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Graphic Communications

Canadian Students
International Students

Program Details

  • Graphic Communications

  • Program Code: 849
  • Credential: Diploma
  • Duration: Two Years
  • School of Academics, Applied Arts & Tourism
  • Area: Applied Arts
  • Domestic Applications: OPEN
  • International Applications: OPEN
  • Location/Delivery Modes & Dates:
  • C
    Prince Philip Drive - On Campus - September 2026

Alternate Year Intake.

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Program Overview

Print Overview

The power of print.
 
Printing is an ancient practice that has grown into a multi-billion-dollar industry in Canada today. Along with a multitude of digital mediums, the printing of books, magazines, brochures, banners, art, clothing and more keeps graphic communications at the forefront of this fast-paced industry.
 
Advances in modern technology have revolutionized the business world and companies are constantly diversifying and in search of talented and ambitious graduates. With our modernized equipment and real-world work environment as your learning ground, you’ll be in high demand with your training in electronic pre-press and post-press operations and the latest printing and production technologies. You’ll become proficient in basic layout and design, screen printing and computer software applications including page layout, image manipulation and computer graphics. For today’s workforce, you also need a balance of skills in colour proofing and digital printing. Our program follows national skills standards for the printing and graphic communications industry.
 
Our equipment is constantly modernized to offer an expanded range of technical skills. Skills such as those acquired using our wide-format inkjet printer for display graphics and applied to various surfaces including vehicles and clothing. Skills required for printing industry standard material such as brochures, magazines, business cards and more, are honed using our Xerox Colour digital press. Our screen printing, embroidery, and dye sublimation machines enable print to be placed onto clothing and introduce a valuable group of skills required for the apparel industry. Our laser engraving machine is used to create rapid prototypes and we also have a vinyl cutter that is used to produce graphics for sign display. This learning ground offers the training for skills that are increasing in demand by the sign industry and hobbyists alike.

If this exciting, creative and hands-on field aligns with your future vision — apply now!
 
 

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

  • Using practical skills to create projects such as banners, tickets, t-shirts and posters that are donated to nonprofit organizations
  • Applying print to walls, brick walls, ceilings, glass, vehicle parts
  • Collaborative projects with other CNA programs to print and apply graphics that help increase visual appeal

DID YOU KNOW?

  • Graduates are working at exciting careers throughout Canada and around the world.
  • Graduates have created props on site for various movie sets.
  • Students have won regional, provincial and national awards over the past decade.

OBJECTIVES

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate professional and personal competencies required for the printing and graphic industry.
  2. Demonstrate clear verbal and written communication skills.
  3. Apply a teamwork approach to problem-solving techniques.
  4. Demonstrate a hands-on knowledge of electronic pre-press methods and equipment.
  5. Operate traditional and digital printing equipment.
  6. Demonstrate strong technical skills for computer programs used in the printing and graphic industry.
  7. Demonstrate safe operation of bindery and finishing equipment.
  8. Operate graphic printing equipment such as: wide-format printer, embroidery machine, screen printing machine, laser cutter & engraver, fine-art printer, dye sublimation printer, and 3D printer.

Admission Requirements

1.  High School
Provincial High School Graduation Certificate with a 60% average in eight level 3000 credits or equivalent
2.  College Transition (prior to 2024, students would have completed Comprehensive Arts and Science (CAS) Transition)
College Transition Certificate
3.  Adult Basic Education (ABE)
Adult Basic Education (Level III) Graduation with General College Profile (or Business-Related College Profile or Degree and Technical Profile) with an average pass mark of 60%
4.  Mature Student Requirements
Applicants who do not meet the education prerequisites for this program, are 19 years at the time of application and out of school for at least one year may be considered on an individual basis under the Mature Student Requirements; for more information regarding the Mature Student Requirements please refer to Procedure AC-102-PR Admission.

