How to Apply

HOW TO APPLY

There are two ways to apply to this program, either through (1) the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre Application (OUAC) or (2) the York University Application.

Apply through only ONE application only. Applications will receive equal consideration regardless of the application portal used.

OPTION ONE: APPLYING THROUGH OUAC

• Please visit www.ouac.on.ca for information on the application process
• OUAC program code: YEB

OPTION TWO: APPLYING THROUGH THE YORK UNIVERSITY APPLICATION

You MUST use this application if:

• You want to take courses as a Visiting Student; OR
• You want to apply to a certificate; OR
• You are currently taking a Language course at the York University English Language Institute.

Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an email containing your York reference ID. This email will be sent approximately 5-10 business days after you submit your application.

• Fees: $130 CAD (non-refundable)

SUPPLEMENTARY APPLICATION

This program does not have a supplementary application component. After submitting either the OUAC or York University application, you have completed the application process.

HOW TO APPLY

There are two ways to apply to this program, either through (1) the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre Application (OUAC) or (2) the York University Application.

Apply through only ONE application only. Applications will receive equal consideration regardless of the application portal used.

OPTION ONE: APPLYING THROUGH OUAC

• Please visit www.ouac.on.ca for information on the application process
• OUAC program code: YJD

OPTION TWO: APPLYING THROUGH THE YORK UNIVERSITY APPLICATION

You MUST use this application if:

• You want to take courses as a Visiting Student; OR
• You want to apply to a certificate; OR
• You are currently taking a Language course at the York University English Language Institute.

Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an email containing your York reference ID. This email will be sent approximately 5-10 business days after you submit your application.

• Fees: $130 CAD (non-refundable)

SUPPLEMENTARY APPLICATION

This program does not have a supplementary application component. After submitting either the OUAC or York University application, you have completed the application process.

HOW TO APPLY

Submit your application through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) application. Ensure that you apply by the application deadline. Once received, we will contact you via e-mail and grant you access to view updates about your application using our online platform, MyFile.

APPLYING THROUGH OUAC

• Please visit www.ouac.on.ca for information on the application process
• OUAC program code: YEA

Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an email containing your York reference ID. This email will be sent approximately 5-10 business days after you submit your application.

• Fees: $156 CAD (non-refundable)

SUPPLEMENTARY APPLICATION

• Questionnaire: Submit a one-paragraph proposal for a short documentary or fiction film that you would like to produce and that can be made without a budget. In addition, you will also be asked to describe your favourite film or director, and one recent creative project that you were centrally involved in, and what the experience taught you.
• Portfolio: We are also looking to see a 5-minute video (no longer) that has been directed by you. Alternatively, you can be the videographer, writer or editor (please specify your crew position). You can also submit photographs, visual art pieces or visual documentations of an artistic project that you created or developed. You may submit a compilation of projects or one single piece. Avoid demo reels cut to music.
• Interview: Based on our evaluation of the questionnaire and portfolio submissions, short-listed applicants will be invited for an on-campus or zoom interview. Interview days are generally scheduled in February and March.

Acceptance is based on all three elements of the supplementary evaluation – portfolio, statement and interview – in addition to your academic qualifications.

We strongly encourage all our short-listed applicants to attend the on-campus interview as it offers you the most extensive and engaged experience. However, if extenuating circumstances preclude you from coming to campus, you may arrange for a distance interview via zoom.

Getting ready for your film production audition? Check out advice from our professors!

HOW TO APPLY

Submit your application through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) application. Ensure that you apply by the application deadline. Once received, we will contact you via e-mail and grant you access to view updates about your application using our online platform, MyFile.

APPLYING THROUGH OUAC

• Please visit www.ouac.on.ca for information on the application process
• OUAC program code: YEF

Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an email containing your York reference ID. This email will be sent approximately 5-10 business days after you submit your application.

• Fees: $156 CAD (non-refundable)

SUPPLEMENTARY APPLICATION

• Screenwriting Portfolio: Your writing portfolio should include your strongest creative writing (i.e. screenwriting, playwriting, narrative prose writing). You will be able to upload three (max.) original writing samples. Each sample should be 4 to 6 pages in length, double-spaced. The pieces in your submitted portfolio may be excerpts from larger works. Upload your portfolio as a single PDF file.
• Questionnaire: Tell us about a story you would like to write for a ten-minute film which could be made by a small student crew with limited locations, tell us about a character from a novel, screenplay, TV show, or play that you find particularly compelling, and describe one recent creative project that you were centrally involved in.

