Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly known as Ryerson) was founded in 1948 with the mission to provide innovative, career-focused learning to meet the needs of an ever-changing world. Today, the downtown institution offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs to 48,000 students and boasts over 245,000 alumni worldwide.

What Sets Toronto Metropolitan University Apart 

TMU’s Fashion degree program at The Creative School is an interdisciplinary program that inspires students to reimagine fashion in bold, new ways. Students are encouraged to hone their creativity and design-thinking skills with a focus on inclusive, decolonized, and sustainable perspectives.

In the Bachelor of Design in Fashion, students can shape their own curricular pathways, with the option to choose increasingly advanced electives from a range of concentration areas. The Master of Arts in Fashion is the only graduate program of its kind in Canada, offering a critically informed approach to fashion studies that explores the social, cultural, political, economic, and ecological implications of fashion production, promotion, and consumption.

TMU’s The Creative School features various innovation hubs, including the Design + Technology LAB, an 8,300-sq.-ft. workshop for research, education, and manufacturing. Here, students can hone their skills in digital fabrication, 3D printing, textile computing, AR/VR, and robotics. The Catalyst focuses on transdisciplinary collaborations between The Creative School, industry, and community partners, supporting student research and training. The Innovation Studio houses four creative incubators: Design Fabrication Zone, Fashion Zone, Music Den, and Transmedia Zone devoted to innovation in storytelling, music, design, fashion, and maker culture.

TMU has a variety of student groups and supports, including the Fashion Course Union, a student-led organization that advocates for, supports, and guides students at the School of Fashion. The Career & Co-op Centre is TMU’s central resource for students and alumni to access career development support, including workshops, events, resources, advising and job opportunities. The Fashion Research Collection is a resource for hands-on learning and object-based research. Its vast collection includes nearly 4,000 items dating from 1815 to today, which students can research and examine up close.

Located in downtown Toronto, The Fashion Zone is a membership-based, interdisciplinary incubator that provides growth and funding opportunities to ignite and inspire fashion innovation in Canada. The Fashion Zone has more than 40 industry advisors who help entrepreneurs build their businesses, while TMU students can get matched with a Fashion Zone start-up to develop their skills, prepare them for the job market, or give them the confidence to start their own venture.

TMU also offers a range of global opportunities, including semester abroad exchanges, short-term travel experiences, and virtual collaboration and co-creation opportunities with students around the world.

Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) has five campuses in the Greater Vancouver Area, offering bachelor’s degrees, diplomas, certificates, and citations in more than 140 programs. Each year, nearly 20,000 students enrol in programs at KPU campuses in Surrey, Richmond, Langley, Cloverdale, and Civic Plaza.

What Sets Kwantlen Polytechnic University Apart 

In 2018, KPU opened its $36-million Wilson School of Design, a facility that was financed in part by Lululemon founder Chip Wilson and his family. It focuses on fostering innovation in technical fashion, which is in high demand in B.C. The school features teaching studios and labs, a testing centre, gallery space, study, and design spaces. It also houses advanced technology such as laser cutters, 3D and ultrasonic welders.

There are eight design programs at the school, including diplomas in Fashion Design & Technology and Fashion Marketing, as well as a Post Baccalaureate Diploma in Technical Apparel Design. The school collaborates with numerous industry partners that host student internships, develop industry projects, and hire graduates, including Arc’teryz, Kit and Ace, Mountain Equipment Co-op, Lululemon, Indochino, Artizia, and others.

Students who are part of the Wilson School of Design also have access to a variety of international field schools. In 2025, fashion students have the opportunity to visit London and Paris, where they’ll explore fashion, design and fashion marketing in these global fashion centres.

George Brown College is a leading, publicly accredited college in downtown Toronto, offering students access to top employers for field placements and networking opportunities. The college has over 230 full- and part-time programs in fields like arts, technology, and business. George Brown works closely with its employer and community partners to ensure its programs reflect the latest trends, techniques, and technology used in the field. The college has a dedicated School of Fashion and Jewellery, home to a diverse array of specialized programs.

What Sets George Brown Apart 

The School of Fashion & Jewellery equips students with the essential skills and knowledge they need to launch successful careers. Notably, the Fashion Management program is the only academic program curriculum in Canada endorsed by the American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA), which ensures students benefit from an up-to-date curriculum, connections with the industry, and access to exclusive research.

Students also have access to networking events and high-profile guest lecturers, as well as opportunities to showcase their talents at fashion shows. Threads, an annual year-end event, showcases the talents of School of Fashion & Jewellery students. There are four events in the day-long event: Studio, where students present their work and achievements to an audience of industry professionals and the general public; FashionWorks, an exclusive networking event with industry partners looking to hire new graduates; Student Awards, recognizing students for their hard work, imagination, and innovation; and the Fashion Show.

