Best 10 Fashion Designing Courses in Canada [2024]



If you’re someone who is looking for Fashion Designing Courses in Canada then these lines may be familiar to you – “That blue represents millions of dollars of countless jobs, and it’s sort of comical how you think that you’ve made a choice that exempts you from the fashion industry, when in fact, you’re wearing a sweater that was selected for you by the people in this room… from a pile of ‘stuff’.”

If you are already mouthing Miranda Priestly’s words from the Devil Wears Prada, then fashion designing courses in Canada are some options you ought to look into. What are some of the best fashion design courses in Canada? Where can you study them?

Let’s take a look.



Why study fashion design courses in Canada?


When one talks about fashion design, it is natural to think of the fashion capitals of the world like Milan, New York or Paris. That apart even the UK has great fashion design courses. The question then is – why choose Canada?

  • Canada is home to some of the budding fashion capitals of the world. Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and Vancouver are also becoming fashion powerhouses, providing more flexible opportunities to work and excel. Montreal houses about 48% of Canada’s apparel manufacturers.
  • Toronto Women’s Fashion Week and the Vancouver Fashion week are gaining international momentum.
  • Canada’s commitment to sustainability has also trickled into the fashion industry, giving it more scope for experimentation to create eco-friendly and sustainable fashion.
  • The chance of getting a PGWP (post-graduation work permit) for a skilled worker leading to a PR is very high.
  • For an international student, Canada is an extremely welcoming and safe destination.

If you want to combine Fashion with Management, it’s a great field to enter if you have managerial aspirations in fashion.

What is the scope of fashion designing in Canada?


With the paradigm shift that is taking over the fashion industry, it has diversified from mainstream clothing, apparel and design to include food stylists, display designers in museums, tech product designing, scouting for environment-friendly materials, employing technical fabric and more. The courses in Canadian colleges stay in tune with these changes, offering industry-specific courses.

A typical fashion degree undergraduate course in Canada will be categorized into core courses and specializations. The core courses include creative and technical approaches to design, history, ethics, sustainability, the business of fashion and so on.

The range of electives is extremely vast and niche. They range from fashion photography and journalism to technical apparel. The point is that you ought to look for those schools that provide the exact specialization that you are looking for.

What are the career opportunities after studying fashion design courses at Canadian Universities?


With the disciplines of fashion and design overlapping to a great degree, the career options are endless. It is also true that the industry is extremely competitive and fast-paced. So, the onus is on you to keep up-skilling and stand apart from the rest of the crowd.

At its core lies fashion designing. As a fashion designer, you get to bring your designs to life. It is natural to start out as an assistant and then slowly climb up the ladder. The average salary for a Fashion Designer is around CA $66934 per year.

You can also look into careers in fashion merchandising. This goes into the business side of fashion, analyzing trends, planning for designs and stocks, and so on.
Production is a whole world in itself, whether it is haute couture or a chain retail outlet. It needs some technical knowledge of textiles, machinery, sustainability, and zero-wastage. Production managers/ in-charges ensure quality and consistency, making them some of the front-liners in the fashion industry.

Fashion tech is a relatively new arena to consider, especially since almost all design is now made on a computer. Surging ahead with the digital revolution and the burst of AI, fashion tech is now taking over data analysis, the need for trial rooms, material development and so on.

For the wordsmith in you, fashion journalism, advertising and publishing also have an entire range of career opportunities.

If Canada is not an option for you, you can explore fashion schools in the UK.

What are the scholarship options for fashion courses in Canadian Schools?



Each school has its own scholarship options and funds that are accessible either at the time of entrance or during the course of study. They have different eligibility criteria and are listed in the following section.

However, the government of Canada, through Global Affairs Canada, participates in some of the major international scholarship programs. Some of their featured scholarships are

  • Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED)
  • Canada-CARICOM Skills Training for the Green Economy Scholarships
  • Canada-China Scholars’ Exchange Program
  • Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships
  • Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program
  • Organization of American States Academic Scholarship Program
  • Study in Canada Scholarships
  • Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

Read also: Scholarships in Canada


Disclaimer: This video reflects details and rankings from 2023

What are the best fashion design colleges and courses in Canada?


Let us look into some of the top fashion colleges in Canada. We will be looking at their best courses at the undergraduate level, the eligibility criteria and the fees of these Canadian colleges.

