Master in Design (MDes) in Canada is a 2 to 3 years program which is ideally catered for students with a finesse in creativity where they capture every detail of the aesthetics around them. Although many countries offer MDes programs, Master in Design (MDes) in Canada is the first choice for international students. The art of the students encompasses a blend of their perspectives and cultures. The Master of Design program is offered by several top universities in Canada with some of them listed among the top 50 universities globally.
To apply, international students must have a GPA of 3.0 or 83-86 % and IELTS score between 6-7.5. The Tuition fee for Masters in Design in Canada ranges between 1800- 55,110 CAD (~ 1.14- 33.4 lakhs INR per year). Many Canadian universities fund their graduate students through scholarships/ awards/ fellowships, which further makes it a great choice for pursuing Masters in Canada. The average pay after pursuing an MDes in Canada is around 50,000 CAD (~ INR 30 lakhs). The top three professions after MDes in Canada are Illustrator, Interior designer, and Graphic Designer.
Explore: Top Design Colleges and Universities in Canada
Highlights
| Course Type | Full-Time Part-Time |
| Program Duration | 2-3 years |
| Program Resumption Date | Fall and Winter |
| Application Deadlines | January (for upcoming Fall 2023 intake) |
| Entrance Exams | IELTS score: 6.5 |
| Tuition Fees Range | 1800- 55,110 CAD (~ 1.14- 33.4 lakhs INR) per year |
| Average Salary | 50,000 CAD (~ 30 lakhs INR) |
Top Universities for MDes in Canada
Some of the top universities for MDes in Canada are mentioned below as per their QS Rankings 2023 with programs, application deadlines and annual fees:
| University | Program | Application Deadlines | Annual Fees (in CAD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of British Columbia | Master of Urban Design | December 03, 2022 | 12,700 |
| University of Alberta | Master of Design (MDes) | January 15, 2023 | 1,800 |
| Carleton University | Master of Design (MDes) | N/A | 4,000 |
| Concordia University | Master of Design (MDes) | January 15, 2023 | 8,700 |
| York University | Master of Design (MDes) | January 15, 2023 | 20,300 |
| OCAD University | Master of Design (MDes) | January 11, 2023 | 55,110 |
| Emily Carr University of Art and Design (ECUAD) | Master of Design [M.Des] Interaction | Master of Design [M.Des] Interdisciplinary | January 15, 2023 | 17,000 |
| Nova Scotia College of Art and Design (NSCAD) | Master of Design (MDes) | January 15, 2023 | 6,400 |
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Why Study MDes in Canada?
Mentioned below are some of the reasons why international students choose to study in Canada while seeking admission to Masters in Design in Canada:
- Canada has some of the best universities which rank around 100 in the QS World Rankings 2023. This list includes Emily Carr University of Art and Design (24th); the University of British Columbia (47th); and the University of Alberta (110th).
- The average annual salary of MDes graduates is more than the tuition fees of the top universities giving a high return on investment.
- The number of illustrators and graphic designers employed would increase by 21,400 in the year 2026, as per the Government of Canada’s Job Bank Report.
- It has been noted that graduating with a master's degree in design increases the pay by 41% by bachelor's. Thus, more international students are pursuing master’s degrees in design from Canada.
MDes in Canada: Subjects
MDes course lasts usually for two years and is subdivided into four semesters. In the first year of the study, there are four core courses- design methods; design- an introduction; ergonomics; and visual design. The second semester has three core courses: form studies; graphic design; design projects with one elective to choose.
The third semester has a thesis project with three electives to select. Some subjects are interaction design; design semantics; automobile design; new media studies; etc. The load wears off in the last semester with the final thesis project and the only elective to choose from.
