Top 10 Design Schools based on the 2024 RGD Student Awards

“Students in IDEA’s Bachelor program can explore various classes in many different areas, from branding to illustration to UX/UI. When I first applied, my portfolio mainly included paintings and other traditional media and I was unsure about what to pursue since all I knew was fine arts. Choosing a program that gave me the freedom to explore and learn various skills before deciding to concentrate on one area was a key factor in my decision. The mentorship and practicum components of the IDEA program were very valuable to me. After each experience and throughout my entire time in IDEA, I became more and more confident of my abilities as a designer with the help of my instructors, classmates and other design mentors.”

“I chose the Wilson School of Design to learn from professors actively working in the Vancouver design industry. I first enrolled in their Foundations in Design certificate program to understand which design discipline I wanted to pursue. The natural next step for me was the Graphic Design for Marketing Bachelor program. I also saw massive value in the small cohort sizes offered to foster a strong rapport with my professors and classmates. The most valuable takeaways from the Graphic Design for Marketing program at the Wilson School of Design are the care and support from the professors. I greatly appreciated how my professors led by example, encouraged me to take risks with my conceptual thinking and shared opportunities to get involved with the broader design community in Vancouver. I would love to thank the entire GDMA faculty at Wilson School of Design for their invaluable support, mentorship and guidance: Michael Cober, John Belisle, Marga Lopez, Erin Ashenhurst, Matt Heximer and Carley Hodgkinson. Thank you for all that you do. A special thanks to Michael Cober, who has greatly influenced who I am as a designer, for the endless wisdom bestowed, care taken in building a strong creative direction relationship and creating a space for design where any and all ideas are welcomed.”

“I chose the Wilson School of Design at KPU because of its strong focus on practical, industry-driven learning. The Graphic Design for Marketing program stood out as it blends branding, UX and digital design to align with how I approach design. I wanted a program that wasn’t just about making things look good and creating meaningful, strategic work. The school’s tight-knit community, hands-on mentorship and real-world projects made it the perfect environment to refine my skills and build industry connections. Being a peer mentor, I also had a great experience—I loved contributing to the community and helping other students grow. Direct mentorship and feedback from instructors who are active in the industry helped me refine my skills and approach. The program also does a great job of preparing students for the real world, not just in terms of design execution but also in presenting ideas, working with clients and understanding the business side of design. Receiving recognition from RGD and DESCAN has reinforced my passion for graphic design! Winning many awards in 2024 was a significant milestone, pushing me to innovate and explore new creative approaches. Thank you to all my Wilson School of Design professors for their guidance, especially John Belisle for pushing me to refine my craft. I’ll truly miss Erin Ashenhurst’s design thinking classes, which shaped my problem-solving approach and Marga Lopez, who encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone and grow as a designer.”

“I chose York University because it offered a broad and flexible design program. As someone who wasn’t entirely sure what to specialize in at first, I wanted a place where I could explore different areas of design before committing to a specific path. The curriculum allowed me to experiment with graphic design, UI/UX and even research-based projects, which helped me discover what I truly enjoy. I appreciated the school's strong balance of theory and hands-on work, creating an ideal environment for skill development. A key aspect of my program has been working on real, portfolio-worthy projects, with invaluable feedback from professors that has helped refine my work. Small class sizes allowed me to build strong relationships with professors and peers, fostering a supportive environment. The connections I made helped ease my transition from student to professional. Absolutely! Gabriel Schaffzin was one of the most understanding professors; he connected with students, adjusted to our learning pace and focused on actual learning rather than just completing projects. His flexibility made a huge difference. Another significant influence was Angela Norwood, who created opportunities for all skill levels, like a special topics course where we built a real website and she introduced me to the 4therecord research team, providing valuable hands-on experience.”

“As someone new to the world of graphic design, I wasn’t sure which of the many areas I wanted to pursue. What drew me to George Brown College’s School of Design was its well-rounded curriculum, which allowed me to explore a wide range of disciplines, including everything from editorial design and illustration to advertising and motion design. In the first year, all students build a strong foundation in key design skills. Later, we can choose from a wide variety of electives to continue learning and developing the skills we want to pursue further. One of the aspects of my program I found to be the most valuable is that it went beyond just teaching design—it encouraged students to get involved in the industry. I might be biased, but attending events like DesignThinkers, where we could network, learn and get inspired by top industry professionals, was an incredible experience. Beyond that, mentorship programs and portfolio review sessions helped set students up for success and gave us a real sense of what working as a designer in the industry is like.”

“I chose Conestoga College because of its focus on practical experience and business networking. The third-year co-op offered hands-on experience, while studio space fostered creativity and collaboration essential for student growth. Small class sizes enabled closer contact with dedicated professors. Conestoga perfectly combines practical experience with academic support, preparing me for a design career. Conestoga's BDES program is worthwhile because of its supportive atmosphere. The instructors genuinely care by giving thoughtful feedback, mentorship and unique experiences. In our first year, our class worked with an actual client to create and design a mural, gaining hands-on experience through collaboration and implementing large-scale designs. This opportunity and ongoing guidance make Conestoga worthwhile for design students. I want to thank Jess Massard for suggesting I participate in the RGD Student Awards. Her encouragement motivated me to seek out different opportunities I may not have otherwise. Her commitment to watching students grow as designers has greatly inspired me and my classmates. I'm very grateful for her advice and belief in my potential.”

