: |
12 |
* Note: At least one of the choices must be ARTS 272 or ARTS 285. |
|
Non-ARTS Elective |
3 |
Total Credits |
30 |
Domestic Fees | International Fees
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 $163.14 per credit) |
4,894.20 |
Student Activity fee (4% of tuition) |
195.77 |
Student Services fee (30 credits x $7.21 per credit) |
216.30 |
VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $26.59 per month) |
212.72 |
Health and Dental Plan fee ($265.00 per year) |
265.00 |
Year 1: Books and supplies (approximate costs) |
1,200.00 |
Total |
6,983.99 |
Fees for Year 2 |
Amount |
---|---|
Tuition (30 credits x $163.14 per credit) |
4,894.20 |
Student Activity fee (4% of tuition) |
195.77 |
Student Services fee (30 credits x $7.21 per credit) |
216.30 |
VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $26.59 per month) |
212.72 |
Health and Dental Plan fee ($275 per year) |
265.00 |
Year 2: Books and supplies (approximate costs) |
2,640.00 |
Total |
8,423.99 |
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 (2 semesters x $10870.72 per semester) |
21,741.44 |
Ancillary Fee (2 semesters x $463.40 per semester) |
926.80 |
VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $26.59 per month) |
212.72 |
Health and Dental Plan fee ($265.00 per year) |
265.00 |
Year 1: Books and supplies (approximate costs) |
1,200.00 |
Total |
24,345.96 |
Fees for Year 2 |
Amount |
---|---|
Tuition (2 semesters x $10870.72 per semester) |
21,741.44 |
Ancillary Fee (2 semesters x $463.40 per semester) |
926.80 |
VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $26.59 per month) |
212.72 |
Health and Dental Plan fee ($265.00 per year) |
265.00 |
Year 2: Books and supplies (approximate costs) |
2,640.00 |
Total |
25,785.96 |
Tuition in the above table is based on $776.48 per credit, up to a maximum of $10,870.72 per semester for 15 credits; $776.48 per credit beyond 15 credits. Ancillary Fees in the above table are based on $33.10 per credit, up to a maximum of $463.40 per semester for 15 credits; $33.10 per credit beyond 15 credits.
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.
UpdatedDomestic (Canadian)
Program Start Date | Accepting Applications | Location | |
---|---|---|---|
Sep 3, 2024 |
Oct 1, 2023 to Mar 31, 2024
|
Nanaimo
|
|
Next Intake(s)
Application Fee
$44.27
Accepting Late Applications
No
Admissions Assistant
Name: Nic Ismirnioglou Chair Contact
Name: Justin McGrail Documentation Deadline
Portfolio: Submit Portfolio electronically and letter of intent by July 31, 2024. Comments
|
International
Program Start Date | Accepting Applications | Location | |
---|---|---|---|
Sep 3, 2024 |
Oct 1, 2023 to Mar 31, 2024
|
Nanaimo
|
|
Anticipated intake for someone applying today
Sep 3, 2024
Application Fee
$150
Accepting Late Applications
Yes
Chair Contact
Name: Justin McGrail International Admissions Officer Contact
Name: Yuzo Ishida Documentation Deadline
Portfolio: Submit Portfolio electronically and letter of intent by March 31, 2024. Comments
Information regarding the Portfolio requirement, Be sure to apply to VIU before submitting your portfolio. |
Further information on this program can be found on the Department website.
Previous versions of this program can be found in the Program Archive.

Denise Tierney
“Visual Art faculty members are genuinely interested in our success. They're encouraging and accessible and always on the look-out for personal development opportunities for students. They help us make connections within the art community and offer career guidance based on their own experiences.”
Information regarding the Portfolio requirement, Be sure to apply to VIU before submitting your portfolio.