Visual College of Art and Design (VCAD) - Calgary

AVOID AVOID AVOID!

Huge scam. Contract will keep your student loans (which goes directly to their accounts, not yours) whether you graduate, drop out 15 months in, or drop out 2 days in. They also charged for textbooks we never received.

Again, AVOID AVOID AVOID.

What an amazing experience I had with Hamza Al-Mofaddal! If this is one representative of this school then it is a great representation! I received all the information I needed and Hamza even sent me the schedule. It seems like there's a great student's support system to this college. Thank you very much Hamza!

Can't believe the school is running on remembrance day. Can't even respect our troops, the people who made the ultimate sacrifice for all of us. Other universities are taking a whole week off for it.

I’d give it zero stars if I could. I’ve been harassed since 2019, all because I entered a giveaway that they were doing with high schools. I’ve told them so many times to remove my file, the moment I tell them to delete my file they hang up. Not professional and honestly they’re worse than scam callers.

Edris was my student financial planner and was extremely helpful and patient with the process. He was always accessible and happy to answer my questions.
I cannot give a review yet on the school but as far as the enrolment process Edris was great!
JEFF CHAN amazingly helpful - goes over and above his job duties! His communication is excellent! I feel he genuinely cares about the students and giving them the best overall experience with VCAD!

I had a very fast start to starting the Interior Design program, Preston Maurice has been there to help me from the start from getting to know me, to starting me almost a month after applying. He has been super professional and he is an awesome mentor! He has provided me with so much support and advice along the way.

Had I known reviewing was an option I would have done this before my classes even started, that’s how amazing Preston has been throughout my time at vcad. My boyfriend applied to vcad for me because he believed I would excel at digital design. Preston was the person who contacted me to start my admitting process and took the time to get to know me and what I was looking for. He helped me decide which program was best for me, and when he was unsure about the answer to my question he was never afraid to admit he didn’t have the answer but that he would reach out to people who did. When my boyfriend died on September 4th, Preston was one of the first people I reached out to. He took the time and figured out what I needed to do, who I needed to talk to and helped me make a plan to continue my education through this difficult time. He also helped me when I needed to figure out my finances, because my student loans hadn’t given me enough to survive. And above all else, each time I talked to Preston he provided support and compassion and went above and beyond to help me get to where I am today. I write this with tears of sadness for my loss and the struggles I had to fight through to get to where I am right now on November 10th 2022. But I also write it with tears of happiness because I am here, still studying graphic design at vcad. I now have a part time job, I’ve moved into a more stable home where I feel safe and less stressed so I can focus on my studies. Im still pretty behind in my classes but I have faith that with the positive changes I’ve made in the past month I won’t have too much trouble catching up. And Preston has been a huge part of all of these changes, he’s helped guide me and support me and be a great advisor in all my times of need. So I just want to say, thank you Preston. For everything you’ve done for me, for believing in me. And as dark as this is, thank you for being a part of why im still alive today because there was times I was ready to give up on everything. I appreciate everything you’ve done for me and I wish there was more I could do to show my appreciation but I hope this review will be enough for now. Once again thank you.

Zain from the finance team took care of EVERYTHING for me and gave me the reassurance I needed every step of the way, I wouldn't be enrolled without him!

When signing up for School I wasn't quite sure if I was going to be a fit for this school or if I wanted to apply for this fall due to a lot of anxiety that came out of not knowing if I was ready. Anyways when I signed up for information, I was quickly contacted by one of the admission directors. When a call was lined up, I was nervous, but when talking to Jeff Chan (Assistant Admission Director), he made sure I was informed and the least stressed as possible. Super cool that the school has people who are real and easy to talk to! Even my Finacial advisor has been super pleasant to talk to and work with. School has been great so far even with being online and the class load is easy to manage with a good schedule.

Crystal Jack was one of my first line of contacts in the application process to gain acceptance with an entrance scholarship for the Graphic Design Diploma. She has been friendly, communicative, approachable, and informative throughout my journey. As I progress into my program, she continues to offer support and check in every so often in regards to accessing student services VCAD offers.

The Graphic Design Diploma online program has been a wonderful experience so far. I'm learning and honing my skills as a visual artist while refining my designs, projects, and assignments. Graphic design art is heavily an attention to tedious and meticulous detail-based line of work, which can be frustrating and time-consuming as a creator immersed in the task. However, in the end, I'm proud of the resulting product and in awe that I made this design.

