Masters in Design (MDes) in Canada: Top Universities, Admission, Cost, Scholarships and Jobs

Masters in Design (MDes) in Canada: 2024 Top Universities, Admission, Cost, Scholarships and Jobs

Masters in Design in Canada is a 2-3 year course. Canada has always been a preference for international students to pursue a degree in design due to its quality education as well as low tuition fees. The admission requirements for Master in Design in Canada is to have a 4 year bachelor’s degree or a 3 year equivalent in the related field of art, architecture or design from a recognized institution with minimum 75% of marks.

Some of the top universities in Canada provide MDes degrees with tuition fees ranging from CAD 1,800 (1.14 lakhs INR) to CAD 55,000 (INR 33 lakhs). Growing job opportunities in the field of design has also contributed to the popularity of Canada among MDes Applicants all over the world. The average salary after completion of MDes course is 73,000 CAD (44.90 lakhs INR) in Canada.

Table of Contents

  1. Top Universities for MDes in Canada
  2. Why Study Masters in Design in Canada?
  3. Masters in Design in Canada: Course Structure
  4. MDes in Canada: Admissions
    4.1 Masters in Design in Canada: Eligibility Criteria
    4.2  Masters in Design in Canada: Academic Requirements
  5. Cost of Studying Masters in Design in Canada
    5.1 Tuition Fees for MDes in Canada
    5.2  Cost of Living in Canada
  6. MDes is Canada: Scholarships
  7. MDes in Canada: Jobs
  8. MDes in Canada: Top Recruiters
  9. MDes in Canada: Return on Investment
  10. MDes in Canada V/S MDes in USA
  11. FAQs

Top Universities for MDes in Canada

Given below is the table mentioning names of the top universities in Canada offering Masters in Design course along with program deadline date and tuition fees:

QS World Ranking 2024 University Program Program Deadlines Total Tuition Fees (CAD)
#29 Emily Carr University of Art and Design (ECUAD) Master of Design [M.Des] Interaction | Master of Design [M.Des] Interdisciplinary January 31, 2024 (closed) 39,835
#51-100 OCAD University Master of Design (M.Des) March 14, 2024 33,090
#101-150 Concordia University Master of Design (M.Des) January 15, 2024 (closed) 33,193
#101-150 Toronto Metropolitan University Master of Design (M.Des) January 19, 2024 (closed) 30,014
#101-150 University of Toronto Master of Design (M.Des) January 3, 2023 52,930
#151-200 Simon Fraser University Master of Design (M.Des) March 25, 2024 (Summer) 2,066.11
(per term)
#151-200 University of British Columbia Master of Urban Design (M.Des) January 15, 2024 (closed) 14,135
NA University of Alberta Master of Design (M.Des) January 15, 2024(closed) 11,409

Why Study Masters in Design in Canada?

Particulars Canada UK
Universities Canada has some of the top universities in the world offering masters courses in the field of designing. ECUAD, OCAD, Concordia University, University of Toronto are some of them. Institutes such as Royal college of Art, University of Arts London, Oxford are among the top universities offering designing courses to students.
Cost of Study Cost of study for doing Masters in Designing is much cheaper in Canada with an average tuition fees of 1,800 CAD- 55,000 CAD ( 1.14 - 33 lakhs INR) UK is much expensive for doing Masters in Designing with an average tuition fees of GBP 15,000 - GBP 35,000 (INR 15.78 lakhs - 36.84 lakhs)
Return on Investment after graduation Due to the cost of study being low and increasing job opportunities for designers, Canada offers great ROI to international students. High living cost and tuition fees makes the ROI in the UK comparatively lower for international students.

As per the Government of Canada’s Job Bank Report, there will be an increase in job openings for around 27,300, for graphic designers and illustrators by 2031. Canada allows its international students to stay back after graduation and work in the professional field for the duration of 3 years. This may also help in getting the required work experience if one decides to get Permanent Residency in Canada.

Masters in Design in Canada: Course Structure

The MDes program in Canada is a 2 year course which is divided into 4 terms. In the first year of MDes, students have four courses: design methods; design- an introduction; ergonomics; and visual design. In the second year, they have 3 main courses that are: form studies; graphic design; design projects along with one elective to choose.

The third semester is thesis based with three electives to be selected by the students. Lastly, in the last year of MDes, students are supposed to select only one elective with the final thesis project in hand.

MDes in Canada: Admissions

International candidates must go through the admission process and eligibility criteria before applying to avoid mishap or rejection. Given below are the eligibility criteria for admission into Masters in Design in Canada.

Masters in Design in Canada: Eligibility Criteria

  1. A UG degree in a relevant field with a minimum GPA of 3.0 is a 4.0 scale.
  2. Some universities also require GRE and GMAT scores along with the application. Though it is not compulsory in many of the colleges.
  3. English Proficiency Test scores, with minimum 6.0 in IELTS.
  4. Updated CV along with your work portfolios.
  5. Statement of Purpose also has to be provided by the applicant, with minimum 500 words.

