Wilson School of Design

Our Programs Have a Question?

No matter where you started, we’re so glad your journey brought you here. We’ll give you the skills, experience, and confidence to land your dream job, and thrive once you get there.

  • More than 80% of grads are working
    in the industry

  • Over 50 scholarships and 
    awards each year

  • Less than 30 students per
    studio class

Fall 2026 applications are open for the Front-End Development for Interactive Applications program and will remain open until all seats are filled.

Applications for all other Design programs are now closed. Applications for Fall 2027 will open on October 1, 2026.  

Have questions?
Contact the Future Students' Office at 604-599-3030

Contact Us

Good design doesn’t just happen. It takes curiosity and the guts to question what everyone else assumes is right. That’s what we’ll teach you: to trust your instincts, refine your vision, and back it up with craft.

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We ignite potential

You’ll work on genuine problems, not hypothetical ones, designing things that actually help people — whether that’s a safer piece of gear, or a space that works better for the people in it. Small classes mean your instructors get to know your work, and push you towards ideas you wouldn’t have found alone.

We instill confidence

You won’t get it right the first time, and that’s the point. Through honest critique, hands-on materials, and meaningful deadlines, you’ll build the kind of confidence that only comes from actually doing the work, rather than just talking about it.

We inspire progress

Good design means asking better questions, not just delivering better answers. We’ll push you to question your own assumptions, experiment, and get comfortable redoing something until it’s right.

One School. Eight Programs. Endless Potential.

The KPU Wilson School of Design offers four Bachelor of Design degrees, three diplomas, one certificate, and CIDA accreditation for interior designers. However you want to pursue a career in design, there’s a path for it here.

This is Wilson

Seeking inspiration? Get to know our students, culture, and community.

  • This is Wilson

    Explore the work Of our grads and discover the possibilities Of design and our programs.

  • Viral Design

    Viral Design is the an exhibition for the Wilson School of Design's new virtual exhibition space, Artifact.

  • The Design Loop

    Visit the loop for more inspiring stories about our design community. For the latest media coverage visit our newsroom.

  • Virtual Showcase

    Missed the live event? Not to worry. We've gathered everything you need to know about the Wilson School of Design in one place.

Want to go beyond the classroom? You can take part in hands-on research projects through Research and Design (RAD). Sometimes our faculty bring you on as a research assistant. Other times, the projects are woven right into your coursework. Our researchers dig into things like human factors, sustainable materials, alternative transportation, and even food design, with students from all eight programs contributing their own perspectives. It’s a chance to shape the field, not just study it.

See research in action with our Product Design students’ Hyperbaric Chamber project:

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Field Schools

Every year, KPU Wilson School of Design students can choose from field schools all over the world. That includes destinations like Rome, Paris, and the Amazon through KPU International. We also run our own design-focused Field School in a different location each year. That experience covers art, architecture, interior design, fashion, and cultural studies. A whole world of inspiration is waiting for you just outside the classroom.

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Not ready for a full program, or just want to build one specific skill? Our Continuing and Professional Studies courses are open to everyone: Young design enthusiasts, working professionals, even educators looking to bring new skills into their own classroom.

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Student Services

  • Student Awards & Financial Assistance

    You can apply for a wide range of design awards, scholarships, and bursaries at The KPU Wilson School of Design. Sometimes your faculty will nominate you, other times you apply directly. They’re made possible by donors and industry partners who believe in supporting the next generation of designers. Learn more at Student Awards & Financial Assistance.

  • Academic Advising

    Have questions about your program, your courses, or what’s next? Your design advisor is here to help. Book an online appointment through Advisor Connect, and we’ll follow up with you. Having trouble with the platform? Just email your advisor directly.

  • Volunteer Opportunities

    If you want to get more involved on campus, there are plenty of ways to volunteer and connect with the KPU community. It’s a great way to gain experience and meet people outside your own program.

  • Work-Study Program

    Need a part-time job that actually builds your resume? The Work Study Program offers on-campus roles for full-time undergrads with demonstrated financial need. In the program, you’ll work directly with faculty and staff across campus. Visit Our Students to learn more.

Information Sessions and Events

Not sure which program is right for you? Come to an information session and get actual answers about programs, courses, fees, and how to apply. We also run portfolio reviews and design workshops throughout the year, so you can get feedback before you even submit.

Visit Info Sessions, Portfolio Reviews & Workshops to see what’s coming up, or check our events calendar for everything else happening at The KPU Wilson School of Design.
 

The Wilson School of Design is based in Richmond, British Columbia, just 20 minutes by train from downtown Vancouver.
Our 65,000-square-foot campus is built for making things. We have teaching studios and labs, a testing centre, gallery space, and plenty of room to study and design. You’ll also have access to real industry technology, including laser cutters, 3D printers, and ultrasonic welders.
Come see it for yourself.

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