Dhiraj Kandel
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Quick answer
The essentials at a glance
You can study graphic design in Canada from Nepal after +2 through a four-year degree at OCAD University or Capilano University, or through a three-year advanced diploma at Humber or Fanshawe. This page explains how each route works, why a portfolio matters, what the published fees are, which English score Fanshawe asks for, and which jobs and work permits follow.
Key takeaways
Main points from this page
- OCAD University and Capilano University offer four-year design degrees, and both ask for a portfolio.
- Humber and Fanshawe offer three-year advanced diplomas in graphic design, which are college programs, not degrees.
- Fanshawe asks for IELTS Academic 6.0 overall with no band below 5.5.
- Graphic design is not a licensed profession, so a strong portfolio matters more than a licence.
- A Canadian degree does not give permanent residence automatically, but a program of the right kind can give you a post-graduation work permit.
Can You Study Graphic Design in Canada from Nepal After +2?
Yes, you can start graphic design in Canada after +2, either as a four-year degree or as a three-year college advanced diploma.
Graphic designers plan how ideas look on paper and on screens. They work on logos, posters, packaging, websites and apps. You learn drawing, colour, type and design software.
If you enjoy design but want to work with buildings and spaces, look at architecture in Canada too.
This guide is part of our study in Canada from Nepal series. If you are still choosing a level, read our bachelors in Canada guide first.
Students from any +2 stream can apply. The school looks at your marks, your English and, for most programs, your portfolio.
If moving images interest you more than print and screens, compare this with film studies and production in Canada.
- Degree route: four years at a university, such as OCAD University or Capilano University.
- College route: a three-year advanced diploma at a college, such as Humber or Fanshawe.
- Entry: your +2 results, English, and for the degree routes a portfolio.
- Careers: graphic design, branding, illustration, web and app design, and advertising.
What Is a Portfolio and Do You Need One for Graphic Design?
A portfolio is a small set of your own creative work, and OCAD and Capilano both ask for one.
OCAD lists a portfolio, a statement of intent and official transcripts for its Bachelor of Design. It says a portfolio is required. Capilano asks you to upload a portfolio and one letter of reference through the SlideRoom website. It checks design ability, creativity and, in part, drawing.
Start early. Collect drawings, posters, photos and any digital work. Ask a teacher or an art tutor in Nepal to look at it. Read each school’s portfolio page before you choose your pieces, because the rules differ.
Humber and Fanshawe are colleges. Their pages list school results and English first. Ask each school whether it also wants samples of your work.
Which Canadian Schools Can You Look At for Graphic Design?
Look at OCAD and Capilano for degrees. Look at Humber and Fanshawe for diplomas.
OCAD University
It is in Toronto. The degree takes four years. See the OCAD University site.
Capilano University
It is in North Vancouver. Its design degree takes four years. Read our Capilano University profile.
Humber Polytechnic
It is in Toronto. Its diploma takes six semesters. Read our Humber Polytechnic profile.
Fanshawe College
It is in London, Ontario. Its diploma takes 90 weeks and has a co-op. Read our Fanshawe College profile.
How Is a Graphic Design Degree Different From a Diploma in Canada?
A degree is longer and more theory-based, while an advanced diploma is a college program with more hands-on practice.
Both routes can lead to design jobs. A degree often suits students who plan to study further or who want a wider course. A college diploma often suits students who want to start work sooner.
For the post-graduation work permit, the two differ. A degree has no field of study rule. A college credential needs an eligible field, so check the program on the IRCC list. Our college vs university in Canada guide explains more.
What Marks and English Score Do You Need for Graphic Design in Canada?
Fanshawe asks for IELTS Academic 6.0 overall with no score below 5.5 in any band, and it needs Grade 12 English or an equivalent.
The Fanshawe page lists other tests too, such as TOEFL iBT 79. Humber asks for Grade 12 English plus three other Grade 11 or 12 courses, or an equivalent. It also asks applicants whose first language is not English to meet its English policy.
OCAD lists a minimum 70 percent average for Ontario high school students and asks other applicants to check its academic requirements. Use our NEB GPA calculator to check your grade. For score details, read our minimum IELTS and PTE for Canada guide.
