Diploma in Fine Arts at Kwantlen Polytechnic University

Kwantlen Polytechnic University offers the Diploma of Diploma in Fine Arts as a full-time degree delivered on campus at its main campus in Abbotsford, Canada. Taught in English and completed over 2 years, the program equips students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for diploma in fine arts and related professional fields. The next available intake begins on January 1, 2027.

About Diploma in Fine Arts

Fine Arts offers a two-year Diploma Program and a one-year Certificate Program, both of which are designed to enable students to acquire a solid foundation in the basic skills of visual arts. Selected courses and groups of courses within the Diploma program may be applied to a 3rd year entry into the KPU Fine Arts BFA, Visual Arts or university transfer credit in Fine Arts and Education.

Upon completion of the two-year diploma program at KPU, graduates will have acquired both intellectual and technical skills to work effectively with a wide range of media. With these skills, students can continue to develop their creative potential individually, through the BFA, Visual Arts program, or at another post-secondary institution. Most Fine Arts credits are university transferable.

The department recommends that students consider a course of study that includes specializing in one or more areas such as ceramics, painting, drawing, photography, print media, sculpture, and digital media.

Further Study

If you think you would like to progress from the Diploma program into KPU's BFA degree program, please consider taking some of the required courses for the BFA in Visual Arts, such as ARTH 1120, ARTH 1121, ARTH 2122 or ARTH 2222, FINA 1167, FINA 1175, and FINA 2147. Please contact a Bachelor of Arts advisor to help you plan your BFA degree.

Requirements and Admission Criteria for Diploma in Fine Arts at Kwantlen Polytechnic University

Entry Requirements

High School: A graduate of a BC secondary school or an equivalent school system. (Note: Proof of June graduation must be received in order to be eligible for Fall admission. High school students graduating in August are eligible for Spring admission. High school students graduating in January are eligible for Summer admission.)

English Requirements

PTEMin 61
IELTSMin 6.5
TOEFLMin 88

Tuition and Fee Information for Diploma in Fine Arts at Kwantlen Polytechnic University

Application Fee 120

How to Apply for Diploma in Fine Arts at Kwantlen Polytechnic University

Step 1: Apply to KPU

All details on the KPU admissions process and entrance requirements can be found here: Admissions

Apply to KPU online at: kpu.ca/apply

Step 2: Prepare Your Portfolio Package

Once you have completed your application, you will receive instructions on how to submit your Portfolio and other required documents through an online submission platform called Slideroom. (Please be aware there is a supplemental fee and data privacy consent required when creating a SlideRoom profile.) This portfolio presents your potential to work in the field of interior design so you are encouraged to show a variety of work.

To help you create the most effective portfolio possible, we offer workshops, feedback sessions and open houses. Click here for more information on dates to come.

For portfolio requirements and process, click here.

Step 3: Attend Interview (online)

Eligible applicants who have met the application, documentation, and portfolio submission requirements will be contacted for an interview.

During the interview process, candidates may be asked to complete a drawing exercise and may be asked to explain a portfolio piece.

Step 4: You'll be notified of our decision

View the results of your application status on your Online Self-Service checklist. Application decisions are updated regularly by KPU Admissions.

Please note that only once all entrance requirements and documentation submissions have been completed, will your application status be updated. Therefore, it is in your best interest to complete your application checklist as soon as possible so that you don't lose your seat.

Your application decision will be one of the following:

Offered admission to the Interior Design program, or
Waitlisted for entry to the Interior Design program, or
Not accepted into the Interior Design program at this time. If you are not accepted into the Interior Design program, you are encouraged to develop your knowledge, skills, and portfolio and reapply.

Step 5: Pay your deposit

If you are sent an offer to our program, reserve your seat by paying a deposit by the specified deadline. Details will be provided in your offer package from the Admissions Office.

Step 6: Register for classes

Admitted students who have paid the confirmation deposit will receive registration instructions.

Diploma in Fine Arts at Kwantlen Polytechnic University

Kwantlen Polytechnic University

Canada, Abbotsford