The number of Indian students studying in foreign countries has rapidly increased. Around 1.3 million Indian Students were studying abroad in 2023. As of 2023, 319,130 students from India have already enrolled in the Canadian institutions. The population of Indian students continues to reach record highs in Canada, and there are no signs of this growth slowing. India is projected to remain the world’s leading student-age population (18-24) through 2030.
Canada is a popular choice for people looking to pursue a career in UX design because it has a variety of well-ranked universities that offer programmes in this area. Although many countries offer Design programs, Master in Design (MDes) or Master in UX Design in Canada is the first choice for international students. The universities in Canada are renowned for their cutting-edge curriculum and state-of-the-art facilities. Their programs are developed to focus on the holistic approach to UX design, covering areas such as user research, interaction design, and prototyping. These programs in Canadian Institutions go beyond theoretical frameworks, strongly emphasising hands-on experiences and real-world projects. With access to high-tech labs, collaborative spaces, and industry partnerships, students immerse themselves in user research, interactive storytelling, and advanced digital media design. Apart from this, the tuition fees for Masters in UX design in Canada are generally competitive compared to other countries. On average, the course will cost between INR 20,000 to 40,000 per year for international students.
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Besides, the universities also offer scholarships and bursaries that provide financial aid to the students. A thriving tech industry and robust financial services make Canada an attractive destination for seeking career opportunities across a spectrum of industries.
Top 10 Universities for Masters in UX Design In Canada
Several prominent Universities in Canada offer Master’s programs in UX Design and related courses. There are specialised Masters in UX Design programs available in Canadian colleges that equip students with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills required for a successful career in the design industry. However, there are a lot of factors that need to be considered before applying for the course. The duration of the program, colleges offering the particular system, and its ranking keep on changing. Hence, verifying the latest information from the official websites becomes essential.
Let’s have a look at some of the best universities offering Masters in UX Design In Canada:
1. Simon Fraser University
The MS of interactive Design is offered in SIAT in art, Design, media, and information technology with expertise in the computational aspects of human interaction with the technology and systems of the field. The objective of this particular program is research and new technologies.
Tuition fees: The tuition fees for the master’s program are subject to change, subject to provincial legislation.
A basic idea of how the course will cost you is mentioned below:
| Course | Tuition Fees |
| Interactive Arts and Technology | INR 12,70,659 per term |
Eligibility: To apply for the master’s in UX design program at this University, you must fulfil the requirements established by the University. The eligibility requirements are as follows:
- An undergraduate degree in an equivalent discipline.
- 2 Reference letters and information technology from qualified persons.
- Applicants who do not have English as their first language must prove English proficiency by IELTS, TOEFL, CAEL, and Pearson English test scores.
- A record of substantial university coursework in scientific and/or technological areas.
- a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better at a Canadian university, or equivalent, for the undergraduate degree
Application Deadline: The deadline to apply for the September 2024 academic year is January 31, 2024. You must submit the application form and the essential documents before this date to secure a seat at the University.
Duration: The UX design program at Simon Fraser University is 6 semesters. Students are expected to complete all 6 semesters.
Scholarships: Several scholarship programs are available for graduate courses depending on the category and the system one is applying for.
Some of them are as follows:
● Simon Fraser University Entrance Scholarship
● Donor Awards
● University administered external awards
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2. University of Waterloo
The UX Design course provided by this university covers fundamental concepts of UX Design and Research. It enables students to understand real-life user evaluation and design processes, challenges, teams, and models. Students gain experience designing, evaluating, implementing, and engaging user experience.
Through online delivery, this program equips future leaders, strategic thinkers and team managers with the skills they need to innovate and thrive in this fast-evolving field.
Tuition fees: The tuition fees for the UX design course at the University of Waterloo are as follows. However, the fees change depending on the 0applied course and the application year.
Details of the course at the University of Waterloo are mentioned below:
| Course | Tuition(per year) |
| Master of Digital Innovation Experience | INR 7,45,707 per term |
Eligibility: To apply for the Master of Digital Innovation experience, you must follow the following requirements:
● A bachelor’s degree or equivalent in science, math, social sciences, humanities, health, etc, with an average of 78% in the final 2 years of the degree.