For documents, see the Canada student visa requirements and the guide to transcripts in Nepal.
How Much Does Graphic Design Cost in Canada?
Published international fees range from about CAD 24,100 a year at Humber to about CAD 34,000 a year at OCAD, which is about Rs 26 lakh to Rs 36 lakh.
All amounts here are in Canadian dollars. Use our CAD to Rs forex converter to see them in rupees.
| School and program | Figure on the official page | About in rupees |
|---|---|---|
| OCAD University, Bachelor of Design | About CAD 34,000 per academic year for 5.0 credits, 2026-2027, from the tuition and fees page | about Rs 36 lakh a year |
| Capilano University, Bachelor of Design | CAD 32,154 a year with fees, CAD 128,616 over four years, from the program page | about Rs 34 lakh a year, Rs 137 lakh in total |
| Humber Polytechnic, advanced diploma | CAD 24,138.17 for two semesters in 2026-2027, from the program page | about Rs 26 lakh for two semesters |
| Fanshawe College, advanced diploma | CAD 57,930 total program cost for international students at London, from the program page | about Rs 62 lakh in total |
OCAD says its figure excludes laptop and course material fees. Humber says about CAD 200 a semester may be needed for supplies. Fanshawe says its total leaves out health plan and living costs.
Living costs and the money you must show for the visa come on top. Our cost of studying in Canada guide and the proof of funds page explain both. For help with fees, read about scholarships to study in Canada.
What Do You Study in a Graphic Design Program?
You study layout, type, colour, branding, illustration and digital design, and you build a portfolio as you go.
Capilano lists branding, illustration and interactive design in its degree. It ends with an eight-week industry practicum and a graduation show. Humber says you produce a professional portfolio through studio projects, critiques and new technologies.
Fanshawe offers a co-op, which is paid work experience between study terms. Fanshawe is also a partner school of the Association of Registered Graphic Designers.
Expect long hours of project work. You also present your ideas to the class and take feedback.
What Jobs Can Graphic Design Lead To?
Graphic design can lead to jobs in design studios, advertising, technology, media, publishing and in-house creative teams.
Capilano lists graphic designer, art director, packaging designer, illustrator, storyboard artist and UI and UX designer among the career paths. OCAD lists graphic design, branding, editorial design, interaction design and advertising.
Graphic design is not a licensed field, so you do not need a licence to start. Employers look at your portfolio first.
Want a nearby creative subject? See film studies in Canada or music in Canada. For further study, see our masters in Canada guide.
Can You Work and Stay in Canada After Graphic Design?
You can work part time while you study and apply for a post-graduation work permit after you graduate, but permanent residence is not automatic.
During term, international students can generally work up to 24 hours a week off campus, as the IRCC off-campus work page explains. Our guide on working over 24 hours in Canada covers the details.
After graduation, the Post-Graduation Work Permit can last up to three years, depending on the length of your program. A degree has no field of study rule. A college credential needs an eligible field. Read our PGWP guide for the steps.
No course leads to permanent residence on its own. Read PR pathways through education in Canada to see how people plan this honestly. For start dates, see the Canada intakes guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be, if you enjoy drawing, ideas and computers. It prepares you for design, branding and digital roles, and a strong portfolio matters most.
For OCAD and Capilano, yes. Colleges such as Humber and Fanshawe list marks and English first, so ask each school whether it also wants samples of your work.
Yes. Any stream can apply. Your portfolio and English matter more than your stream.
Neither is better for everyone. A degree takes four years and is broader. A college advanced diploma is a hands-on college program. They also differ for the post-graduation work permit.
Fanshawe asks for IELTS Academic 6.0 overall with no band below 5.5. Other schools set their own scores.
International students can generally work up to 24 hours a week off campus during term, if their study permit allows it.
No. A program can make you eligible for a post-graduation work permit, but permanent residence is a separate application with its own rules.
How Can Goreto Help You Apply?
Goreto counselors help you pick a school, check your marks and prepare your papers.
You can meet a counselor at our Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Chitwan, Itahari or Pokhara branch. Visit get in touch to find the nearest office.
Sources
Reference links
Disclaimer
Important guidance note
Program rules, portfolio steps and fees change, so confirm each detail on the official school page before you apply.
