A graphic design diploma holder (2017) who later developed an interest in gaming applied for a 4-year BCA program in Video Gaming and Animation at Yorkville, with a 7-band IELTS and solid academics, under the non-SDS stream — but was refused.
What the thread suggested:- The pivot itself isn't necessarily disqualifying — graphic design and animation/gaming are seen by some as a natural skills progression, since graphic designers can plausibly move into animation and game design.
- However, officers may see the specific program as insufficiently connected to the applicant's diploma, and this disconnect is likely what shows up in the CAIPS/GCMS notes as the stated reason — the thread's more experienced members felt this program choice was 'a little not relevant' to a graphic design background specifically.
- Request GCMS notes to see the exact refusal reason before reapplying, rather than guessing — this lets you address the specific gap the officer identified (e.g., strengthening the SOP's connection between graphic design and the gaming program, or choosing a more directly related program).
Takeaway: a creative-field pivot (graphic design → gaming/animation) is plausible but needs to be explicitly justified in the SOP; pull GCMS notes to confirm the actual gap before reapplying.