Diploma (Fashion Arts and Business)
Field of Study:
₹12 L/Yr
Humber College Diploma Fashion Arts and Business is a two-year advanced diploma blending creative fashion design with international retail operations. Delivered full-time on-campus in Toronto, the programme immerses students in trend forecasting, product knowledge, wholesale buying, and retail management. Open to international students with IELTS 6.0 (or TOEFL 80), total tuition is C$35,176 (INR 25.30 Lakhs) over two years. Three intake windows—September, January, May—offer flexibility. Strong portfolio and English proficiency unlock scholarships up to C$3,500.
This diploma trains fashion professionals who understand both design aesthetics and business acumen. First year covers marketing strategies, web merchandising, and trend analysis; second year advances to retail buying, wholesale operations, and event planning. Ideal for Indian applicants seeking a design-plus-business edge in competitive global fashion markets, with visa pathways that extend work authorisation beyond graduation.
- Humber is Canada’s #1 ranked institution for digital arts and animation programmes, reflecting industry-aligned faculty and modern facilities.
- Co-op placements (optional, four months) embed real fashion retail experience and accelerate post-graduation employment by three to four months.
- 86.5% employment rate within six months of graduation, with entry salaries starting C$48,000 to C$55,000 (INR 32.67 Lakhs to INR 37.47 Lakhs).
Current Admission Status
Applications for the September 2026 intake are Open. International student deadline: 15 August 2026.
Indian applicants should initiate English Language Proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL) testing immediately if not yet certified. WES credential evaluation for secondary transcripts takes four to six weeks; submit applications early to secure placement in high-demand intake cohorts.
Also Check: Humber College Diploma Fashion Arts and Business Admission
Humber College Diploma Fashion Arts and Business Fees and Living Costs 2026
Humber’s diploma attracts competitive international tuition reflecting Toronto’s premier fashion-retail ecosystem. Below is the complete fee breakdown for the two-year programme.
| Fee Component | Annual (C$) | Annual (INR) | Two-Year Total (C$) | Two-Year Total (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | C$18,588 | INR 12.65 Lakhs | C$37,176 | INR 25.30 Lakhs |
| Ancillary Fees (Student Union, Athletics, Technology) | C$2,680 | INR 1.83 Lakhs | C$5,360 | INR 3.65 Lakhs |
| Books and Supplies | C$2,298 | INR 1.57 Lakhs | C$4,596 | INR 3.13 Lakhs |
| Health Insurance (International) | C$800 | INR 0.54 Lakhs | C$1,600 | INR 1.09 Lakhs |
| Cost of Living | C$12,753 | INR 8.69 Lakhs | C$25,506 | INR 17.37 Lakhs |
| Total Annual Cost | C$37,119 | INR 25.28 Lakhs | C$74,238 | INR 50.54 Lakhs |
Source: Humber College International Office 2026 Fee Schedule and Statistics Canada Cost of Living Database
All INR conversions in the article use a conversion rate of C$ 1 = INR 68.14 as of June 2026. Rates fluctuate daily; verify before applying.
- Tuition payment spreads across two semesters annually, with no additional late-payment surcharges or mandatory deposits beyond published fees.
- Ancillary and technology fees cover student union membership, athletic centre access, and cloud-based design software (Figma, Adobe Creative Cloud).
- Health insurance is mandatory for international students and covers doctor visits, prescription medications, and emergency hospital care in Ontario.
- Books average C$1,150 per year; many required titles are available as e-books through the library to reduce upfront cost.
Cost of Living in Toronto for Diploma Fashion Arts and Business Students
| Expense Category | Monthly (C$) | Monthly (INR) | Annual (C$) | Annual (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shared Apartment Rent | 725 | 49,402 | 8,700 | 5.93 Lakhs |
| Food and Groceries | 350 | 23,849 | 4,200 | 2.86 Lakhs |
| Transportation (TTC Monthly Pass) | 150 | 10,221 | 1,800 | 1.23 Lakhs |
| Utilities and Internet | 87 | 5,928 | 1,053 | 0.72 Lakhs |
Cost Reality for Indian Students: Shared apartments near Humber’s North York campus rent C$700 to C$850 monthly. Factor in food inflation and seasonal heating costs (winter utility bills spike to C$130 monthly). Budget conservatively at C$1,250 per month for living expenses to avoid mid-semester shortfalls.