The final design isn't the final design. It's when I choose to stop working on it, making it complete.

I have always wanted to go back to school to broaden my knowledge, and my admissions advisor really helped me feel comfortable going back to school! Maria was an amazing help to the entire process, answering all my questions and making sure I knew what I was putting my money into and even is checking with me consistently on how my experience is so far. My instructors have all been amazing so far and I’m about 3 months into my graphic design program and I’ve already learned so much! If you need anyone to help you find out your path in education, Maria Dictado in admissions is the one to go too!

My admission advisor Maria Dictado has been amazing. Helping me from beginning to the end of the registration process. She is a very professional individual that will help you and give all the information that you need from choosing the right program for you. Highly recommend to reach out to Maria should you need advice in going back to school.

Really enjoy the online learning, the atmosphere the students and the staff. Although I am just beginning my course and journey I have found my love for drawing again. Thanks to Matthew Murphy helping me to explain step by step paperwork, logging into things and really the meat and potatoes of the course im taking I feel like I have a new hope to what my professional life could look like. Matthew was kind courteous and patient with me. He is always open to helping me if I have questions.

Highly recommend VCAD very cool school and for once in a long time im optimistic about my professional life.

Nadim Aibani helped me with my funding and his communication and support was phenomenal! He made the funding part easy to understand, and explained all questions I had with patience and understanding. Thanks man.

Edris did an awesome job walking me through the steps of applying for my loan. I really appreciate the time he took to make sure it all worked out. Thank you Edris!

I would not recommend this place. Issues from day one. From failing to give me my schedule, failing to hear and address my concerns.

Bailey Hutton has been an amazing source of help for me while attending VCAD Calgary. If you need fast and efficient help with financial or tuition questions ask for Bailey. Bailey is a kind and thoughtful employee always willing to go the extra mile to help students. Thank you Bailey!

Nadim Aibani was concise and clear. Any and all questions that were asked were answered in good order. The process was smooth and ironed out any previous confusions.

I would like to thank the finance team, especially Bailey Hutton and Part for helping me out of my financial situation because of them I continued my study again.

Nadim Aibani was super helpful with my application into VCAD recommend his assistance. Thumbs up!

Parth Shukla really got down to every detail that I wasn't sure, covered ever base to make sure I understood things properly and clearly.

My experience with parth shukla was amazing and a very smooth process for the student loan application

Update May 2022: the college is under new management. The new director and finance staff are new. Many changes are happening and corrections from previous mis-managment. Her experience was extremely negative, however after Inhad a long meeting with the new director, I am confident the new direction is positive and the student experience will be better.
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Past post:
My daughter graduated from this school and her experience was very negative. Whoever schedules the classes is completely incompetent. The amount of work expected for the classes is far more than anyone can reasonably be expected to accomplish in the short deadlines given. My daughter would not recommend this school and neither do I. I cannot give this school a positive endorsement. Look somewhere else. Do not attend here. You will be very disappointed.

The people here are amazing and Jeff and Nadim have helped me through so much getting into the program I wanted I just started in interior design and I love it

I was connected with Mr Parth SHUKLA from VCAD finance Team for my Loan Processing and He is very professional and responsive in whole process. Thanks a lot Mr Parth for your support.
I will definitely say, The ethics, the courtesy extended, the follow-ups, the regular updating, the speed of response and the clarity in communication, over and above their response toward my concerns has been phenomenal, and without any hiccups/errors.

Parth Shukla was very inquisitive and helpful in guiding me through my financial path for VCAD.

I was in need of assistance for my student loans and Parth Shukla was excellent. He was super flexible and made it a priority to get my info sorted out ASAP. Replied to any concern or question I had with in the hour every time. Was very nice and made the process very easy and stress free.

Have had a wonderful experience with this school. Jeff makes the initial intake a breeze and Parth Shukla is a big help with the finance aspect.

Overall this is a great school to go to. They have great staff.

This is an amazing school the Director of Admissions Inderpal Doad has been there for me 1000% every step of the way. I have to say the experience and support I have and continue to have at Vcad is the best I have ever had. I recommend everyone that wants to have a great career and fabulous educational experience to reach out to Vcad Admin and get started today.