George Brown offers unparalleled real world experience for Fashion Techniques and Design students at its vibrant hub Fashion Exchange, bringing together educators, industry partners, and community stakeholders. With a focus on environmental and social sustainability and expanding local apparel production, Fashion Exchange offers sample making and small production run services, as well as dye sublimation textile printing services (in partnership with EPSON), laser-cutting services, and embroidery.

Fashion Management students also gain real-world experience running two fashion stores within George Brown College – City Uptown and City Downtown. They are required to open, run, and close a fashion store in just 10 weeks. They conduct a situation analysis, define their target audience and store brand image, select and merchandise products, and market and monitor their business with the aim of generating a profit. The experience provides them with an opportunity to practice their leadership, planning, management, organizational control, problem solving, and human relations management skills.

Founded in 1967, Seneca Polytechnic offers degrees, diplomas, and certificates in a diverse range of fields, including aviation, business, fashion and aesthetics, health and wellness, and many more. The college has multiple campuses across the Greater Toronto Area, each with academic specialities and unique appeal. Combining rigorous academic standards with practical, hands-on learning, expert teaching faculty, and cutting-edge technology, Seneca ensures its graduates are fully prepared for their careers.

What Sets Seneca Polytechnic Apart 

Seneca’s fashion programs challenge students to combine their creativity and professional skills to help them succeed in the industry. Through field placements, competitions, and Seneca’s Fashion Resource Centre – a collection of historical and vintage Canadian garments and accessories – students gain hands-on experience, build connections, and prepare for their careers. Programs are offered in a hybrid format, with some courses available in Seneca’s flexible delivery format, which gives students the choice of coming on campus or learning online in real time. Additionally, fashion students can explore global learning opportunities through Seneca’s Global Learning and Engagement program. Seneca’s School of Fashion is associated with numerous industry associations, including Canadian Apparel Federation, Canadian Wool Council, Fashion Takes Action, Toronto Fashion Incubator, International Textile & Apparel Association, Textile Society of Canada, and others.

The School of Fashion is committed to promoting sustainable development. As a member of Sustainable Development Solutions Network Canada, it integrates sustainable practices into its teaching and initiatives on campus.

The University of Alberta is one of Canada’s top teaching and research universities, with an international reputation for excellence across the humanities, sciences, creative arts, business, engineering, and health sciences. The university has four campuses in Edmonton and one in Camrose, offering more than 200 undergraduate and 500 graduate programs.

What Sets University of Alberta Apart 

The Bachelor of Science in Fashion Business Management prepares students for careers in the increasingly business-oriented and globalized fashion industry. Students can participate in the Albert School of Business Co-op Program, ranked among the top four business programs in Canada. It combines classroom learning with on-the-job training through a 12-month paid work experience.

Students can leverage resources on campus, such as the Anne Lambert Clothing and Textiles Collection, a unique collection that houses more than 23,000 clothing and textile artifacts of local, national, and international significance. The University of Alberta has also a Protective Clothing and Equipment Research Facility that develops innovative protective materials and garment designs, as well as new testing protocols and specialized test equipment.

Located in Vancouver, Blanche Macdonald Centre is a fully accredited, internationally recognized college specializing in creative and applied arts. Each year, more than 1,000 students graduate from programs in fashion, hairstyling, makeup, nails, and esthetics, all taught across three campuses.

Blanche Macdonald Centre holds a designation certificate from the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills & Training and is an Education Quality Assurance (EQA) designated institution.

What Sets Blanche Macdonald Centre Apart

Since 1960, Blanche Macdonald Centre has been a leader in fashion and beauty education. Courses are taught by award-winning educators and industry experts who equip students with the tools, techniques, and confidence they need to excel in their careers. The school has a dedicated Careers Director who has a vast network of industry contacts and is focused on helping students and graduates find employment in the field.

The Fashion Design program offers a comprehensive design education that culminates in the prestigious Graduate Fashion Show, where students showcase their designs to media professionals, PR executives, and industry insiders.

Humber Polytechnic is a public college with three campuses in Toronto. It offers a broad range of programs, including bachelor’s degrees, diplomas, certificates, and post-graduate certificates across various areas of study, including fashion, business, creative arts and design, hospitality, and more. The college has a graduate employment rate of  83.6 percent, along with an employer satisfaction rate of 96.6 percent.

What Sets Humber Apart 

Humber’s polytechnic model combines theoretical and hands-on learning, preparing students for real-world success. Through work-integrated learning opportunities, students gain practical experiences that improve their employability. The college’s state-of-the-art campuses feature cutting-edge labs and specialized learning spaces designed to enhance students’ education.

