Question 1

What are the admission requirements?

Accepted Answer

Admission to Canvas is open, and above all it values your willingness to learn:
- Experience: your motivation, curiosity and passion are what matter most. Any previous experience is a plus.
- Portfolio: strongly recommended. A selection of your work helps us point you towards the programme that suits you best.
The programmes are open to anyone who has completed compulsory schooling. At the end of a programme, students can earn a FEDE diploma – Foundation or Bachelor.
Please note: some Swiss public schools and universities require a Federal VET Diploma (CFC), a maturité or a baccalauréat for entry. The FEDE diploma does not replace these national qualifications, but it is fully recognised within the European FEDE network and valued on the job market.

Question 2

Is a portfolio required?

Accepted Answer

It is not required, but it is strongly recommended.
Bringing a small selection of your work (drawings, photographs, creative projects) lets us:
- Better understand your artistic world.
- Assess your current level.
- Point you towards the programme that best fits your profile.
If you don't have a formal portfolio, simply show us a few pieces you care about!

Question 3

Are scholarships available?

Accepted Answer

Canvas is a private school offering programmes from the Fédération Européenne des Écoles (FEDE). It is therefore not one of the Swiss public schools that receive public subsidies or cantonal grants.
There are, however, private organisations that may offer financial support depending on your situation. Options include:
- Fondation vaudoise pour l'accès à l'enseignement privé: visit the foundation's website
- Educa Swiss: zero or very low interest student loans, with guidance
- Private foundations in French-speaking Switzerland: support depending on your profile and application — see the list of private foundations (PDF, in French)
- Other organisations in Switzerland or abroad: check the status of any organisation you find
- Internal arrangements: the Canvas office can work out a flexible payment schedule with you
Our advice: grant applications take time and the deadlines are strict. Some organisations close applications as early as February for a September start. Start the process as soon as you enrol.

Question 4

What language are the programmes taught in?

Accepted Answer

Classes are taught in French and/or English, depending on the make-up of the class and the needs of the course.
Our student community brings together Swiss and international profiles, and some students are not yet fully fluent in one of the two languages. Teaching is therefore flexible and adapts continuously, so that every student understands and succeeds whatever their linguistic background.

Question 5

Are Canvas diplomas recognised?

Accepted Answer

Canvas's Foundation and Bachelor programmes are accredited by the FEDE (Fédération Européenne Des Écoles), a European body that certifies the quality of private programmes. This accreditation ensures international professional recognition, particularly in private schools and institutions, and in sectors where skills, portfolio and experience count for more than the type of diploma.
It is important to note that FEDE diplomas do not automatically give access to Swiss or European public universities. Public university systems set their own admission criteria, independently of private accreditations. Some institutions may nevertheless admit students on the strength of their application or on an exceptional basis, according to their own internal criteria. These situations vary from one institution to another.
Our programmes are designed for students who want to build a strong portfolio and gain skills they can put to work straight away in the creative and digital fields. In these sectors, it is projects, technical mastery and creativity that make the difference to employers.

Question 6

Is Canvas recognised by employers?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Canvas is recognised in the creative and technical sectors for the quality of its hands-on training. In these professions, what really counts for recruiters is the portfolio, the skills and the projects completed.
Our students' experience bears this out: our graduates are regularly hired by agencies, studios, brands and companies after their training. Our production-focused teaching prepares them well for entering the job market.

Question 7

What computer equipment do I need for the start of term?

Accepted Answer

A laptop (Mac or PC) able to run graphic design software is essential.
The garment modelling software we use is developed for Windows only, and can run on a Mac through an emulator. Fashion students working on a Mac are responsible for setting up the emulator themselves.
Some software is provided by the school for the whole length of the programme. Other software requires an individual subscription taken out by the student, and some tools are completely free to use.

Question 8

What art supplies and budget should I plan for the start of term?

Accepted Answer

A materials budget is included in the tuition fees and covers the essential supplies needed to follow the programme.
A list of additional materials to buy is sent out once your enrolment is confirmed.
Costs may vary depending on the field, the year of study, and the supplier or brand the student chooses.

Question 9

Can I visit the school before applying?

Accepted Answer

Yes! You are welcome to discover our premises and atmosphere in the following ways:
- Private visit: you can arrange a personalised visit, on your own or with your guarantors/parents, at any time of year by contacting our office.
- Open Days: a public event is held every year, either on our premises or at an outside venue, usually in spring (free entry).
Interested? Get in touch to book an appointment or to find out the date of our next Open Day!

Question 10

What is the application deadline for diploma programmes?