MDes in Canada: Admission Requirements
International students seeking admission to the MDes program in Canada must have a relevant bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or equivalent and the required IELTS score to exhibit English language proficiency Along with the application, students have to submit the following documents:
- Transcripts: Certified copies of copies from all the universities attended
- Statement of Purpose for Canada (Essay of minimum 500 words)
- Copy of Passport
- Proof of English Language Proficiency with a minimum IELTS score between 6.5
- Portfolios
Also Check: IELTS Score for Canada Student Visa
MDes in Canada Eligibility Requirements
University specific eligibility requirements for the top universities offering Master of Design in Canada are as follows:
| University’s Name | Minimum Grade/ GPA/ Percentage | IELTS |
|---|---|---|
| University of British Columbia | B+ (76%) | 6.5 |
| University of Alberta | 3.0/ 4.0 | 7.0 |
| Carleton University | B+ (3.0 on a 4.0), 80% (15 out of 20 on the 20-point system) | N/A |
| Concordia University | 3.0/4.3 | 6.5 |
| York University | B+ | 7.5 |
| Nova Scotia College of Art and Design (NSCAD) | No minimum requirement | 7.0 |
| Emily Carr University of Art and Design (ECUAD) | 3.0/4.0 (B) | 7.0 |
| OCAD University | B or 70% | 6.5 |
MDes in Canada: Cost of Studying
The cost of studying MDes in Canada across the top universities is provided in the following table:
| University’s Name | Tuition Fees (in CAD) | Tuition Fees (in INR) |
|---|---|---|
| University of British Columbia | 12,700 | 7.74 lakhs |
| University of Alberta | 1,800 | 1.14 lakhs |
| Carleton University | 4,000 | 2.38 lakhs |
| Concordia University | 8,700 | 5.3 lakhs |
| York University | 20,300 | 12.3 lakhs |
| OCAD University | 55,110 | 33.4 lakhs |
| Emily Carr University of Art and Design (ECUAD) | 17,000 | 10.4 lakhs |
| Nova Scotia College of Art and Design (NSCAD) | 6,400 | 3.9 lakhs |
Cost of Living
The cost of living depends upon various factors like the location of the university, accommodation, meals, room & board, health insurance, and the student’s lifestyle. Below mentioned is the average cost of living in Canada for international students:
| Expenses | Cost (in CAD) | Cost (in INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Living on Campus | ||
| Tuition and student fees 2022-2023 | 30,400- 46,150 | 18.5 lakhs |
| On-campus residence and meal plan | 11,775 | 7.1 lakhs |
| Books and supplies | 1,400 | 85,260 |
| Personal expenses (entertainment, clothes, extras) | 2,500 | 1.5 lakhs |
| Total | 46,000- 61,800 | 28.01- 37.6 lakhs |
| Living off campus | ||
| Tuition and student fees 2022-2023 | 30,400- 46,150 | 18.5- 28.1 lakhs |
| Off-campus housing | 9,600 | 5.8 lakhs |
| Books and supplies | 1,400 | 85,260 |
| Personal expenses (entertainment, clothes, extras) | 2,500 | 1.5 lakhs |
| Total | 43,900- 59,650 | 26.7- 36.3 lakhs |
MDes in Canada: Scholarships
Tuition fees for some universities are extremely affordable, however, some are inevitably expensive for international students. Almost every university provides entrance graduate scholarships to make it feasible for everyone applying. Other sources of financial assistance are external funding and getting loans in Canada.
| Offered by | Scholarships | Application Deadline | Award (CAD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of British Columbia | International Tuition Award | Automatically considered | 3,170 |
| Emily Carr University of Art and Design (ECUAD) | Entrance Scholarships | Automatically considered | N/A |
| Nova Scotia College of Art and Design (NSCAD) | Entrance Awards | March 1 | 500- 8,975 |
| Concordia University | Concordia International Tuition Award of Excellence | Automatically considered | Tuition fees same as that of domestic students (44,500 CAD) |
| Carleton University | Merit Scholarships | Automatically considered | 1,000- 12,000 |
| University of Alberta | University of Alberta Graduate Entrance Scholarship | May 25, 2022 | 27,435 |
| York University | York Graduate Funding | Automatically considered | 24,460 |
MDes in Canada: Jobs
Master of Design graduates are hired by a number of potential employers in Canada like interior design, automobile, robotics, design, industrial, aviation, architecture, and industries. Starting with a respectable pay of 44,500 CAD (INR 27 lakhs), a graphic designer can make up to 1,11,770 CAD (INR 68 lakhs) per year.
Majority of Master of Design graduates get engaged with three primary categories of design jobs in Canada:
- Graphic Designers: From using eye-catching images to selecting desired images to deliver the desired message, these designers work as per the brief provided by the clients.
- Illustrator: Coming with a specific message, concept, or narrative on the basis of employee’s requirements, illustrators specialized in the fields of digital illustration, drawing, and photography.
- Interior Designer: Workplaces like private residences, workplaces, and restaurants are designed and decorated by the interior designer.
