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Design Foundation

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Program Code: 09151
CIP Code: 50.0401
PGWP Eligible: N/A
Credential: Ontario College Certificate
Start Dates: January, September
Program Length: 2 semesters
Learning
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Pathways: Explore Pathways
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Make September 2025 your time to shine. Apply on us and get your $150 application fee back.* See details.

Program Overview

Humber’s Design Foundation certificate program provides you with the skills to focus your creativity as you begin your education in design. 

If you have a clear interest in visual art and design, but want to upgrade or build your portfolio of work, or explore various design disciplines while considering your future career, then this is the program for you. With a deep scope of experience in a variety of design facets, our faculty provides you with an industry-current perspective of your work while offering you a broad-based preparatory design education. You will develop design skills, techniques and processes, and learn about various professional career choices while developing and refining a comprehensive portfolio.

Your training is led by professional designers from a variety of disciplines in a curriculum that features courses in:

  • 1, 2 and 3-Point perspective drawing
  • 2D and 3D principles
  • colour theory
  • design software such as Photoshop, Illustrator and AutoCAD
  • graphic design
  • industrial design
  • interior design
  • web design

The Humber Experience

Alec, Interior Design Program

"My Design Foundation certificate was great preparation for Humber's Interior Design degree." 

– Alec, Interior Design degree student

Visit the Bachelor of Interior Design program 

Humber Also Offers

Advertising & Graphic Design, Architectural Technology, Bachelor of Industrial Design, Bachelor of Interior Design, Graphic Design and Interior Decorating. Design Foundation graduates still need to apply for the programs listed above.

Student Work

Drawing of a kettle
3D render of Houses
Drawing of bees
Drawing of table with things
Drawing of table with things
Drawing of astronaut
3D render of house interior
Collage with motivational message
Digital Art
3D render of cabinet
Drawing about perspective
Collage with motivational message

Expert Faculty

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Expert Faculty

You will learn from expert professors with advanced degrees. Our professors are committed to providing you with practical, hands-on as well as the theoretical knowledge necessary to help you achieve the career you want. Learn more about our people by browsing through the profiles of full-time faculty members:

faculty image
David Vazquez-Abrams
Portfolio Website

David is a graphic designer and educator with experience in print and digital media. From branding, visual merchandising, package design and wayfinding to web, UX and UI design, he has a wide breadth of professional experience to share with students.

With an education in Visual Arts and Design, and as an advocate for drawing every day and lifelong learning, David brings a hand-crafted, mixed-media approach to teaching and learning that fosters innovation and engagement in the classroom.

Your Career

Design is everywhere. From the spaces we inhabit to the products and technologies we interact with, designers play an important role in the development of the places and things we experience and use in our everyday lives. Good design can make the ordinary extraordinary.

Your generalized training in the many aspects of design may be an effective launching pad to more specialized areas of design study. Potential areas in various fields include industrial design, interior design, interior decorating, graphic design, web design and architecture.

Related Programs

people looking at page layouts

Advertising & Graphic Design

Credential: Diploma
Length: 4 semesters
Person working on physical 3D model of vehicle

Industrial Design, Bachelor of

Credential: Honours Degree
Length: 8 semesters
Students working on laptops in classroom

Interior Design, Bachelor of

Credential: Honours Degree
Length: 8 semesters
people looking at images

Graphic Design

Credential: Advanced Diploma
Length: 6 semesters
Person gesturing to design on wall

Interior Decorating

Credential: Diploma
Length: 4 semesters
hand click icon

Design Programs

Browse All Related Programs 

Program Availability

Start dates between Sept 2024 - Aug 2025
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Jan 2025 Block-Based North Suspended
Start dates between Sept 2025 - Aug 2026
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Sep 2025   North Open
Jan 2026   North Open
Start dates between Sept 2024 - Aug 2025
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Jan 2025 Block-Based North Suspended
Start dates between Sept 2025 - Aug 2026
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Sep 2025   North Open
Jan 2026   North Opening Soon

Humber is a publicly funded institution. International students graduating from a PGWP Eligible program at Humber are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.

