Applying as a Canadian applicant
Domestic students should apply online or by phone at 1-888-892-2228.
Applying as an International applicant
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View our Virtual tourProgram description - September 2025
Design Foundations is an intensive one-year certificate program that is intended for students who are interested in exploring a career in applied design and communications. This foundation year provides an opportunity to create a competitive and individual design portfolio, demonstrating skills in 2D and 3D design, drawing, life drawing, colour theory, idea development, presentation skills, portfolio development, digital production, design history, and written communication. Students experience a year of goal-setting, guidance, skill development and refinement through a variety of hands-on projects. Students will plan, implement, and present visual communications in a wide range of media. Completion of this studio-based program will effectively prepare students for further education in a variety of programs leading to careers in the design and visual communications fields.
Program details
Tuition & fees
Tuition and fee details for the 2024-2025 academic year (September to August) are listed below. Books and supplies may be additional. Tuition and fee details for terms starting September 2025 and later will be available Spring 2025.
2 Terms
Canadian
International
Canadian fee details
| Description | Fall 2024 | Winter 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time Program Tuition | $1348.00 | $1348.00 |
| Administration Fee | $25.00 | $25.00 |
| Capital Development Fee | $84.22 | $84.22 |
| CSI Advocacy Fee | $8.00 | $8.00 |
| CSI Association Fee | $102.00 | $102.00 |
| CSI Extended Health & Dental Plan Fee | $330.00 | - |
| CSI Legal Care Fee | $30.00 | - |
| CSI UPass Fee | $118.97 | $118.97 |
| Graduation/Alumni Services Fee | $20.00 | $20.00 |
| HST | $123.11 | - |
| ONE Card Fee | $7.50 | $7.50 |
| Recreation/Athletics Fee | $70.50 | $70.50 |
| Student Services | $86.00 | $86.00 |
| Supply Fee (Taxed) | $947.00 | - |
| Technology Enhancement Fee | $110.00 | $110.00 |
| CSI - Student Welcome Kit Fee (optional) | $70.00 | - |
| CSI Student Club & Society Fee (optional) | $4.00 | $4.00 |
| CSI Student Events Fee (optional) | $30.00 | $30.00 |
| Sustainability Fee (optional) | $5.00 | $5.00 |
| Term Total | $3519.30 | $2019.19 |
| Year Total | $5538.49 |
Returning student tuition & fees
View all Canadian tuition & fee details for all levels
View all International tuition & fee details for all levels
International fee details
| Description | Fall 2024 | Winter 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| International Program Tuition | $7294.00 | $7294.00 |
| Administration Fee | $25.00 | $25.00 |
| Capital Development Fee | $84.22 | $84.22 |
| CSI Advocacy Fee | $8.00 | $8.00 |
| CSI Association Fee | $102.00 | $102.00 |
| CSI College Int'l Health Insurance Plan (CIHIP) | $530.00 | - |
| CSI Extended Health & Dental Plan Fee | $330.00 | - |
| CSI Legal Care Fee | $30.00 | - |
| CSI UPass Fee | $118.97 | $118.97 |
| Graduation/Alumni Services Fee | $20.00 | $20.00 |
| HST | $123.11 | - |
| ISR (International Student Recovery) | $375.00 | $375.00 |
| ONE Card Fee | $7.50 | $7.50 |
| Recreation/Athletics Fee | $70.50 | $70.50 |
| Student Services | $86.00 | $86.00 |
| Supply Fee (Taxed) | $947.00 | - |
| Technology Enhancement Fee | $110.00 | $110.00 |
| CSI - Student Welcome Kit Fee (optional) | $70.00 | - |
| CSI Student Club & Society Fee (optional) | $4.00 | $4.00 |
| CSI Student Events Fee (optional) | $30.00 | $30.00 |
| Sustainability Fee (optional) | $5.00 | $5.00 |
| Term Total | $10370.30 | $8340.19 |
| Year Total | $18710.49 |
Returning student tuition & fees
View all Canadian tuition & fee details for all levels
View all International tuition & fee details for all levels
Program device & software requirements
This program requires you to have a device that meets certain specifications. For most students, this cost is in addition to the tuition & fees listed above.
view device requirementsFinancial assistance
Awards & scholarships
Student Financial Services awarded more than 400 awards, scholarships and bursaries last year.
Delivery sequence - September 2025 - Kitchener – Doon
| FALL | WINTER | SPRING |
|---|---|---|
| Class | Class |