● Proof of English language proficiency is mandatory.
Application Deadline: The deadline to apply for this program is February 1, 2024.
All the required documents about your application must be uploaded by February 15. Late submissions will not be entertained.
Duration: Full-time students can complete their course in 2 terms (8 months) or even take the part-time option of 20 months, specially designed for working professionals.
3. University Of Toronto
University of Toronto is a public research university in Queen’s Park, Toronto, Ontario. It offers more than 700 UG and 200 PG courses to international students per year. This University is a leader in research-based start-ups and inventions, has research collaboration with more than 1000 institutions, and ranks among the world’s top 5 university-managed business incubators. The University offers the Master’s in UX Design course through its Faculty of Information. However, there are a lot of requirements that one must be aware of before applying for the courses. The Faculty of Information offers a variety of work-integrated learning opportunities such as the MI Co-op option, practicum, job shadowing, and ask-an-alum.
The details of the program are as follows:
Tuition Fees: Tuition fees for a particular course can vary depending on many factors, including the student’s residency status and any scholarship or financial aid they may have applied for or are receiving. However, it is best to explore the opportunity to gain financial assistance and even provide universities with the resources to help students navigate their economic aspects.
Here are the details about the course at the University Of Toronto:
| Course | TUITION FEES | ADDITIONAL FEES | TOTAL |
| Master of Information | INR 25,64,183 | INR 1,71,715 | INR 27,35,898 |
Eligibility: To secure a seat in the Master’s in UX design course at Toronto University, you must meet these specific requirements. These ensure the applicants have the necessary skills and background for the program.
● A bachelor’s degree or its equivalent.
● Maintain a minimum GPA score, usually around 3.0 or higher.
● The scores for IELTS should be 7.5, or TOEFL should be 107.
● Additional requirements include a letter of recommendation, statement of purpose and application fees.
Please note that Courses such as studio art, drama, music performance, theology, education, or library science are not normally considered sufficiently academic in content for admissions purposes.
Application Deadline: The regular application deadline for international students is February 8, 2024. All required documents and the application fee (125 CAD) must be submitted by this date.
Duration: The course is for 3 years, with a maximum of three years allowed.
Part-time students can use up to 6 years to complete their degree.
Scholarships: A few scholarship programs are available; you can apply by submitting the admission application before the deadline. A few of the scholarships are:
- Alumni Fund Scholarship
- Dean’s Master of Information scholarships
- Faculty of Information fellowships
- Mary Freeman scholarship
- Faculty of Information Fellowships
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4. University of Alberta
The course offered by the University of Alberta provides a thesis-based program. The thesis is a project that allows students to learn advanced working methods and contribute to their chosen fields of design. Students in this course gain research and practice skills using interdisciplinary and preparatory approaches.
With over 100 years of history, it is one of the top research-intensive universities in Canada. The University offers a rich and varied student life.
Tuition fees: The tuition fees for the Masters in UX/UI design program at the University of Alberta are as follows. However, the costs may keep on changing based on several factors.
Check out the details below:
| Course | Tuition Fees |
| Master in UX Design | INR 19, 09,046 |
Eligibility: You have to fulfil specific requirements to be eligible to apply for the course at the University of Alberta. The conditions that one must possess are:
● A 4-year bachelor’s degree or equivalent with a 60% score.
● English language proficiency.
Application Deadline: The deadline to apply for the course is January 15, 2024. One must complete the application form and prepare the documents to secure seats.
Duration: This online/distance program offered by the University of Alberta to earn a certificate in UX design is one year.
5. Humber College
Humber College’s UX Design course for graduates is designed in—a way to stimulate the interdisciplinary approaches one will need to achieve an innovation process. In the first two semesters, the course will prepare you to innovate by problem-finding through design research, problem-understanding, and problem-solving techniques. The faculty of media and creative arts facilitates it. This course is offered as a Graduate Certificate.
Along with that, a variety of conceptual and practical work will help develop effective UX design skills. The courses offered are hybrid and combine both online and in-class instruction models.
