It depends on the student, but most portfolio preparations take one to two years. At Toronto Art Class, we cover all requirements — from foundational basics to advanced-level artwork — using structured, step-by-step instruction tailored to each student's goals.

Most art portfolios include 15 to 20 of your strongest works, showcasing your creativity and originality. Some schools also require an at-home test or additional exercises. At Toronto Art Class, we guide students through each school's specific requirements to ensure every submission is tailored and competitive

Art schools look for individuality, creativity, and original thinking — not just technical skill. At Toronto Art Class, we guide students to balance strong observational drawings and paintings with creative freedom and critical problem-solving skills. The most successful portfolios show a student's unique voice and artistic potential.

Yes, short-term art portfolio prep is possible, though it depends on how many schools you are applying to and your current skill level. Since every student's ability is different, rushing the process can result in work that lacks quality and originality. At Toronto Art Class, we generally recommend allowing one to two years for the best results — though recent art school graduates may be able to achieve strong work more quickly.

It depends on the program. Applying to general studies requires strong foundational skills in observational drawing and painting. However, students applying to specialized majors such as fashion design, animation, or architecture may need to tailor their portfolio to meet specific technical requirements. At Toronto Art Class, we help students prepare targeted portfolios for each program they are applying to.

While every school is different, most assessors agree that technically strong work alone is not enough. They want to see personality, creativity, and an experimental approach — unusual ways of seeing and solving visual problems. At Toronto Art Class, we encourage students to go beyond technical skill and develop a distinctive artistic voice that stands out.

Yes! Most undergraduate and graduate art programs do not restrict applicants based on their previous major. What matters most is the quality of your portfolio — it should demonstrate originality, creativity, and strong problem-solving skills. At Toronto Art Class, we help students from all backgrounds build competitive portfolios that showcase their true artistic potential.

Yes, international students may receive scholarships, though opportunities vary by school. State universities typically offer fewer scholarships for international applicants, but in recent years many institutions have increased funding and added new categories to attract talented students from around the world. To maximize your chances, maintain a strong academic GPA and submit your best possible portfolio. At Toronto Art Class, we help international students build competitive portfolios that meet the highest standards for art school admissions worldwide.

Our class fees vary by program and schedule. Visit our Class Fees page for detailed pricing and available options.

Toronto Art Class currently offers in-person classes at our Toronto studio, providing hands-on guidance and direct instructor feedback.

We recommend starting in Grade 9 or 10 to allow enough time to build a strong, competitive portfolio by application deadlines.

Book a free 20-minute consultation with our director to discuss your goals and find the right program for you.