“I wanted to pick a school that offered co-op or work experience built into the program. It's a competitive job market, and I knew graduating with work experience could help me transition to post-grad. The Bachelor of Design Program at Conestoga offers 8 months of co-op built into the program, which is why I selected it. The program is a unique four-year bachelor's degree in graphic design with a small cohort size of about 20 students per year. This allowed for more one-on-one time with professors and the opportunity to form close friendships with classmates. The program's accreditation as a bachelor's degree offered the advantage of a more diverse course load. In addition to graphic design, it included business and marketing courses, which helped me enhance my skills and design-thinking abilities. My drawing and colour theory prof from my first year, Jessica Massard, was inspiring with the evident excitement and joy she taught us with. Her description of beautiful colours as "yummy" really stuck with me and affected my vocabulary. My thesis professor, Ryanne Spies RGD, was insightful regarding design thinking and helped me eliminate any holes I fell into when dreaming up my thesis project. She is currently on leave from teaching and is returning to school to get a second master's degree, which I admire. Other professors who impacted me included Josh Peressotti and J.D. Bradshaw.”

“The program that I did is Interactive Media, so you don't just learn about design. It's about allowing users to experience cohesive storytelling through content or design. It combines design thinking, UX and innovative technology to create immersive experiences. Like our program, we have an immersive learning experience throughout the semesters. We are very much output-based, sprinkling it with some foundation/principle learnings. It's great for people who want to dabble in a variety of things in the tech industry, whether it’s coding, graphic design, content writing, strategy, UX, research or project management—especially if you're unsure which path to take or simply eager to dive deeper into this field. For my senior project, I created a prototype for an app similar to Duolingo, designed to educate non-tech-savvy seniors about fake news and scam calls. It’s a gamified platform that helps them learn from home in an engaging way. We pitched our final projects to a panel of “investors,” complete with strategies, business models and market launch plans. It was an exciting and rewarding experience!”

“I chose Seneca Polytechnic because I wanted a well-rounded design education that covers different design aspects while focusing on digital and user experience. The Interactive Media Design program stood out because it combines creativity and technology, allowing me to explore UI/UX, animation and interactive media. The hands-on learning and industry-focused curriculum have helped me develop my skills and gain confidence to create meaningful digital experiences. Seneca’s Interactive Media Design program stands out for its practical, industry-driven projects that keep up with the latest trends. I’ve had the opportunity to explore AI, experiment with cutting-edge tools and work on real-world applications that push my creative and technical boundaries. This hands-on experience has prepared me for the ever-evolving digital landscape.”

“When choosing a school, I wanted a program that offered both a work placement and a thesis project in the final year—I was looking for various experiences. I felt genuinely seen during my admission interview with Lisa Rebnord, the program coordinator. Our conversation about courses and learning outcomes felt personal and tailored to me as a future designer. By the end of the interview, I had already decided on Centennial and accepted my offer the same day. The thesis project was a highlight—it allowed me to use design to support my community through digital and print work, including branding, packaging, UX/UI and marketing. It brought together all the skills I had developed and helped me discover my strengths and interests as a designer. Another experience that affirmed my decision was the professors' office hours. It was incredibly valuable in refining my work and staying inspired. I found the collaboration in the program gratifying and enriching. Gil Martinez RGD encouraged me to strive for my best, helping me set high standards for myself and my work. I have never felt more excited about design than in his classes. Lisa Rebnord taught me valuable insights and helped me find joy in the technical aspects of design.”

“I ended up choosing OCAD because it’s an art school that offers a variety of subjects across different disciplines of art and design that I could explore. The curriculum also focuses more on conceptual thinking, which is essential to learn. One of the best parts of being in an art school is the atmosphere, surrounded by like-minded students who want to study art and design. The first and second-year graphic design courses focus on the fundamentals (especially typography) and various disciplines, ranging from motion to creative coding to data visualization. In the final year, thesis projects were no longer limited to a traditional research thesis. As someone who leaned more towards practical design, that flexibility benefited me, allowing me to spend time developing a project I’m passionate about. I want to thank Isabel Meirelles and Keith Rushton for all their support and dedication. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and wisdom and encouraging me to submit my work!”

“I looked up Fanshawe College after a family member recommended it, and the website was the deciding factor. It felt modern and informative, but not too busy and the red colour scheme looked good. I would say it's how the professors help students develop the ability to communicate with the audience through their design. They helped me to understand that graphic design isn't just creating a pleasing visual but also communicating with the audience. I also appreciate how the professors push the students more in their work. It's definitely when the professor shows other students' works and students can chime in to critique them. I appreciate all the effort from my professors in this program; they are all incredible. But if I pick one, it would be Jeff McClinchey. He is supportive, encouraging and hospitable but also realistic. He's like a father figure but for education. I still remember what he said on Orientation Day: "People don't care about the process, only the result, "or something like that. He's a great guy.”

““After graduating, I worked as the Communications Officer for the McMaster Students Union and realized I liked the design side of the job more than others, so I looked into short-term advertising and design programs in Ontario. Humber seemed perfect as it was close to my stomping grounds, and everyone I know who went to Humber loved Humber. Thanks, Sylvie Pusztaszeri, for believing in me and my work and affirming that I made the right decision to complete the ad graph program after taking a year and a half off. Thank you to Laurie LaBelle who took the time to email and video chat with me about the program while I was on the other side of the world with major time differences. Last but not least, shoutout to Eric Forest RGD and Trent Thompson, two professors who are still working in the industry.””