Naturally Creative
The curriculum includes hands-on studio classes covering design principles, art history, and various art forms. Students will develop visual art skills by working with different mediums, allowing them to explore and discover their artistic passion. The courses introduce specific art techniques, while the program focuses on developing skills and exploring art media. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to work with a visiting artist through the Artist in Residence program.
The Fine Arts Certificate also prepares students to continue on with other post-secondary arts programs, such as a Bachelor of Fine Arts.
This program is available to International Students. Our Designated Learning Institute (DLI) number is O111010246767.
Please Note: This program is not eligible for a post-graduate work permit (PGWP) upon graduation; however, additional degree completion pathways leading to PGWP eligibility can be investigated.
Fine Arts Program
The world needs artists. That’s something our Fine Arts program knows a great deal about!
During the certificate program, students finesse their skills and learn new ones they never thought they’d master. Meet student Karina Schneider who’s creating her own artistic future.
More international students are choosing Portage College to start or complete their studies because of the personal attention they receive and the high standard of instruction.
Students who complete our one-year Fine Arts at Portage will have a pathway to Yorkville’s Bachelor of Creative Arts program!
Careers for Arts Students
Portage College Fine Arts program cultivates the strong foundational skills needed for various careers available in the arts and culture sector, including:
Animator, fine artist, art curator, illustrator, architect, tattoo artist, museum interpreter, video game designer, textile designer, commercial artist, art teacher, interior designer, photographer, clothing designer, art director, art archivist, art historian, art therapist, book illustrator, art professor, creative art director, graphic novel artist, cultural planner and many more.
Credentials
Certificate
Admission Requirements
- English Language Arts 30-2
- Students who do not meet admission requirements can contact Student Services regarding opportunities for placement testing. * Students must submit an application to the program to start the process.
Students who wish to carry on their education can do so at one of the following post-secondary institutions:
- Athabasca University: Transfers into a Bachelor of Professional Arts.
- MacEwan University: Transfers into a Bachelor of Fine Arts.
- Yorkville Bachelor of Creative Arts: View Video
*Students are encouraged to consult Transfer Alberta or speak to a student advisor about specific transferability.
Program Start/End Dates
August 31, 2026 to April 30, 2027
Application Deadline
Domestic Student: August 15, 2026 (Application will still be considered after the deadline if seats remain)
Location
Lac La Biche Campus
Domestic Student Fees
Application Fee $53.50
Fall Term
Fee payment deadline August 15, 2025
| Tuition | $2,594.46 |
| Student Association | $116.70 |
| Dental Insurance Fee | $163.25 |
| Health Insurance Fee | $163.25 |
| Technology Fee | $82.71 |
| Recreation Fee | $54.57 |
| Course Package & Materials | $460.00 |
| Total | $3,634.94 |
Winter Term
Fee payment deadline: December 15, 2025
| Tuition | $2,594.46 |
| Student Association | $116.70 |
| Technology Fee | $82.71 |
| Recreation Fee | $54.57 |
| Total | $2,848.44 |
Total tuition & mandatory fees for year: $6,483.38
Part-time Fees
Tuition is calculated using “cost-per-credit” one credit is $170. Calculate the cost by multiplying the number of credits per course by $170.
Visit Portage Bookstore for textbooks and supplies
Tuition Deposit: $100 (non-refundable for oversubscribed programs)
Need help funding your education? Check out our funding options.
Fee Explanations
Students’ Association Fees
These fees are authorized by student referendum and the Board of Governors. They are collected by the College on behalf of the Students’ Association in accordance with the Post Secondary Learning Act.
Health & Dental Fees
You may opt-out of the Dental and Health Insurance plan if you provide proof of comparable coverage for an extended health and/or dental care benefits plan. Any questions regarding SA Fees including the Health and Dental Insurance fees should be directed to the SA Office 780-623-5609.
Athletics & Recreation Fees
These fees are collected to provide recreation and leisure opportunities that promote students’ physical, social, and emotional well-being, whether online or through in person facilities. Check out your +region in the link, to see what is offered at your campus or online.
Technology Fee
This is a mandatory fee assessed to students enrolling in any credit course (except for apprenticeship programs) at Portage College. The fee supports the on-going maintenance and upgrades to administrative systems that support the entire College infrastructure. As such, it is considered a “mandatory non-instructional fee” and, therefore, is subject to Alberta Advanced Education Public Post-Secondary Institutions’ Tuition Fees Regulations. Visa students are charged the same rate as Canadian residents for this fee.
International Student Fees
Application Fee $160.00
Tuition Deposit $5000.00 (non-refundable)
If you choose to pay the full tuition and mandatory fees, you may still be eligible for a refund of payments above the $5000 deposit, as per the Portage College refund policy.
Fall Term
Fee payment deadline: August 15, 2025
| Tuition | $7,650.00 |
| Student Association | $116.70 |
| Dental Insurance Fee | $163.25 |
| Health Insurance Fee | $163.25 |
| Guard Me Insurance | $602.25 |
| Technology Fee | $82.71 |
| Recreation Fee | $54.57 |
| Course Package & Materials | $460.00 |
| Total | $9,292.73 |
Winter Term
Fee payment deadline: December 15, 2025
| Tuition | $7,650.00 |
| Student Association | $116.70 |
| Technology Fee | $82.71 |
| Recreation Fee | $54.57 |
| Total | $7,903.98 |
Total tuition & mandatory fees for year: $17,196.71
Visit Portage Bookstore for textbooks and supplies
Fee Explanations
Students’ Association Fees
These fees are authorized by student referendum and the Board of Governors. They are collected by the College on behalf of the Students’ Association in accordance with the Post Secondary Learning Act.
Health & Dental Fees
You may opt-out of the Dental and Health Insurance plan if you provide proof of comparable coverage for an extended health and/or dental care benefits plan. Any questions regarding SA Fees including the Health and Dental Insurance fees should be directed to the SA Office 780-623-5609.
Athletics & Recreation Fees
These fees are collected to provide recreation and leisure opportunities that promote students’ physical, social, and emotional well-being, whether online or through in person facilities. Check out your +region in the link, to see what is offered at your campus or online.
Technology Fee
This is a mandatory fee assessed to students enrolling in any credit course (except for apprenticeship programs) at Portage College. The fee supports the on-going maintenance and upgrades to administrative systems that support the entire College infrastructure. As such, it is considered a “mandatory non-instructional fee” and, therefore, is subject to Alberta Advanced Education Public Post-Secondary Institutions’ Tuition Fees Regulations. Visa students are charged the same rate as Canadian residents for this fee.