Top 10 Design Schools based on the 2025 RGD Student Awards results

“When I was researching design schools, the IDEA School of Design stood out for its reputation of consistently producing industry-ready graduates. I was returning to university after leaving another career, so choosing where to study felt like a big decision. I wanted a program that would challenge me creatively while also helping me build practical skills and confidence for a successful career. IDEA felt like the right place to do both. Two of the most valuable offerings have been the third-year mentorship program and the fourth-year industry practicum. The mentorship program gives students the chance to work with designers outside the university to develop a project over the course of a semester. The practicum has been equally valuable, offering six weeks of hands-on experience in an agency where I've had the opportunity to work on real client projects. That kind of direct industry exposure has been incredibly meaningful and is not something every design program offers. A special shoutout goes to Dominique Walker, whose guidance has had a huge impact on how I've grown as a designer. She is incredibly thoughtful, sharp and knowledgeable and her feedback has pushed me to raise the bar in my work.”

“I chose George Brown College because it's well known in Toronto and offers a strong graphic design program. When I reviewed the curriculum, I liked how it balanced core design fundamentals with a wide range of electives. It felt like a place where I could explore different areas while building a solid foundation. One of the most valuable parts has been learning from professors who are actively working in the design industry. Their real-world insights made a big difference. Being surrounded by creative and motivated peers also pushed me to grow and see different perspectives. I'd like to thank Nicola Hamilton RGD, my thesis professor in my final semester. She balances multiple roles as a teacher, designer and founder of a magazine shop, which I found incredibly inspiring. Seeing how she navigates her career made me think more about my own path in design.”

“When I was in high school, I was very apprehensive about which school I wanted to go to. What really cemented York for me was attending their National Portfolio Day. I got to see amazing student work in the display cases, and I thought it would be incredible to create work like that one day. It feels surreal now that my own work is displayed there too, making it a full circle moment. Something I believe York University's design program does really well is introduce students to different design disciplines. I came in with no formal background, so exploring visual communication, typography, information design and product design was really exciting! It helped me discover my interest in UX/UI, while still giving me the flexibility to take electives in other areas I enjoy. I would love to highlight my second year visual communication class TA, Helen Han, as someone who has made a huge impact on my work and design philosophy. Her support pushed me to create work I was genuinely proud of and helped shape my design approach to this day.”

“When researching schools with design programs in the Vancouver area, the Wilson School of Design stood out. The main aspect of the program that caught my attention was the small cohort size — it wasn't going to be a lecture hall filled with students and professors who didn't know your name. As someone who feared getting lost in the masses and occasionally needed personal guidance and reassurance, this was especially important to me. Having now completed the program, I can confirm that my reasons for applying were absolutely valid. My relationships with my instructors were immensely valuable — they didn't just teach, but also mentored, supported and encouraged us. The relationships within my cohort were just as meaningful. We became each others' support systems, not only during the program but afterward—proving that classmates are your first professional network. I had many incredible instructors, and I'm immensely grateful to each one of them. I had a number of thoughtful conversations with Michael Cober. Beyond critiquing my work and providing guidance, Mike always made sure we were supported—whether this meant breaking down proper time management, discussing how to demand monetary compensation or simply checking in to make sure each of us was doing okay.”

“I chose the University of Toronto Mississauga for its unique interdisciplinary approach. The CCIT program combines communication, culture, information and technology, offering a path into design that felt broader and more adaptive than traditional routes. The joint partnership with Sheridan College was a major factor, offering a U of T degree paired with a professional certificate in Digital Communication and a diploma in Art & Art History. This 'best of both worlds' structure allowed me to bridge the gap between academic research and hands-on creative practice. The most valuable aspect was the access to two distinct institutional cultures. At UTM, I gained professional experience through work-study positions, while the smaller, intimate studio environments at Sheridan allowed for deep connections with faculty and peers. I owe a great deal to my design professors Jay Wilson and Atanas Bozdarov. Jay taught me the power of a strong concept and owning my ideas. Atanas cultivated a collaborative, insightful environment that reignited my passion for design—he was the one who introduced me to the RGD and even helped cover Membership fees so his class could enter these awards.”