After evaluators review your submission, select applicants will be contacted to join the next round: a live 2-hour writing exercise followed by a Q&A hosted on Zoom.

Getting ready for your screenwriting audition? Check out advice from our professors!

HOW TO APPLY

Submit your application through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) application. Ensure that you apply by the application deadline. Once received, we will contact you via e-mail and grant you access to view updates about your application using our online platform, MyFile.

APPLYING THROUGH OUAC

• Please visit www.ouac.on.ca for information on the application process
• OUAC program code: YB

Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an email containing your York reference ID. This email will be sent approximately 5-10 business days after you submit your application.

• Fees: $156 CAD (non-refundable)

SUPPLEMENTARY APPLICATION

The Dance BFA program requires you to complete a dance audition as part of your general admissions process. Typically, we have in-person auditions that take place in February/March, with the option to submit a video audition for those applicants living far away from the university.

For your online audition, upload no more than a 5-minute video of yourself doing the following components:

• Warm-up movement of your choice to get your body ready for this audition (no music) – 2 minutes long.
• Improvise or create a solo for yourself that uses levels and different qualities (with music) – 3 minutes long.

For in-person auditions at the York University Keele Campus:

• Part 1: complete a questionnaire about your goals, interest and other relevant experiences.
• Part 2: audition: 1.5 hours mix of contemporary movement, world/global dance, and improvisation.

After your audition you will be invited on a tour of our facilities, performance viewing Q&A with current students.

Getting ready for your dance audition? Check out advice from one of our professors!

HOW TO APPLY

Submit your application through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) application. Ensure that you apply by the application deadline. Once received, we will contact you via e-mail and grant you access to view updates about your application using our online platform, MyFile.

APPLYING THROUGH OUAC

• Please visit www.ouac.on.ca for information on the application process
• OUAC program code: YD

Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an email containing your York reference ID. This email will be sent approximately 5-10 business days after you submit your application.

• Fees: $156 CAD (non-refundable)

SUPPLEMENTARY APPLICATION

Complete the supplementary application using this portal: suppeval.ampd.yorku.ca. Log-in using the email address used for your York University application and your York Reference ID.

Your portfolio should be comprised of 10 to 12 samples of original work that demonstrate a wide range of ideas and competency with different media and tools. At least one piece in your portfolio should present word(s) and image(s) that communicate a message.

In addition to the types of work listed below, sample images from a sketchbook or concept/idea book, e.g., studies and examples of your media/tools experiments, process explorations are required. Your sketchbook samples should contain “notational drawings,” i.e., quick line drawings done to explore layouts and visual concepts.

Your portfolio should contain your best work from at least 3 of the following areas (areas 1-5 are highly recommended for inclusion):

• 2D work, e.g., designs for posters, logos, letterheads, book/magazine covers and interior page spreads, CD inserts.
• Typography, e.g., poetry or words using an expressive font and page layout, typeface designs, expressive lettering. Projects with text settings designed for clear communication. Drawings and experiments with typographic form.
• Interactive media, e.g., website design and/or other interactive work.
• Motion graphics, e.g., video or animation using images and typography. Short pieces with a strong message are preferred.
• Drawing & Illustration, preferably direct observational drawings (not drawn from photographs). Imaginative drawing is also welcome. Ideally, demonstrate use of a wide variety of media (e.g., pen & ink, charcoal, pastel, coloured pencil, marker pen, collage, digital drawings).
• Photography, e.g., b&w prints, colour prints, hand-tinted prints, digitally manipulated.
• Painting, e.g., representative and/or non-representative work in oil, acrylic, watercolour, gouache.
• 3D design/sculpture, e.g., scale models from plan drawings, craft, and fibre experiments.

The sketchbook or concept/idea book is a very important component of the portfolio. It should contain a variety of studies and examples of your media/tools experiments and demonstrate an exploration of visual and annotated ideas, comments and critiques. It will represent a variety of things that interest you and the ongoing development of ideas. Include 8-10 pages from your sketchbook as a single file.

Questionnaire: Why Design? Briefly describe your training or background in visual arts/design. Briefly describe your reaction to a piece of design seen in the last year and explain why you feel it was effective. Tell us about a book, film, a piece of music, play or dance you have experienced within the last year that has impacted your understanding about art and design and list some extracurriculars.

