The Illustration (ILS) diploma program at Seneca Polytechnic is a creative and industry-focused program designed for aspiring professional illustrators. Students develop advanced artistic skills using both traditional and digital media while building expertise in drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpting, concept development, and visual storytelling.
The program specializes in children's book illustration, comics, graphic novels, editorial illustration, and concept art for film and gaming industries. Alongside artistic development, students gain entrepreneurial knowledge in website development, marketing, accounting, branding, and freelance business management. Graduates are prepared for careers as freelance illustrators, concept artists, comic artists, visual development artists, and creative entrepreneurs in the entertainment and publishing industries.
- Academic Requirement: Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent English: Grade 12 C or U, or equivalent Art Portfolio (Mandatory) Mature applicants may also apply Indian Students: Class 12 from a recognized board Portfolio showcasing artistic abilities is mandatory
- ELP Requirement: IELTS Academic: 6.0 Overall (No band below 5.5) OR PTE Academic: 58 Duolingo: 105-110 TOEFL iBT: Minimum 20 in each skill CAEL: 60 Cambridge English: 169
- Special Requirement: Art Portfolio Required Strong drawing and creative skills recommended Hybrid delivery with mandatory in-person studio components Focus areas include Children's Book Illustration, Comics, Editorial Illustration and Concept Art Entrepreneurship and freelance business training included
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Students whose study permit applications are still pending may request a deferral to the next available intake, provided the request is submitted before Day 10 of classes and the program is available. Deferrals are granted only once.
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Students awaiting an IRCC decision must still meet the deferral deadline. Requests submitted after Day 10 of classes will not be approved solely because a study permit decision is pending.
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Students may alternatively withdraw and apply for a refund by submitting the required withdrawal form and supporting documentation. Applicable administrative fees may be deducted.
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If a study permit application is refused, students may defer their admission and request a new Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) to support a future study permit application. PAL issuance is subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed.
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Refund requests due to study permit refusal must include a copy of the official IRCC refusal letter and be submitted within 14 days of the refusal date.
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Only the refusal letter associated with the intake being withdrawn from will be considered for refund eligibility.
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Students whose second study permit application is refused before the start of classes may still qualify for a refund, subject to Seneca’s refund policy.
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Deferral requests are subject to program availability, and late requests may require a written appeal.
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Approved late deferrals may be subject to a CAD $200 late fee.
- Application Fee: $90
- LOA Deposit: $0
- Annual Tuition Fee: $21,076
- Total Tuition Fee: $42,679
- Course Duration: 6 Months (4 Consecutive Semesters)
- Credentials: Ontario College Diploma
- Intake: January 2027 (Winter Intake) September 2026 (Fall Intake)
Academic Documents
- Class 10 Marksheet
- Class 12 Marksheet
- Class 12 Certificate
Portfolio Documents
- Art Portfolio (Mandatory)
- Sketches, Drawings and Creative Artwork Samples
Identity Documents
- Valid Passport
English Language Documents
- IELTS / PTE / TOEFL / Duolingo Score Card
Supporting Documents
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Resume / CV (Optional)
Financial Documents (Visa Stage)
- Tuition Fee Receipt
- Financial Support Documents
- Bank Statements
Additional Documents
- Passport Size Photograph
- Digital Art Portfolio Link (Optional)
- Creative Competition Certificates (Optional)
- Design / Art Related Experience Documents (If Applicable)