Further details are as follows:
Tuition fees: The fees for the international students for this program are as follows. However, the fee structure may be subject to change concerning the course and the year you are applying for.
Checkout the semester-wise tuition fees below
| Course (Masters of UX Design) | TUITION FEES |
| Semester 1 | INR 6,11,575 |
| Semester 2 | INR 6,11,575 |
| Semester 3 | INR 33,504 |
| TOTAL | INR 12,56,654 |
Eligibility: To be a part of the college’s UX Design program, you have to fulfil specific specified requirements., which are as follows:
● A Bachelor’s Degree or advanced diploma.
● Must qualify for the English language proficiency policy of Humber College, like the Cambridge English test with B2 level and above and IELTS with 6.5 bands minimum.
● Students must go through an international credit evaluation.
Application Deadline: The application deadline for the Humber College 2024 program is February 1, 2024. One can even apply after this date. However, the applications submitted after February 1 will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis, depending on the availability of seats.
Duration: The UX design course at Humber College is three semesters, and lectures are delivered entirely online, offline and in hybrid mode.
Scholarship: Flywire Charitable Foundation Scholarships
6. St. Lawrence College
St.Lawrence College offers a program that prepares graduate students for the exciting career of user experience(UX) design. This course will prepare you to work with clients in several industry sectors and achieve vital business objectives.
You will learn from the faculty with industry experience; small-size classrooms make the session interactive and help build a relationship with the mentors. You will also gain real-world experience by working on client projects that are a part of the curriculum.
Further details of the course are as follows:
Tuition fees: Tuition fees at St.Lawrence College vary depending on the program and campus. The prices set up by the SLC are made up of the tuition fees and ancillary/Compulsory fees. Some programs would have extra costs, including study materials, tools/kits, uniforms, etc.
An estimate of the fees for international students for the course is as follows:
| Course | Tuition Fees | Ancillary Fees | Total |
| Masters in UX Design | INR 10,60,988 | INR 1,38,202 | INR 11,99,190 |
Eligibility: You must fulfil specific requirements to apply for the Masters in UX Design in Canada. The most basic requirements for the course are as follows:
● A 2 or 3-year college diploma or a University Degree.
● English language proficiency.
● Students are also required to have their own laptops and computer hardware.
Application deadline: The deadline for the application at St.Lawrence College is February 1, 2024. You can complete the application form and submit the essential documents before this date.
Duration: The Masters in UX Design Course at St. Lawrence College, Kingston Campus, is 1 year (2 semesters). It is a full-time program.
Scholarship: The college offers an extensive Scholarships and Bursaries program that helps students pay for the college. The scholarship ranges between INR 30,400 – and INR 1,82,404. You must fill out the application form as per the eligibility and submit it before the deadline.
7. Nova Scotia College of Art and Design
Unlike any other art school in the country, the Nova Scotia College of Arts and Design offers students an interdisciplinary experience. If you wish to become a part of a supportive community and are adventurous here and maker, this college is the perfect choice.
The details you will require for the application purpose are mentioned below:
Tuition fees: The tuition fees differ for different courses and change depending on the academic year you are applying for. Apart from tuition fees, several other costs, including the hostel rent, study materials, etc., add to studying costs.
Here is an estimate of tuition fees one will have to pay:
| COURSE | Tuition fee(per semester) |
| Master of Design | INR 3,77,628 |
Eligibility: To be eligible to apply for the UX Design program from the Nova Scotia College of Arts and Design, you have to fulfil specific requirements.
The eligibility requirement is as follows:
● A bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification from a recognised university.
● English language proficiency test scores.
Application deadline: The deadline for applying for the Master of Design at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design for 2024 is January 15, 2024. Aspiring candidates must submit the application form, the required documents, and the application before the deadline.
Duration: The Master of Design is an interdisciplinary, two-year, 60-degree program. The course consists of 4 semesters.
Scholarships: While applying for admission to NSCAD as per the deadline, you will be automatically eligible for the entrance scholarships and bursaries. You will be eligible for an entrance award in the CAD 500-9000; some prizes are extended up to 4 years of study. Apart from this, there are also internal and external scholarships available.
