Ryerson University School of Fashion

The TMU School of Fashion, Canada’s first fashion school, is rooted in a legacy dating back to 1948 and located in Toronto’s downtown creative core. Its mission centers on reimagining fashion through inclusive, decolonized, accessible, and sustainable approaches that encourage experimentation and multidisciplinary collaboration. As part of The Creative School, it benefits from extensive cross‑disciplinary influence, enriching how students engage with contemporary fashion challenges.

With major showcases like Mass Exodus and strong industry partnerships, the school blends academic rigor with real‑world relevance. Its vision positions graduates as innovators who challenge conventional narratives and contribute to a forward‑thinking global fashion landscape.

TMU School of Fashion connects students to extensive professional networks across design, communication, merchandising, and production. With Toronto’s dynamic fashion industry at its doorstep, students benefit from direct exposure to major retailers, creative agencies, and cultural institutions that help jump‑start their careers.

Through the Fashion Zone incubator, mentorship from industry advisors supports entrepreneurial ventures, while internships and experiential learning strengthen employability. Events like Mass Exodus further expand visibility, enabling graduates to secure roles in established brands, emerging labels, and innovative creative fields where TMU alumni are recognized for practical expertise and forward‑looking perspectives.

Students choose TMU School of Fashion for its pioneering legacy and commitment to reshaping fashion education through sustainability, inclusion, and decolonization. The curriculum encourages critical thinking, creative risk‑taking, and ethical leadership that aligns with today’s evolving industry standards. These principles distinguish TMU from traditional fashion institutions.

The school’s downtown location, interdisciplinary ecosystem, and industry‑integrated teaching provide a unique environment for professional growth. Access to resources like the Fashion Zone and Fashion Research Collection enhances innovation, while collaborations with major retailers and cultural partners offer practical advantages for students seeking impactful, future‑driven fashion careers.

TMU School of Fashion drives forward‑thinking research through initiatives focused on sustainability, cultural equity, and system‑level change. The Centre for Fashion Research & Innovation supports projects that merge creative practice with social impact, fostering new approaches to responsible production and inclusive representation within the industry.

State‑of‑the‑art digital tools, archival resources, and entrepreneurial programs strengthen the school’s innovative ecosystem. Students and faculty explore material experimentation, circular design, and emerging technologies, ensuring that TMU contributes meaningfully to global conversations. This emphasis on creativity and accountability positions the school as an influential leader in transforming the fashion landscape.

What makes the foundation year unique? It provides unified training across design and communication, giving students strong grounding in construction, pattern drafting, illustration, and textiles before specialization.

How does the school support diverse and international students? TMU embeds inclusion and decolonization in its curriculum while offering multicultural resources, research support, and faculty expertise that reflect diverse perspectives.

Are there opportunities for entrepreneurship? Yes—students can develop ventures through the Fashion Zone, which offers mentorship, workspace, and startup guidance that link classroom learning to real‑world innovation.

Applicants to the BDes typically submit academic transcripts and a portfolio showcasing creative potential, while MA candidates provide academic records, references, a statement of interest, and relevant samples of written or creative work. International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency and meet program‑specific criteria.

Tuition varies by residency, and TMU offers scholarships and bursaries to support access. Located in Toronto’s central district, the campus is easily accessible by public transit. Students can choose from on‑campus residences or plentiful off‑campus housing, with advising services available to support admissions, visas, and academic preparation.