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 reviews throughout the year.
Step 1.
Review application requirements on CapU website and apply through Education Planner BC.
Review admission dates and admission requirements for each program. Each program has unique admission requirements and application timelines.
You must apply to each program separately.
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.
Note: Every student must apply to CapU through Education Planner BC (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
Applicants can submit the following through the online portal Slideroom:
One letter of reference
Introductory video
The purpose of your Slideroom submission is to demonstrate your passion for the subject area. We understand you might be new to user experience or digital design — we want to see your passion. Submissions are assessed based on:
Professionalism and clear communication.
Experimentation, observation and storytelling.
Visual aesthetic.
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Create a short video to introduce yourself and your background. Tell us why you are interested in taking this program.
Please include your own voice and face in the video (The use of AI is not permitted).
Video duration should be one minute or less.
(Optional) include one creative project that you completed as a personal project or assignment 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. 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 a Faculty member
Applicants can submit the following through the online portal Slideroom:
One letter of reference
Portfolio
The purpose of your portfolio is to demonstrate your creative potential. Portfolios are assessed based on:
Design Ability: form, shape, balance, rhythm, variety.
Creativity: experimentation or unique solution with clear message.
Drawing Ability: observation and technique.
NEW portfolio assessment: Drawing ability is not a primary factor in portfolio review. Applicants with strong design and creative ability (and limited drawing experience) are still well-considered for entrance.
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Please upload high-resolution JPG images or video files (at least 1920px wide) for digital projects. Provide high-quality scans or photographs of work done in traditional media (pencil, paint, pastel etc). Image titles and descriptions can be added as text in the Slideroom platform (do not include them in the jpg or video file).
All works must be original and created without the use of generative AI.
Provide 10 samples of original work, either personal projects or assignments from school/another program. Samples can be completed in traditional or digital mediums within the last 3 years. Samples can be any combination of graphic design, web or app design, video, collage, exploration of typography, illustration, painting, animation or other creative projects.
Include at least 2 drawings rendered directly from life, without using photos as reference. Our aim is to assess how you observe and respond to the living world. Your drawing may be completed in black/white or colour. Possible subjects are: A manufactured household object, organic objects such as a flower, a piece of fruit, drapery or fabric, human face or hands, landscape or interior of your kitchen. You should spend a minimum of an hour on each of these drawings, so they are more fully explored than a sketch.