Admission Requirements

Part 01 | Video

Create a 5–8 minute video (max 500MB) that creatively introduces you and showcases your skills, interests, and passion for fashion. Use storytelling, visuals, or other creative approaches to make your video engaging and memorable.

Part 02 | Portfolio Package

Create a single PDF file that includes all required portfolio components. Each section should feature high-quality images and clearly written content that showcases your creativity, technical skills, and design process.  If your file size is too large, divide your submission into up to three files; a table of contents and page numbers are recommended. The portfolio package must include the following:

2.1 / Resume
Include a current resume that outlines your paid employment, volunteer work, leadership roles, and extra-curricular activities.

• Include relevant skills such as software proficiency, handcrafts, design, art, and any experience in the apparel industry.
• Be sure to list dates, responsibilities, and organization names.
• Note: Preference is given to applicants with paid/volunteer fashion-related experience. 

2.2 / Creative Practice
Include two recent pieces of your art or design work that reflect your skills, interests, and creative process. Examples can include but are not limited to:  painting, sculpture, jewelry, textile art, pattern drafting, draping, knitting, or other high-craft techniques. 
For each piece, include:

• High quality photo(s) of the piece
• A short rationale for each piece explaining your inspiration, thought process, and why it was selected. Highlight how each work reflects your skills and creative interests.

Part 02 | Portfolio Continued

2.3 / Sewing Experience
Include 2-4 machine-sewn garments that showcase your range of abilities in garment creation.  Include one classic button-up shirt (see specifications below) and 1-3 garments of your choice. Garments should be clean, pressed, and photographed on suitable hangers. Images of your sewn garments should include at least 6 large photos: front, back, inside front, inside back, and close-up photos focusing on details.

Classic Button-up Shirt

• Must include a 2-piece collar, front buttons/ buttonholes, set-in sleeves, sleeve cuffs, and sleeve plackets.
• Recommended fabric: cotton shirting or cotton poplin (no knits)
• Use an original pattern (eg. Cameron Shirt View A by Helene’s Closet, or contact design@kpu.ca for a free Wilson School of Design Woven shirt downloadable PDF.
• Do not alter the shirt pattern; keep it in its original format for accurate assessment of garment construction.

Applicant Choice (1-3 Garments)

• Include 1-3 garment(s) of choice e.g., pants, skirt, jacket, dress, lined garment.
• Highlight techniques like zippers, buttonholes, pockets, linings, working with a difficult fabric, and self-drafted patterns.
• Complexity of design will be considered; choose something that will show off your interest, skills, and abilities.

Part 02 | Portfolio Continued

2.4 / Sketchbook 
 

Include 8-10 current sketchbook pages that show your exploration of fashion design concepts, material experimentation, and idea development. Your submission should reflect a range of your skills across different projects and stages of the fashion design process.

Content may include: 

• Garment concepts, mood boards
• Design process work and experimentation
• Pattern manipulation, textile draping, material experimentation
• Fashion drawings (finished sketches may be included, but are not the focus)
• Fabric swatches, colour chips, photos, and other sources of inspiration
• Written reflections are essential- each entry should include thoughtful commentary on your inspiration, design decisions, and how your ideas evolve

*Note: We value process over polished outcomes- show your rough work, sketches, and how your ideas evolve. 

Applicants to the Fashion Design & Technology program may be contacted for an in-person or remote interview. 

We strongly recommend one of attending our Information Sessions. These sessions provide a great opportunity to learn more about our programs, hear from faculty, ask questions, and explore what’s possible at KPU.

How to Apply

How to submit the required documents?

Once you have applied to KPU, you will receive email instructions on how to fulfill Admission Requirements.

Meet English Proficiency Requirement: Contact KPU Admissions if you need assistance with submitting official documents. If you are an international student, contact KPU International at international@kpu.ca. Please do not submit English Proficiency proof to SlideRoom.

Submit Entrance Package: After applying to KPU, you will receive a link to upload your Entrance Package onto the online submission portal, SlideRoom. Please ensure you have completed your online application on EducationPlannerBC and reviewed the requirements before submission. Note that a supplemental fee and data privacy consent are required by the portal.

Need Support?

Questions about the entrance package or interview? 
Send us an email at design@kpu.ca. We’re here to help you on your creative journey.