International Applicants – English Proficiency
All international applicants must meet the College’s English language proficiency requirements for acceptance into our regular programs; for more information regarding the College’s English language proficiency requirements please refer to AC-102-PR, Admission Procedures, Section 5.2 English Proficiency.
 
Note:
Basic computer literacy skills as well as strong core skills in English and Mathematics are definite assets for this program. These skills are important for success in the program.

Courses

COURSES

CODE TITLE Hrs/wk
Semester 1 Cr Le La
CM1400 Technical Report Writing I 3 3 0
GA1140 Vector Graphics 2 2 1
GA1170 Graphics Problem Solving 3 3 0
GA1230 Finishing & Bindery I 3 2 2
GA1420 Digital Page Layout I 3 2 3
GA1625 Print Technology I 5 4 4
         
Semester 2 Cr Le La
GA1220 Colour Management 3 3 0
GA1320 Digital Printing I 5 4 2
GA1421 Digital Page Layout II 3 2 3
GA1470 Web Processes 2 2 1
GA2570 Production Workflow 3 2 2
PY1200 Photography I 3 2 3
         
Semester 3 (Intersession I) Cr Le La
GA1740 Textiles Graphics & Imaging I 3 2 2
GA1750 Display Graphics & Assembly I 3 2 2
GA1890 Business Practices 3 3 0
         
Semester 4 Cr Le La
CM2200 Oral Communication 2 2 0
GA1321 Digital Printing II 5 4 2
GA1520 Image Manipulation I 3 2 2
GA1626 Print Technology II 5 4 4
GA2420 Digital Page Layout III 3 2 3
         
Semester 5 Cr Le La
GA1231 Finishing & Bindery II 3 2 2
GA1751 Display Graphics & Assembly II 3 2 2
GA2320 Digital Printing III 5 4 2
GA2750 Advanced Graphics Imaging 4 2 6
Elective*   3 2 2
         
Semester 6 (Intersession) Cr Le La
FW1180 Field Placement Preparation 1 1 wk 0
      (20 hrs/wk)  
FW2810 Field Placement 4 0 4 wks
        (35 hrs/wk)
FW2811 Field Placement Reflection 1 1 wk 0
      (20 hrs/wk)  
Intersession hours are actual and will not be adjusted.      
         
Graphic Communications Electives Cr Le La
EL1530 Fine Art Printing 3 2 2
GA1741 Textile Graphics & Imaging II 3 2 2

Careers & Pathways

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Graduates of the program may be employed in many areas of the printing and graphic industry. Some of the entry-level positions include: design & layout agencies, commercial printers, in-plant printers, government agencies, digital copy centres, sign printers, and corporate promotional suppliers.

Tuition & Fees

Canadian Students
The confirmation fee is due within two weeks of receipt of your Letter of Acceptance. It is required in order to hold your seat in the program.
Mandatory Fees

Application Fee - $30.00 (per program)

A non-refundable fee required for each application submitted to the College | Application Page

Application fees are only refundable if the program does not go ahead, and the applicant does not want to transfer the application to another program.

Confirmation Fee - $105.00 (per program annually)

A non-refundable annual fee due upon confirming acceptance into each program. This covers registration and student association services and must be paid each academic year.

Academic Audit Fee - $50.00 (once per program)

A one-time fee assessed for auditing academic records during your program.

Technology Fee - $83.00 (per semester)

A semester-based fee to support student access to software, internet, and digital services across all campuses.

Full-Time Student Fees
Certificate & Diploma Programs:
School Regular Term
(15 weeks)		 Intersession
(up to 7 weeks)
Academics, Applied Arts & Tourism $1,197.00 (per semester) $572.00 (per semester)
Part-Time Student Fees
Certificate & Diploma Programs:
Program Type Tuition Fee
Certificate & Diploma Programs $320.00 (per course)
Regulations

All student fees must be paid by the date specified in each term. These dates can be found in the Academic Calendar .