S.No Course College Location
1 B.Des Fashion Toronto Metropolitan University Toronto
2 Diploma in Fashion Design and Production Vancouver Community College Vancouver
3 Diploma in Fashion Arts and Business Humber College Etobicoke
4 Advanced Diploma in Fashion Arts (FAA) Seneca College Toronto
5 B.Des Fashion Design LaSalle College Vancouver
6 Diploma in Fashion Techniques and Design George Brown College Toronto
7 Advanced Diploma in Fashion Design Fanshawe College London
8 Bachelor of Design in Fashion and Technology Kwantlen Polytechnic University Surrey
9 BFA Textile/Fashion NSCAD Halifax
10 Couturier Diploma Richard Robinson Fashion Design Academy Ottawa

1. B.Des Fashion - Toronto Metropolitan University (Ryerson University)


Source: Toronto Metropolitan University

One of the top 100 universities for fashion design in the world, Ryerson University is an urban, culturally diverse public university located in Toronto. Recently, the university changed its name to Toronto Metropolitan University.

Location

Toronto, Ontario

What makes this course good?

One of the oldest Canadian fashion design courses, the fashion program at Toronto Metropolitan is highly competitive. Recognized globally, the course curriculum is carefully curated to be inclusive, decolonized and sustainable. This bachelor’s degree also comes with a number of optional specializations that you can choose from: Fashion Communication, Fashion Design, Fashion Studies, Fashion Management, Design Leadership, or Textiles and Material Practices. A minimum of 250 hours of internship is also integrated into the program to ensure you gain practical knowledge of the fashion business industry.

Fees & Scholarship options

The tuition fee for international students ranges from CA $33,462 – $33,881, based on your concentration.

The school also has a number of scholarship options for international students, both in the form of entrance awards and in-course funding, based on the applicant’s academic performance. The President’s Entrance Scholarship and the International Secondary School Merit Scholarship  (Fall and Winter) are some of the popular awards instituted by the university. In addition, the Salad King Awards, Scotiabank International Scholarships, and the Western Union Award for International Students is instituted by external organizations that you can consider applying for. Read more about these awards and their eligibility criteria here.

Eligibility and Duration

  • Class XII (Ontario Secondary School Diploma or its equivalent) from any of the recognized boards with a minimum score of 70% or above to be deemed eligible.
  • A background in art/visual arts and sewing courses, if available. It is recommended, but not mandatory.
  • IELTS score of 6.5 or above or a TOEFL score of 92 or above or equivalent tests such as CAEL or PTE.

Duration:

It is a full-time 4-year program.

Admission process

In addition to meeting the academic requirements, your application must be followed by

  • a portfolio of four completed pieces that display your skills and interest in fashion
  • A statement of purpose (500 words)
  • An application assessment fee of CA $50.

These non-academic requirements must be submitted after the submission of the application form with the TMU Student Number that will be generated upon submission of the application. The typical deadline is 1 February.

Other Courses

MA Fashion

2. Diploma in Fashion Design and Production - Vancouver Community College


Source: VCC

The largest and oldest community college in the province of British Columbia, Vancouver Community college was set up in 1965.

Location

Vancouver, British Columbia

What makes this course good?

An in-depth practical program that will immerse you into the field of fashion design, it is an all-inclusive program that will give you insights into production, merchandising, pattern drafting, body types, ethics, sustainability and more. The course also includes some business skills, web designing and e-commerce.

Fees & Scholarship options

The average tuition fee is about CA $34,873 VCC is part of the UMAP scholarship program provided by the Government of Canada.

Eligibility and Duration

  • Grade 12 graduation, or equivalent
  • English 12 (C grade), or equivalent
  • Letter of Intent (500 words or less)
  • Resume
  • Two Letters of Reference
  • Artistic portfolio with two pieces of original artwork with accompanying descriptions,  a sketchbook and two sewn items

Duration:

2 years

Admission process

If shortlisted, there will be an interview with a selection committee. An applicant must also display proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel through a test that will be performed on-site. An application fee of CA $145 must be paid at the time of submitting your application.

Other Courses

  • Certificate Course in Fashion Merchandising
  • Fashion Design and Production Certificate

3. Diploma in Fashion Arts and Business - Humber College



Source: Humber College

The Humber College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning is what is commonly known as Humber College. Founded in 1967, it has two main campuses: the Humber North campus and the Lakeshore campus.