At the Lakeshore campus, the Fashion Institute is a vibrant hub where students exchange ideas. The building is equipped with mannequins, rolling racks, hanging fixtures, shelving units, and other essential tools for creating mock-ups. Meanwhile, the North campus boasts the third-floor Fashion District, which includes fashion-focused classrooms, a resource room, and window showcases. In The Pop-Up Shop, students apply their entrepreneurial skills to market products and services to the Humber community. They can also get involved with Infuse, a student-run magazine from the Fashion Arts & Business program that covers all things fashion, beauty, and lifestyle. Additionally, fashion students can broaden their horizons by studying abroad in countries like Italy, Scotland, and England.

As one of Ontario’s largest colleges, Fanshawe has campuses in London, Simcoe, St. Thomas, and Woodstock. A leading provider in skilled trades and apprenticeship training in Ontario, Fanshawe offers more than 220 degrees, diplomas, certificate, and apprenticeship programs. Fanshawe is a member of Polytechnics Canada, a national association of Canada’s leading technology institutions and colleges.

What Sets Fanshawe Apart 

In the Fashion Design program, students benefit from networking opportunities with industry professionals, helping their future employment prospects. The program combines classroom theory, lectures, lab work, and field trips to prepare students for successful careers in fashion. Through the co-op component, students gain valuable first-hand workplace experiences in their chosen field, with roles like assistant designer, production assistant, and sewer/tailor. Additionally, students can engage in research opportunities through industry and community partnerships aimed at moving the fashion design industry forward.

Every year, the Unbound fashion show showcases the collections designed by third-year students. The immersive event features stunning runway displays, a catered reception, and champagne carpet photos, and offers the chance for students to network with industry pros.

Fanshawe College has a comprehensive study abroad program, which includes partnerships with schools in 16 countries across South America, Europe, and Asia. Options include one-semester exchanges; short-term, week-long field students; co-op placements; one-month summer programs; and more.

Founded in 1969, Richard Robinson Fashion Design Academy in Ottawa strives to provide students with the highest standards of education in the fashion industry. Its diploma programs are approved under the Ontario Career Colleges Act, ensuring students receive a high-quality education. The college also offers part-time classes in subjects like haute couture sewing, pattern making, draping and design, men’s tailoring, and more.

What Sets Richard Robinson Fashion Design Academy Apart 

Richard Robinson Fashion Design Academy Apart stands out as the only haute couture fashion design academy in Canada, specializing in handcrafted garments. Its two-year Fashion Design diploma program has a comprehensive curriculum and practical approach to learning, allowing students to develop and hone their skills in a dynamic and inspiring environment. Graduates can pursue the third-year Couturier program – the only one of its kind in Canada – which equips them with the skills to predict fashion trends three to five years in advance.

Founded in 1818, Dalhousie University in Halifax is one of Canada’s top universities, ranking 12th overall in the QS World University Rankings. The university offers more than 200 degree programs and has one of the lowest student-faculty ratios in the country at 17:1.

What Sets Dalhousie University Apart 

Established in 1974, Dalhousie’s Costume Studies program is unique in North America, offered as a four-year BA with Honours in Theatre (Costume Studies), with a strong historical focus on both theatre and museum work. Dalhousie also offers a two-year Diploma in costume studies intended for students who have completed a Bachelor degree at a recognized university. The curriculum emphasizes applied skills alongside research and academic training, with facilities located in Dalhousie’s new Fountain School of Performing Arts building. In addition to class projects and assignments, students gain real-world experience working on costumes for the Fountain School’s stage productions and creating a historical research project that is presented to the public at the end of the academic year.

Located in Vancouver, JCI Institute is a leading training school in fashion, makeup, hairdressing, and esthetics. As a private college, JCI Institute holds a designation certificate by the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills & Training and all its certificate and diploma programs are approved by the Registrar. JCI Institute is also an EQA (Education Quality Assurance) member and has received the Seal of Quality as a BC Approved Education Destination of Choice.

What Sets JCI Institute Apart

JCI Institute has built an internationally renowned reputation for their personal approach to education. With small class sizes geared towards growth, JCI makes sure students get hands-on training from the top professionals in the industry. To maintain a leading-edge curriculum for fashion design students, JCI collaborates with top fashion designers from brands such as Alexander McQueen, Aritzia, Lululemon, and Helly Hansen. At the end of the program, students showcase their debut collections to a live audience at the JCI Graduating Fashion Show.

In the Fashion Business & Creative Arts program, students immerse themselves in hands-on learning through a series of talks from industry leaders and field trips that align with the curriculum. These networking opportunities allow students to build connections with industry experts, giving them a competitive edge when they enter the job market after graduation.