8. Carleton University
Carleton University’s UX design course focuses on advancing knowledge in the design field by studying advanced design principles and interdisciplinary design practices. The University believes in imparting knowledge of advanced Design methodologies and design processes through its program.
Along with that, it also offers project-based interdisciplinary studio activities and lecture-based methods. Theory classes.
The details required to enrol yourself in this college are as follows:
Tuition fees: The tuition fees for the full-time courses may vary from those mentioned.
However, a brief estimate of the costs one may have to incur for studying at Carleton University would be as follows:
| COURSE | TUITION FEES (Per year) |
| Master of Computer-Human Interaction | INR 5,58,827 |
Eligibility: The admission requirements for the applicants for the MCHI program include:
● A bachelor’s degree in a design discipline or equivalent, with at least a B+ grade.
Application Deadline: The deadline for the Masters of Human-Computer Interaction at Carleton University for 2024 is March 1, 2024. One must submit the application form along with the required documents and application fees before this date.
Duration: The duration of the MCHI program is two years, which consists of 4 semesters
Scholarships: Carleton University sponsors students’ education. However, it is Applicable only for domestic students.
9. University of Ottawa
This program, the blend of digital transformation and Innovation program, is a multi-faculty collaboration between the Telfar School of Management, The Faculty of Arts, and the Faculty of Engineering to train highly qualified professionals to develop, manage, and research the significant changes in our world. The UX design course is a program with a solid commitment to industry relevance and the creative arts.
Admission process details are mentioned here:
Tuition fees: Students who originally do not belong to Canada are considered International students. The tuition fees for international students differ from those for domestic students. However, the costs keep changing depending on the year of application and the course you are applying for.
The prices for a Master of Digital Transformation and Innovation at the University of Ottawa are mentioned in the table below:
| Course | Tuition Fees |
| Master of Digital Transformation and Innovation | INR 3,04,076 |
Eligibility:
● B+ In Honors Bachelor’s degree in a discipline relevant to the stream chosen.
● English language proficiency tests like IELTS and TOEFL scores.
Application Deadline: the deadline to apply for the User Experience Design Program at the University of Ottawa is May 1 for the Fall and October 1 for the Winter. It is mandatory to submit the applications before the deadline; in case of late or incomplete applications, your application will be rejected.
Duration: The duration of the program is six terms. The options available for the program are full-time, part-time, English language, Thesis, Major Research paper-based, etc.
Scholarships: The University of Ottawa, along with the federal and Ontario governments and external agencies, awards graduate students more than 41 million dollars yearly in scholarships and bursaries.
Exceptional merit and admission Scholarships are awarded to international students.
Apart from this, a few of the other scholarship programs are
● Ontario Graduate Scholarships
● Canada Graduate Scholarships Program
● The Queen Elizabeth IiI graduate scholarships in science and technology.
● Ontario Women’s Health Scholars Awards.
Masters in UX Design Course Curriculum
The Masters in UX Design in Canada is designed to engage the students with a holistic understanding of the core principles, topics, and. practices that bolster the development of diverse user-centric digital experiences. The course’s curriculum is structured in a way that covers a range of subjects, including theoretical topics, with the implementation of practical skills to prepare the students for the dynamic field of UX(User Experience) design.
The UX design course typically consists of modules that vary depending on the University and the college you have enrolled in. The curriculum includes projects and assignments along with the subjects of the course. Additionally, some programs even incorporate internships and co-op programs.
The duration of the Masters in UX Design in Canada course usually lasts around 1 to 2 years, divided into three semesters. However, the time varies depending on the college and the University you are pursuing. The colleges even provide full-time and part-time study options.
The common subjects in the first semester are:
- Introduction to User Design
- Introduction to Design for Interaction
- Interaction Design Studio 1
- Design Research
The foundational course in the first semester revolves around the overview of UX principles, design thinking, and the user-centred design process. It helps students gain insights into user research and digital experiences.