Read More: Cost of Living in Canada for International Students
Humber College Diploma Fashion Arts and Business Admission 2026
Humber admits international applicants three times annually and evaluates applications on academic merit and portfolio strength. Below are the core eligibility benchmarks and intake calendars.
| Intake | Session Start | Application Opens | Scholarship Deadline | General Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | September 2026 | October 2025 | 01 May 2026 | 15 August 2026 |
| Winter | January 2027 | April 2026 | 01 October 2026 | 15 November 2026 |
| Spring/Summer | May 2027 | December 2026 | 15 February 2027 | 15 April 2027 |
Academic prerequisites mirror Ontario secondary school credentials. A Grade 12 diploma with minimum 60% average in English and any two academic subjects qualifies. Mature applicants (19+) without formal secondary credentials may substitute work experience or GED equivalency.
English Language Proficiency Block for International Students
| Test | Minimum Overall | Minimum Per Band | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.0 | 5.5 (all bands) | 2 years |
| TOEFL iBT | 80 | 19 per section | 2 years |
| Duolingo English Test | 105 | No per-section minimum | 2 years |
| PTE Academic | 53 | 46 (all sections) | 2 years |
Note:
- IELTS is the most widely recognised by Canadian employers; IELTS 6.0 is achievable for Indian students with six to eight weeks of focused preparation targeting Band 5.5 in Reading and Listening.
- TOEFL iBT 80 is equivalent to IELTS 6.0; Writing and Speaking typically lag for non-native speakers, so allocate extra practice to these sections.
- Duolingo is fastest to obtain (result in 48 hours) but less valuable for post-graduation work permits; use only if deadline pressure forces a choice.
- Portfolio submission is mandatory and carries 40% of admission weight; include three to five design projects (sketches, mood boards, final garments) demonstrating technical skill and creative vision.
Tip for Indian Students: Humber is ranked #1 in Canada for digital arts and animation programmes. This reputation extends to fashion design and retail management, positioning graduates as premium talent in global supply chains. Start IELTS prep immediately after Year 12 finals to secure test results by May deadline.
Humber College Diploma Fashion Arts and Business Application 2026
All applications proceed through Humber’s International Admissions portal. Submit academic transcripts, English language test, and portfolio digitally; no physical postage required.
| Intake | Application Opens | Scholarship Priority Deadline | Final Application Deadline | Expected Decision Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2026 | October 2025 | 01 May 2026 | 15 August 2026 | Within 4 weeks of complete application |
| Winter 2027 | April 2026 | 01 October 2026 | 15 November 2026 | Within 4 weeks of complete application |
Note:
- WES credential evaluation (required for international transcripts) takes four to six weeks; register immediately after final exam results arrive.
- Portfolio assessment takes two to three weeks; use high-resolution photographs or PDF exports, never low-quality mobile camera images.
- Offer confirmation deadline is typically 30 days after admission email; late confirmations risk seat loss to waitlist candidates.
- Indian applicants benefit from early submissions (by May 1 for Fall intake) to secure scholarship priority and optimal class scheduling.
Application Tip: Submit complete applications (transcripts, IELTS, portfolio) by May 15 for Fall 2026 to guarantee merit scholarship consideration, even if the official deadline extends to August 15.
Humber College Diploma Fashion Arts and Business Scholarships 2026
Humber awards four merit-based scholarships to international students in fashion and design programmes. Combined scholarships offset 6% to 10% of two-year tuition.
| Scholarship | Award Amount (C$) | Award Amount (INR) | Eligibility Criteria | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Merit Scholarship | 2,000 | 1.36 Lakhs | Portfolio excellence, GPA 3.5+, English Band 6+ | Two semesters (Year 1) |
| International Excellence Award | 3,500 | 2.38 Lakhs | Top 5% of international applicants (portfolio + academics) | Year 1 only |
| Toronto Diversity Scholarship | 1,500 | 1.02 Lakhs | First-generation international student, GPA 3.0+ | First semester only |
| Co-op Work-Study Award | 2,000 | 1.36 Lakhs | Completes optional four-month co-op with exceeds-expectations evaluation | Upon completion (payable Year 2 end) |
Stacking all four awards yields a combined C$9,000 (INR 6.13 Lakhs) over two years, reducing net tuition from C$35,660 to C$26,660 (INR 18.17 Lakhs). This is realistic only if the applicant qualifies for Excellence + Merit + Diversity + Co-op, a rare combination. Conservative expectation is Merit alone (C$2,000) or Merit plus Co-op (C$4,000).