Masters in Design in Canada: Academic Requirements

You may find information regarding academic requirements and documents needed in various universities in Canada for MDes provided below.

University Academic Requirements IELTS Documents Required
Emily Carr University of Art and Design (ECUAD) 4 year UG degree or 3 year equivalent from a recognized institution in a relevant field| graduates from other specialization can also apply but must prove their studio proficiency| minimum GPA 3.0 in 4.0 scale 7.0 Portfolios with all relevant designs/art works of the applicant
OCAD University UG degree or equivalent from a recognized institution in a relevant field| minimum GPA 3.0 in 4.0 scale 7.0 Portfolios with all relevant designs/art works of the applicant | LORs
Concordia University 4 year UG degree or 3 year equivalent from a recognized institution in a relevant field| minimum GPA 3.0 in 4.30 scale 6.5 Immigrant documents, Copy of Passport
Toronto Metropolitan University 4 year UG degree or 3 year equivalent from a recognized institution in a relevant field| minimum GPA 3.0 in 4.30 scale 7.0 SOP, Portfolio , Updated CV , 2 LORs
University of Toronto 4 year UG degree or 3 year equivalent from a recognized institution in a relevant field| minimum GPA 3.0 in 4.30 scale 7.0 SOP, Portfolio, Updated CV
Simon Fraser University 4 year UG degree or 3 year equivalent from a recognized institution in a relevant field| minimum GPA 3.5 in 4.30 scale 7.0 Portfolio, SOP
University of British Columbia 4 year UG degree or 3 year equivalent from a recognized institution in a relevant field| minimum GPA 3.0 in 4.30 scale 6.5 2 LORs, Portfolio, SOP
University of Alberta 4 year UG degree or 3 year equivalent from a recognized institution in a relevant field| minimum GPA 3.0 in 4.30 scale 6.5 SOP, Portfolios

Cost of Studying Masters in Design in Canada

The tuition fees of studying MDes in Canada ranges around 1,800 CAD to 55,000 CAD depending on the university and course you have selected. Given below are the details of the cost of studying MDes in Canada for international as well as Indian students.

Tuition Fees for MDes in Canada

Given below is the list of colleges offering MDes course in Canada along with their total tuition fees in CAD as well as Indian Rupees:

Tuition Fees for MDes in Canada
University Total Tuition Fees (in CAD) Total Tuition Fees (in INR)
Emily Carr University of Art and Design (ECUAD) 39,835 24.50 lakhs
OCAD University 33,090 20.42 lakhs
Concordia University 33,193 20.49 lakhs
Toronto Metropolitan University 30,014 18.52 lakhs
University of Toronto 52,930 32.64 lakhs
Simon Fraser University 2,066.11
(per term)
1.27 lakhs
University of British Columbia 14,135 8.72 lakhs
University of Alberta 11,409 8.33 lakhs

Cost of Living in Canada

Cost of living in Canada ranges around 30,000 CAD to 60,000 CAD (INR 18.45 lakhs to 36.90 lakhs) per year. Below, we have discussed the average cost of living in Canada for international students.

Expense Average CAD Cost Equivalent (INR)
Accommodation 23,000 14.14 lakhs
Meals 6000 3.67 lakhs
Transportation 1200 73,000
Health Insurance 800 49,000
Personal Expenses 3600 2.20 lakhs
Total Around 40,000 24.5 lakhs

MDes is Canada: Scholarships

Canadian universities, public and private organizations offer scholarships to international students to help them in financing their studies. Below are some of the scholarships provided by various Universities and organizations for Masters in Design in Canada.

Scholarship Awarded By Eligibility Award Value (in CAD)
Concordia International Tuition Award of Excellence Concordia University International students who are enrolled into full-time masters course 44,893
Merit Scholarships Carleton University National Merit Finalists who have chosen Carleton University as their first preference 2,000 each year
Vanier Graduate Scholarship Government of Canada International Students who are interested in research based doctoral programs 50,000
York Graduate Funding York University International students who are enrolled into Masters program at York University 24,460
International Tuition Award, University of British Columbia University of British Columbia International students who are enrolled into Masters program at York University 3200
Entrance Scholarships Emily Carr University of Art and Design (ECUAD) Students who have applied for the scholarships with minimum total grade point average of 3.33 at the time of application 1,000

MDes in Canada: Jobs

Masters in Design in Canada is a degree which broadens the job opportunities for the graduates, depending on the specialization chosen by them. An average salary for MDes graduates is CAD 73,000. Given below are some of the job roles in Canada for MDes graduates along with their average salary.