Location

Etobicoke, Ontario

What makes this course good?

This course is built for the artist-pragmatist in you as it brings together the creative and the business side of things together. Fashion and fashion management is an international business and the Humber arts and business diploma course emphasizes the retail side of operations on both domestic and international levels. Marketing, store planning and merchandising, brand management, marketing, social media, event planning, and retail buying are some of the core areas covered in this program. The third and fourth semesters of this program include field placement courses that will also give you real-world experience.

Fees & Scholarship options

The annual tuition fee is about CA $17,589.38

Humber has both scholarships and bursaries for international students. Bursaries are awarded on a need basis. The school also has International Entrance Scholarships and Flywire Charitable Foundation Scholarships. Part-time students are typically not eligible for these scholarships. Read more about them here.

Eligibility and Duration

  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent including these required courses: Grade 12 English (ENG4C or ENG4U or equivalent) and Three Grade 11 or Grade 12 C, M or U courses in addition to those listed above
  • IELTS score of 6.0 or above or a TOEFL score of 90 or above in the iBT.
  • International applicants may be asked to submit an ICAS or WES evaluation.

Duration:

2 years

Admission process

International students can apply directly through the Humber International Centre. Once you check the program availability, you can begin your application process. In addition to the academic transcripts, additional requirements such as a portfolio, statement of intent, and letters of recommendation must be submitted.

Other Courses

  • Fashion Management (Ontario Graduate Certificate Course)
  • B.Com Fashion Management

4. Advanced Diploma in Fashion Arts (FAA) - Seneca College


Seneca opened in 1967 as part of a provincial initiative to establish an Ontario-wide network of colleges of applied arts and technology providing career-oriented diploma and certificate courses as well as continuing education programs to Ontario communities. Over the years, the college has expanded to accommodate thousands of international students as well.


Source: Seneca College

Location

Toronto, Ontario

What makes this course good?

The advanced diploma program provides hands-on experience and knowledge on sustainability, technology, inclusivity and design in the fashion industry. Design research, craftsmanship and industry-oriented production skills are some key competencies that you will learn. Seneca offers exciting courses in applied textiles, knitwear design, fashion history, computer-aided design and production. In your third year, you will also get to specialize in a particular genre or area of interest. Computer-aided design is also a major part of this program. Field placement and internships are also included in the curriculum.

Fees & Scholarship options

The yearly tuition is CA $16,478

Seneca has both entrance scholarships and in-course awards for international students. Read more about how to apply for these funding options here.

Eligibility and Duration

  • Completed high school (class 12)
  • Minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or TOEFL score of 85 (iBT)

Duration:

3 years (6 semesters)

Admission process

All applications go through the International Student Web Application. You complete the form and submit it along with an application fee of CA $90. Non-academic requirements such as portfolio and personal essay must also be submitted with the application-confirmation number.

Other Courses

  • Diploma in Fashion Business (FAB)
  • Diploma in Fashion Business Management (FBM)
  • Certificate in Fashion Studies (FST)

5. B.Des Fashion Design - LaSalle College


Source: LaSalle College

When you look up LaSalle College, it typically takes you to the one in Montreal, Quebec. A renowned college, it gets thousands of international student applications every year. However, did you know that LaSalle has another campus in Vancouver, British Columbia? A school dedicated to design studies, it is an institution where creativity is at the forefront.

Location

Vancouver Campus, British Columbia

What makes this course good?

A fashion student at LaSalle studies the fundamentals of fashion design, including tailoring, flat pattern drafting, draping, textiles and computer pattern drafting. The course also includes fundamentals of business development and technical expertise. Practical training is included as part of the curriculum, ensuring that you get a feel of the industry even as a student.

Fees & Scholarship options

The tuition fee for international students is about CA $17,000 per year.

LaSalle has 7 different types of scholarships for its full-time students:

  • Entrance Scholarships
  • Talent Scholarships
  • Indigenous Scholarships
  • Academic Excellence Awards
  • Travel Bursary
  • Bursary – Associate of Arts
  • Leadership Scholarship

Eligibility and Duration

  • An applicant must be a high school graduate or possess a recognized high school equivalency
  • Or qualify as a mature student of not less than 19 years of age as of the start date of the program
  • Minimum TOEFL score of  86 or IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent.