DO NOT STUDY HERE. They have very high turnover for their staff. You never know who to contact when u have issues. They had one career advisor who has no LinkedIn connection. And then they have another one had no work experience, Such a joke. I would say half of my instructors are good and half are disqualified. And they are always posting hiring Ad on Indeed for instructors. So you know that’s a bad sign. The enrolled process is easy because they just want to make money off you with super high tuition fee.
If I could choose again I would not go to VCAD.

I had a wonderful experience here today with Nadim Aibani, I was having a hard time setting up my student aid and he was incredibly patient and kind in helping me go through it all.

I'll admit the staff vs student information/updating could be better. (course schedule wise) I know I've had a few times where I wasn't answered quickly, or had one answer from one person, then another from someone else. BUT that being said. It happens in all schools (online and not) I've learned to be very on point with that I'm needing and it helps to connect. Calling too if needed.

Minus all that, I've had an AMAZING rep, Lanny, from the start. He went above and beyond his normal required job title to get me answers, and make me feel better about starting such a HUGE step in my life. To this day, I am now in term 4, he emails me to check up on me and to see if everything is going as it should. Any problems I have had, I went to him, and he figured it out in no time. Like BLOODY BATMAN! He is the reason I chose this school. Honest/Funny/Treated me like a person not just another person to grab and stick to the school, and if anything changed he let me know ASAP.

Parth Shukla with financial planning at VCAD Calgary was awesome to work with, super kind, patient, and helpful! Thanks again:)

When I first heard of this school I had a representative named Jeff speak with me, he was very easy to talk to and to get along with and even though I’m into my program a few months he never hesitates to answer my calls. Like any other school, class or teacher there has been struggles and I’ve become frustrated. Whenever I’m facing a difficulty I call Jeff and he is always sure to point me in the right direction and take control on his behalf to ensure i get the help I need. Although I’ve faced multiple challenges he always ensures a solution. There’s always going to be struggles regardless of what school you attend but having someone like Jeff by your side makes everything better.

WORST ONLINE SCHOOL EVER:

Dont' believe any of their promises. They promised a full online class? A full evening class? Full Morning class? Support for first timers? All of these has been promised to students but was never given.

They will claim to have changed policy during the year and claim that they never promised anything. Basically, they'll promise everything just o you would enroll but once they get your tuition fee they will screw you over and not support you on anything. Their lessons are from youtube.

There are a very few good teachers. But the headache is not worth it. Go to other schools for a better experience.

VCAD has much more sufficient programs for the design program than what I previously did at AU Arts.

Absolutely horrible. If I describe in words just how frustrating VCAD and the finance team is I would. I was and still am constantly bombarded with emails and calls regarding "outstanding fees" but despite providing financial proof. I have still yet to hear back from any of the financial advisors about the issue. When I contacted them in person and through email they were no help at all. I have never seen a messier finance department. I don't even want to begin on the classes. Absolutely ridiculous, after taking so much of my money for the horrible education, you'd think at least the finance department would get it together and help me figure out the issue that they caused by not being organized and properly providing any records whatsoever. Waste of time, don't enroll here.

I tutor a man with autism and we needed to find a good online program to help him finish his graphic design studies. Lanny Blitt and his team at VCAD admissions helped us get academic accommodations, advanced standing for courses he had taken at his other university and funding in place within two months of beginning the application process. Lanny worked very hard to make sure my student was set up to succeed and even though it was a complicated situation, his team got us through in time for classes starting before Christmas. My student is thrilled with his new school, the teachers, the assignments and the online platform are perfect for his learning needs. Fantastic job, Lanny and team!

Mislead.

Was told it was 100% online, when it isn't, had to switch to a different school that is 100% online based.

The school itself is very disorganized, schedules weren't sent on time, student service reps always changed, or had quit, and students were not notified of who to contact in regards to schedule changes. Student services would not reply to emails most of the time or in a timely manner, let alone amswer the phones.

There are some good instructors.

This school is not worth the tuition they charge. Reps would rush individuals to hurry up and apply.

