English Proficiency Requirement
English Proficiency Requirements for Admission
Entrance Package Requirements
Once you have applied to KPU, you will receive a link to upload the following components onto SlideRoom. Upload a video and a portfolio package that follows the following criteria:
1 / 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.
Content Guidelines:
Address the following prompts:
• Introduce yourself and share your background in fashion and creative pursuits.
• Why are you pursuing fashion and technology education?
• What are your career goals in the apparel industry?
• Why the Fashion and Technology program at KPU? (If you're from outside Vancouver, share why you want to study here.)
Requirements:
• Must feature and be narrated by you
• Accepted formats: .m4v, .mov, .mp4, .wmv, .flv, .asf, .mpeg, .mpg, .mkv, or YouTube/Vimeo link if your video is too large to upload
2 / 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.
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.
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.
Interview
Applicants to the Fashion Design & Technology program may be contacted for an in-person or remote interview.
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
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.
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.
Contact Us
If you have more questions about admission requirements, email design@kpu.ca
Entrance Package & Portfolio Plagiarism Agreement
Entrance Package & Portfolio submissions for the Wilson School of Design, both written and creative, must be entirely original and completed solely by the applicant. If a project is added that was completed as part of a group, the applicant must explicitly outline it was completed in a group within their submission and give appropriate credit to each member. Plagiarism, including copying, altering, or reusing another individual’s work (written OR visual) in any medium and presenting it as your own, is strictly prohibited. Additionally, the use of generative AI tools is also strictly prohibited. Any submission caught containing plagiarism, including AI-generated content, will result in application removal and a ban on future applications to KPU.