Diploma in Visual Art at Vancouver Island University

The Visual Art at Vancouver Island University is a Full Time Diploma program offered on the Nanaimo campus in Canada. The program is delivered on campus in English and can be completed in 2 years. Students develop academic knowledge and practical skills that prepare them for future careers in this field. Tuition fees are USD 19,398 / year, and the next available intake starts on September 8, 2026.

About Diploma in Visual Art

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.

Disciplines

Art Design and Performing Arts

Requirements and Admission Criteria for Diploma in Visual Art at Vancouver Island University

Entry Requirements

See Art Admission Requirements.

English Requirements

PTEMin 60
IELTSMin 6.5
TOEFLMin 88

English Program Requirements

Test

Minimum score

TOEFL iBT Paper Edition

550 (no section below 56)

TOEFL iBT

88 (no section below 20), 4.5 (No section below 4.0)

IELTS (Academic)

6.5 (no band below 6.0)

CAEL

C2 Proficiency, formerly known as Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE)

176 overall

C1 Advanced, formerly known as Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE)

176 overall

English Studies 12 (BC)

Min. “C”

Pearson (PTE) Academic

60 (no section below 60)

Duolingo English Test

115 (no band less than 105)

International Baccalaureate English A1/A2

Higher Level (HL)/ Standard Level (SL) grade 3 or higher

VIU English Language Centre

Successful completion of University Preparation Level 5 (UP5) or EAP Level IV on BC EAL articulation

Advanced Placement (AP) English Language and Composition or English Literature and Composition

Grade 2 or higher

Accredited institution where English is the primary language of instruction, located in a country that satisfies VIU’s English Language Requirements

Completion of recognized diploma (minimum 2 years) or degree program

Accredited institution where English is the primary language of instruction, located in a country that satisfies VIU’s English Language Requirements

Completion of six credits of post-secondary English composition and literature with a minimum grade of “C”

General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE)

English at the O-level with a minimum grade of C or 4

CAEL online

Pearson (PTE) Online

60 (no section below 60)

TOEFL iBT Home Edition

88 (no section below 20)

ILAC Pathway Program

Successful Completion of Pathway 3.3

Fee Information

Tuition Fee

19,398 / year

Diploma in Visual Art at Vancouver Island University

Vancouver Island University

Canada, Nanaimo