International students in Canada could be eligible for an automatic scholarship*.  Apply now!

Check out the step-by-step Admissions Road Map for helpful information and additional resources.

Start dates between Sept 2024 - Aug 2025
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Jan 2025 Block-Based North Suspended
Start dates between Sept 2025 - Aug 2026
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Sep 2025   North Open
Jan 2026   North Opening Soon

Humber is a publicly funded institution. International students graduating from a PGWP Eligible program at Humber are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.

International applicants outside of Canada can apply through Humber International. Check out the step-by-step Admissions Road Map for helpful information and additional resources.

Upcoming Recruitment Events

Design Foundation Program

2 students talking in design setting

Watch the video to hear first-hand from graduates of the Design Foundation program about their experience at Humber.

Every attempt is made to ensure that information contained on this website is current and accurate. Humber Polytechnic reserves the right to correct any error or omission, modify or cancel any course, program, fee, timetable or campus location at any time without prior notice or liability to users or any other Person.

GET YOUR $125 APPLICATION FEE BACK*

Apply On Us This September!

Apply through OCAS between June 14 - July 19, 2024 and be registered full-time on Tuesday, September 17, 2024 and receive a $125 credit equal to the domestic application fee.

To qualify, get started by filling out the APPLY ON US form.

*This promotion is open to domestic applications for the September 2024 program intakes only. Offer not valid for existing applicants or applications.

International Students with a valid Study Permit or Letter of Introduction (LOI)* can receive a Waiver Code to cover the $100 September 2024 application fee.

Bringing You Our A-Game

A Humber education is second to none, benefit from:

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How to Apply

Domestic Students

Applications to Humber are made through ontariocolleges.ca. Be sure to submit your application by July 15, 2024 to receive your Application Fee Credit. Applications for September will remain open as long as the program availability status shows Open.

To check program availability refer to the Campus/Availability listing on Humber’s program pages, search by availability, or ontariocolleges.ca.

To see where you are in the admissions process, visit the Admissions Road Map.

International Students

If you’re an international student, you can apply directly to Humber via our International Centre.

Contact Us

Admissions Questions

General Enquiries

Call 416-675-3111 or email enquiry@humber.ca. If you have already applied, be sure to check your application status on myhumber.ca.

Domestic Applicants Enquiries

Domestic applicants can book a one-on-one advising appointment with an admissions representative.

International Applicants Enquiries

Contact the International Centre for information about full-time programs (including the International Graduate School), how to apply and to follow up on your submitted application.

Program-Specific Questions

Speak to the Program Co-ordinator about the course curriculum, projects and career options.

Karen Kesteloot, program co-ordinator
416.675.6622 ext. 4115
karen.kesteloot@humber.ca

Campus Information

Book a campus tour to take a closer look at what it's like to be a student at Humber.

Want More Info?

Find out more about the student experience and everything that Humber has to offer Future Students.

for more info on Humber, including programs, special events and more!

How To Become An Apprentice

Becoming an Apprentice

Find an employer willing to sponsor you as an apprentice.

Contact the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development to register as an apprentice.

Work with your employer approximately one year before attending Humber.

View Instructions 

Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)

If you’re in high school – grade 11 or 12 – you can earn co-op education credits through work placements in some skilled trades.

Visit OYAP 

How to Apply

Domestic Students

Applications to Humber are made through ontariocolleges.ca. Be sure to submit your application by the equal consideration deadline of February 1. You may apply after February 1, however, post-February 1 applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis depending on the availability of the space in the program.

To check program availability refer to the Campus/Availability listing on Humber’s program pages, search by availability, or ontariocolleges.ca.

To see where you are in the admissions process, visit the Admissions Road Map.

International Students

If you’re an international student, you can apply directly to Humber via our International Centre.