Some common subjects in the 2nd semester are:
- Professional Practice
- Interaction Design Studio 2
- Product Management
- Special topics in user Experience- Design 2
- Product Design
- Service Design
- Ethnography & co-creation
This semester’s subjects delve into colour theory, typography, visual hierarchy, developing design concepts using prototyping tools, usability testing, mobile device screen sizes, and topics like VR(Virtual Reality) and AR(Augmented Reality).
The subjects in the 3rd semester are as follows:
- Field Experience-User Experience (UX) Design
- Capstone
The course ends with a capstone project that helps students apply their skills to solve real-world UX design problems.
Masters in UX Design Jobs
Graduates of Masters of UX Design in Canada are in high demand and are hired by several potential employers within Canada. Canada’s developing tech industry and focus on user-centric design have created a robust demand for these professionals.
Several job prospects like interior designer, automobile, robotics, design, aviation/industrial, and architecture are available for the degree holders, and they can expect an average salary of INR 27 00,000 to 70,00,000 in a year.
The top companies in Canada Hiring for UX designer Jobs are
- IBM
- Amazon
- Royal Bank of Canada
- Intact
- Apple
- Autodesk
Some of the UX design roles and their job prospects with the average salary expectation in Canada are:
| Jobs | Avg Annual Salary |
| Illustrator | INR 20,66,215 |
| Interior Designer | INR 38,62,011 |
| Graphic Designer | INR 41,73,156 |
| UX Designer | INR 65,99,117 |
| Information Architect | INR 72,72,327 |
| Visual Designer | INR 55,99,684 |
| Mobile Application Designer | INR 75,89,321 |
Note: Salaries mentioned in the table are approximate. They may vary by location and employer.
Documents required for Masters in UX Design In Canada
Pursuing a Master’s in UX Design demands meticulous preparation and attention to detail. The specific requirements of the document may vary depending on the university and institution you are applying for. Hence, it becomes necessary to thoroughly review the specific requirements of the institution you want to apply for.
Meeting all the requirements and presenting a well-documented and compelling application enhances your chance of being accepted for your dream course.
The documents required may vary. However, the list of the most common documents is as follows:
1. Application form
First, fill out the application form for the university/college you want to apply for. The form typically demands personal information, educational background, and, in some cases, a statement of purpose. Be very careful while filling out the form and check the details.
2. Academic transcripts
Most universities and colleges will require transcripts from your previous educational institutions. These transcriptions need to present a comprehensive overview of your educational performance.
3. Bachelor’s Degree certificate
A bachelor’s degree certificate is the utmost requirement. If your undergraduate degree is not yet completed l, universities may even accept provisional certificates.
4. Resume or CV
A detailed CV highlighting your education, professional achievements, and experiences, stressing the relevant skills related to UX Design specifically.
5. Letter of Recommendations
Generally, two or three letters of recommendation are needed. These letters of recommendation should be from college professors, professionals, or employers who can tell you about your abilities and academic potential.
6. Portfolio
An in-detail portfolio showcasing your designs and projects you have previously worked on demonstrating your skills is crucial. It would be best to highlight various projects that display your proficiency in UX Design.
7. Statement of Purpose
A compelling statement of purpose is crucial to your application. Hence, write a statement that defines your motivations for pursuing a Master’s degree, your career goals and experiences, and how the course aligns with your aspirations.
8. English language Proficiency test scores
If English is not your first language, you must provide standardised English proficiency test scores like the IELTS or TOEFL.
9. Work Experience and GRE Scores (if required)
Check for the university requirements you are applying for. Some may ask for relevant work experience in UX design-related fields and Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores as part of your application.
In Summary
Throughout this blog, we have learned about the top colleges for pursuing a Master’s in UX design in Canada and how one can be prepared to grab a seat in a prestigious institution nationwide. The course offers a transformative education experience that effortlessly combines academic rigours with real-world applicability.
Canada is an attractive destination for international students because of its high-quality education system, career prospects, safety, and cultural diversity. The country’s commitment to innovation and technology aligns perfectly with the dynamic nature of UX design. Hence, pursuing a master’s degree in UX Design in Canada makes it a promising option for Indian students exploring to create their mark in the UX design field.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Q. What job can one get with a master’s degree in UX Design?
