Bachelor of Design at MacEwan University in Edmonton, Canada is a bachelor's degree in Applied Design programme. The programme runs for 4 years. Tuition for international students is CAD 941 per credit (CAD 293 per credit for local students).
At a glance
Degree:Bachelor's Degree
Field:Applied Design
Duration: 4 years
Local tuition: CAD 293 / credit
International tuition: CAD 941 / credit
Last checked September 2026 · Source: macewan.ca ·
Program details
Overview
The Bachelor of Design at MacEwan University, offered through the Faculty of Fine Arts and Communications, combines hands-on design practice with design theory to build problem-solving and communication skills centered on human needs and behaviour. The degree includes a diploma exit option for students who complete part of the program. Students can follow a defined pathway in marketing, illustration, or photography, or build a customized focus aligned with their own interests rather than choosing from a fixed set of majors alone. The program is supported by facilities including multimedia editing suites, photo studios, and user-experience labs, giving students access to industry-relevant tools during their studies. It is delivered at MacEwan's campus in Edmonton. The program suits students interested in visual design, creative problem-solving, and communication-focused design work who want a credential that blends conceptual thinking with applied studio-based skills. Specific admission requirements, course sequencing, and program length are addressed through the university's separate program and course pages rather than the general overview, so applicants should review that additional material when planning their studies.
Requirements
Minimum GPA:65.00 / %
Admission Requirements: Regular admission needs ELA 30-1 (or 75% in ELA 30-2) and four subjects from Admission Groups A, B, C or D (maximum two Group B subjects from different disciplines, maximum one Group D subject), with an overall average of at least 65% and no course grade below 50%; applicants with 9 or more university credits also need a minimum Admission Grade Point Average (AGPA) of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. Mature applicants (20+, out of full-time high school one year+) may substitute ELA 30-1 at 65% or six university-level English credits at a minimum grade of C-. Applicants with a design diploma, or 24 or more university-level credits, are admitted on a 2.0 AGPA. A portfolio is no longer required: MacEwan removed the portfolio entry requirement beginning fall 2023. Admission is competitive, with the regular-admission average trending low-70s to mid-80s. The programme defers to MacEwan's institution-wide English Language Proficiency Requirement, accepting IELTS Academic 6.5 (5.5 per band), TOEFL iBT 86 (21 per section), Duolingo 115, CAEL 70 (60 per band) or PTE Academic 59 (56 per band).
Application Details
Start Date:September
Application Deadline:Fall 2027 domestic application deadline: June 30, 2027. International applicants follow the same deadline unless the general international dates (1 May 2027 Fall / 1 Oct 2026 Winter / 30 Jan 2027 Spring-Summer) are earlier.