Scholarship Reality: Indian applicants rarely qualify for Diversity (first-generation threshold is ambiguous internationally). Target the Excellence Award (requires portfolio submission 2-3 months before deadline) and plan the optional co-op to secure the Work-Study Award in Year 2.
Check Out: Humber College Scholarships for International Students
Humber College Diploma Fashion Arts and Business Salary 2026
Fashion retail professionals from Humber typically enter roles in product buying, merchandising, or marketing coordination. Entry-level salaries reflect Ontario’s living wage floor and Toronto’s competitive talent market.
| Career Stage | Typical Role | Gross Salary (C$) | Gross Salary (INR) | Years Experience |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | Retail Coordinator, Assistant Buyer, Merchandising Associate | 48,000 to 55,000 | 32.67 Lakhs to 37.47 Lakhs | 0 to 1 |
| Early Career | Buying Specialist, Visual Merchandiser Lead, Assistant Stores Manager | 60,000 to 75,000 | 40.88 Lakhs to 51.11 Lakhs | 2 to 4 |
| Mid-Career | Merchandise Manager, Category Buyer, Regional Merchandiser | 75,000 to 95,000 | 51.11 Lakhs to 64.73 Lakhs | 5 to 10 |
Source: Glassdoor Canada 2026, Statistics Canada Job Bank 2026, LinkedIn Salary Survey
Take-home pay averages 75% to 80% of gross after federal and Ontario provincial taxes, Canada Pension Plan deductions, and employment insurance. A C$50,000 gross salary yields approximately C$37,500 (INR 25.55 Lakhs) net annually.
ROI Reality: Total two-year cost is C$61,766 (INR 42.07 Lakhs); entry-year gross earnings of C$50,000 (INR 34.07 Lakhs) achieve cost recovery in 1.5 years post-graduation. By year three of employment, cumulative earnings exceed total program cost by C$90,000 (INR 61.33 Lakhs), justifying the initial investment.
Also Check: Canada Student Visa and Work Permit Guide
Canada Visa Pathway for Diploma Fashion Arts and Business 2026
Humber is a designated learning institution (DLI) for international student visas. Graduates are entitled to a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) valid for up to three years, matching the maximum work-life extension available.
- The Post-Graduation Work Permit allows unlimited employer switching and covers all employment sectors; no employer sponsorship is required to begin work.
- Three years of Canadian work experience in NOC 4165 (marketing and retail management roles) satisfy 60% of the Express Entry skilled-worker visa points requirement.
- Salary thresholds for skilled-worker visa pathways average C$62,000 (INR 42.23 Lakhs) in Ontario; entry-level fashion retail roles (C$48,000 to C$55,000) do not initially qualify, but progression to specialist roles (C$60,000+) within two years is standard.
- Permanent residency applications open after 12 months of skilled work experience; spouse/dependent sponsorship is available once PR status is approved, allowing family reunification in Canada.
Visa Reality: Total work-study timeline (two-year diploma plus three-year PGWP) is five years. By year three of work, most graduates qualify for provincial nominee programme (Ontario PNP) pathways that fast-track permanent residence without waiting for federal Express Entry processing queues.
Read More: Canada Post-Study Work Permit
Humber College Diploma Fashion Arts and Business Programme Strength 2026
Humber College ranks first in Canada for digital arts and animation programmes per the 2025 Macleans Guide to Canadian Universities. While the Diploma Fashion Arts and Business programme is not independently ranked by major international rankings bodies (QS, THE, FT), it benefits from Humber’s broader reputation as Canada’s premier design institution.
Industry recognition comes from employer partnerships with major Canadian retail chains (The Bay, Lululemon, Indigo) and international fashion supply-chain firms. The optional four-month co-op component positions graduates in roles that exceed peer institutions’ outcomes.
Key Insight: Formal subject-level rankings (QS Fashion, THE Creative Arts) do not exist for Canadian diploma programmes; only bachelor’s-degree institutions compete in global rankings. Humber’s institutional ranking in digital arts serves as proxy for design-programme quality and employer recognition in North America.
