Graphic design is one of the most lucrative career choices for creatives. A course in graphic design can help you take your skills to the next level. Gaining theoretical knowledge and putting it into application in a guided environment shapes graphic design professionals who stand out. Whether your interest is in animation, illustration, video game design, interactive design, user experience, or motion graphics, you can pursue fulfilling graphic design courses in Canada. Colleges and universities in Canada offer a variety of courses to choose from. Moreover, studying in Canada makes for an affordable yet valuable experience. We’ll take you over the eligibility criteria, best universities and colleges, and how international students can apply to Canada graphic design courses.
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What is a Graphic Design Course?
A certificate course, diploma, or an advanced diploma in graphic design is a course you can pursue after completing your Class 12. Requirements usually include a minimum proficiency in the English language for international students. Courses in graphic design can last for 1-3 years, depending on the type of course chosen. There are macro and micro-focused courses offered at various universities and colleges that you can choose from based on your interest. You can find courses in diverse specialisations like:
- Graphic Design
- Visual Development
- 2D Animation
- 3D Animation
- 3D Modeling
- Image Synthesis
- Digital Media and IT
- Web Design
- Production
- Visual Communications
Why Pursue Graphic Design Courses in Canada?
A graphic design course enables you to develop your creativity and skills into real-life problem-solving abilities. Certificates also expand the employment opportunities post your education. While enrolling in a design program anywhere has its merits, pursuing a graphic design course in Canada increases the return on your investments due to the following factors:
- Top-notch quality of education at world-renowned universities and colleges.
- Better standard of living and lifestyle than most developing countries.
- Affordable cost of living for the lifestyle compared to other English-speaking countries.
- Opportunities to work while studying, be a freelancer, and get full-time job opportunities for international students.
- Scholarships and financial aid for pursuing higher education.
- A diverse student community to learn, grow, and evolve with.
Overall, Canada is one of the best countries to study for Indian and other international students due to the many opportunities and the environment of acceptance by the people and government.
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Graphic Design Course Requirements
While the requirements for enrolling in a graphic design course in Canada vary from university to university, we have put down some basic ones that apply to nearly all of them.
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria to get admission for a graphic design course in Canadian universities are as follows:
- A minimum of 4 subjects in Class 12 (including English)
- An average of 70% (no course less than 60%) in Class 12
- An Academic and Career Entrance Certificate (ACE)
- Qualification in IELTS or TOEFL
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Documents Required
The following documents are required for international students to gain successful admission in a graphic design program in Canadian universities:
- Online application/form
- A statement of purpose
- A statement of interest
- Resume/CV
- Official transcripts of academic documents
- A portfolio of sample design work
- Sample written work
- Confidential letters of recommendation
- Financial documents
- ELP scores
Top 8 Universities in Canada offering Graphic Design course
Courses in graphic design can vary in type and specialisation. Here are the best universities and graphic design colleges in Canada offering courses in graphic design in English.