This is my 3rd time writing this,
Bailey from the front desk and Eushabella from the office are the 2 best women on Campus.
They are always working over time sooo helpful and always so smiling when it come to seeing students and staff walk in. To be honest, I feel safe knowing there around. I have a huge trust issue from my past, but once meeting them I have started to let my guard down. They both need huge hugs and more!

love Sarah Champ

Overall very happy with the majority of the teachers, but they definitely seem stressed out with some things behind the scenes (staff turn around is very high which usually raises red flags). The administration side is VERY helpful when it comes to you paying the school money, however if you need Student Services for anything regarding the success of your education.good luck ever getting an answer. As far as the scheduling of classes within semesters, I usually receive my new semester schedule 1-4 days before the term starts.leaving me no time to plan for a part time job etc. Not to mention when you get the schedule, your classes will be double booked, incorrect prerequisites, cancelled classes due to staff shortages.the list goes on. There have been many situations of disorganization with their laptop program as well unfortunately, I was told in the initial recruitment meeting I would be getting a MacBook Pro, I bought all the supplies I would need for this laptop, when in the mail 2 and half months late I receive a MacBook Air. There are many other things I could bring up but these are just a few.
Overall this is a decent school but I do not feel I was set up for success, I have not lost my love for Design thankfully, however if I were to choose a different education route I would.

Went to school for game design, it was hard and there were times I wanted to drop out. But didn't because I had anna pantazis on my side though the whole way, helping me with any troubles or just being there to listen when I needed someone to talk to. So glad I finished school, just know. Only the strong servive. The first few terms will test you.

If any one was to go to this school, I'd say ask for her to help handle your student stuff. As she gets things done fast and she's also super sweet and kind. She's a great person to have on your side ️

Only half a year in and we have spent over 10k in school supplies, every class you take they will tell you what you need and it always is more then 1k. They take your whole student loan upfront and you don’t get to see any of it. All the teachers have no clue what they are doing one teach said that he will not pay attention to you if you are online and he doesn’t care. Getting your student loan is a whole other thing we called the office for a month and when they said they did there part L, we got a call saying the school haven’t told them we are in rolled. I do not recommend going here it’s a money grab and a wast of time all the teachers are unethical and I have filled a complete to the educational bored. They only reason they have 4 starts is because there staff rate them

DO NOT GO HERE! One of the BIGGEST mistakes of my life. The school is beyond poorly managed, teachers quit half way through a semester, the turn over rate throughout staff was monthly. There is 0 communication between management, administrators, staff, IT, and students. I withdrew when a teacher never showed up to the first class of the second semester. I am still trying to get a clear answer from administration its been two months. I have been redirected 4+ times. The school is NOT a professional career college. Its a cash grab. Choose ANY OTHER institution. Majority of students regretted going here, most of my fellow classmates SOLELY stayed because they felt financially trapped. You deserve better. I deserved better. DONT GO HERE!

Awesome place. I am currently in the Interior Design program. If you are going to enroll definitely ask for Lanny. He has been readily available to help me out whenever I have any issues, has been sure to inform me of everything and has generally made the process so much easier. I just started classes on monday and I am loving it so far!

Please do not go here I REPEAT DO NOT GO HERE
I was in the architecture design and technologies program and it is not worth spending 20k for a year. I was previously a student at SAIT in the Architectural Technologies program and I made the stupid decision transferring to here. After being here for a month I realized I am paying for the most expensive art class I have ever been taught. Which I could have learned by simply watching YouTube FOR FREE. Overall The content being taught is very outdated and would not be recognized by anyone in the field. Also if you were to pursue anything above a diploma no institution would recognize VCAD as an accredited institute. So I would not recommend

I am currently in the process of withdrawing from VCAD, I am barely given any answers and when I do ask the staff seems like they do not know what is happening besides the fact that I will be required to pay 30% of my tuition when I have only completed 1 course. And their process of withdrawal can take them weeks to complete. So even if you drop out of this school you will be debt.

Just started Graphic design program. The campus is gorgeous, the staff and really helpful, Jeff Chan is a great student administrator, he really made me feel like I would excel here. Teachers are super! I love it here.

The college don’t give out information about what time they are opening, I want to call them, but I don’t know if there people to answer the phone.

VCAD provides an immense opportunity to explore visual design in a manner which best suits the individual's creative identity. After years of success in Vancouver, Calgary has a brand new campus in a fantastic location. VCAD is sure to be a hub for creative and visually inclined students. ​