Design is a creative field that combines experimentation, problem-solving, and visual communication. Many students choose design because they are passionate about making, communicating, and improving how people interact with products, spaces, and media.
Design and art programs can cover several disciplines, from fashion and visual communication to computer-aided 3D design. Canada offers a range of university-level art and design programs, and students can find options in areas such as communication design, industrial design, animation, visual arts, architecture-related design, and media arts. Read on to learn about five recommended design schools in Canada.
Top Design Schools in Canada
1. Emily Carr University of Art and Design
Located in Vancouver, Emily Carr University of Art and Design is one of Canada’s leading universities for art and design. Its undergraduate degrees begin with a Foundation Year, and students can choose from majors such as 2D + Experimental Animation, 3D Computer Animation, Communication Design, Industrial Design, Interaction Design, New Media + Sound Art, Photography, Visual Arts, and more. The university also provides dedicated resources for international students, including guidance on study permits, health care, arrival preparation, and work support.
The courses offered at Emily Carr prepare students to build creative, technical, and critical skills across art, media, and design. For students considering employment outcomes, Canada’s current occupational projections for graphic designers and illustrators estimate 28,500 job openings from 2024 to 2033, alongside 43,700 projected job seekers, so applicants should review labor-market conditions carefully when planning their studies.
Emily Carr is highly ranked for art and design. In the 2026 QS World University Rankings by Subject, it ranked 30th globally for Art and Design and was the only Canadian university in the global top 50 for the discipline. A look through its undergraduate programs shows a wide range of study options in art, design, and media.
2. University of British Columbia
One of our recommended Canadian design schools popular among international students is the University of British Columbia. Through the School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture, UBC offers a Bachelor of Design in Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and Urbanism. The program explores design across multiple scales and combines architecture, landscape architecture, and urban design across all four years.
Students interested in related creative fields can also explore UBC programs such as Visual Art, Media Studies, and other arts-related degrees. UBC’s Vancouver campus is located at the western tip of the Point Grey Peninsula, and students benefit from studying in British Columbia, a province with major activity in digital media, film, television, visual effects, animation, post-production, video games, and AR/VR.
The University of British Columbia accepts international applicants and transfer students, but admission requirements vary by campus, program, and educational background. International applicants must meet UBC’s general and degree-specific admission requirements, and transfer applicants should note that meeting the minimum academic standing does not guarantee admission to competitive programs.
3. University of Toronto
The design courses offered by the University of Toronto Mississauga’s Department of Visual Studies expose students to Adobe CC, After Effects, and web design using the Wix platform. The four-year program covers areas such as typography, color, composition, page layout, identity, branding, and design history.
The University of Toronto is one of Canada’s largest and oldest universities, with three campuses and more than 100,000 students enrolled in Fall 2024-25. It also offers more than 700 undergraduate programs as of Fall 2025, including programs in architecture, landscape, and design.
U of T is also known for its international student community, with students from 175 countries and territories. International applicants should check the admission requirements for their educational system and intended program. For undergraduate admission, applicants are generally required to present a senior or Grade 12 English course, any required senior-level prerequisites for the program, and proof of English proficiency when applicable.
4. OCAD University
One of Canada’s well-known art and design institutions is OCAD University. Its Faculty of Design offers six undergraduate program areas: Advertising, Environmental Design, Graphic Design, Illustration, Industrial Design, and Material Art and Design.
OCAD University is widely recognized for its focus on art and design. Students can also take advantage of experiential learning opportunities. Instead of traditional co-op programs, OCAD U offers placement courses and other career-development supports that allow upper-year undergraduate students to gain structured, credit-bearing work experience with real organizations.
These programs can support career pathways in creative industries such as media, communication, culture, design, and the arts. International students can find dedicated support services, and OCAD U also lists scholarships, awards, and bursaries that may be available depending on eligibility.
5. Concordia University
Last on our list is Concordia University, one of Canada’s strong options for students interested in design. Its Department of Design and Computation Arts offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Design, which takes a minimum of three or four years of full-time study, depending on a student’s academic background. The department also offers a two-year Master of Design.
The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Design includes a Major in Design, while Concordia’s Master of Design allows students to broaden their knowledge in visual communication, the built environment, interaction design, and design studies. Concordia is also globally recognized in major rankings, including the QS World University Rankings 2026.
Eligible Concordia students may also apply for exchange and internship opportunities. Through the Concordia Student Exchange Program, students can study at one of more than 180 partner institutions for one or two terms while earning credits toward their Concordia degree. Eligible undergraduate students may also apply for Career Edge internships, which allow them to complete one paid internship in a relevant field.
FAQs: Design Studies in Canada
Can International Students Enroll in Design Schools in Canada?
Yes. Canadian design schools and universities accept international students, although each institution sets its own admission requirements, tuition fees, study permit guidance, and scholarship rules. Several universities also offer scholarships or awards that international students may be considered for, depending on eligibility.
Across Canada, international students can find design-related programs in cities such as Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal. Options may include visual communication, industrial design, animation, architecture-related design, media arts, and other creative fields. Applicants should review each university’s official program page, portfolio requirements, English language requirements, tuition fees, and scholarship details before applying.
Design and fine arts can be a unique discipline because they combine creative, technical, and analytical skills. Canada has globally ranked art and design schools and a wide range of study programs, making it a strong destination for students who want to pursue creative education.
We hope this article has helped you learn about some of the top design schools in Canada. You can also visit our Study in Canada and Available Courses for International Students pages for more information about studying in Canada!
