Did you know that Canada created our favorite types of clothes, like sweaters, leggings, and winter boots? You may be aware of Canada’s multicultural richness, but it is also renowned for its wide range of fashion styles. Mikhael Kale, Greta Constantine, and other internationally recognized fashion designers are currently based in Canada.
Thus, taking fashion design courses in Canada is a smart choice, given the presence of such industry professionals here. In addition, due to its diversity and talent, big brands and high-end stores are now investing in Canadian fashion. As a result, attending one of Canada’s top fashion schools will help you gain the necessary knowledge and abilities in fashion.
Learn why Canada is the greatest student destination for this degree before we unveil the best fashion institutions there:
Many fashion hubs in Canada include Vancouver, Montreal, Toronto, Ottawa, and Hamilton. For example, Hamilton has been ranked as Canada’s fifth-largest fashion industry body. On the other hand, fashion experts have referred to Toronto as the fashion and technology capital.
Growth of the fashion sector: Every global star and retailer is supporting Canada tremendously. Numerous designers and retailers are looking into and making investments in the Canadian fashion business due to the fashion week held there. You can gain exposure to and knowledge of the current fashion trends by attending one of Canada’s best fashion institutions.
More than three universities in Canada that are ranked in the QS World University Rankings for Art & Design are fashion design schools.
Specialization Highlight
Candidates can choose from a myriad number of fashion designing courses in Canada. They are –
Bachelor of Design (BDes)
Bachelor of Fashion Technology
BA (Hons) Communication Design
BA (Hons) Jewellery Design
Master of Design (MDes)
Master of Fashion Management (MFM)
MA Fashion
Master of Fashion Technology (MFTech)
MBA in Fashion Merchandising and Retail Management
MBA in Fashion Design and Business Management
MBA in Textile Management
Type of Educational Insitute
Public & Private Universities/Colleges
Course Duration
1.5- 2 years or 18 months
Programs Offered
Diploma in fashion marketing, Diploma in fashion design, Diploma in fashion design and production, Diploma in fashion studies
Average Annual Tuition Fees
15, 360 CAD - 49,500 CAD/ Based on years or program costs
Subject Topic Covered
History of Fashion, Brand Marketing, Textile Fundamentals, Fashion production, Pattern grading, Precision drawing, Business skills, Sketching, Pattern making, etc.
Best Universities for Fashion Designing Courses in Canada
There are numerous fashion design colleges in Canada so that you can pursue a standard degree or a postgraduate diploma in fashion design. The top 5 Canadian schools and institutions that provide a variety of fashion designer courses have been explored.
Concordia University
LaSalle University
Ryerson University
George Brown College
York University
1. Concordia University
There are benefits to taking fashion design courses in Canada, particularly at Concordia University. They support students in gaining a thorough understanding of fashion in all its facets and in using that knowledge in their practical learning.
Type
Public University
QS World University Rankings 2023
551-560
QS World University Rankings- Art & Design 2022
51-100
Programs Offered
BFA Design, MDes Design
Average Tuition Fees
11,850 - 20, 751 CAD (based on credits)
2. LaSalle University
Due to the variety of degrees, they provide in this area, LaSalle University is another well-liked destination for those interested in studying fashion. Through a combination of theory and practice, the university focuses on assisting students in developing their creative thinking.
Type
Private University
Programs Offered
BA Hons in Fashion design and textile, Fashion Media, and industries, MA in Design,
Average Tuition Fees
14, 771- 99,000 CAD ( based on credit)
3. Ryerson University
Another well-known school for taking fashion courses in Canada is Ryerson University. The top fashion school in the world has been ranked as this university. Since some of these fashion educators are designers, they have an in-depth understanding of the industry.
Type
Public University
QS World University Rankings- Art & Design 2022
101-150
Programs Offered
BDes Fashion, Bachelor of Design, MA in Fashion
Average Tuition Fees
28,169 CAD - 30, 506 CAD/year
4. George Brown College
The fashion industry can choose from excellent diploma programs at George Brown College. The university teaches various skills, including entrepreneurship and others, that can help fashion students succeed in the contemporary fashion market.
Type
Public College
Programs Offered
Diploma in fashion business industry, fashion management, fashion techniques, & design, PG in apparel technical design, international fashion management, sustainable fashion production
Average Tuition Fees
15,190- 15,480 CAD/ for two semesters
5. York University
York University aims to teach students the craft of fashion while fostering a stronger human connection in their creations. In addition, the student’s understanding of fashion is explored and increased during the course.
Type
Public University
Programs Offered
Bachelor of Design, MDes in Design
Average Tuition Fees
12,284- 29,328 CAD/year
Level of Study
Courses offered at the level
Course
Diploma in Fashion Management
Certificate course in Fashion Management
Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Management
Master’s in Fashion Business Management
Eligibility
The candidate must have cleared the 12th standard with a minimum percentage from a recognized board to pursue undergraduate courses.
The candidate must have cleared graduation with a minimum percentage from a recognized university to pursue postgraduate courses.
