We will give you the tools to excel in your field with a strong foundation that comes from rigorous scholarship, the motivation that comes from an engaged mentor and the stability from solid academic and financial support.
The Master of Arts in Design Research (MA) and Master of Design (MDes) programs are on pause for Fall 2024.
Admission Requirements
Find out what you need in order to apply to our program.
How to Apply
Preparing your application requires research and planning. Let us guide you through a successful application process.
York Graduate Funding
Information on funding graduate education at York University.
Scholarships and Awards
Information on awards and scholarships offered to graduate students at York University.
Graduate Funding and Awards
York offers competitive funding to all qualified graduate students and is committed to promoting excellence in research and teaching. Funding opportunities are provided through fellowships, research assistantships in the student’s field of study, teaching assistantships with relevant undergraduate programs, graduate assistantships with faculty members or research units, and/or scholarships and awards.
Bursaries
The Faculty of Graduate Studies and the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design organize several bursaries for graduate students throughout the academic year. You will receive information via email detailing how to apply as they come up.
Travel Funding
If you are presenting at a conference, an artist’s talk or attending an exhibition opening at a recognized institution, you can apply to the Academic Excellence Fund for travel funding (not expenses — only travel). You may apply each term (early Fall and early Spring) for travel funding: a $300 maximum for a flight in North America and a $500 maximum for a flight overseas with normally a maximum of $500 per year. The grant may only cover mileage if the trip is within a reasonable driving distance. Details of deadline dates when available, may be found on the FGS’ homepage.
Research Funding
The Research Cost Fund helps subsidize students’ own research expenses that are above and beyond those costs that are typically associated with graduate work, such as travel to sources of research, payment of materials, supplies, services, photocopying, etc. The Fund generally does not cover books, conference costs, subsistence and tuition fees. All full-time registered graduate students who are members (past and present) of CUPE are eligible for a grant. Masters students should note that Doctoral students take priority. Funding is awarded in early Spring and early Fall. Application forms are available for printing on the FGS website from mid-August through September and from mid-January to February.
OGS (Ontario Graduate Scholarship)
The Ontario Graduate Scholarship award is for students attending graduate programs at Ontario universities. The minimum grade for applying is an overall average of “A-/80%” in your previous two years of university (undergraduate or graduate). The deadline is in October. More information will be sent by the GPA.
SSHRC/CGS (Canadian Graduate Scholarship) for Masters Students
The CGS Masters program offers non-renewable twelve-month awards, valued at $17,500, and tenable at recognized Canadian universities, to students who intend to pursue full-time studies at the master’s level in a discipline supported by SSHRC. Calls for application will be given before October by the Faculty of Graduate Studies. You will be notified by the Graduate Program office for this timeline. Some eligibility requirements do apply. Please visit the Government of Canada's SSHRC web page for more information.
MDes/MA students benefit from a dedicated design studio located on the 4th floor of the Victor Philip Dahdaleh Building (formerly named TEL Building). Each student is provided with the use of a workstation, bookshelf space and a file cabinet in a secure space with 24-hour access. Adjacent to the studio, graduate students benefit from a breakout room with expansive views of the campus which can be used for small group meetings or quiet study. Daily teaching and learning activities take place in a large lecture and seminar area outfitted with an overhead LCD projector and state-of-the-art audio equipment. This spacious area can also be used for visiting lectures, and thesis presentations as well as a gallery and showroom.
Graduate students can also make use of departmental equipment available in the Fabrication Lab, such as the 42-inch wide inkjet printer, Roland print & cut printer, Risograph printer, guillotine, laser cutter, and the professionally equipped photo lab. They can also sign out professional quality camera and lighting equipment, including HD camcorders, professional HDV camcorders, professional mics, booms, and headphones.
Prospective students are more than welcome to make an appointment to tour our facilities and resources. Please contact the Graduate Program Assistant to make an appointment: graduatedesign@yorku.ca.
Are you interested in hearing more from our former students? "Four Voices" is a collection of interviews with four Graduate Students in the Master of Design Program.
If you are interested in receiving news about coming events in the Master of Design or Master of Arts in Design Research at York, please provide your contact information. Thank you.
Your Graduate Studies Advantages
Personal
The chance to engage with and learn from a community that is as passionate about your field as you are.
Career
People with graduate degrees have the lowest level of unemployment, the most stable employment rate, and the best employment prospects
Academic
The potential to contribute to scholarly dialogue and community building through attending conferences and publishing.
Learn More
The Graduate Program in Design at York is an exciting environment to pursue innovative, socially engaging, career-ready education. Contact our Student Program Assistant to learn more.