If further follow-up is required, select students may be invited for an interview.

HOW TO APPLY

There are two ways to apply to this program, either through (1) the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre Application (OUAC) or (2) the York University Application.

Apply through only ONE application only. Applications will receive equal consideration regardless of the application portal used.

OPTION ONE: APPLYING THROUGH OUAC

• Please visit www.ouac.on.ca for information on the application process
• OUAC program code: YFA

OPTION TWO: APPLYING THROUGH THE YORK UNIVERSITY APPLICATION

You MUST use this application if:

• You want to take courses as a Visiting Student; OR
• You want to apply to a certificate; OR
• You are currently taking a Language course at the York University English Language Institute.

Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an email containing your York reference ID. This email will be sent approximately 5-10 business days after you submit your application.

• Fees: $130 CAD (non-refundable)

SUPPLEMENTARY APPLICATION

This program does not have a supplementary application component. After submitting either the OUAC or York University application, you have completed the application process.

HOW TO APPLY

There are two ways to apply to this program, either through (1) the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre Application (OUAC) or (2) the York University Application.

Apply through only ONE application only. Applications will receive equal consideration regardless of the application portal used.

OPTION ONE: APPLYING THROUGH OUAC

• Please visit www.ouac.on.ca for information on the application process
• OUAC program code: YJE

OPTION TWO: APPLYING THROUGH THE YORK UNIVERSITY APPLICATION

You MUST use this application if:

• You want to take courses as a Visiting Student; OR
• You want to apply to a certificate; OR
• You are currently taking a Language course at the York University English Language Institute.

Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an email containing your York reference ID. This email will be sent approximately 5-10 business days after you submit your application.

• Fees: $130 CAD (non-refundable)

SUPPLEMENTARY APPLICATION

This program does not have a supplementary application component. After submitting either the OUAC or York University application, you have completed the application process.

HOW TO APPLY

There are two ways to apply to this program, either through (1) the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre Application (OUAC)* or (2) the York University Application.

Apply through only ONE application only. Applications will receive equal consideration regardless of the application portal used.

OPTION ONE: APPLYING THROUGH OUAC

• Please visit www.ouac.on.ca for information on the application process
• OUAC program code: YJ

OPTION TWO: APPLYING THROUGH THE YORK UNIVERSITY APPLICATION

You MUST use this application if:

• You want to take courses as a Visiting Student; OR
• You want to apply to a certificate; OR
• You are currently taking a Language course at the York University English Language Institute.

Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an email containing your York reference ID. This email will be sent approximately 5-10 business days after you submit your application.

• Fees: $130 CAD (non-refundable)

*Please note, if you are applying to a program that requires a supplementary application you must submit your application through OUAC.

SUPPLEMENTARY APPLICATION

For Fall/Winter 2025-26, supplementary applications will be required for direct, first-year entry to the BFA Hons Performance Creation program. The BFA Hons Acting & Performance and BFA Hons Production & Design programs will require participation in the Next Steps process at the end of the first year.

For those who apply to the BA Hons Theatre program, there is no supplementary application required. In the spirit of equity and access, we encourage all interested students to apply, and we feel confident that our program, faculty members, and facilities can help you realize your potential toward a career in theatre, the arts, and beyond.

HOW TO APPLY 

Submit your application through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) application. Ensure that you apply by the application deadline. Once received, we will contact you via e-mail and grant you access to view updates about your application using our online platform, MyFile. 

APPLYING THROUGH OUAC 

• Please visit www.ouac.on.ca for information on the application process 
• OUAC program code: YAB 

Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an email containing your York reference ID. This email will be sent approximately 5-10 business days after you submit your application. 

• Fees: $156 CAD (non-refundable) 

SUPPLEMENTARY APPLICATION 

The Theatre – Performance Creation BFA program requires a supplementary evaluation for admission. Typically, these are in-person sessions that take place in February/March, with remote options available for those applicants living far away from the university.

For your evaluation, please be prepared for the following components. Students choosing to submit online will provide a video link, while students auditioning on campus will perform on their chosen date and time. More information will be provided through the supplementary evaluation system during the booking process.