  • Students receiving Student Aid must present their notification of award on the first day of classes. These students may defer payment until aid is received, at which time fees must be paid in full.
  • Students who do not pay fees within the prescribed time may have their registration cancelled.
  • Students with outstanding balances are:
    • Ineligible for future term registration
    • Unable to receive diplomas, transcripts, or grade reports
    • Denied access to online grades until the balance is paid in full

It is the student's responsibility to clear all balances and contact their campus Student Services office with any account inquiries.

Additional Notes
  • If the College cancels a program, all tuition and fees will be fully refunded.
  • Out-of-sequence students registering or withdrawing mid-term will be charged on a pro-rated basis.
  • Students taking additional courses beyond a standard load must pay for each extra course.
  • Senior citizens (60+) receive a 50% discount on confirmation fees and tuition.
  • Students auditing a course must pay:
    • 50% of tuition
    • 100% of any applicable technology fees

International Students
A fee, which is applied toward program tuition and compulsory fees and includes a deposit fee, is due within two weeks of receipt of your Letter of Acceptance.
Mandatory Fees

Application Fee - $100.00 (per program)

A non-refundable fee required for each application submitted to the College | Application Page

Confirmation Fee - $105.00 (per program annually)

A non-refundable annual fee due upon confirming acceptance into each program. This covers registration and student association services and must be paid each academic year.

Deposit Fee - $1,500.00 (Included in First Semester Tuition)

A non-refundable, non-transferable deposit required to secure your seat. Included in first semester tuition.

Academic Audit Fee - $50.00 (once per program)

A one-time fee assessed for auditing academic records during your program.

Technology Fee - $83.00 (per semester)

A semester-based fee to support student access to software, internet, and digital services across all campuses.

Full-Time Student Fees
School Regular Term
(15 weeks)		 Intersession
(up to 7 weeks)
Academics, Applied Arts & Tourism $4,581.00 (per semester) $2,291.00 (per semester)
Part-Time Student Fees
Certificate & Diploma Programs:
Program Type Tuition Fee
Certificate & Diploma Programs $1,046.00 (per course)
Estimated Program Costs

The document below provides a summary of estimated program costs for international students applying to the 2025–2026 academic year. Please note that all amounts are approximate and subject to change without notice. These costs apply only to international applicants.

Download Estimated Program Costs (PDF)

Making Payments

Application Fee

If applying online, the application fee must be paid via credit card during the submission of your application to College of the North Atlantic.

Tuition and Other Payments

College of the North Atlantic has partnered with PayMyTuition for all international tuition payments. All tuition payments, unless otherwise noted, can be paid via PayMyTuition.

  • Payments can be made from any bank, in any country, and in any currency.
  • Offers better than bank exchange rates.
  • Fast, secure, and cost-effective.
Please note that you can only use PayMyTuition once you have been assigned a CNA student number.

Regulations

All student fees must be paid by the date specified in each term. These dates can be found in the Academic Calendar .

  • Students receiving Student Aid must present their notification of award on the first day of classes. These students may defer payment until aid is received, at which time fees must be paid in full.
  • Students who do not pay fees within the prescribed time may have their registration cancelled.
  • Students with outstanding balances are:
    • Ineligible for future term registration
    • Unable to receive diplomas, transcripts, or grade reports
    • Denied access to online grades until the balance is paid in full

It is the student's responsibility to clear all balances and contact their campus Student Services office with any account inquiries.

Additional Notes
  • If the College cancels a program, all tuition and fees will be fully refunded.
  • Out-of-sequence students registering or withdrawing mid-term will be charged on a pro-rated basis.
  • Students taking additional courses beyond a standard load must pay for each extra course.
  • Senior citizens (60+) receive a 50% discount on confirmation fees and tuition.
  • Students auditing a course must pay:
    • 50% of tuition
    • 100% of any applicable technology fees

College of the North Atlantic reserves the right to cancel or alter the delivery date and location of any program offering and delivery method, and will do so in a timely manner in order to minimize the impact on applicants.

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