Founded in 1959, LaSalle College is a private college with campuses in downtown Montreal and Laval. LaSalle College is a member of LCI Education, a global network of 12 higher-education institutions on five continents. The college offers classes in French, English and both languages. Lasalle College prides itself on offering high-quality education in response to the need of the job market and individual development, within a globalized context.

What Sets LaSalle College Montreal Apart 

Entrepreneurship is at the heart of LaSalle College’s mission, with practical, real-world educational projects that allow students to build their entrepreneurial skills. Recognized as one of Canada’s largest fashion schools, LaSalle offers internationally acclaimed programs led by experts in the field. The college provides a variety of Diploma of College Studies (DCS) and Attestation of College Studies (ACS) programs, including Fashion Design, Fashion Marketing, Fashion Styling, and Technical Clothing Designer. Students have access to the college’s Techno-Espace, a space for expertise and research intended to meet the needs of technical apparel companies. It offers a range of consulting services and courses in research, development, and design.

Founded in 1887, NSCAD University (Nova Scotia College of Art and Design) is one of Canada’s oldest independent cultural institutions. Located in Halifax, the college is regarded as a principal centre for education and research in visual culture in North America. It offers a wide range of diploma, graduate, and certificate programs in areas like textiles/fashion, film, photography, jewellery design, art history, and more. According to the university, 85 percent of alumni are working directly, indirectly, or in a field influenced by their time at NSCAD.

What Sets NSCAD Apart 

NSCAD fosters an environment that values curiosity, creative exploration, and risk-taking, giving students the freedom to try new art forms and combine them in exciting ways. The college’s award-winning faculty – designers and artists themselves – challenge and support students to do their best work. Students can take part in international exchange, with NSCAD partnering with more than 70 art and design schools in the U.S., U.K., Norway, Portugal, Japan, Korea, and Australia.

To engage students and promote their work, NSCAD hosts and participates in events throughout the year, including The Student Art Awards, NSCAD Fashion Show, Wearable Art Show, and more. Through public lecture series, masterclasses, and residencies, the college invites world-renowned artists to visit and share their expertise with students, faculty, staff, and the greater Halifax community.

LaSalle College Vancouver began in 2017 with the acquisition of the Art Institute of Vancouver. Today, it is a creative hub with more than 30 bachelor, diploma, and certificate programs. The college is part of LCI Network, a global network of 12 higher-education institutions on five continents.

What Sets LaSalle College Vancouver Apart 

LaSalle College Vancouver’s custom-built campus dedicates an entire floor to fashion creation, featuring wet and dry labs, maker space, materials library, fashion studio, and photography room, along with state-of-the-art workstations, software, and equipment. Students can take part in the LCI Education Exchange Program, which offers learning opportunities in Barcelona, Spain; Bogota, Colombia; Melbourne, Australia; and Monterrey, Mexico.

Located in downtown Fredericton, New Brunswick College of Craft and Design (NBCCD) offers diploma and certificate programs in areas such as visual arts, fashion design, textiles, and ceramics, among others. The school nurtures creative entrepreneurship and the hands-on skills necessary for an artistic career.

What Sets New Brunswick College of Craft and Design 

NBCCD stands out for its unique blend of artistic and entrepreneurial training. Beyond mastering their craft, students learn how to display, write about, market, price, and sell their work. They also take part in real-world opportunities such as trade shows, craft sales, fashion shows, and practicums. NBCCD boasts “small college vibes” with cutting-edge technology, including high-performing Mac and PC labs, state-of-the-art virtual reality equipment, 3D printers, and computer-assisted design in nearly every studio. Students are part of a tight-knit community of less than 320 students in the college, with an average of 12 students per class in diploma programs. The college also offers a two-year Diploma in Jewellery/Metal Arts and a two-year Diploma in Textile Design.

Located in Windsor, Ont. St. Clair College offers more than 120 programs in health sciences, community studies, engineering technology and skilled trades, business and I.T., and more. In addition to its main Windsor campus, the college has a presence in downtown Windsor, with St. Clair College Centre for the Arts and Zekelman School of Business, as well as a campus in nearby Chatham, Ont.

What Sets St. Clair College Apart 

St. Clair College has several new academic buildings that enhance student learning, including the Centre for Applied Health Sciences and the Centre for Construction Innovation & Production, which supports St. Clair’s skilled trades programs. The Fashion Design Technician program is delivered in new fashion labs that provide an inspiring and nurturing environment. Blending hands-on labs with field trips and behind-the-scenes experiences prepares students to start their careers in the fashion industry.