Our Admissions Office will acknowledge your application has been received and will provide you with your NC Student ID number and details on your next steps.
Your education at Niagara College begins with your application. We're here to help make the process easy!
Carefully read the Admission Requirements tab to make sure you meet the program requirements. Official, translated high school and/or post-secondary transcripts, proof of graduation and proof of English proficiency will be required.
Check the Availability tab to see whether or not the program is accepting International applications, and what start dates are available.
Do you enjoy working with the latest technology to create eye-catching, original designs?
As a Graphic Designer, you are an integral part of the communications team who thrives on transforming a concept or idea into an organization’s identity, brand or visual language.
Highlights
Hands-on, experiential learning in state-of-the-art design studios and computer labs equipped with Macs and Wacom tablets.
Emphasis on the theoretical and practical application of design principles.
Over 1,800 hours of practical design studio and production experience.
Graduates find employment in one of Canada’s largest industries in studios, ad agencies and in-house design departments working with photographers, illustrators, writers, marketing strategists, typographers and printers.
Our maker space houses traditional printing presses, metal and wood type, bookbinding equipment, silkscreen setup, laser cutter, 3D printer, large format printer/vinyl cutter—everything you need to bring your ideas to life.
conceptualize and develop design solutions using principles of design to create visual communications that meet the needs of the project
employ the design process to create design solutions that meet the project objectives and the needs of the client and/or user
plan, create and use photography, illustration and typography in design layouts to meet the requirements of the creative brief
design, develop and create a variety of media products using relevant, current and/or emerging technologies
communicate ideas, design concepts and opinions clearly and persuasively to others
plan, implement, and evaluate graphic design projects using project management skills to deliver quality work to clients according to schedule and within budget.
use recognized industry practices throughout the design process and related business tasks
complete all work in a professional and ethical manner, and in accordance with all applicable legislation and regulations
keep current with visual media design trends, technologies and industry practices using strategies that enhance work performance and guide professional development
Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent including the following required course(s):
English – any Grade 12 (C) or (U), or equivalent
Recommended Courses and/or Skills:
These courses and skills may help you succeed academically in this program, but they are not required for admission.
Visual Arts – Grade 11 (M) or (O) or Grade 12 (M) or (O)
Art and Design Foundation program
Selection and Ranking
Applications are evaluated based on the published admission requirements. When the applicant provides proof of meeting the requirements, an offer of admission can be issued, provided space is available in the program.
Students are responsible for their own transportation in order to complete program requirements which may not be readily accessible by public transportation.
Program requirements could include co-ops, placements, volunteer requirements, practical labs, field projects, assignments, clinicals, or any other off-campus visits required as part of the program’s curriculum.
Computer/Technology Requirements
In order to successfully complete studies at Niagara College, it is recommended that each student have access to a personal computer or laptop.
We recommend students purchase Mac laptops or desktops with the same specifications or higher as the Macs in our labs. Our Mac labs have the following minimum configuration:
i5 processor
5 Ghz 16 GB of ram
256 GB SSD
Minimum 17 inch screen, 21.5 inch recommended
This program is taught in a Mac environment; some program software runs on a PC. Suggested minimum configurations for a PC are the same as listed above for a Mac.
Niagara College’s program labs offer computers on campus, but availability outside scheduled classes cannot be guaranteed.
All costs associated with program requirements are the responsibility of the student.
We are experiencing technical difficulties with displaying program availability information on our website and are working to resolve the issue. Please visit ontariocolleges.ca/en/colleges/niagara for program availability information. Thank you for your patience.
Applicants with previous postsecondary education will be assessed for transfer credits upon receipt of an official transcript from their previous institution. There is no fee for this service.
The below is a tuition fees estimate ( what's this?) for the indicated start term. Tuition fees are set in accordance with the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities fee guidelines.
Year: 2023-2024
Start Term: Fall
Expand each level below for a fee breakdown.
Year 1
Level one$2,562.44
Fee Breakdown for Level one
Fee Type
Fee Cost
Tuition
$1,357.49
Ancillary Fees
$1,104.95
Material Fees
$100.00
Level one Total
$2,562.44
Level two$2,229.44
Fee Breakdown for Level two
Fee Type
Fee Cost
Tuition
$1,357.49
Ancillary Fees
$756.95
Material Fees
$115.00
Level two Total
$2,229.44
Year 1 Total:$4,791.88
Year 2
Level three$2,484.44
Fee Breakdown for Level three
Fee Type
Fee Cost
Tuition
$1,357.49
Ancillary Fees
$1,036.95
Material Fees
$90.00
Level three Total
$2,484.44
Level four$2,149.44
Fee Breakdown for Level four
Fee Type
Fee Cost
Tuition
$1,357.49
Ancillary Fees
$716.95
Material Fees
$75.00
Level four Total
$2,149.44
Year 2 Total:$4,633.88
Year 3
Level five$2,444.44
Fee Breakdown for Level five
Fee Type
Fee Cost
Tuition
$1,357.49
Ancillary Fees
$1,036.95
Material Fees
$50.00
Level five Total
$2,444.44
Level six$2,249.44
Fee Breakdown for Level six
Fee Type
Fee Cost
Tuition
$1,357.49
Ancillary Fees
$716.95
Material Fees
$175.00
Level six Total
$2,249.44
Year 3 Total:$4,693.88
Estimated Program Total:$14,119.64
We're helping make your NC dreams a reality.
To help fund your education access $1.5 million in scholarships and awards made available by our generous donors. You will be automatically considered for some awards, however other awards will require an application.
The tuition amounts provided are an estimate only ( what's this? ).
To generate a detailed fees calculation, which includes tuition, ancillary, and material fees for this or a different start term, please access the Advanced Tuition Tool.
The below is a tuition fees estimate ( what's this?) for the indicated start term. Tuition and estimated fees for International students are based on program type.
The tuition amounts provided are an estimate only ( what's this? ).
To generate a detailed fees calculation, which includes tuition, ancillary, and material fees for this or a different start term, please access the Advanced Tuition Tool.
Your tuition estimation includes tuition, ancillary, and material fees based on a program and term. Fees may vary upon enrolment into specific courses that are outside of the core curriculum or elective courses. Fees for future terms (where fees have yet to be published) are estimates based on the current academic year fee structure.
Additional fees include textbooks and a parking pass (if parking on campus). Additional costs may be incurred for optional field trips, learning materials, equipment or clothing. All costs associated with program requirements are the responsibility of the student.
Note: For new programs tuition and fees may not yet be available. Typically tuition amounts are available in May for the next academic year. Please check back.
The professors are more like mentors. They are people who are willing to spend hours before and after class discussing different ways to approach different problems, not just in an academic sense but in a way that has helped me in the professional world. To this day, I still keep in touch to ask questions when I feel stuck and they don’t hesitate to provide me with their thoughts. They are truly a wonderful group.
Erik Teibert, program graduate
The feeling of both an inclusive atmosphere created by the teachers and others students greatly met and exceeded my expectations.
Visit disfordesign.ca to check out the work of our graduating class as they showcase their portfolios, thesis projects, and celebrate the culmination of three-years of creativity, hard-work and innovation!