Study Product Design in Canada – Eligibility, Fees & Process

With more businesses booming all around the globe, the demand for product designers has increased to set brands apart from each other with unique brand identities and, at the same time, address customer needs using creative solutions with limited resources. More startups are in need of digitisation today or use the digital world to fulfil both the needs of the business and its customers. UI designers, UX designers and other product designers are more in demand now than ever. If you’re wondering where to get a quality education in this upcoming field, Canada should be at the top of your list. The product design courses in Canada are of excellent quality and rank high among the list of countries that provide quality education in the field, such as Australia, the United States, and the UK. Keep reading to know all about the top Canadian universities and community colleges that provide bachelor’s degrees and PG diplomas through product design courses in Canada. You can also get a clear idea of the tuition fees, the application process and eligibility for an international student from India.

Top Universities Providing Product Design Courses in Canada

The following are some of the top Canadian education universities that provide bachelor’s and graduate diplomas in product designing:

York University – Toronto, Ontario

Located in Toronto, York University is the 3rd largest university in the whole of Canada. The university ranked between 501 and 550 in the QS World University Ranking 2021, between 401 to 500 in the Times Higher Education University Ranking, and at No. 432 in the US News & Report of Global Universities. The university offers a bachelor of design degree with a specialization in Interaction Design (UX & UI), Information Design, or Visual Communication Design. It is a 4-year programme that accepts admission during the fall each year, and the tuition fee is around $30,349 per year. The university also offers a five-semester Master of Design and 3-semester Product Design Research (PR) program each fall.

Centennial College – Toronto, Ontario

The Centennial College’s School Of Communications, Media, Arts, and Design provides a three-year (6 semesters) postgraduate programme in Product Design And Development. The course has a fall entry and is taught in different modes, including online, in-class, and hybrid. The tuition fee for two semesters is around $15,285.50. Graduates of this course gain skills in various disciplines such as idea generation, 3D CAD advanced computer modelling, model-making, drawing, prototyping, reverse engineering, product development, etc. The graduates of this secondary school can also take credit for pathway programs such as MBA, Bachelor of Education, or Master of Education in Hospitality Management, etc., offered by the partnering institutions.

Sheridan College – Oakville, Ontario

The Oakville campus of Sheridan College offers a graduate certificate program in digital product design with a course duration of one year (or two semesters). This diploma trains students to have all the essential skills needed for a successful career in multimedia design and development. The course also trains students in the skills of business strategy, visual design, and prototyping. The tuition fee is $25,499.47 per year. The college is also well known for its early childhood program. The early childhood education program or pedagogy university is a two-year college diploma that trains students in the best practices and methods for teaching young learners.

Kwantlen Polytechnic University – British Columbia

The Wilson School of Design, KPU, provides a four-year bachelor’s degree in Product Design. The school accepts admission during the fall each year. The estimated tuition fee for the course is $11,151.67 per semester. In addition to the tuition fee, international students also need to pay the KSA extended health plan, KSA Dental Plan, and other fees, which roughly add up to $450 per semester.

University Of Ottawa – Ottawa, Ontario

The University of Ottawa offers a two-year Masters of Digital Transformation and Innovation with Concentration in UX Design degree program. The estimated tuition fee is around $9399.

University Of Windsor – Windsor, Ontario

The University of Windsor offers a four-year honor program in Industrial Engineering. The programme focuses on product and process design, engineering mechanics, computer-aided design, and supply chain engineering and offers the option of minoring in business. The estimated tuition fee is $20492.56 per year.

Eligibility Criteria for Product Design Courses in Canada

The following are the qualifications required for Indian students who want to apply for product design courses in Canada:

For the postgraduate (PG) program 

• Postgraduate diploma or bachelor’s degree in design, visual arts, fine arts, healthcare science, computer science, social sciences, analytics, engineering, etc.

For the undergraduate (UG) program

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent high school diploma from your country

Other general requirements for pursuing product design courses in Canada

• Work or educational experience in a related field
• Resume
• SOP (Statement of Purpose)

English language proficiency requirements

As all the courses are taught in English, all international students need to prove their proficiency in English by submitting any of the following:

• IELTS (paper-based test) Score: 580
• IELTS (internet-based test) Score: 88+ minimums of 22
• Pearson Test of English Score: 60 or higher
• Cambridge English Exam: 180 or higher

Portfolio requirements

Some universities may require you to submit a portfolio of your previous design works. So make sure to check the requirements for each university before applying. The following is the general portfolio requirements expected by some of the top universities that provide product design courses in Canada:

• 6 or more of your original works in art and design
• The work needs to showcase a problem-solving, creative process
• The work should depict your interest in product design
• Your design work can include any of the following. A variety of work can increase your chances of getting accepted into the design program.
• Drawings from observation (traditional and digital)
• Everyday objects in contour drawing
• Products in conceptual drawing
• Redesign products with your ideas
• 3D models
• Sculptures, wooden and metal project models
• Idea sketchbook

Application Process for Product Design Courses in Canada

The following is the application process for international applicants who want to study product design courses in Canada:

• Visit the website of the colleges that you desire and choose the appropriate product design courses offered by the university.
• Complete the online application form provided by the university after reading all the instructions provided carefully.
• Scan and upload (or send an email of) the copies of your transcripts and any other documents required for your application process.
• Check your application status through the application portal periodically to make sure you don’t miss any updates on your application.
• If the university finds that you meet all the eligibility requirements, you will receive a conditional acceptance package or letter through email.
• The conditional offer letter doesn’t guarantee a seat at the university.
• Pay the registration deposit and tuition fee within the deadline mentioned in the offer letter to secure your seat at the university.
• Apply for a study permit or student visa using your acceptance letter, fee payment receipt, etc.
• Once your study permit is approved, notify the admissions team of your university about the status.

Conclusion

With businesses booming, product design in Canada is one of the best courses to study in the coming years. Write an impressive SOP using this Leapscholar guide and get ready to begin your journey as a product designer in Canada.

Frequently Asked Questions