- Level
- 1-Year Post Secondary Certificate
- Duration
- 1 year college certificate
- Open intakes
-
Off-shoreJan 2027, May 2027, Sep 2027
- Field
- Fine and Performing Arts
- Institution
- Public College
- Offer speed
- Superfast Offer Speed2–3 days
- Next deadline
- 2027-01-01
Program overview
A one year college certificate introducing design, covering drawing and composition, colour theory, digital design tools, typography basics and a foundation portfolio, with applied practice running through the programme, with applied practice running through the programme, with applied practice running through the programme, with applied practice running through the programme, with applied practice running through the programme.
This is a foundation year into Conestoga’s longer design routes, and the Bachelor of Design is the only exempt destination among them.
College Certificate in Design Foundations is taught at Conestoga College Doon campus, a public Ontario college. Read this carefully: the design foundations certificate sits below degree level and does NOT appear on Conestoga’s own list of PGWP-aligned programmes. Treat the design foundations certificate as carrying no post-graduation work permit unless Conestoga confirms an eligible CIP code for the design foundations certificate in writing. Ontario additionally requires a provincial attestation letter before any study permit application for the design foundations certificate.
Entry to College Certificate in Design Foundations is Grade 12 or equivalent at 50 percent or above. The English requirement is IELTS 6.0 with no band below 5.5, and tuition for the design foundations certificate is recorded at CAD 14,588. Conestoga charges a CAD 100 application fee, and no scholarship is recorded against the design foundations certificate. The design foundations certificate lists six entry windows across the annual intake cycle. Apply Study Visa manages your the design foundations certificate application, the deposit, the offer, the attestation letter and the Canadian study permit as one process.
What it costs per year · indicative
Living cost is an estimate; tuition is the institute's published international fee. We confirm exact, current figures before you pay anything.
Do you qualify?
These are the published minimums. Whether your profile fits — with your marks, gap and budget — is exactly what a free counsellor check confirms.
Admission requirements
Who can apply (guide for international students):
- Education: Grade 12 or equivalent at the percentage stated for this programme.
- English (meet any one): IELTS Academic 6.0 overall with no band below 5.5; TOEFL iBT 80 with 20 in every section; PTE Academic 53 with no component below 10; or the Duolingo English Test at 110.
- Application and deposit: Conestoga charges a CAD 100 application fee. Confirm the tuition deposit and its refundability in writing before any money is transferred.
- Scholarship: No scholarship is recorded against this programme. Budget the full tuition.
- Work rights: The design foundations certificate does NOT appear on Conestoga’s PGWP-aligned list. Assume no work permit unless the college confirms an eligible CIP code in writing. A PGWP also requires a language test at CLB 5 in all four abilities for college credentials, taken within two years of applying. This is separate from the English test you need for admission. No dependant work permit.
- Study permit: Apply Study Visa prepares the attestation letter request, the financial evidence and the Canadian study permit submission with you.
English requirements
Documents you'll need typical · we confirm yours
- Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- Class 10 & 12 marksheets and certificates
- Bachelor's degree marksheets & final certificate
- English test scorecard (IELTS / PTE / TOEFL) or MOI certificate
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Letters of Recommendation (LOR)
- Updated CV / resume
- Financial proof — bank statement / loan sanction + GIC
- Passport-size photographs
- Study-gap affidavit or work-experience letter (if applicable)
Getting documents right is the #1 reason applications succeed or get refused — our team checks every file before submission.
Career opportunities
Typical destinations for graduates:
- Junior Design Assistant: studios and agencies
- Production Artist: print and digital settings
- Content Assistant: marketing teams
- Studio Assistant: design practices
- Further Study: the graphic design advanced diploma or design degree
- Designer: after experience
Reality check: the graphic design advanced diploma is aligned and the design degree is exempt, so plan the destination before enrolling in the foundation year.
About Conestoga College - Doon
- Type
- College
- Ownership
- Public
- Rating
- ★ 4.7
- World rank
- #3421
- Established
- 1967
- Reference No.
- O19376158572