With an expansion in the emerging specializations of fashion, architecture, multimedia, automobiles, and interiors, the area of design is continuously changing. Art has now opened its gates for all those who have an eye for it, rewarding them with some of the high paying jobs in Canada:
| Professions | Average Annual Salary (CAD) | Average Annual Salary (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| UX Designer | 65,000 | 39.5 lakhs |
| Interior Designer | 48,600 | 29.5 lakhs |
| Senior Graphic Designer | 51,000 | 31 lakhs |
| Senior Product Designer | 104,000 | 63 lakhs |
| User Experience Designer | 74,000 | 45 lakhs |
| Lead UX Designer | 89,000 | 54 lakhs |
| Product Development Manager, Marketing | 69,000 | 42 lakhs |
| Product Engineer | 69,000 | 42 lakhs |
| Project Manager, (Unspecified Type / General) | 104,000 | 63 lakhs |
MDes in Canada: Return on Investment
The top universities aim to return more than the minimum investment on MDes in Canada. The ROI of the top universities are listed below:
| University | Tuition Fee (CAD) | Average Annual Salary (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| University of British Columbia | 12,700 | 65,000 |
| University of Alberta | 1,800 | 102,000 |
| Carleton University | 4,000 | 60,000 |
| Concordia University | 8,700 | 50,000 |
| York University | 20,300 | 70,000 |
| OCAD University | 55,110 | 50,000 |
| Emily Carr University of Art and Design (ECUAD) | 17,000 | 59,000 |
| Nova Scotia College of Art and Design (NSCAD) | 6,400 | 46,000 |
MDes in Canada: College Comparison
The best three colleges with regard to MDes in Canada is mentioned below:
| Particulars | Emily Carr University of Art and Design (ECUAD) | University of British Columbia | University of Alberta |
|---|---|---|---|
| QS Rankings 2023 | #24 | #47 | #110 |
| Tuition Fee | 17,000 CAD (10.4 lakhs INR) | 12,700 CAD (7.74 lakhs INR) | 1,800 CAD (1.14 lakhs INR) |
| Grades | 3.0 out of 4.0 GPA | B+ (76%) | 3.0 out of 4.0 GPA |
| IELTS score | 6.5 | 6.5 | 7.0 |
| Program Duration | 5 terms; 60 credits | 11 months; 45 credits | 5 terms |
| Degree Requirement | Portfolio | - | Statement of Intent; Curriculum Vitae (CV); Portfolio |
| Average Salary (in CAD) | 59,000 | 65,000 | 102,000 |
Canada Work Permit
Students getting employed in Canada must possess an employer-specific work permit. To apply, students must have a copy of the employment contract, a copy of the labor market impact assessment (LMIA), and an offer of employment number. And then, they can apply online for a work permit with an application fee of 154 CAD (INR 9,366).
MDes is one of the best courses to pursue in Canada. Even though the fees seem a little more than other graduate programs, the return on investment quadruples making the degree worth pursuing.
Canada specifically has some world’s best designing universities to pursue MDes. Also, the high return on investment with minimal requirements for admissions, makes it the first choice of international students.
FAQs
Ques. What is the cost of pursuing a Master of Design in Canada?
Ans. International students who wish to pursue a Master of Design at top universities in Canada have to pay between 1800- 55,110 CAD (~INR 1.14- 33.4 lakhs) per year as their tuition fees.
Ques. Do international students get scholarships to study Master of Design in Canada?
Ans. Yes, almost every university offering a Master of Design in Canada offers scholarships. These scholarships range between 26,250 - 44,000 CAD (INR 16.6 lakhs - 27 lakhs) per year in the form of graduate funding, entrance, or merit scholarships.
Ques. What is the average salary of the graduates after completing a Master of Design in Canada?
Ans. As per the payscale, graduates of Master of Design earn an average salary of 70,000 CAD (INR 42.5 lakhs) per year in Canada.
Ques. What are the job opportunities after studying Master of Design in Canada?
Ans. There are myriad career opportunities after completing a Master of Design in Canada such as interior design, UI/UX design, project management, product engineering, product development manager, etc.
Ques. What are the core subjects taught in Master of Design in Canada?
Ans. MDes course usually lasts for two years and is subdivided into four semesters. The first two semesters have core subjects like- design methods; design- introduction; ergonomics; visual design; form studies; graphic design; and design projects.
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