How to Apply
Capilano University’s IDEA School of Design offers two distinct programs — each with their own set of application requirements.
Open House
Before you apply, we recommend you attend an open house event, where you’ll be able to connect with both faculty and students, and share your portfolio for feedback. Typically we offer an on-campus open house in November and virtual portfolio day in February.
Step 1.
Review application requirements on CapU website
Choose the program you are going to apply for and review the application requirements on the CapU website. Pay attention to the admission dates and admission requirements for each program. Each program is distinct and has a separate application process.
Please consult with a CapU recruiting advisor if you are unsure which program is right for you.
SlideRoom Example | Anais Bayle, Bachelor of Design Grad 2024
Cover Image | Natasha Lee, Bachelor of Design Grad 2024
Step 2.
Prepare a program specific application
Applicants must submit their program specific application through our online portal SlideRoom — Sign up at ideacapilano.slideroom.com. SlideRoom will allow you to save your progress & edit your submission until you click ‘Submit’. Take your time and submit a quality application. SlideRoom will charge you a small fee to submit your portfolio ($5-12).
Note: Every student must apply to CapU through EducationPlannerBC (EPBC), a website for applying to universities and colleges across British Columbia, before proceeding to submit items on Slideroom.
Interaction Design
Portfolio Advice
About the Interaction Design diploma
The purpose of your Interaction design program application is to show us your interest in the program. We understand you might be new to user experience or digital design — we want to see your passion.
We made your program application easy.
Required: One reference letter
Choose one of the following:
1- minute view to tell use why you want to apply
One sample of a recent creative project that you completed.
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In less than one minute, create a short video to Introduce yourself and your background. Tell us why you are interested in taking this program.
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Provide one example of recent work, either personal projects or assignments from school/another program.
Work can include any combination of website or app (UX/UI) design, digital artwork, graphic design, computer programming, engineering, architectural or industrial design, multimedia storytelling, game design, drawing, animation or business & marketing projects.
Include a visual example (image or video) and short description (text or audio) to help us understand the motivation and outcomes of the project.
All works must be original and created by you, within the last five years. If the work was created as part of a team, please identify your role and contribution.
Bachelor of Design Portfolio Advice
Portfolio application insight from Co-Coordinator Pascal Milelli
Portfolio preparation advice from a second-year student
The Bachelor of Design program at Capilano University is competitive, and applicants must submit an entrance portfolio. The purpose of your portfolio is to demonstrate your creative potential. Applicants must submit the following through our application platform on SlideRoom:
One reference letter
Portfolio with 15-20 samples of work
The purpose of your portfolio is to demonstrate your creative potential. Portfolios are assessed based on:
Drawing ability: observation and technique.
Design ability: clarity of thinking, communication and structure.
Creativity.
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Provide 15-20 samples of original work, either personal projects or assignments from school/another program.
Include at least 5 drawings rendered directly from life (without using photographic reference). Our aim is to assess how you observe and respond to the living world. Draw in back & white or colour, subjects such as: A manufactured household object; Organic objects such as a flower, piece of fruit; Piece of drapery or fabric; Human face or hands; Landscape or interior of your kitchen.
The remaining samples can be any combination of graphic design, web or app design, video, collage, illustration, painting, animation or other creative projects. Samples can be completed in traditional or digital mediums.
All works must be original and created without the use of AI.
Upload high-resolution images, at least 1024 px wide. Provide high-quality scans or photographs of traditional samples (avoid taking cellphone images of your work).
