Get hands-on training to become a Graphic Design Professional!

Advance Your Career! Get the job-ready skills you need to start an in-demand career.

The courses you’ll take in our Graphic Design program will give you the knowledge and skills to launch your creative career. Learn from industry-experienced instructors who will help you develop both up-to-date skills and connections to the industry. This program is available in Vancouver and Calgary. Fill out the Request Info form above to learn more about the program and our visual arts school – or apply today!

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This program is available in Vancouver and Calgary.

In order to succeed in graphic design, you'll need to back up your raw talent and drive to succeed with a highly-focused and hands-on design education. VCAD's Graphic Design program gives you the knowledge, skills, and professional connections you'll need to launch your career in graphic design.

From colour theory, drawing and typography, to standard software and web development platforms used in the industry, this program will teach you the theoretical and practical skills you need to turn your creative ideas into reality. You will build a portfolio of designs for packaging, advertising, publications, websites, and branding.

Graduates of this program will be prepared to apply for graphic design jobs with web development firms, newspapers, magazines, publishers, printers, and more. Study in class, learn online, or receive a combined delivery of in-class and online instruction.

Upon successful completion of this program, you will be able to:

Propose creative solutions to design problems
Evaluate the appropriate materials, tools, techniques and concepts required to produce an effective design solution
Communicate ideas using colour
Create digital graphics and illustrations
Determine the appropriate media based on project requirements
Manage project and time constraints
Optimize the readability of typography
Assess visually photographic images on quality and effectiveness
Produce graphic documents of high resolution
Ensure the technical and design quality of a graphic design solution
Process digital images using appropriate software
Produce single and multi-page layouts using the appropriate software
Create a fully-functional website

The program consists of five 12-week terms. All courses are worth three credits. 75 credits are required to complete this diploma program.

Admissions Requirements

Admissions Requirements in BC

High school graduation or equivalent (from an English language teaching institution) OR
Mature student status (19 years of age upon starting classes and pass the college's admission test).

This program has been approved by the registrar of the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training.

Admissions Requirements in Alberta

Alberta high school diploma or equivalent verified by transcript OR
Mature student status and must meet ALL of the following criteria:
1. Out of school for one year
2. Be at least 18 years of age prior to admission
3. Thirty-three credits towards an Alberta high school diploma or equivalent verified by transcript OR an overall score of 502 on the College Aptitude Test.

The Visual College of Art and Design of Calgary is licensed by the Private Career College Branch of Alberta Advanced Education.

career Opportunities

Graphic Designer
Graphic Artist
Layout Designer
Page Designer
Advertising Designer
Illustrator
Medical Or Scientific Illustrator

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Financial Assistance

Finding yourself in a position where College is unaffordable is more common than most of us realize. Fortunately, Canada’s provincial and federal governments are very focused on making education accessible to virtually everyone; even students that are new to Canada. Regardless of your situation: didn’t finish high school, are having (or had) financial difficulties, or you are a new arrival to Canada, we will find financial solution best for you!

Our Financial Aid Expert will provide you with best options to make education investment in yourself, both realistic and affordable. Let us help you find option that suits you best. Fill out the form NOW!

Government Student Loans

Financial assistance may be available for full-time students who are Canadian citizens or landed immigrants through the Canadian and provincial government student loan programs. Students must apply for loans through the province or territory in which they have established residency. For more information, please contact your Student Financial Planner.

Lifelong Learn Plan (LLP)

The LLP allows eligible students to withdraw up to $10,000 per year, tax-free (up to $20,000 over the period you are participating in the LLP) from their RRSP. Withdrawals are repayable over 10 years. For more information, visit the Canada Revenue Agency website.

Student Lines of Credit

Financial institutions offer lines of credit for students enrolled in full-time programs. Credit amounts are based on individual approved credit limits with monthly interest-only payments required while attending school. Amounts vary at each institution.

Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP)

RESPs permit savings to grow tax-free until the student beneficiary is ready to enroll full-time in a qualified post-secondary institution such as VCAD. An RESP also allows the student to apply for the Canadian Education Savings Grant.

Scholarships, Grants, & Bursaries

From time to time, VCAD offers scholarships for specific programs to eligible students. Ask your Student Financial Planner if you qualify for one or more of these programs. It is important to note that there may be additional sources of third-party funding available to you. Many private businesses and community groups offer grants and scholarships to eligible students. Inquire with organizations in your area for more information.

Payment Plans

Subject to credit approval by the Student Financial Aid department, payment plans are available in some circumstances. Payment plans require proof that the student has the financial capacity to make payments and in some cases will require additional guarantees or co-signers.

Tuition

You will be informed of all fees related to your program of study during the admission process. Program costs may include fees for tuition, registration, learning guides, kits, and course materials. Tuition may be paid through student loan disbursements or by cash, cheque, VISA, MasterCard, or Interac.

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frequently asked questions

Why We Are Better

Explore the diverse curriculum offered by the Visual College of Art and Design and choose a creative career path that lets you realize your dreams.

how to apply?

It’s easy! To start the application process, simply fill up above form!

Why choose VCAD?

Our Applied Arts curriculum has been developed to ensure that our graduates are successful in meeting the employment requirements of these industries. VCAD maintains close ties with the fashion, graphic design, video game, visual effects, and interior design industries to continually assess our curriculum and gain insight about industry needs.

do you offer financial aid?

Yes, we offer Grants, Loans and Private Student Loans.
Check for more info on our financial-aid page

Campus Locations

VCAD Vancouver campus

500-626 West Pender Street,
Vancouver, BC

VCAD Calgary campus

100-1035 7th Avenue,
SW, Calgary, AB.

Get Started TODAY!

Do you have the right personality for college?