Study Game Design in Canada: Game Design Courses, Eligibility, Fees, Scholarships and Scope in Canada

Here are a few reasons why you must consider studying game design in Canada:

• Affordable fees: Canadian universities offer game design courses at affordable fees. There are various entrance scholarships available for international students that help in reducing the costs significantly.

• Well-paid jobs: The game design industry is expanding which is one of the main reasons for better opportunities. Canada has been losing a number of talented game designers to US-based firms which is why Canadian companies are also offering well-paid jobs with a lot of scope to skilled professionals.

• Post-graduate work permit: The student-friendly immigration policies in Canada have always been one of the main reasons for attracting international talent. International students have post graduate work permit and can stayback  in Canada for 2 years after graduation which eventually leads to permanent residency and is a good reason to study game design in Canada.

Here is a list of the 6 top game design schools in Canada:

• Brock University

• Sheridan College

• Canadore College

• Fanshawe College

• Northern Lights College

• LaSelle College Vancouver

Let us take a look at the best game design colleges in Canada with details of programs offered, course duration, fees, etc.

• Brock University

Brock University's GAME program is a partnership between the Center for Digital Humanities and Computer Science at Brock University and Niagara College. It offers a 4-years honors degree where you will not only earn a BA or BSc but also a 3-year advanced diploma in game development.

• Sheridan College

The Faculty of Animation, Arts and Design at Sheridan College offers a bachelor’s degree and graduate certificate in game design. The college is very well-known for its programs in digital media and animation.

• Canadore College

Canadore College started the game design program in the fall of 2020. The college provides a 3-year advanced diploma in game design and development program that combines the artistic and technical aspects of the process of game production.

• Fanshawe College

The School of Digital and Performing Arts at Fanshawe College provides a 3-year advanced diploma that focuses on the use of tools and techniques to work as a game designer, animator, and concept artist etc.

• Northern Lights College

Northern Lights College is known to offer a 2-year diploma in interactive technologies and game design that combine management, internet, multimedia, marketing, networking and software technologies.

• LaSalle College

LaSalle College is a private institution that offers a diploma in game art and design approved by the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills & Training. 

The eligibility criteria for game design courses vary for different universities and level of program. Take a look at the general requirements that must be fulfilled by all students seeking admission to game design course in Canada are:

• Educational qualifications

• English language proficiency test scores

• Entrance test scores

We shall now discuss each admission requirement for game designing courses in Canada:

• Educational Qualifications

If you are applying for a bachelor in game design in Canada, you must complete 10+2 with a minimum 70%. To apply for masters in game design in India, you must have a completed bachelor’s degree preferably in game design or related field. International students who have completed their education outside Canada will be considered on the basis of acceptable equivalents.

• English Language Proficiency Test Scores

All international students must submit proof of English language proficiency such as TOEFL, IELTS or equivalent acceptable tests. The minimum requirements according to the level of education are:

• IELTS score for diploma/ undergraduate programs: 5.5-6.0
• IELTS score for graduate/ PG diploma/ advanced diploma programs: 6.5

• Entrance Test Scores

You may be asked to submit GRE scores for admission to masters in game design Canada. A minimum score of 160 on GRE is considered good for admission to masters in game design in Canada.

A list of documents required for game design courses in Canada for international students are:

• Transcripts from previously attended institutions
• School leaving certificate for undergraduate level programs
• Proof of degree for postgraduate level programs
• Proof of English language proficiency
• Scores of SAT/ ACT for undergraduate programs or GMAT/GRE for graduate programs
• Statement of purpose
• Reference letters
• Resume
• Criminal background check
• Copy of passport
• Evidence of financial support

Universities in Canada accept applications for the Fall, Winter and Summer semesters. It is best to apply for admission during the fall semester. You can check and apply for Winter or Summer semesters if your program is offered. One thing to be kept in mind is that you must start the admission process early.

Here are the general steps for seeking admission to game design courses in Canada for international students:

1. Shortlist the universities that you wish to apply to and visit the official website to check the eligibility criteria. 
2. Check the available intakes and application deadlines for your chosen program. 
3. Complete the online application and submit it along with the necessary application fee.
4. Prepare supporting documents and submit them along with the application for admission.
5. Keep checking the university website for updates on your application.
6. You will receive official correspondence with the admission letter from the college on your registered email.
7. If you have been accepted, complete the enrollment process as suggested. Accept your offer for admission and submit the tuition fee deposit.
8. After fulfilling all requirements for admission, proceed with the application for a Canadian study permit.

Suggested: Intakes and deadlines to study in Canada!

It is important for international students to estimate their expenses before moving to Canada. Moreover, you will have to provide proof of sufficient finances for admission which is another reason to be informed about the cost of studying game design in Canada. Your main expenses will include the tuition fees and cost of living in Canada. The cost of living in Canada is around 800-1,000 CAD per month that comes to 10,000-12,000 CAD per year.

Take a look at the table below to learn about the game design fees in Canada for different levels of program:

Some important career insights about the scope of game design in Canada are:

• The average salary after video game design courses Canada is 96,300 CAD per year.
• The salaries range between 46,200 CAD and 151,000 CAD per year.
• Professionals in Ontario have salaries around 117,000 CAD per year which is the highest compared to other provinces.
• Other top places for working in Canada as game designers are Alberta, British Columbia, Quebec, Nunavut and Manitoba.
• The average salaries in the public sector is around 4% higher than the private sector.
• With a bachelor in game design in Canada, you can expect to earn 24% higher salaries than with a diploma/ certificate. A masters in game design Canada can boost your salaries by 29%.

Take a look at the table below to learn about various job titles and average annual salaries:

A game design degree Canada can prepare you for employment in various sectors such as animation in the entertainment industry, application design, game design, IT industry, etc. To get good job opportunities in Canada you basically need to have a right balance of academic qualifications i.e. a degree or diploma, relevant experience or training at a technical institution and must have creative abilities that can be demonstrated through a well-maintained portfolio of work.