Accepted Answer

Applications are open from January to the end of June. An application submitted over the summer may be accepted, subject to places being available in the class concerned.
Late applications are reviewed case by case, as long as the class has not reached full capacity.
To guarantee close supervision and teaching quality, the number of places per intake is limited. We therefore advise applying as early as possible.

Question 11

Can I work alongside my studies at Canvas?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it is possible, provided you keep your academic balance. Our full-time programmes call for steady commitment and regular attendance in class.
It is a matter of balancing time in class, academic projects and paid work.
With motivation, good organisation and by making the most of your class hours, it is entirely possible to work alongside your studies.

Question 12

Do you help with finding accommodation?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in a targeted way. The school has a small number of housing places reserved as a priority for its international students, split between Lausanne and Morges.
As places are very limited, we recommend telling us about your search as soon as you enrol.
On request, we can point you towards agencies or residences in the Lausanne area.

Question 13

Does the school run events or projects?

Accepted Answer

Yes, life at Canvas is full of varied opportunities! We adapt our projects each year to the students' output and the partnerships available:
- Events: design competitions, exhibitions of student work, fashion shows, collaborations…
- Open Days: a yearly fixture that opens our studios to the public.
- Study trip: an inspiring journey organised together to discover new artistic and cultural horizons.

Question 14

What are “open courses” (cours libres), who are they for, and what budget should I plan?

Accepted Answer

The open courses format is for adults only (with no upper age limit) and is open to everyone, with no technical or artistic prerequisites. It is a 100% tailor-made path: the programme and the budget are fully personalised, combining the school's disciplines with your specific goals, your availability and your financial means.
To fit around your work or personal schedule, classes are highly flexible and take place in the morning, during the day or in the evening. You progress at your own pace in our main teaching areas:
- Fashion professions: fashion design, garment modelling, pattern making and sewing.
- Visual communication: graphic design, illustration and comics.
Finally, you can sit exams if you wish to have your skills officially validated, though this is not compulsory. Whether you are a complete beginner or building on existing skills, this format adapts to your needs and your budget.

Question 15

Are company internships built into the study programmes?

Accepted Answer

Our study programmes are particularly intensive, and the academic calendar leaves no room for compulsory internships during the school year, from September to June. Our students nevertheless work regularly on real projects and assignments, notably through competitions, which gives them solid hands-on experience (not all projects are fictional).
That said, Canvas actively supports individual internships outside the academic programme. If you would like to do a voluntary internship outside class hours or during the school holidays, the school helps you with your search and provides official internship agreements to sign with the host companies.

Question 16

I come from a country outside Europe (a third country). How do I get a student visa and residence permit to study at Canvas?

Accepted Answer

If you live outside the European Union (EU) or the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), you must obtain a student visa (type D visa) before entering Switzerland. It is not possible to enter on a tourist visa and then convert it into a study permit once here.
The administrative process takes a long time. We strongly advise starting at least 6 months in advance.
The procedure has two mandatory stages:
- Before you leave (visa application): you must submit your application to the Swiss representation (embassy or consulate) in your country of residence. The authorities will require the official enrolment certificate issued by Canvas. To obtain this document, which is essential to your visa application, the registration fee and at least one semester of tuition must be paid in advance. You will also need to provide proof of accommodation and of sufficient financial means.
- On arrival in Switzerland (residence permit): you must register with the residents' registration office (Contrôle des habitants) of your municipality to complete your application and receive your temporary residence permit for study purposes. The permit is issued for one year and renewed if your studies span several years.

Question 17

What happens if I don't get my Swiss student visa?

Accepted Answer

If you have completed all the administrative steps correctly and the authorities officially refuse your visa (rather than you withdrawing), Canvas refunds the tuition paid in advance. The school does, however, keep the registration fee.
To obtain the refund of your tuition, you must send the school's admissions office an official copy of the visa refusal decision issued by the migration authorities or the Swiss representation.

Question 18

Can I pay tuition in instalments?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Canvas generally offers the option of spreading tuition payments (by semester or monthly) to suit each student's budget. The specific terms are discussed and agreed when you enrol.
Important exception: if you are an international student from a country outside Europe (a third country) and need to apply for a Swiss student visa, the migration authorities require a firm enrolment certificate. To obtain this document, which is essential to your visa application, the registration fee and at least one semester of tuition must be paid in advance, in a single payment. Instalments can only be considered for the following semesters.

YOUR
JOURNEY
starts here.

THE ADMISSIONSprocess.

First contact

Building your file

Admission interview

Decision

Confirming your place

STUDYprogrammes.

Tuition Fees

Accredited diplomaprogrammes.

FREQUENTLYasked questions.

YOURJOURNEYstarts here.