• Part 1 – Getting to Know You (5 minutes – online only)
• Part 2 – Presentation (2-3 minutes) integrating one or more of the following:
  • A piece of your own dramatic writing (e.g. monologue, poetry)
  • your experience workshopping or developing a play
  • your experience leading a performance project and/or teaching theatre
  • your relationship to a community that inspires your artistic practice
  • A portfolio of your original design work in costumes, sets, lighting or props
  • Original music, movement, dance or other art forms or artisanal crafts you enjoy
  • A critique of a performance, play or installation you have seen that inspires you.

We hope you use this opportunity to share your interest and passion for this work in a way that creatively and authentically reflects you.

Note for video submissions: Your video should be filmed with a single camera, and may be unedited. We don’t require a professional recording. A basic “home” recording will suffice, provided the video shows you fully (not only your head/face) and the recording quality allows us to clearly view and hear your presentation.

Need some tips & tricks for your Theatre audition or supplementary evaluation? Check out advice from our Theatre professors

HOW TO APPLY 

Submit your application through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) application. Ensure that you apply by the application deadline. Once received, we will contact you via e-mail and grant you access to view updates about your application using our online platform, MyFile. 

APPLYING THROUGH OUAC 

• Please visit www.ouac.on.ca for information on the application process 
• OUAC program code: YWB

Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an email containing your York reference ID. This email will be sent approximately 5-10 business days after you submit your application. 

• Fees: $156 CAD (non-refundable) 

SUPPLEMENTARY APPLICATION 

The Theatre – Acting and Performance BFA program requires you to complete an audition as part of your general admissions process. Typically, we have in-person auditions that take place in February/March, with the option to submit a video audition for those applicants living far away from the university.

For your audition, please be prepared for the following components.  Students choosing to submit online will provide a video link, while students auditioning on campus will perform on their chosen date and time.   More information will be provided through the supplementary evaluation system during the booking process.

• Part 1 – Getting to Know You (5 minutes – online only)
• Part 2 – Presentation (No longer than 2 minutes):
  • a contemporary monologue

Note for online applicants: Your video should be filmed with a single camera and should be unedited. We don’t require a professional recording. A basic “home” recording will suffice, provided the video shows you fully (not only your head/face) and the recording quality allows us to clearly view your presentation.

Need some tips & tricks for your Theatre audition or supplementary evaluation? Check out advice from our Theatre professors

HOW TO APPLY 

Submit your application through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) application. Ensure that you apply by the application deadline. Once received, we will contact you via e-mail and grant you access to view updates about your application using our online platform, MyFile. 

APPLYING THROUGH OUAC 

• Please visit www.ouac.on.ca for information on the application process 
• OUAC program code: YWA

Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an email containing your York reference ID. This email will be sent approximately 5-10 business days after you submit your application. 

• Fees: $156 CAD (non-refundable) 

SUPPLEMENTARY APPLICATION 

The Theatre – Production BFA program requires you to complete an oral presentation as part of your general admissions process. Typically, we have in-person presentations that take place in February/March, with the option to submit a video presentation for those applicants living far away from the university.

For your presentation, please be prepared for the following components.  Students choosing to submit online will provide a video link, while students presenting on campus will be present for their chosen date and time.   More information will be provided through the supplementary evaluation system during the booking process.

• Part 1 – Getting to Know You (5 minutes – online only)
• Part 2 – Presentation (3 minutes):

An oral presentation about one or more of the following:

• your experience in one of the following: producing, stage managing, designing or building costumes, sets, props, lights, sound, or video for live performance
• a design portfolio showcasing your original design work in costumes, sets, lighting or props (some examples could be drawings, photographs, painting)
• an organized documentation of your own art or craft work (drawings, photographs, costumes, props, sets, paintings, furniture, metalwork)
• examples of your paperwork produced while working in a Production or Stage Management capacity, such as a call script, schedules, budgets, or blocking charts.
• media samples of your audio or video design for live performance

Note for online applicants: Your video should be filmed with a single camera and should be unedited. We don’t require a professional recording. A basic “home” recording will suffice, provided the video and recording quality allows us to clearly view your presentation.

Need some tips & tricks for your Theatre audition or supplementary evaluation? Check out advice from our Theatre professors

HOW TO APPLY

Submit your application through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) application. Ensure that you apply by the application deadline. Once received, we will contact you via e-mail and grant you access to view updates about your application using our online platform, MyFile.

APPLYING THROUGH OUAC

• Please visit www.ouac.on.ca for information on the application process
• OUAC program code: YM

Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an email containing your York reference ID. This email will be sent approximately 5-10 business days after you submit your application.