A. A User Experience Design graduate has many job opportunities to explore. These career options include UX researcher, information architect, interaction designer, visual designer, usability tester, etc. These job profiles promise a promising future to the aspirant and are continuously gaining demand in Canada with the development in the technological field.
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Q. Is it mandatory to have a masters in UX Design to be a UX designer?
A. It is not mandatory to have a masters in UX Design to be a UX designer. Many UX Designer professionals do not have a degree in UX Design or any UX-related field. You can get the required skills with a certification or a small-duration course. Having a career in UX design without a degree at all is possible. In addition, some employers prefer candidates with at least a bachelor’s degree.
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Q. How many years does it take to master UX Design?
A. To earn a master’s degree in UX Design may take around 2 to 3 years; it is not even necessary to have a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree. You can take admission in the introductory design course and sharpen your skills through a UX/UI design certification course. After completing the course, your skills will be enhanced by working on multiple projects, and the more work experience you gain, the more skilled you will become in the field.
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Q. What are the degrees that help with UX design?
A. The education requirement to be a UX Designer varies with the institution and location you are applying for. While formal education requirements for UX designers keep changing, bachelor’s degrees in relevant fields such as graphic design, psychology, Interaction design, or computer science are commonly preferred by employees. The candidates can even pursue their master’s or certification programs if they wish to.
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Q. Which languages are used for UX design?
A. The programming languages you will learn in your Master’s in UX Design are HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. You can use many libraries and frameworks based on these technologies, such as Bootstrap, jQuery, React, Angular, and Vue, to upgrade your UI and UX Design. These tools provide ready-made components, templates, and functions that simplify and speed up their development process.
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Q. How do you become a UX designer in Canada?
A. To become a UX Designer in Canada, you must complete your primary education in the relevant field. After that, follow these five steps. First, learn UX Design Fundamentals. Second, learn essential designing tools. Third, Work on your projects to enhance your design skills. Fourth, Develop a portfolio that showcases your work in UX Design. The first and final step is to Apply for UX Design jobs.
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Q. What is the career path in UX?
A. The UX Design field offers a promising career, and with the development in the technological field, the demand has been thriving. In the design field, one can work their way up from IX designer to UX manager and then to UX Director. Following the same path, you can even become the VP of the user experience. You will take more on a business-oriented role and be involved in recruitment, resource location, and team motivation.
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Q. Is UX design a good skill?
A. A UX Designer is one of the most in-demand careers in the creative industry worldwide. You need to understand the fundamental skills a UX designer should have. Some fields offer a more significant opportunity than user experience (UX). According to CNN reports, user experience roles are among the best jobs in America, Canada, and some major countries.
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Q. Why is a Master’s in design required?
A. Pursuing a master’s degree will help imbibe the required industrial skills within the individuals. The Master’s degree teaches about leadership, teamwork techniques, and designing and technical abilities. By opting for an M.Des degree, students will broaden their career prospects and secure employment opportunities in the public and private sectors. Hence, a master’s degree increases one’s chances of having a better and promising future.
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Q. What does UX stand for?
A. User Experience(UX) refers to the user’s journey when interacting with a product or service. User Experience or UX design is the process of developing products and services that provide meaningful experiences for users, involving many different areas of product development, including branding, functionality, usability, and design. It simply means enhancing the user’s experience on the various digital and non-digital platforms.
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Q. What field does UX fall under?
A. With several career options in the growing user experience (UX) design field, it encompasses various roles, including user research and UX writing. Those who wish to be in the UX design field typically study computer science, visual design, information architecture, and computer programming. Additionally, if you are a tech enthusiast and have been active in creating visually pleasing art and design, it will provide you with an edge.
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Q. Who is eligible for UX design?
A. Candidates are eligible for the UG UX/UI Design program if they have completed their 10+2 from a recognised university with passing marks, irrespective of the stream (Science/commerce/Arts) they studied. Similarly, candidates must have completed their bachelor’s degree from a relevant stream with the minimum eligibility scores for a graduate program in UX design.
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