10 Best Fashion Schools In Canada In 2024: Courses & Fees

Calling all fashionistas and aspiring designers! If you dream of making a mark on the runway or bringing back retro fashion, Canada is home to some of the most prestigious fashion design schools. From the chic streets of Montreal to the diverse diaspora of Toronto, the best Canadian fashion schools will nurture your creativity and shape your dream into a career. No matter whether your passion lies in exploring fabrics or sketching designs, you can find the perfect fashion programs in Canada. With a comprehensive list of fashion design schools in Canada, we are ready to help you walk through the world of fashion. So, join us as we uncover the 10 best fashion schools in Canada that will catapult your aspirations to the runway of success.

Why Study Fashion in Canada? 

Canadian fashion schools are famous for their latest programs, which foster creativity and innovation. According to Fashion United, five Canadian universities, including LaSalle College and Ryerson University, rank among the best fashion schools worldwide. Schools focus on skills employers want, and Ryerson's courses on sustainable fashion design are one of the best examples. Moreover, Canada's fashion industry employs over 500,000 people and generates $30 billion annually. Below, we mention more details about why you should study at one of the top fashion schools in Canada:

Eligibility Criteria to Study Fashion Design in Canada

The Canadian fashion industry has been experiencing significant growth, and job opportunities are likely to increase by 18% by 2029. Moreover, the average salary for a fashion designer is around CA $66,934 per year. You also have a range of opportunities to explore, from analysing trends to planning for designs to overseeing production. The best fashion schools in Canada will also equip you with the digital revolution, material development, and so on! To understand how you can get into the choice of your fashion university in Canada, here are some criteria you need to meet: 

1. Completion of high school diploma 

2. Minimum IELTS score of 6.5 and TOEFL iBT of 88-94 

3. A portfolio showcasing your designs/work samples
4. Statement of purpose/personal essay 

5. Letter of recommendation 

6. CV/resume 

7. University transfer proof 

8. Academic transcripts 

Some of the best fashion schools in Canada also ask to conduct interviews to assess why you want to do the program and your understanding of the fashion industry. It is recommended to go through the common interview questions asked by the best fashion universities in Canada.

Admission Requirements for Fashion Courses in Canada 

If you think you can translate your aesthetic ideas into trends, the top fashion schools in Canada will love you! A good portfolio with examples of illustrations of your creative journey is usually the golden ticket, but there are a few things to consider for the admission process. Below is the admission process you should follow to get into the best fashion colleges in Canada: 

1. Sort the Canadian fashion schools based on courses, tuition fees, and application details. 

2. Visit the official websites of the fashion schools in Canada.
3. Check the university website for details about the entry prerequisites, application requirements, and entrance exams (if any). 

4. Submit the necessary documents (transcripts, degree certificates, etc.) before the application deadline; attend an interview, if any. 

5. Once accepted, apply for the Canadian student visa online. 

Top 10 Canadian Fashion Schools for International Students 

Did you know studying in Canada means you can make the best of relatively lower tuition fees yet access world-class education? Whether you want to do bachelors or masters in fashion designing in Canada or have been dreaming of the best Toronto or Calgary fashion school, the following list will show you the light! 

1. Coco Fashion Design Institute

Average fees: CA $8,000 - $15,000/Semester
Top courses: Fashion Design, Fashion Marketing, and Fashion Merchandising
Alumni: Jane Doe, John Smith, Michael Lee

Coco Fashion Design Institute, one of the best fashion schools in Canada, stands out for its personalised approach to education, fostering a close-knit community of aspiring designers. With a focus on hands-on experience, students develop a strong foundation in design principles and business aspects of the fashion industry. This fashion school in Canada’s connections to industry professionals provide invaluable networking opportunities and real-world insights. Students graduate well-prepared for careers in fashion design, marketing, and entrepreneurship.

2. George Brown College

Average fees: CA $5,000 - $12,000/Semester
Top courses: Fashion Techniques and Design, Fashion Business Industry, and Fashion Management
Alumni: Carol Ching, Kim Mellikow, Zane Aburaneh

At this renowned fashion design school in Canada, students are immersed in a creative and innovative learning environment that blends artistic expression with practical industry knowledge. This fashion school in Canada's commitment to experiential learning teaches must-have skills for students required to excel in the competitive fashion landscape. Through collaborative projects and real-world experiences, you can develop a holistic understanding of fashion designing courses in Canada and business, making them highly sought-after professionals in the industry.

3. Ryerson University School of Fashion

Average fees: CA $7,500 - $14,000/Semester
Top courses: Bachelor of Fashion, Master of Fashion, Fashion Communication
Alumni: Nina Dobrev, Hannah Simone, Mena Massoud 

With a 16% acceptance rate, Ryerson University School of Fashion is a hub of creativity and innovation, fostering the next generation of fashion leaders. It is one of the best fashion schools in Canada, putting a strong emphasis on sustainability and cutting-edge design. You can engage in projects that challenge conventional norms and push boundaries. Moreover, this fashion school in Canada’s collaborations with industry partners and guest lectures from renowned professionals offer students a well-rounded education. With a QS ranking of #42, Ryerson University prepares students to make meaningful contributions to the fashion industry's evolution.

