Study Product Design Courses in Canada: Colleges, Eligibility, Fees

Numerous benefits are available to overseas students who choose to study in Canada. Canada has emerged as a leading destination for students looking for a top-notch education and a life-enriching experience because of its world-class educational system, varied and inclusive society, and magnificent natural surroundings. Because they offer a wide variety of academic programmes and research possibilities, Canadian universities and colleges consistently rank among the best in the world. Furthermore, Canada's diversified environment generates a sense of belonging and encourages intercultural understanding. Additionally, international students in Canada have access to a range of assistance programmes, including job opportunities and career counselling.

In this article, we will cover the following points:

• Reasons to Study Product Design in Canada
• Product Design Colleges in Canada
• Admission Requirements for Product Design Courses in Canada
• Cost of Pursuing Product Design Degree Canada

Why Study Product Design in Canada?

Let us look at some of the reasons to pursue Product Design courses in Canada.

• Access to Top Academics: Studying in Canada will give access to some of the top universities and colleges that provide high-quality academics and specialized programmes in product design. York University, Centennial College, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, etc. are some of the best colleges in Canada offering Product Design courses.
• Skill Development: The emphasis of Canadian programmes is on giving students the knowledge and abilities required to produce original and visually appealing designs. These programmes frequently place a strong emphasis on applied learning, practical experience, and teamwork with professionals in the field.
• Job Opportunities: Graduates may find employment opportunities in Canada thanks to its robust economy and vibrant design sector.
• Post-Study Work Permit: In order to get real-world experience in the Canadian employment market, students studying product design in Canada can take advantage of work opportunities while they are in school and even apply for post-graduation work permit (PGWP Canada).

Best Product Design Colleges in Canada

In this section of the article, let us look at some Product Design colleges in Canada. Important details of the colleges are also provided:

1) University of Alberta

University of Alberta is one of the oldest and top-ranked universities in Canada. It has been ranked at 111th position on the QS World University Rankings 2024. Here are some important details:

• Course Details: The University offers a 4-year Bachelor of Design (BDes) program in Industrial Design. Students are taught Industrial Design, Product Systems, Design Management, Prototyping, etc. Moreover, the University of Alberta also offers a Master of Design (MDes) course in Visual Communication Design or Industrial Design specializations.
• Tuition Fee: Annual tuition fee for the course is $31,895.
• Admission Requirements: Schooling + Graduation (if applying for a Master’s degree) + English language requirements + Portfolio

(Shiksha Grade: A)

2) York University

York University is ranked at 353rd spot on the QS World University Rankings 2024. The University offers good placements with an average salary reaching CAD 97,725. Here are the details of the course:

• Course Details: The School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design offers the BDes programme. Students are provided with three pathways after their first 2 years; these include Interaction Design (UX/UI), Information Design, and Visual Communication Design.
• Tuition Fee: The annual tuition fee for the course is $32,818
• Admission Requirements: Schooling (at least 70%) + Graduation (if applying for a Master’s degree) + Supplementary evaluation + English language requirements

(Shiksha Grade: B)

3) University of Ottawa

University of Ottawa is one of the best universities in Canada. It has been ranked at 203rd position on the QS World University Rankings 2024. Here are the details of the course:

• Course Details: University of Ottawa offers a Master of Digital Transformation and Innovation Concentration in UX Design. The programme also focuses on research on health, e-society, molecular and environmental sciences, etc.
• Tuition Fee: The tuition fee for the course is CAD 1,049 per unit.
• Admission Requirements: Schooling + Graduation (at least 75%) + English language requirements.

(Shiksha Grade: B++)

4) Centennial College

Centennial College was founded in 1966 and was Ontario’s first community college. Here are the important details of the Product Design course:

• Course Details: Centennial College offers a Product Design and Development (Industrial Design) course. It is an Ontario College Advanced Diploma offered by the School of Communications, Media, Arts and Design.
• Tuition Fee: Tuition fee for 2 semesters is $15,693.
• Admission Requirements: Schooling + English language requirements + Portfolio requirements

5) Sheridan College

Sheridan College finds its genesis in the year 1967. Currently, it is home to more than 23,000 full-time students. According to Sheridan College, the average starting salary of a UX Designer in Ontario is $64,000. Details of the Product Design course, offered by Sheridan College, are provided below:

• Course Details: Sheridan College offers an Ontario College Graduate Certificate in Digital Product Design. Students are taught research methods, digital product design strategy, prototyping and workflow methods, etc.
• Tuition Fee: The tuition fee for the course is $25,569 for 2023-24.
• Admission Requirements: Postsecondary diploma or degree in design, visual/fine arts, communications, commerce, engineering, health sciences or social sciences + English language requirements

6) Kwantlen Polytechnic University

Kwantlen Polytechnic University was established in 1981. It offers excellent academics and student participation. Here are some important details of the course:

• Course Details: Kwantlen Polytechnic University offers a Bachelor of Product Design degree that teaches students the complete product design process cycle.
• Tuition Fee: The tuition fee for the course is $10,684.
• Admission Requirements: Schooling + English language requirements + Work sample.

Admission Requirements for Product Design Courses in Canada

Now that we have covered some of the top Product Design Courses in Canada, it is vital to know the admission requirements for these courses. Admission requirements for a product design degree in Canada will vary as per the university/college requirements. Here is an overview of the same:

• Bachelor’s degree with a certain CGPA (if applying for a Master’s or PG Diploma).
• Academic or Professional experience (university-specific).
• GRE or GMAT scores (vary).
• English language proficiency test scores: IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo score.
• Latest resume.
• Statement of Purpose (SOP).
• LORs (Letters of recommendation).
• Essay.

• Work Samples and/or Video Samples (university-specific)

Cost of Pursuing Product Design Courses in Canada

Cost of studying product design in Canada can vary from CAD 16,000 to CAD 32,000. However, it is critical to check the latest costs from the official websites as these costs are subject to change. Besides the tuition fee, students are also expected to bear the cost of living in Canada. Cost of living will include your rent, food, transport, clothing, etc.).

Now that students are aware of Product Design Courses in Canada and the details of the top colleges offering them, it is recommended that they do not leave any loopholes in their applications as the competition is very stiff. For help with university applications, students seeking to study abroad can contact our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors. The comments section below allows candidates to contact us as well.