Entrance exams
IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo English Test, MELAB, CAEL
Tuition fees
$15,000 CAD- $31,000 CAD
Jobs
Brand management, marketing, fashion journalism, personal relations, cost analysis, etc.
Average Salary
$40,000- $70,000
Eligibility criteria
A few requirements must be satisfied for international students to enroll in fashion design courses in Canada. Although these standards differ depending on the university and the level of study, they apply to all.
Official Academic Transcripts
Essay
English language proficiency
Reference Letter
Work Samples
1. Official Academic Transcripts
International students must present all of their valid academic transcripts. For example, students seeking a bachelor’s degree in fashion must provide pertinent test scores in fashion-related disciplines or an equivalent. In addition, students must submit a bachelor’s degree in fashion or its equivalent to apply for a master’s in fashion.
2. Essay
This is a common request from universities, particularly for applicants to master’s and doctoral programs. You write an essay to explain to the institution why you are drawn to this field and want to study it there. It enables the professionals there to comprehend your areas of interest better.
3. English language proficiency
International students must pass an English proficiency test if they are studying a topic where English is the language of instruction. IELTS, TOEFL iBT or paper-based, CAEL, PTE, and other tests are acceptable. Depending on the level of study, the scores change. For instance, bachelor’s degree programs in IELTS call for a minimum score of 6.5, but master’s degree programs call for a 7.
4. Letter of Reference
Any program overseas that requires an application requires a letter of recommendation. This academic letter is intended to persuade two or three people to attest to your academic qualifications or professional expertise.
5. Work Samples
Numerous Canadian institutions accept work samples for two purposes: to consider your application if you receive poor test scores and, secondly, to view your work in particular disciplines, like fashion.
Application Process
The steps for applying to fashion schools in Canada are as follows:
Identify the Canadian college or university that offers courses in fashion design. Then, view the course description, costs, and application information to choose from.
Check out the official websites of Canada’s fashion schools. Learn about the prerequisites for admission, the requirements for applying to universities, and the exams you must pass as part of the application process.
Before the application deadline, gather and submit all required paperwork.
Once you’ve been accepted, start setting up your finances and apply for a student visa to Canada.
Fashion Designing in Canada Fees for Studying
There is a wider selection when deciding which universities in Canada provide the top fashion design programs. Depending on the study level you choose, these prices change. It would be best if you also considered the cost of living and the costs of fashion designing programs in Canada.
Tuition Fees
The cost of fashion design courses in Canada varies depending on the level of study you select and the tuition schedule used by the universities:
Bachelor in Fashion Designing
11,850- 99,000 CAD/ based on either credit, semester, or per year
Master in Fashion Designing
15,500- 28,000 CAD/year
Diploma in Fashion Designing
15,360- 49,500 CAD/ based on credit, program fee, or per year
Scholarship for Fashion Designing in Canada
Scholarship name
Description
Eligibility
Amount in CAD
Dalhousie University Scholarship
Available to students for undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral studies
Applicable for Indian students
Scholarship offered on merit-basis
38405$
Education Future International Scholarship
Previous students fund this scholarship through WeMakeScholars, and UNESCO recognizes it
Indian citizenship is a must.
A minimum score of 60% in classes 10 and 12
Applicants should be able to fund at least 50% of themselves through an educational loan
3299$ to 16517$
The Seneca Renewable Entrance Scholarship of Merit for International Students
For full-time international students enrolling in a diploma or certificate program. It is renewable based on a yearly GPA
Minimum 3.0 GPA
500$-1000$ per year
Assist-on Scholarship
Offered by George Brown College to international students for a diploma or certificate program
Valid Canadian Social Insurance Number
Minimum GPA of 3.3
Vigorous community involvement
1000$
Fashion Designing in Canada Scope for Job
Many employment options are available to you after graduating from fashion design schools in Canada.
The most common job descriptions and expected average salaries are listed below:
Job Profile
Average Annual Salary
Textile Designer
42,729 CAD
Design Director
93,500 CAD
Art Director
65,539 CAD
Fashion stylist
42, 494 CAD
Retail Merchandiser
44,660 CAD
Celebrities and renowned designers alike are stepping up their efforts to help Canada become the world’s next major fashion hub. Today, foreign investors are forming alliances with Canadian designers, expanding the market for this nation. Studying fashion design in Canada is a sensible investment because the Canadian market need is growing.
Rakhee Talukdar is an edtech expert with five years of experience in the education technology sector, focusing on K-12 and higher education systems in various countries, including Canada, USA, Finland, France, and Germany. Her background includes founding a startup and working with early-stage educational ventures, giving her a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities within these educational landscapes. Additionally, Rakhee specializes in helping students craft compelling Statements of Purpose (SOPs) for studying abroad, leveraging her insights into different education systems to guide students in articulating their academic and professional goals effectively. Her comprehensive knowledge and strategic approach make her a valuable resource for students navigating their educational journeys and financial planning.