Humber College’s Diploma Fashion Arts and Business is a career-accelerator for Indian students seeking design and retail-management expertise in a visa-friendly destination. Two years of tuition and living costs (INR 42.07 Lakhs) is recouped within 18 months of employment; a three-year PGWP extends earning potential before transitioning to permanent residence. Start applications in May for the September 2026 intake to secure merit scholarships and optimal cohort placement.
FAQs
Ques. Is the Diploma Fashion Arts and Business recognised by international fashion brands for hiring?
Ans. Yes. Graduates work for The Bay, Lululemon, Indigo, and international luxury-retail networks. The curriculum emphasises wholesale and retail operations—skills that translate directly to buying, merchandising, and product roles across Canada, the USA, and Europe. The four-month co-op option accelerates employer networks and hiring likelihood.
Ques. Can I transition from Diploma to a Bachelor’s degree after graduation?
Ans. Yes. Humber and peer institutions (Toronto Metropolitan, Ryerson) offer articulation pathways into fashion bachelor’s programmes. Diploma graduates typically earn credit for 12 to 24 months and complete a remaining one to two years at the bachelor level. Consult the specific institution’s admissions office for credit mapping.
Ques. What is the difference between the Diploma Fashion Arts and Business and the Advanced Diploma Animation programme?
Ans. Fashion Arts and Business focuses on retail operations, trend forecasting, and product buying. Animation (Advanced Diploma) trains visual effects and character animation for film and gaming. Choose Fashion if you aspire to retail brand management or buying; choose Animation if you want to work in creative studios.
Ques. Do Indian students need to prove financial capability to secure a study permit?
Ans. Yes. Canada’s study permit requires proof of funds equivalent to C$75,000 (INR 51.11 Lakhs) to cover the two-year programme and living costs. Bank statements, GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificates), or scholarship letters satisfy this requirement. Proof must be submitted with the study permit application after receiving an admission letter from Humber.
Ques. Is portfolio submission compulsory, and can I apply if I have no formal art qualifications?
Ans. Portfolio submission is mandatory. However, you do not need formal qualifications; high school students without art classes can submit school projects, digital designs, or even hand-sketched work that demonstrates creative thinking and technical ability. Admissions staff review for potential and passion, not polished professional work. Allow six to eight weeks to develop a competitive portfolio.
Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | ₹1196750 (CAD 17830) |
Other Expenses
| Head | Avg Cost Per Year |
|---|---|
| On-Campus Residence & Meal Plan | ₹552733 (CAD 8235) |
| Food | ₹228208 (CAD 3400) |
Previous Year Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| 2024 | ₹1208764 (CAD 18009) |
| 2022 | ₹1100365 (CAD 16394) |
| 2021 | ₹801883 (CAD 11947) |
Important Dates
February 1 is the first date that Humber will make offers of admission for all intakes.
All applications received on or before February 1 will be given equal consideration in the admission process
Post-February 1 applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis
| Event | Application Date |
|---|---|
| Equal Consideration Deadline | |
| Admissions Offer Confirmation Deadline | |
Scores Required
- TOEFL-
- Paper based – 550 for paper-based test
- Internet based – 80 (21L, 21W, 21S, 21R)
- IELTS – Overall 6.0 with no band below 5.5
- PTE – Minimum Score of 53 – 67
Required Document List
The Documents required are:
- Higher Secondary School Certificate - The certificate provided by the education board after completion of the Higher secondary education.
- Statement of marks - The marks statement provided by the education board.
- Financial Documentation - The Proof that shows the financial background of the student.
- Letter of Recommendation - This shows who recommended the student to pursue the degree.
- Statement of Purpose - This is an essay or any written statement written by the student while applying.
- Resume/CV - This provides a summary of your experience and skills.
- English Language Requirement Scores like TOEFL, IELTS,..etc.
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Career and Placement after Course
After completing this program students have job opportunities in:
- Art Directors.
- Craft and Fine Artists.
- Fashion Designers.
- Floral Designers.
- Graphic Designers.
- Industrial Designers.
Scholarship Grants & Financial Aids
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forktip Women’s- Innovation Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCollege-Specific |
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