Choose the outcome before the school
Ask how briefs, typography, critique, production and portfolio development are assessed. Learning a software interface is useful, but it is different from learning to solve communication problems for clients.
Compare the whole commitment
Ask for a written total covering tuition, kit, software, assessment charges and any required supplies. Add travel and the time you cannot spend on paid work. Confirm prerequisites, language, delivery format and the actual teaching location for your cohort.
Separate a course certificate from professional eligibility
Confirm what the provider awards and what else is needed for your intended work in the relevant province and municipality. A course-completion certificate alone does not establish that every business or professional requirement is satisfied.
Use the same questions with every provider
Request a sample timetable, curriculum, assessment method, equipment-access rules and the next available intake. Ask what happens if a class is cancelled or you need to withdraw. Keep the written replies together so you compare the same facts.
Options in five metro markets
One starting option per market, with the format and questions that matter. Inclusion is not a quality ranking. Confirm the current intake, teaching location, total price and prerequisites directly.
Toronto
George Brown Polytechnic
Toronto
Graphic Design G102. Advanced diploma route with portfolio admissions requirements.
Ask before applying: Which current work samples are needed, and how are client briefs assessed?
View the official provider page ↗Montréal
LaSalle College Montréal
Montréal
Graphic Design ACS / AEC. Typography, layout and professional practice; delivery varies by cohort.
Ask before applying: Is my cohort French or English, on campus or blended?
View the official provider page ↗Vancouver
Emily Carr University of Art + Design
Vancouver
BDes, Communication Design. Four-year degree route, broader than learning one software package.
Ask before applying: How do critique, typography and client-oriented projects fit the curriculum?
View the official provider page ↗Calgary
SAIT
Calgary
Interactive Design — Graphic Design. Diploma major with branding and digital imaging.
Ask before applying: What laptop/software is required, and how is the portfolio developed?
View the official provider page ↗Ottawa–Gatineau
Algonquin College
Ottawa — Woodroffe campus
Graphic Design. Program page and portfolio instructions provide a starting comparison.
Ask before applying: Confirm current availability and the exact portfolio submission requirements.
View the official provider page ↗YOUR NEXT STEP
A checklist you can use
Use it here or save a plain-text copy. Your selections stay in this page only.
Questions & answers
Which program is best?
The best fit depends on your starting point and intended work. Shortlist programs that teach the missing skill, then compare practical feedback, schedule, total cost and current availability using the same questions. We have not ranked teaching quality or graduate outcomes.
Are these schools partnered with EZ Customers?
No partnership is claimed. The links identify independent providers whose official pages were reviewed for this guide. Contact each provider directly to confirm the current details.
What should I do after choosing training?
Build a realistic service and preparation checklist for the work you are ready to offer. When you are ready to accept clients, organize the booking, intake and client details in one place.
Sources & editorial method
Prepared by EZ Customers from official provider pages and public question research. Provider descriptions are a dated selection, not a ranking, endorsement or first-hand review. Planning checklists and worked examples are original editorial material; they are not treatment instructions, legal templates or proof of professional qualification. Confirm current intake, pricing, campus, stock and eligibility directly. No affiliate links or paid placements are included.
- George Brown — Graphic Design G102 ↗ · checked 2026-09-25
- LaSalle College Montréal — Graphic Design ACS ↗ · checked 2026-09-25
- Emily Carr — Communication Design structure ↗ · checked 2026-09-25
- SAIT — Interactive Design, Graphic Design ↗ · checked 2026-09-25
- Algonquin College — Graphic Design ↗ · checked 2026-09-25