Capilano University (CapU), North Vancouver, British Columbia
Type of Course: Diploma Specialisation: 2D Animation and Visual Development Duration: 2 Years (On Campus) Fees (approx): INR 16.1 L/year or CAD 27,019/year
University Of The Fraser Valley (UFV), Abbotsford, British Columbia
Type of Course: Diploma Specialisation: Graphic Design Duration: 2 Years (On Campus) Fees (approx): INR 10.1 L/year or CAD 16,950/year
Algonquin College (AC), Ottawa, Ontario
Type of Course: Advanced Diploma Specialisation: Animation Duration: 3 Years (On Campus) Fees (approx): INR 4.2 L/year or CAD 7,048/year Type of Course: Advanced Diploma Specialisation: Graphic Design Duration: 3 Years (On Campus) Fees (approx): INR 4.2 L/year or CAD 7,048/year
Cambrian College, Sudbury, Ontario
Type of Course: Diploma Specialisation: Graphic Design Duration: 3 Years (On Campus) Fees (approx): INR 8.6 L/year or CAD 14,433/year Type of Course: Advanced Diploma Specialisation: Graphic Design Duration: 3 Years (On Campus) Fees (approx): INR 8.6 L/year or CAD 14,433/year
Centennial College, Toronto, Ontario
Type of Course: Diploma Specialisation: Animation-3D Duration: 2 Years (On Campus) Fees (approx): INR 10.5 L/year or CAD 17,621/year Type of Course: Advanced Diploma Specialisation: Graphic Design Duration: 3 Years (On Campus) Fees (approx): INR 9.3 L/year or CAD 15,607/year
Northern Alberta Institute Of Technology (NAIT), Edmonton, Alberta
Type of Course: Diploma Specialisation: Digital Media and IT-Animation Duration: 2 Years (On Campus) Fees (approx): INR 10 L/year or CAD 16,782/year Type of Course: Certificate Specialisation: Graphic Communications Duration: 1 Year (On Campus) Fees (approx): INR 9.7 L/year or CAD 16,271/year
St. Lawrence College, Kingston, Ontario
Type of Course: Advanced Diploma Specialisation: Graphic Design Duration: 3 Years (On Campus) Fees (approx): INR 10.2 L/year or CAD 17,108/year Type of Course: Graduate Certificate Specialisation: User Experience Design Duration: 1 Year (On Campus) Fees (approx): INR 10.2 L/year or CAD 17,108/year
British Columbia Institute Of Technology (BCIT), Burnaby, British Columbia
Type of Course: Diploma Specialisation: 3D Modeling, Art and Animation Duration: 18 Months (On Campus) Fees (approx): INR 11 L/year or CAD 18,450/year Type of Course: Associate Certificate Specialisation: Graphic Design Duration: 6 Months (On Campus) Fees (approx): INR 4.4 L/year or CAD 7,380/year
How to Apply for Graphic Design Courses in Canada?
Follow the steps below for a smooth experience when applying to universities or colleges in Canada for graphic design courses:
- Find the specialisation or niche you want to study.
- Research universities or colleges offering the same.
- Go through the eligibility criteria on the university website.
- If you are eligible, prepare the documents mentioned.
- Apply by filling out the form/application provided on the website.
- Pay the application fees.
- Once your admission is confirmed, apply for a student visa.
Job Prospects After Graphic Design Courses in Canada
In the digital age, the job prospects and opportunities for graphic designers are endless. These are some job prospects to consider for your future when applying for a graphic design course:
- Art Director
- Creative Director
- Advertising Director
- Animator
- Artworker
- Illustrator
- Concept Artist
- Fine Artist
- Graphic Designer
- UX Designer
- Game Designer
- Interior and Spatial Designer
Conclusion
A graphic design course in Canada with a specialisation of your choice is a great way to shape your education to benefit you in the long run. The quality of education and ease of application for graphic design courses in canada for international students makes it an opportunity no creative person should miss out on. Browse through the top universities suggested to find your dream course and take charge of your studies today. You can also speak with India’s best study abroad experts at LeapScholar to get further counselling and advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is there a way to learn graphic design on your own without taking a course?
While you may be able to find tutorial videos and software help online, the benefits a course has to offer to your career outweigh the comfort of self-learning.
If you plan to pursue graphic designing professionally, a course is well worth the investment. The right course can help you discover new aspects of design you never knew and set you up for success in your professional life ahead.
2. Is it worth it to do a diploma in graphic design?
A diploma in graphic design is definitely worth doing. However, the right type of course for you may depend on your current interests and plans for the future.
If you are sure about pursuing a career as a graphic designer, a diploma or even advanced diploma is ideal. You can also opt for a certificate course of shorter duration if that meets your needs.
Consider a graphic design course in Canada for the best quality of education for international students.
3. Is there a demand for graphic designers in Canada?
Yes. Graphic designers are in demand across the globe, including Canada.
The US BLS projects a growth of 3% in the employment of graphic designers between 2020 and 2030. While that may not sound like a lot, it still means 23,900 new openings for graphic designers each year.
4. How much do graphic designers make in Canada?
In a country like Canada, the average salary for graphic designers is CAD 45,002/year. For international students and working professionals, it is the best country to explore. There are many opportunities for education and employment in Canada for graphic designers.
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