“Located in downtown Toronto, OCAD is one of the most vibrant and inspiring schools for creatives. For me, the Graphic Design program was the perfect balance of design and theory. I also met supportive faculty and friends while growing independently through exchange, mentoring and exhibitions. In my first year studio course, Design Process 1, I was challenged in the best ways. From pattern design to programming, each project required different ways of thinking and creating. Having my work recognized so early in my studies set the tone for the rest of my time at OCAD. I'd like to thank my professors Michelle Astrug, Stuart Werle and Roderick Grant. Without their support and encouragement, I wouldn't be the designer I am today.”

“Conestoga felt like the right fit for three reasons: a well-rounded curriculum with practical business courses, an eight-month paid co-op and the opportunity to earn a degree within a hands-on college environment. What set the program apart for me was the integration of entrepreneurial and business courses alongside creative and technical training. These courses introduced sales, marketing and venture development, encouraging students to think beyond design execution and consider how to position and sustain their work professionally. This perspective was especially influential for me, ultimately inspiring me to launch my own design business. By the end of my co-op, I had not only grown more comfortable working alongside technical teams, but had also developed a deeper understanding of how design fits within complex, technology-driven environments. Learning how to collaborate with developers and navigate within a large organization were lessons that could only happen on the job. A shoutout to Scott McManus, my interaction design professor—his passion for interaction design is contagious and he consistently went above and beyond, even offering to hop on a Teams call after I graduated to help me work through a UI/UX challenge at my job.”

“I'd heard great things about the program through a friend who was in the middle of her degree. The idea of smaller class sizes and a close-knit cohort really stood out to me. I attended a virtual info session and it felt very welcoming—approachable and easy to ask questions, especially as someone who's shy. I particularly loved the variety of projects and the balance between structure and creative freedom. We worked on a wide range of projects, some with real clients and others more open-ended, which allowed me to build my design skills while also exploring and discovering my interests within design. In my third semester, a graphic design course connected to a geography class focused on placemaking in Granville Island led to a funded internship in Kenya, where I spent six weeks working as a graphic designer for some NGOs. That opportunity and level of support made it clear I had chosen the right program. I would especially like to thank Eric Lee for his thoughtful approach to teaching and Jess Delves, Matej Balaz and Rika Heywood for their continued support even after graduation.”

“As someone who was hesitant about pursuing another post-secondary diploma, the entrance requirement for this program felt manageable and less overwhelming. Seneca offered a three-year program as opposed to four years, and the co-op placement was another factor that enforced my decision. The opportunity to get real-world experience through co-op placement was important to me. The program also offers TA work to students, which helped me financially and added another layer of experience and connection with my professors. The overall camaraderie between my peers, friends and professors made this the best school experience—I had professors who cultivated my passion for design even outside the classroom through field trips. I'd like to give a shoutout to Johanne Daoust. Her passion for her craft inspired us to expand our horizons and become better designers. She tries to stay connected to her students even after many years. Thank you Johanne.”

“I chose LaSalle for its intimate, small class sizes. The ability to engage in frequent 1:1 critiques and maintain direct communication with professors has been essential in refining my unique design voice. The most rewarding aspect is the vibrant cultural diversity. Collaborating with peers from countless backgrounds has broadened my perspective, allowing me to build deep empathy and understand how design resonates across different global contexts. Instructor Anne's mentorship deeply affirmed my path. Her emphasis on solid fundamentals, combined with her boundless creative energy, gave me more than just technical skills—she inspired me to approach both graphic design and life with a positive, resilient mindset. Thank you to Instructor Michael for pushing me to evolve into an Art Director and to Instructor Anahit for your warm support and life advice, which were my greatest strength as an international student.”