Graphic design degree
Bachelor of Design in Visual Communication
Facts checked 7 September 2026
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Part of the route toGraphic Designer·Degree
A four-year bachelor degree teaching visual communication, brand design, typography, digital media, and professional portfolio development.
Ways to get this paid for
Government money that can cover this course. Check who qualifies before you pay.
Free adult upgrading
FreeGrade 11 and 12 courses and English classes are free at public colleges and school districts. This covers the Grade 11 and 12 prerequisite courses, not the program itself.
Canada Training Credit
Half your tuition back, up to $5,000 in your lifeFederal tax credit. $250 a year builds up from age 26. Claim it on your tax return.
THE ROUTE
How this program works, step by step
Grade 11 to the job. Open any step to see what is inside.
The route (8 steps)
For the best view, open the map full screen.
STEP BY STEP
Step by step
The same route as the map, as a list.
Step 1 of 8
Grade 11
⏱ 1 school year- General BC secondary school curriculum and coursework at the Grade 11 level.
Step 2 of 8
Grade 12
⏱ 1 school year- High school graduation with English 12 / English Studies 12 with minimum 67%
- English 12. Requirement varies by school (Capilano University, Emily Carr University of Art + Design, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, and 2 others). Strictest requirement: C.
Step 3 of 8
What you need to get in
- Competitive creative entrance portfolio of 12 to 15 original visual works
- Personal written statement of intent detailing design interests and influences
- Shortlisted portfolio review and applicant interview
- Public university offering; no official regulator list exists in BC not yet verified
- Portfolio submission of 10 to 15 creative pieces (illustration, typography, design, life drawing)
Step 4 of 8
How to apply
- Submit application through EducationPlannerBC to Capilano University (IDEA School of Design) or Emily Carr
- Upload digital creative portfolio and artist statement to the admissions portal before the March 15, 2027 deadline for the September 2027 intake
- Provide official high school and post-secondary transcripts
- Attend formal portfolio interview if invited by the admissions committee
- Tuition: Not published
Step 5 of 8
Graphic design degree
⏱ 4 years- 4 years of studio-based coursework combining traditional art foundations and digital design technology
- Visual branding, typography systems, vector illustration, and publication layout
- User interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design, web prototyping, and motion design
- Industry-mentored practicum, client design briefs, and graduation portfolio exhibition
Step 6 of 8
Where to take it
⏱ 5 schools in BC- Capilano University — 4 years (About $50,300 for the whole program)
- Emily Carr University of Art + Design — 4 years (About $7,100 per year)
- Kwantlen Polytechnic University — 4 years (About $2,500 per level)
- University of the Fraser Valley — 4 years (Tuition not yet verified)
- Vancouver Island University — 4 years (About $5,200 per year)
Step 7 of 8
Exams and registration after
- No mandatory provincial exam; graphic designers secure employment based on professional design portfolio quality
Step 8 of 8
Leads to: Graphic Designer
- Explore Graphic Designer wages, job outlook, and career pathways
SCHOOLS
Where you can take this(5 schools)
Compare tuitions, campus locations, and delivery formats across approved institutions in British Columbia.
Tuition changes every year. Confirm on the school's page. Last checked 8 September 2026.
Tuition changes every year. Confirm on the school's page. Last checked 8 September 2026.
Tuition changes every year. Confirm on the school's page. Last checked 8 September 2026.
We have not checked this school's tuition yet. See the school's page.
Tuition changes every year. Confirm on the school's page. Last checked 8 September 2026.