4. LaSalle College

Average fees: CA $9,000 - $16,000/Semester
Top courses: Fashion Marketing, Fashion Design, and Fashion Styling
Alumni: John McShain, Naomi Halas, Adam Bagni

At Lasalle College, students embark on a transformative journey that hones their creative flair and sharpens their business acumen. Through hands-on projects, students gain practical experience & insights into the ever-changing fashion landscape and grab the best types of internships. This fashion school in Canada's commitment to fostering creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit prepares graduates to thrive in various sectors of the fashion industry, from design to marketing and beyond. Plus, the acceptance rate of 75% to study fashion designing in Canada helps many to achieve their dreams. 

5. Richard Robinson Fashion Design Academy

Average fees: CA $4,000 - $8,000/Semester
Top courses: 2-year Fashion Designer Program, Full-time Couturier Program
Alumni: N/A  

Richard Robinson Fashion Design Academy, among other fashion colleges in Canada, is a testament to the transformative power of individualised education. With small class sizes and a focus on mentorship, students receive personalised guidance from industry professionals, making it one of the best Canadian fashion schools. This nurturing environment enables students to explore their creative potential, develop technical skills, and build a strong foundation for a successful career in fashion design.

6. Humber College

Average fees: CA $6,500 - $13,000/Semester
Top courses: Fashion Arts & Business, Fashion Management, Fashion Techniques & Design
Alumni: Anna Simone, Jordan Bushell, Kenneth Fowler

Humber College's fashion programs strike a balance between creativity and practicality, offering students a well-rounded education that prepares them for various roles in the industry. From conceptualising and designing to marketing and management, students gain a comprehensive understanding of the fashion business from this fashion school in Canada. Humber's strong industry connections and experiential learning opportunities empower graduates to excel in a competitive global market. With a 70% acceptance rate and innovative fashion programs, it is the best fashion school in Toronto. 

7. Fanshawe College

Average fees: CA $6,000 - $12,000/Semester
Top courses: Fashion Design, Fashion Marketing & Management
Alumni: Jeff Wilmore, Brad Long, Paul Haggis 

Fanshawe College, one of the best fashion schools in Canada, stands as a gateway to the dynamic world of fashion, equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving industry. With an acceptance rate of around 69%, this Canadian fashion school requires a GPA of 2.5 for most courses. Through a combination of theory and hands-on experience, students develop a deep understanding of fashion marketing and management strategies. This fashion school in Canada's emphasis on practical application ensures that graduates are well-equipped to navigate the fashion business and make an impactful contribution to the industry. 

8. Seneca College Fashion

Average fees: CA $7,000 - $14,000/Semester
Top courses: Fashion Business Management, Advanced Diploma in Fashion Arts
Alumni: Carla Nina, Shiva Hashemi, Kelsey Gulley
Seneca College's fashion programs provide a comprehensive education that marries creativity with business acumen. At this Canadian fashion school, you can choose the Fashion Arts program to develop strong design and technical skills. Or, you can enrol in Fashion Business Management to gain insights into the industry's commercial aspects. With a focus on innovation and experiential learning, this is the best fashion school in Canada to help graduates thrive in various niches of the fashion world. 

9. Sheridan College Fashion

Average fees: CA $6,500 - $13,000/Semester
Top courses: Honours Bachelor of Fashion Design, Fashion Marketing
Alumni: Alan Dick, Adam Walsh, Aaron Walpole  

Sheridan College's fashion programs offer a comprehensive exploration of the industry's creative and business aspects. Through hands-on projects and industry collaborations, this is one of the best fashion schools in canada for international students to gather a deep understanding of design principles and garment construction. The Fashion Management program prepares students for leadership roles, equipping them with the skills to navigate the complex landscape of fashion business and strategy.

10. The University of Alberta Fashion

Average fees: CA $8,000 - $15,000/Semester
Top courses: Bachelor of Fashion Business Management
Alumni: Malorie Urbanovitch, Tom Radford, Ted Harrison

Being one of the best fashion design schools in Alberta, The University of Alberta is a crucible of innovation and creativity, empowering students to challenge norms and reimagine the future of fashion. With a strong focus on sustainability and ethical practices, students take up projects that not only showcase their design talents but also contribute to a more responsible fashion industry. Here, the fashion designing courses in Canada focus on an interdisciplinary approach and emphasis on critical thinking to prepare graduates and shape the industry in impactful ways. With 3,600 students on average every year and cutting-edge courses, it remains one of the top fashion designing colleges in Canada. 

If you are ready to embark on your journey into the world of fashion education in Canada, explore the wide range of opportunities available for student internships and gain real-world experience. For seamless relocation and convenience, consider using luggage shipping services to ensure that you have everything you need as you take on this exciting educational adventure. You can further compare the best fashion schools in other countries with the Canadian fashion schools to make an informed decision. So, let’s start a fantastic adventure in the fashion capital of Canada, shall we? Best wishes!