Duration:

12 quarters (about 4 years)

Admission process

The online application form must be submitted with a fee of CA $150, along with the necessary academic transcripts, portfolio, personal essay and copy of a valid passport. If shortlisted, you will be scheduled for an admissions interview (online or in-person) by the college.

Other Courses

  • Diploma in Fashion Design
  • Diploma in Fashion Marketing
  • Diploma in Jewelry Making
  • Online certificate program in Fashion Marketing
  • Online certificate program in Event Management and Planning
  • Online certificate program in Fashion Styling

6. Diploma in Fashion Techniques and Design - George Brown College


A fully accredited college of applied arts and technology, George Brown College was chartered by the Government of Ontario in 1966. The college has over 160 full-time programs in art and design, business, community services, early childhood education, construction, and engineering technologies, health sciences, hospitality, and culinary arts, and preparatory studies, as well as specialized programs and services for recent immigrants and international students.

Source: George Brown College

Location

Toronto, Ontario

What makes this course good?

This diploma program is designed for those interested in garment manufacturing ensign rooms. This super-specialized program focuses on women’s wear and teaches you the technical skills of pattern drafting and sewing. You will learn technical illustration, pattern making, pattern grading, and clothing construction which are the founding pillars of the fashion industry.

Fees & Scholarship options

The tuition fee for international students is CA $18,322 per year.

George Brown has scholarships funded by the college and by external organizations for international students. They are usually in-course and awarded based on academic performance. Read more, here.

Eligibility and Duration

  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent (Class 12) with a minimum overall of 60% in 10th and 12th Grade for all streams and a minimum overall of 50% in English in 10th and 12th Grade
  • Since this program requires extensive sewing and drafting, it is strongly recommended that applicants have sewing experience.
  • IELTS (Academic) with 6.0, minimum 5.5 in each skill band or a TOEFL iBT score of 80 is required.

Duration:

2 years

Admission process

Typically, for a program beginning in January 2024, the application process begins in April 2023. Due to the high volume of applications received, it is better if you are ready to apply as soon as the applications open. Your application will be processed only if all supporting documents and payments have been received by the college. You will need the letter of acceptance to apply for your student visa.

Other Courses

  • Diploma in Fashion Management
  • Diploma in Fashion Business Industry

7. Advanced Diploma in Fashion Design - Fanshawe College


Source: Fanshawe College

Fanshawe is one of the largest colleges in Canada, with campuses in London, Simcoe, St. Thomas, and Woodstock, with additional locations across Southwestern Ontario. With a student population of about 43,000, the college provides over 200 higher education programs.

Location

London, Ontario

What makes this course good?

This course is a three-year advanced diploma that provides industrial training in the field of fashion designing. Emphasis is placed on design analysis, apparel manufacturing and technology, and design communications and marketing. The course comes with co-op opportunities where you can get first-hand work experience to kickstart your career and gain credits at the same time.

Fees & Scholarship options

The total cost of the program is about CA $50,878.

Fanshawe College offers both entrance and international scholarships that are program specific. You can reach out to the college at studentawards@fanshawec.ca to begin your application process. For types and eligibility criteria, click here.

Eligibility and Duration

  • Completed grade 12 with foundations for college mathematics
  • TOEFL with a minimum score of 79 or IELTS with a minimum score of 6.5 or equivalent
  • A background in sewing and sketching

Duration:

3 years

Admission process

Fanshawe uses the Virtual Administration System (VAS) for all international admissions. For equal consideration, the deadline is February 1.

Other Courses

  • Advanced Diploma in Graphic Design
  • Advanced Diploma in Fashion Marketing and Management
  • Advanced Diploma in Costume Design

8. Bachelor of Design in Fashion and Technology - Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU)


Source: KPU

KPU has an entire faculty dedicated to design called the Wilson School of Design. It is a cutting-edge facility that teaches modern graphic design, fashion, product design, technical apparel, fashion marketing, and interior design.

Location

Surrey, British Columbia

What makes this course good?

This bachelor’s degree at KPU works with top local companies such as lululemon, Arc’teryx, Oak + Fort, and Manuel Mendoza. The faculty members are leaders and well-immersed in the global fashion scene. KPU also has student exchange agreements with fashion schools in London, England; Helsinki, Finland; Taipei, Taiwan; Melbourne, Australia; and Berlin, Germany.

