College Certificate - Design Foundations (1186) at Conestoga College - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2026-02-02

Program overview

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Program overview

The Design Foundations Certificate program at Conestoga College is a one-year intensive course designed for students eager to explore a career in applied design and visual communications. This program offers a unique opportunity to develop a competitive and individual design portfolio, showcasing skills in various areas such as 2D and 3D visual design, drawing, and digital illustration. Students will engage in hands-on projects that foster creativity and skill refinement, preparing them for further education in design-related fields.

Program structure

The Design Foundations Certificate program is structured to provide a comprehensive foundation in design principles and practices. Key details include:

Program Length: 1 year (2 academic terms)
Delivery Method: Hybrid
Start Dates: September 2026, January 2027, May 2027
Campus: Kitchener – Doon

This program emphasizes skill development through various creative projects, allowing students to plan, implement, and present visual communications across multiple media. It is designed to prepare students for further education in diverse programs leading to careers in the design and visual communications sectors.

Featured Experiences

The Design Foundations Certificate program offers several unique experiences that enhance learning and skill application:

Hands-on creative projects that encourage practical application of design skills.
Opportunities for goal setting and skill refinement throughout the program.
Studio-based learning environment that fosters collaboration and creativity.
Guidance from experienced instructors in the field of design.
Portfolio development to showcase individual design work.

Career Options

Graduates of the Design Foundations Certificate program can pursue various career paths in Canada, including:

Graphic Designer: Create visual concepts to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, or captivate consumers.
Illustrator: Produce images for books, magazines, and other media, using traditional and digital techniques.
Web Designer: Design and create websites, focusing on aesthetics and user experience.
Art Director: Oversee visual aspects of advertising or media campaigns, ensuring a cohesive look and feel.
Visual Communication Specialist: Develop visual content strategies to effectively convey messages across various platforms.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Visit Conestoga College official website

Last updated on 2026-02-02

Program overview

Academic Requirements

The admission requirements for the College Certificate - Design Foundations program at Conestoga College are as follows:

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent, or 19 years of age or older with mature student status.

Note: See Mature Student definition for details.
Grade 12 compulsory English, C or U, or equivalent, OR Conestoga College Preparatory Communications (COMM1251), or equivalent.
Canadian citizens and permanent residents with transcripts from outside Canada require a course-by-course credential evaluation. You can request this at a reduced fee through the college by completing the Assessment of International Credentials for Admissions and Credit Transfer online form, or through an approved provider such as ICAS or WES.
Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

For international students, the following requirements apply:

International students should apply online.
Applicants with transcripts from institutions where the language of instruction is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency.

It is important to note that a sound English background is crucial for success in this program and is considered during the admission selection process. Minimum cutoffs apply.

If you have any questions or need further clarification regarding the admission requirements, please feel free to contact LOA Portal's advisors for support.

Language Requirements

To apply for the College Certificate - Design Foundations (1186) program at Conestoga College, you must provide proof of English proficiency in one of the following ways:

6.0 IELTS Academic (with no band less than 5.5)
80 TOEFL (Effective January 2024, no individual skill less than 20)

Please note: The above requirements are applicable for diploma and certificate programs. If you do not meet the English language skills for direct entry into full-time post-secondary programs, you may choose to enter Conestoga's General Arts and Science: English Language Studies program.

If you have any questions or need further assistance, please check with our team for more details.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!

Last updated on 2026-02-02

Program overview

Intake	Status	Open date to apply	Deadline to apply	Campus
September 2026	Open	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available
January 2027	Open	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available
May 2027	Open	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available