Fashion Design program FAQs

When can I apply to the program?
We accept applications every year beginning October 1 for our intake the following Fall. We prioritize applications that we receive before Jan. 31, but will continue taking applications until our interview dates in early May.

What do I need to get in?
You can apply to the program if you are a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident (landed immigrant), and a high school graduate or 19 years of age or older as of the first day of the semester. Simply fill out an application form and submit it with the application fee to any UFV campus. International applicants are also welcome, but should be sure to contact UFV International at 604-504-7441, 604-854-4544 for information about admission. Different fees, timelines and procedures apply

Applicants also need to meet UFV’s English Language Entrance Policy. If your primary language from birth is English, or if you have attended two years and have the equivalent of BC high school graduation from an English language school, you will meet the requirement. If not, you will have to demonstrate you have met the requirement by meeting one of the criteria listed at: www.ufv.ca/ar/admissions/apply.htm

When do I submit my portfolio?
The portfolio is submitted at the time of your interview in the Spring – not with your application. Applicants will be notified of orientation dates, portfolio requirements, and interview times after applications have been received by the department.

What do I need to include in my portfolio?
The portfolio is assessed based on four different areas:

• Artistic skills
• Garments
• Technical drafts
• Communication skills

Applicants will receive detailed instructions about what can be included for each of these areas.

I had a really good mark in English 12 – do I still have to take the English course?
Yes, a university-level writing requirement is part of the program, and is also required by UFV as part of the English Language Continuance Policy. If your English skills are already strong, this will serve to enhance your written communication.

I didn’t do very well in English classes in high school. Do I still have to take the English course?
Yes, the course is required both by the department and by UFV policy. In order to meet the pre-requisites for the writing requirement in the program, you will need to ensure that you meet one of the following:
• English 12 or English Literature 12 with final grade of B
• Technical & Professional Communications with final grade of A
• UFV ENGL 081 or 091 with C+ or higher
• UFV CMNS 099 or ENGL 099 with C or higher
• UFV ESL WG84 with C+ or higher
• Level II of UFV's University Foundation certificate program
• Passing grade in ENGL 105, CMNS 115, CMNS 125, CMNS 155, or CMNS 165
• Passing grade in a university English course transferable to or taken at UFV
• CAEL (Canadian Academic English Language) score of at least 70
• Cambridge Proficiency Exam (Certificate of Proficiency in English), C-minimum
• CanTEST with minimum score of 4.5 in Listening and in Reading; 4.0 in Writing
• CPT (Composition Placement Test) at UFV with score of 48 or higher
• IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score of at least 6.5 with no band less than 6.0
• LPI essay score of 30/40 or higher, or level 5 or higher in the essay section
• MELAB score of at least 85
• TOEFL paper-based score of at least 570 plus TWE score of 4.0
• TOEFL computer-based score of 230 plus essay score of 4.0
• TOEFL iBT score of at least 88
• UFV English Language Assessment results equivalent to completion of Level II of UFV's University Foundation certificate program

Many of these English upgrade courses or tests are available at UFV for little cost, and can be taken over the winter or summer prior to the beginning of the program. For those from out of town, many local colleges offer the same opportunities.