• Fees: $156 CAD (non-refundable)

SUPPLEMENTARY APPLICATION

Complete the supplementary application using this portal: suppeval.ampd.yorku.ca. Log-in using the email address used for your York University application and your York Reference ID.

Part 1: Comprise 8 artworks that illustrate your technical and creative abilities. At least two different media should be presented from the following mediums:

• ceramic
• collage
• digital media/digital drawing
• drawing
• installation
• painting
• performance Art (VIDEO with AUDIO)
• photography
• printmaking
• Projection (VIDEO with AUDIO)
• sculpture
• textile

Slides or photographs are acceptable for large or awkward pieces but original, unmounted artwork is preferred. Your portfolio may include work carried out for class assignments as well as independent projects.

Part 2: A current sketchbook, mood board or journal is required and will count as one of your 8 pieces.

Questionnaire: Why do you want to study Visual Arts? What strengths and skills do you bring with you? How will York’s Visual Art Program help you achieve you goals as an artist?

Need some tips & tricks for your portfolio? Check out advice from Department Chair, Brandon Vickerd

HOW TO APPLY

Submit your application through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) application. Ensure that you apply by the application deadline. Once received, we will contact you via e-mail and grant you access to view updates about your application using our online platform, MyFile.

APPLYING THROUGH OUAC

• Please visit www.ouac.on.ca for information on the application process
• OUAC program code: YN

Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an email containing your York reference ID. This email will be sent approximately 5-10 business days after you submit your application.

• Fees: $130 CAD (non-refundable)

SUPPLEMENTARY APPLICATION

This program does not have a supplementary application component. After submitting either the OUAC or York University application, you have completed the application process.

HOW TO APPLY

Submit your application through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) application. Ensure that you apply by the application deadline. Once received, we will contact you via e-mail and grant you access to view updates about your application using our online platform, MyFile.

APPLYING THROUGH OUAC

• Please visit www.ouac.on.ca for information on the application process
• OUAC program code: YH

Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an email containing your York reference ID. This email will be sent approximately 5-10 business days after you submit your application.

• Fees: $156 CAD (non-refundable)

SUPPLEMENTARY APPLICATION

Our application process is designed to help us get to know each other. Our auditions are grouped into four broad categories of performance: Classical, Jazz, World Music, and Digital/Electronic Music. The area you choose to audition for should reflect your interests but does not imply that you will be limited to that area if you are accepted to the Department of Music.

All of our students must demonstrate their musical ability in one of the above areas. If you have a particular interest (such as composition, music education, ethnomusicology or other music studies), please indicate this in the Supplementary Evaluation questionnaire. Complete the supplementary application using this portal: suppeval.ampd.yorku.ca. Log-in using the email address used for your York University application and your York Reference ID.

Once you have completed the questionnaire you will be directed to choose your audition option and identify your focus further: instrument or voice, and performance category of Classical, Jazz, World Music. (If you wish to audition in Digital/Electronic Music, please be sure to indicate this in the Supplementary Application.)

What happens at an audition/interview?

• Your audition will take 15 to 20-minutes and will generally include:

• A performance of your two contrasting pieces
• A discussion of your musical knowledge, experience, goals and aspirations
• Some assessment of theory and musicianship (you may be asked to identify intervals, scales and chord types, and sing pitches, intervals or scales)
• Some sight reading and additional exercises if further information is needed to make a complete assessment

Helpful information regarding choosing the appropriate repertoire for your specific audition type may be found in our Audition FAQs.

HOW TO APPLY

There are two ways to apply to this program, either through (1) the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre Application (OUAC) or (2) the York University Application.

Apply through only ONE application only. Applications will receive equal consideration regardless of the application portal used.

OPTION ONE: APPLYING THROUGH OUAC

• Please visit www.ouac.on.ca for information on the application process
• OUAC program code: YME

OPTION TWO: APPLYING THROUGH THE YORK UNIVERSITY APPLICATION

You MUST use this application if:

• You want to take courses as a Visiting Student; OR
• You want to apply to a certificate; OR
• You are currently taking a Language course at the York University English Language Institute.

Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an email containing your York reference ID. This email will be sent approximately 5-10 business days after you submit your application.

• Fees: $130 CAD (non-refundable)

SUPPLEMENTARY APPLICATION

This program does not have a supplementary application component. After submitting either the OUAC or York University application, you have completed the application process.