Need Advice?

Program Advising Appointments

Get help narrowing down your program options or book a one-on-one pre-enrolment advising appointment with one of our Recruitment Officers.

Transfer & Pathway Advising

Book a virtual appointment with a Student Mobility Advisor learn more about getting Transfer Credit(s) for previous post-secondary experience, Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR), and Pathways options.

Admission Requirements

Admission selection is based on the academic criteria indicated. Meeting minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission.

Admission selection is based on the following three requirements:

  • Academic

    To be eligible for admission, you must possess the following:

    • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent including these required courses:
      • Grade 12 English (ENG4C or ENG4U or equivalent)
      • Three Grade 11 or Grade 12 C, M or U courses in addition to those listed above

    or

    or

    Mature Applicants

    Diplomas and Certificates

    An applicant is considered a mature applicant if they have not completed secondary school or other postsecondary school, and will be 19 or older as of the first day of classes. Humber will invite you for testing to demonstrate that you meet all listed course requirements.

    Degrees

    An applicant is considered a mature applicant if they have not completed secondary school or attended postsecondary studies, and will be 21 or older as of the first day of classes. Mature applicants for degree programs will be required to meet course requirements at the U/M level or equivalent.

    College Transfer Applicants

    Diplomas and Certificates

    An applicant is considered a college transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a college-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or college courses and grades to determine program eligibility.

    Degrees

    An applicant is considered a college transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a college-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or college courses and grades to determine program eligibility. Applicants must have an overall minimum grade point average (GPA) of 65 per cent in the program. Applicants are required to disclose and provide academic transcripts for all course work completed at the postsecondary level.

    University Transfer Applicants

    Diplomas and Certificates

    An applicant is considered a university transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a university-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or university courses and grades to determine program eligibility.

    Degrees

    An applicant is considered a university transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a university-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or university courses and grades to determine program eligibility. Applicants are required to disclose and provide academic transcripts for all course work completed at the postsecondary level.

  • English Language Proficiency

    All applicants whose first language is not English must meet Humber’s English Language Proficiency Policy.

  • International Credit Evaluation

    Canadian citizens or permanent residents with international education are required to provide a credential evaluation. Note, for international High school education course by course evaluations, ICAS must be used. For international post-secondary education, a WES evaluation must be provided. In situations where you expect to apply for transfer credit, it is recommended that a course by course WES evaluation is completed.

International Academic Equivalency

Admission equivalencies for Humber depend on your country of study. Please enter your location or choose detect my location to see the requirements for your country below.

Post-Admission Requirements

Once you have been accepted, and have confirmed your offer, you may need to complete a further set of requirements related to your program (Post-Admission Requirements).

Equipment & Device Requirements

Fees & Financial Aid

The 2024/2025 fee for two semesters was:

  • domestic: $4,923.14
  • international: $17,803.00

Fees are subject to change.

Fees by Semester

Domestic Fees International Fees

Additional Costs

$650 - various course materials and equipment.

Financial Aid, Scholarships and Bursaries

Understand the costs associated with coming to Humber and explore resources available from first year to your final year on Student Fees and Financial Resources.

Scholarships

Humber Scholarships

Find out more about scholarships and bursaries that you may be eligible for, visit Student Scholarships. International students can visit International Student Scholarships.

Humber Bursaries

Bursaries are available for Certificate, Diploma and Degree programs primarily based on financial need, visit Humber Bursaries.

External Awards, Bursaries & Scholarships

Find out more information about external scholarships and bursaries, visit External Awards.

Indigenous Student Awards, Bursaries & Scholarships

Humber offers a variety of bursaries and scholarships for Indigenous students, visit Indigenous Student Awards.

Explore Opportunities through Humber Pathways

Humber Pathways include:

  • Opportunities to build on your college education and complete your diploma or degree at Humber.
  • Degree and graduate study opportunities at other institutions in Ontario, Canada and abroad.
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