Overview

Are you a visual communicator and think you would enjoy a creative career? The four-year Graphic Design degree program at Vancouver Island University is taught by professors who are graphic designers, artists and photographers themselves, and is a hands-on program taught in studios using industry-leading technologies.

Graphic Design is an interdisciplinary problem-solving activity that combines visual sensitivity with skill and knowledge in areas of communication, technology and business. A Graphic Designer specializes in the structuring and organizing of visual information and to aid communication and orientation.

They provide clients with the following: research, costing, planning, coordination, project management, quality control, design and aesthetic judgment, advertising and art direction.

The program will build on a solid foundation of general skills at the first-year level. Second-year courses will require that students apply and expand upon foundational skills in more detailed and specific sub-fields. Upper-level courses in the degree will explore problem-solving, research, creative exploration, innovation and cultural and contextual issues at a deeper and more complex level.

Students must take 21 credits of electives and may select both employment-oriented and academic electives (in consultation with the program).

Programme Structure

Courses included:

Technology

Professional Practice

Core Studio

Design Culture

UI-UX

Business and Technical Writing

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-03 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-03-31 00:00:00

Language

English

IELTS

6.5

Free IELTS Mock Tests!

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

Check IELTS test dates and locations. Book an IELTS test now!

Credits

120 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Nanaimo, Canada

Disciplines

Graphic Design View 58 other Bachelors in Graphic Design in Canada

Join for free or log in to access our complete career info list.

Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

IELTS

6.5

Free IELTS Mock Tests!

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

Check IELTS test dates and locations. Book an IELTS test now!

Other requirements

General requirements

To meet the requirements for the Bachelor of Design in Graphic Design, all students must complete 120 credits over 4 years as specified in the matrix. Electives for the degree can be chosen from a wide range of course options. Students must check the University Calendar, the timetable, seat availability and the necessary prerequisites for all selected electives. Students are encouraged to select courses that complement their graphic design studies.

A portfolio

A 100-300 word written statement on reasons and goals for seeking enrolment in the program and indicating research about the profession

A résumé including two reference letters

Student insurance

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:

Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
Liability
Home contents and baggage
Accidents
Legal aid

We partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

Get your student insurance now

Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at Vancouver Island University and/or in Canada, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fee

To always see correct tuition fees

International

24473 CAD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 24473 CAD per year during 48 months.
National

5092 CAD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 5092 CAD per year during 48 months.

Funding

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Graphic Design.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About