Fees & Scholarship options

The tuition fee for international students comes up to about CA $11,376 per semester.

Students who applied for admission to KPU for the first time in the Spring or Fall semester are invited to apply for KPU Major entrance scholarships and donor-funded entrance awards.

Eligibility and Duration

  • Completed Class 12.
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic Test: overall band of 6.5 or higher, with a minimum 6.0 in each band, taken within the last two years from the term of admission or
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): iBT 88 or higher, with no sub score less than 20, taken within the last two years from the term of admission or equivalent

Duration:

4 years

Admission process

Prospective students should consult with an Academic Advisor, or with the Chip and Shannon Wilson School of Design prior to applying. Faculty will review the eligibility of candidates based on the contents of their portfolio.

Other Courses

  • Diploma in Fashion Marketing
  • Foundations in Design Certificate Course
  • Post Graduate Diploma in Technical Apparel Design

9. BFA Textile/Fashion, NSCAD University



Source: NSCAD

The Nova Scotia College of Art and Design has been instrumental in shaping art, craft, media, and design in Canada since 1887.

Location

Halifax, Nova Scotia

What makes this course good?

A small classroom environment and more tutor contact is one of the biggest advantages of studying fashion designing at NSCAD. The curriculum includes a range of collaborative projects with industry partners that will give you the required work experience. This course also works in tandem with other creative degree courses, allowing for cross-disciplinary partnership and access to specialist resources. The resulting knowledge and skill base will enable students to develop individual garments, wearable art, haute couture and costuming for film, theatre and dance.

Fees & Scholarship options

A semester with 18 credits costs about CA $13,787. Students who apply to NSCAD are automatically considered for the entrance scholarships.

Eligibility and Duration

  • Completed Class 12.
  • IELTS score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0 or TOEFL score of 90 with no test less than 20.

Duration:

4 years

Admission process

The admission deadline is March 1 for September and October 1 for January. Completed application form with the portfolio and transcripts must be submitted online.

10. Couturier Diploma - Richard Robinson Fashion Design Academy



Source: CTV News

An internationally renowned Private Career College established in 1969, Richard Robinson Fashion Design Academy is Canada’s only haute couture fashion school.

Location

Ottawa, Ontario

What makes this course good?

The Richard Robinson Fashion Academy is the only school in Canada that offers a Couturier Diploma. It is a program that teaches students how to predict fashion trends 3 to 5 years in advance. This is a third year addition to the two-year Fashion Design Diploma that Richard Robinson offers.

Fees & Scholarship options

The yearly fee for the full time fashion designing diploma is about CA $12,000. A non-refundable fee of CA $650 must also be paid at the time of application.

Eligibility and Duration

  • Completed high school diploma
  • Passed the Richard Robinson admission test
  • Display proficiency in English

Duration: 2 years for the full-time diploma in fashion design, plus an additional third year for the couturier diploma.

Admission process

As it is a small, highly specialized training institute, the admission process happens on a case-by-case basis. However, the admission test and a portfolio is needed to complete your application.

This list looks at some of the top fashion designing courses at the undergraduate level. A whole range of options also exist at the master’s degree level, either as a university granted degree or a post graduate diploma. Some of the top MBA schools in Canada like the Rotman School of Management (University of Toronto) or the Sauder School of Business (UBC) also offer MBA in Fashion Management.

How to apply to study Fashion in Canada with TC Global?


While becoming an international student is very thrilling, the prep and paperwork of it all can get overwhelming. The easiest way to get into the top fashion colleges in Canada and to reduce your stress is to sign up with TC Global.

We simplify international education, learning, and mobility through connecting students, universities, and a global community on a single platform where there are over 1000+ education providers and over 80,000+ courses.

Our platform enables students to study anywhere in the world in just a few steps. From search and discovery and finding the right course fit for you, to applications, visas and departure – we see you through it all.

To move forward with us, download our app or visit tcglobal.com and sign in to create an account on our student platform and onboard with us in quick, easy steps.! 🚀

Then simply set up a visit Calendly.com/tcglobal to pick a Relationships Team closest to you and choose a slot to meet with a Relationship Member.

Let’s shape your future together.

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Date added
17.01.2024

Filed under:

Global Ed

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