Job Opportunities After Masters in DESIGN in Canada
Job Roles Average Annual Salary (CAD) Salary Equivalent (INR)
Product Engineer 70,953 43.64 lakhs
UX Designer 65,710 40.41 lakhs
Lead UX designer 92,446 56.86 lakhs
Graphic Designer 49,333 30.34 lakhs
Interior Designer 54,559 33.55 lakhs
User Interface Designer 59,826 36.79 lakhs

MDes in Canada: Top Recruiters

In today's digitizing world, designers and illustrators are in great demand. Whether it’s a Public agency or Private, designers are required to help in marketing, advertising, illustration, renovation and what more. Though, designers are in demand in almost all the industries, given below are some of the prominent recruiters for designers who have done MDes in Canada:

  1. Amazon.com Inc
  2. HOK Canada
  3. Kasian Architecture IDP
  4. Crate and Barrel
  5. Stantec

MDes in Canada: Return on Investment

The Return on Investment for international students who have done MDes in Canada is really good. You can find the average salary compared with the tuition fees of various universities for better understanding.

University Total Tuition Fees (in CAD) Average Annual Salary (in CAD)
Emily Carr University of Art and Design (ECUAD) 39,835 83,000
OCAD University 33,090.04 72500
Concordia University 33,193 62,621
Toronto Metropolitan University 30,014 21,000
University of Toronto 52,930 72,000
Simon Fraser University 2,066.11
(per term)
67,650
University of British Columbia 14,135 65,000
University of Alberta 11,409 102,000

MDes in Canada V/S MDes in USA

Given below is the table comparing the basic factors in Masters in Design in Canada against Masters in Design in USA:

Parameters Master in Design in Canada Masters in Design in USA
Duration 2-3 Years 1-2 Years
Average Tuition Fees 1800- 55,000 CAD ( 1.14- 33 lakhs INR) per year USD 44,000 to USD 97,000 (INR 36 Lakhs to INR 80 Lakhs)
Cost of Living 30,000 Cad to 60,000 CAD (INR 18.45 lakhs to 36.90 lakhs) per year. 25,000 USD (20 lakhs INR) per year
Visa Student Visa F1 Visa
Average Salary 73,000 CAD (44.90 lakhs INR) USD 57,200 to USD 135,250 (INR 46.7 Lakhs to INR 1.1 Crore)
Exam Accepted GRE | GMAT GRE | GMAT
English Language Proficiency Test IELTS: 6.5 to 8 overall score | TOEFL iBT: 79 to 100 overall score IELTS score: 6.5

Canada is a home for some of the top universities in the world which provide quality education along with great work experience. The job growth is expected to grow 16% in 2024 for designing students. If you wish to make your future into the field of creativity and designing, Canada can be a good spot to earn your advanced degree.

FAQs

Ques. Is graphic designing a good career in 2024?

Ans. Into this digital world, demand for digital creativity is growing rapidly. Graphic designers are required in every other field and thus the job opportunities are growing too. Graphic Designing is definitely a high paying job for those who have the needed creativity and skill.

Ques. What is the fee for MDes in Canada?

Ans. Canada has some top universities which offer international students with Masters in Design programs. The total tuition fees can vary from CAD 1,800 (INR 1.1. lakhs) to even CAD 55,000 (INR 33 lakhs) depending on the university.

Ques. What are the job opportunities after MDes in Canada?

Ans. Masters in Design is an umbrella degree which opens various job opportunities depending on the specialization chosen by the students. Jobs like graphic designer, product designer, and UX UI designer are among the most popular ones. Other professions may include product development manager, product manager, interior designer, etc.

Ques. What are the top colleges for design in Canada?

Ans. Canada has some of the most popular universities known for its design and arts programs. Universities like, EMILY CARR UNIVERSITY OF ART AND DESIGN, University of Alberta, OCAD University, University of British Columbia are some of the top universities in the world which offer UG and Graduate courses in design.

Ques. Are designers in-demand in Canada?

Ans. Designing is a field which will always be in demand as a result of our rapidly digitizing world. Illustrators and Graphic Designer are some of the professions which have really high demand not only in Canada but worldwide. Though, the job market for designers has been growing in Canada and thus the demand has also been increasing.

Ques. Who is eligible for the MDes program in Canada?

Ans. Students who have a 4 year UG degree or 3 years equivalent in a related field of design, architecture, art etc. from a recognized university with minimum 75% marks are eligible to apply. Some universities also allow UG graduates from non-art related fields to apply but they have to prove their studio proficiency.

Ques. What is the duration of MDes?

Ans. Masters in Design is a 2-3 year postgraduate program in Canada. The course is divided into 4 terms and is a thesis based program.

Ques. Are there any scholarships available for MDes international students in Canada?

Ans. Yes. Various universities, public and private organizations offer scholarships to international students providing financial aid to international students. The scholarship can range from CAD 2,000 per term to even CAD 40,000 per year depending on the scholarship .

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