Core Fashion Design Certificate
Develop the technical skill, construction knowledge, and creative discipline required to bring fashion concepts to life.
The Core Fashion Design Diploma is a 30-week intensive program designed for students who want to move beyond concept and into construction. This focused pathway builds garment-making skills through hands-on studio work, pattern drafting, sewing, textiles, and digital design tools.
You’ll develop proficiency in illustration (hand and digital), pattern development, garment construction, production processes, and product commercialization. From operating industrial sewing machines to creating technical flats and production packages, this program emphasizes the practical skills required to function within today’s fashion design industry.
Structured across two 15-week modules, the program simulates a professional studio environment where independence, precision, and creative problem-solving are developed.
Program Overview
Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the Core Fashion Design Certificate develop the technical fluency and construction knowledge required to design and produce garments from concept to completion. Students strengthen their skills in sewing, pattern drafting, textile application, costing, and digital design using tools such as Adobe Illustrator and CLO3D.
By the end of the program, students have constructed original garments, participated in a professional photoshoot, and built a portfolio that demonstrates both creative vision and technical execution.
This program has been approved by the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU) of the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills.
Program FAQs
How much does the program cost?
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Tuition for the Core Fashion Design Diploma is $12,500 CAD.
Additional costs include a $250 application fee, textbooks, course materials, school supplies, and required software such as Adobe Creative Cloud and Microsoft Excel.
For a full breakdown of program costs, please view our tuition page.
What do I need to apply?
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Applicants must have completed Grade 12 or be 19 years of age or older and meet language proficiency requirements. All applicants are required to submit a Letter of Intent and participate in an interview with an Admissions Advisor as part of the application process.
Do you offer financial aid?
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Yes. JCI Institute is a designated institution, which means eligible Canadian students may apply for government student loans and grants through the Canada Student Financial Assistance Program.
When you apply through your province or territory, your eligibility for loans and grants will be assessed based on factors such as income, tuition, and living expenses. Grants do not need to be repaid, while loans are repaid after graduation.
Our Financial Aid Officer is available to guide you through the process.
How long is the program?
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The program runs for approximately 8 months (30 weeks/600 instructional hours), delivered in two 15-week modules.
Career Progression in Fashion Design
Design careers are built through technical skill, portfolio strength, and industry experience.
Early Career Roles
Graduates of the Core Fashion Design Diploma are prepared to pursue early-career roles such as:
Design Assistant
Technical Assistant
Junior Pattern Maker
Production Assistant
Studio Assistant
These roles focus on developing precision, supporting senior designers, and refining garment construction skills within professional settings.
With Experience
With continued experience and portfolio development, professionals may progress into roles such as:
Fashion Designer
Technical Designer
Pattern Maker
Product Developer
Production Coordinator
At this stage, designers take on greater ownership of collections, fittings, production processes, and commercialization.
Longer-Term Paths
Over time, some designers move into senior creative roles, launch their own labels, consult independently, or expand into specialized areas such as sustainable design, digital garment development, or technical production.
There is no single path—success in fashion design is shaped by skill, discipline, experience, and industry conditions.
Graduate Designs
Photography by Jamie Mann
Connect with an advisor
Share a few details below and our team will follow up to help you explore programs, answer questions, and understand what comes next. After submitting, you’ll receive a text and email with options to book a call or visit the campus.