How to apply to art and design at KPU: four Wilson School of Design BDes programs (Fashion, Graphic Design for Marketing, Interior, Product), applications 1 October to 1 March first-qualified, entrance packages via SlideRoom; portfolio requirements and timelines for students in China, Canadian high school students and transfer students

Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) runs the Wilson School of Design. It offers four Bachelor of Design (BDes) degrees, plus two diplomas, a certificate and a post-baccalaureate diploma. This guide covers September 2027 entry for students at Canadian high schools (especially BC and Vancouver), students at high schools in China, and transfer students, based on KPU's website.

1. The four BDes programs

• Fashion and Technology: four years; after the first two years you can leave with a diploma or continue to the degree.
• Graphic Design for Marketing: typography, image development and branding first, then screen design (web, video, animation, UI/UX), combined with marketing strategy; an exchange option in year 2.
• Interior Design: CIDA-accredited since 2000 according to KPU, moving through residential, commercial and hospitality design over four years.
• Product Design: four years full time, from model-making and CAD to human factors, materials and production, ending in a solo capstone from research to production.
• The school also offers diplomas in Fashion Marketing and Front-End Development, a Technical Apparel Design post-baccalaureate diploma and a Foundations in Design certificate, not covered here.
• KPU states studio classes have fewer than 30 students.

2. Timing: one intake, first-qualified, first-offered

• One intake in fall (September); applications are accepted 1 October to 1 March. For fall 2027, applications open 1 October 2026.
• Seats are limited and offered weekly from October on a first-qualified, first-offered basis; KPU encourages early entrance packages.
• All new design students take KPU100-Design in August; some programs have mandatory late-August orientation.

3. How to apply

• Step 1: apply to KPU through EducationPlannerBC; the application fee is CAD 120 (per the international cost page). You receive a KPU student number starting with 100.
• Step 2: send transcripts and English proof to KPU Admissions, and upload your entrance package through SlideRoom, which charges a supplemental fee (amount not published). Do not submit a package without a KPU student number.
• Step 3 (some programs): after a successful package, Product Design and Interior Design (and Technical Apparel Design) interview applicants in person or remotely; Graphic Design for Marketing may also interview.
• Steps 4–5: decisions go to your KPU email; accepting requires a non-refundable confirmation deposit, CAD 5,000 for international students, applied to tuition.
• Entrance packages must be original; group work must state your part. The school has further rules on how package work is made, and breaches remove the application, so read the requirements page before submitting.

4. Entrance packages by program

• Graphic Design for Marketing:
  • 8–12 samples, at least three graphic design pieces (yearbook, web or app, logo and branding, typography, packaging), plus other 2D work such as drawing, painting, photography, video or sketchbook process; no character animation, 3D modelling or anime.
  • A video narrated by you, up to 5 minutes: who you are, two favourite pieces, why graphic design.
  • Resume (PDF); unofficial transcripts optional.
• Fashion and Technology:
  • A 5–8 minute introduction video.
  • One PDF package: resume (fashion-related paid or volunteer experience preferred); two recent art or design pieces with rationales; 2–4 machine-sewn garments, including a classic button-up shirt to set specifications (two-piece collar, front buttons, set-in sleeves, cuffs and plackets), each with at least six photos; and 8–10 sketchbook pages focused on process with written reflection.
• Interior Design: questionnaire, resume, reference letters, optional unofficial transcripts, a video of up to 5 minutes, and a portfolio with WHAT/HOW/WHY descriptions. KPU wants to see drawing or 3D skills, making, problem-solving and an understanding of the difference between a registered interior designer and a decorator or stager. Interview required.
• Product Design: 6–8 works from the last two years (PDF) in diverse media, showing process, with at least one complete project from research to final result, each labelled with goals, date, size, medium and whether it was school or independent work. Interview required.

5. Students at Canadian high schools

• The design admission pages list English proficiency, the entrance package and an interview. Program-specific BC Grade 12 course and grade requirements are in the KPU Calendar (calendar.kpu.ca), which we did not read; check the calendar or contact study@kpu.ca.
• BC students also apply through EducationPlannerBC.

6. Students at high schools in China

• KPU's international admissions page refers students submitting transcripts from outside Canada to its out-of-country document rules; requirements for Chinese high school credentials, the Gaokao or the Huikao were not on the pages we read. Confirm with KPU International (international@kpu.ca).
• KPU has a Chinese-language information page and daily virtual drop-in sessions.

7. English

• All KPU programs require English proficiency; scores and exemptions are on the Calendar's English Proficiency Requirements page, which we did not read. Send English proof to Admissions, not SlideRoom.

8. Tuition and scholarships

• International (1 September 2026 – 31 August 2027): tuition CAD 755.77 per credit plus university-levied student fees of CAD 52.90 per credit, about CAD 808.67 per credit, plus student association fees, health plans and transit pass. KPU says most full-time international students pay CAD 16,400–26,400 a year in tuition and mandatory fees (9–15 credits per term, two terms). Domestic tuition was not read.
• KPU Major Entrance Scholarships: apply after admission; selection weighs academics plus a personal statement and community involvement. There are 6 President's Scholarships (CAD 30,000), 18 Merit Scholarships (CAD 7,500) and over 50 donor awards of CAD 1,000–5,000. The fall window is 15 October to 15 April; renewal needs a 3.0 CGPA. The page does not state whether international students are eligible; confirm with KPU.
• Design awards: students received over CAD 70,000 across more than 50 awards last year, including one for the best assessed entrance portfolio.

9. Transfer

• The Product Design page welcomes applicants transferring from other programs or working professionals; transfer students follow the same EducationPlannerBC and entrance package process. Credit transfer and advanced entry were not on the pages we read; contact design@kpu.ca or a school advisor.

Notes on KPU's pages

• The Graphic Design for Marketing requirements page opens with "Graduate Diploma in Graphic Design for Marketing", while the program page describes a BDes; rely on the program page and Admissions.
• The Product Design requirements page opens with "To apply for Interior Design" but lists Product Design requirements, which looks like a typo.

Checklist

Students at Canadian high schools (including BC and Vancouver):

• Apply through EducationPlannerBC soon after 1 October 2026; the deadline is 1 March and programs can fill early
• Prepare the program's entrance package and upload it to SlideRoom once you have a KPU number
• Prepare for an interview for Product Design or Interior Design

Students at high schools in China:

• Apply early after 1 October; CAD 120 fee and a CAD 5,000 deposit on acceptance
• Confirm credential and English requirements with KPU International first

Transfer students:

• Follow the same application and entrance package process; confirm credit transfer with an advisor

Sources: Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Wilson School of Design; Design admission requirements; Application deadline; How to apply; Graphic Design for Marketing; GDMA entrance package; Fashion and Technology; Fashion entrance package; Interior Design; Interior Design entrance package; Product Design; Product Design entrance package; Design awards; International admissions; International tuition and costs; Entrance scholarships. Information is for September 2027 entry. Check KPU for the latest details.