About
Established in 1876, OCAD University was the first school in Canada dedicated exclusively to the education of professional artists in fine and commercial art. Today, we are one of the largest art and design universities in North America.
Specializing in creativity and innovation, we are building on our traditional, studio-based strengths and adding new approaches to learning that champion cross-disciplinary studies, collaboration and the integration of emerging technologies.
We are located in the heart of Toronto, one of the world’s most multicultural cities and Canada’s largest centre for art, design, culture and business. We encourage our students to take full advantage of the university’s downtown location, which links to an extended campus of design studios, art galleries, artist-run centres and museums.
Our professors are leading artists, designers and scholars who represent Canada’s largest art and design faculty. Our unique learning environment allows you to receive individual attention and work with educators in smaller class settings.
The 4,500+ student population represents a wide variety of geographical, cultural and educational backgrounds, and creates a vibrant, energetic atmosphere.
Programs
Key Dates
Admission Points
The fall semester, beginning in September each year, is the only admission point for all programs. You may apply to only 1 program at OCAD University.
Deadlines
The recommended deadline to apply for all programs is February 1, 2024. We will consider applications received after February 1, 2024, as space permits, but some programs may not accept applications after this deadline.
Admission Requirements
Current Ontario High School Students
We require an Ontario Secondary School Diploma with an overall academic average of at least 70% in six 4U/M courses, including ENG4U (or EAE4U) with a minimum final grade of 70%.
Canadian High School Students From Outside of Ontario
We require a senior high school graduation equivalent to Grade 12 in Ontario, with an overall academic average of at least 70%, including a university preparatory Grade 12 English with a minimum final grade of 70%.
International Applicants
We require a senior high school graduation, equivalent to Grade 12 in Ontario, with an overall academic average of at least 70%.
We also require satisfactory documentation to demonstrate proficiency in English through an acceptable academic English course and/or a language proficiency test.
Transfer Applicants
First-year Transfer
If you are a first-year applicant coming from another university or college, we will review your Grade 12 and/or postsecondary school grades to ensure you have the equivalent of our academic entrance average requirements for those applying directly from high school.
You must also meet our English prerequisite, which you can fulfill with an appropriate Grade 12 English course or postsecondary English course (or equivalent) with a minimum grade of 70% or equivalent.
Upper-year Transfer
If you are applying to an upper year (year 2 or 3), you must have at least 1 year of postsecondary education that is the equivalent of the first year of the selected program. This equivalency must be documented by transcripts and course syllabi from recognized, accredited educational institutions.
Year-level placement and acceptance is based on the strength of your portfolio or supplemental application and academic history. You must also provide proof of English proficiency through an acceptable academic English course and/or a language proficiency test.
Articulation and Transfer Pathways
You are eligible to apply within this category only if you qualify for current articulation agreements or transfer pathways.
Mature Students
You are a mature applicant if you have not engaged in formal education for at least 2 years and are at least 20 years of age by September 1 of the intended enrollment year.
We consider previous educational experience in reaching an admission decision if you are applying under this category. Official transcripts from all secondary and postsecondary institutions attended must be submitted.
You must demonstrate proficiency in English through an acceptable academic English course and/or a language proficiency test.
Additional Admission Information
If you are a current Ontario high school student, we require a non-refundable $25 fee, payable in advance to the OUAC, to cover the cost of the portfolio assessment or review of supplementary application materials.
For all other applicants, we require a $90 non‑refundable supplemental evaluation fee to process each application. Submit this fee directly to the OUAC.
The OUAC will not process your application until you pay the supplemental fee.
Supporting Documents
Transcripts
As part of the application process, you must submit official transcripts from all high schools and postsecondary institutions you have attended.
Transcripts
Official transcripts from all institutions that you have previously attended or are currently attending, including high schools, colleges and universities, must be submitted in support of your application for admission.
If you are currently attending or have attended a British Columbia high school, a CEGEP, an Ontario college or an Ontario university, you may be able to order transcripts through the OUAC application.
All other official transcripts must be sent to us directly from the school(s) that you are attending or have attended. School officials may submit documents by email, through electronic transcript submission methods or by mail.
Language Requirements
The language or medium of instruction at OCAD University is English. It is important for your success at the University that you demonstrate proficiency in both spoken and written English.
In addition to meeting academic entrance requirements and English prerequisite course requirements (if applicable), if your first language is not English, you are required to:
- submit results of an English-language proficiency test,
- complete an approved language pathway program or
- provide proof of qualifying for an exemption from this requirement.
Supplemental Documents
In addition to academic requirements, there are supplementary writing sample assignments required for admission to our Visual and Critical Studies (Bachelor of Arts) program. We will notify you of further details and deadlines by email after we receive and process your application.
Admission to our Bachelor of Design and Bachelor of Fine Arts degree programs is based primarily on a portfolio submission and assessment.
Portfolio requirements may vary by program. All offers based on the strength of the portfolio are conditional upon successful completion of the academic entrance requirements. You must submit a portfolio to be considered for admission, and we review portfolios primarily in February each year. We will notify you of further details and deadlines by email.
Scholarships, Bursaries and Financial Aid
Tuition and Funding provides information about the cost of attending, scholarships and awards, financial assistance programs and ways to connect with our Financial Aid and Awards team.
Accessibility Services
We provide individualized support services for students with accessibility needs. We keep all information confidential. We encourage you to identify yourself so that Student Accessibility Services may accommodate your needs.
Residence
We do not have student residence facilities. There are excellent housing resources and referrals, including links to independent residences around Toronto, available from Housing Information.
Campus Tours and Events
Throughout the year, we offer information sessions, portfolio-building events and tours that are a great introduction to life at the University.
Contact
The Admissions & Recruitment department makes every effort to help you throughout the application process. Feel free to contact us with any questions.
Mailing Address:
OCAD University
Admissions & Recruitment
100 McCaul Street
Toronto ON M5T 1W1
In-person Inquiries:
Rosalie Sharp Pavilion
Level 1, 115 McCaul Street
Toronto ON M5T 1G1
Telephone: 416-977-6000, ext. 4869
Toll‑free: 1‑800‑382‑6516
Email: admissions@ocadu.ca