OCAD University is a close-knit community of 5,000+ students across 17 undergraduate and 7 graduate programs. With 91% of classes enrolling fewer than 30 students, students benefit from first-name familiarity and meaningful one-on-one engagement with faculty, all of whom are practicing artists, designers, and creative professionals. Our diverse student body includes 26% international students from more than 100 countries worldwide.
OCAD University
About
Founded in 1876, OCAD University is dedicated to art, media, and design education, practice, and research. Building on its renowned studio-based foundation, OCAD U embraces cross-disciplinary learning, collaboration, and the integration of emerging technologies. Its community of artists, designers, and innovative thinkers are uniquely positioned to shape the next advances in culture, technology, and quality of life.
OCAD University is a national and global leader in art, media, and design, building on its strong studio-based foundation while embracing new approaches to learning that support cross-disciplinary practice, collaboration, and emerging technologies.Our programs connect research and innovation across digital media and design, sustainability, health and wellness, cultural diversity, and Indigenous cultures. Students develop conceptual and technical skills through hands-on experiential learning, complemented by critical, theoretical, scientific, and historical perspectives and methods.
Located in the heart of downtown Toronto, OCAD U sits at the centre of one of the most dynamic and diverse cities in the world, with studios, galleries, museums, start-ups, and more just a few blocks away, alongside a variety of unique on-campus shops and studios that support students in exploring their art and design practices.
Housing:
All applications for admission are made online through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC). Offers of admission to OCAD U’s programs are based primarily on the strength of the applicant’s portfolio or writing sample. All offers are conditional upon meeting the minimum academic requirements and supplying all required documentation.
OCAD University welcomes international students to make meaningful global connections at Canada's largest university dedicated to art & design. We’re here to support you as you prepare to come to Canada and join us at OCAD U!
Watch Video: International Student Support at OCAD U
In the application process, we will help you understand the key documents required from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to live and study in Canada.
Documents you might need include a Study Permit and an Entry Visa or Electronic Travel Authorization.
Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): After graduating from OCAD U, you will have the opportunity to live and work in Canada for up to three years you meet all other eligibility requirements. Keep in mind that to be eligible for a PGWP, you must have maintained a full-time student status during each semester of your study program in Canada.
A solid financial plan supports success in your undergraduate degree, helping you focus on your creative practice, classes, and making the most of your time at OCAD U. Scholarships, bursaries, on-campus jobs, and more can help cover education costs.
OCAD U's Entrance Scholarships:
All new, full-time first-year undergraduate students are automatically considered. A strong portfolio, supplemental materials, and solid academics are required.
- Undergraduate Entrance Scholarships and Awards: $500 to $5000. All new, full-time, first-entry undergraduate students enrolling in first year will be automatically considered.
- President’s Global Talent Award: $5000, 25 recipients yearly. All full-time international applicants are automatically considered
Hermanos Fattori International Student Entrance Award: $5000, one recipient yearly. All full-time International applicants from Latin American countries are automatically considered.
In-study Scholarships, Prizes and Awards
When you’re at OCAD, you’ll be able to take advantage of even more scholarships and awards. In-study scholarships recognize overall academic achievement and are given at the 1st, 2nd and 3rd year levels of your program. These scholarships can range from $100 to $4000.
Working on campus
The University offers many on-campus employment opportunities (You could be a campus tour guide, IT/AV support, study-group leader, studio assistant, etc.) through the Institutional Work Study Plan (IWSP).
Based on our annual alumni survey, 89% of OCAD U graduates are employed, with 76% either self-employed or having been self-employed. Within six months of graduation, 78% work in creative industries, rising to 85% within two years. Increasingly, creative thinking and problem-solving skills are in demand across a wide range of fields, as employers recognize that artists and designers bring unique approaches, flexibility, and adaptability, along with the ability to reflect, learn, and grow quickly.
Founded in 1876, OCAD University has grown to encompass studies in many forms of art, design and new media. We also offer rich courses in humanities, business practice and science that will equip you with insight and inspiration. Our learning environment is hands-on, studio-based and inter¬disciplinary, offering a wide array of production facilities for both traditional and digital creation, and personal attention through small classes. Join a community of creative students who are the artists, designers, and media makers of the future. You’ll be guided and inspired by the best talent from Canada’s cultural capital, whether those are your professors or your mentors from among our many business and cultural partnerships.
Even as a specialized institution, OCAD U offers all the student services you’d expect, helping you succeed by providing resources for your well-being, learning, and artistic growth.
Our Student Services Include:
- Centre for Learning and Teaching provides student writing, communication, and learning support
- Student Wellness Centre provides supportive and accessible mental health and wellness supports for students
- Student Accessibility Services supports students who require accessibility support and academic accommodations related to temporary and permanent disabilities
- Student Advising guides students with course selection, program planning, and understanding program requirements
- Centre for Emerging Artists and Designers supports the early career development of students
International Student Services
The International Student Office helps students adjust to life in Canada, providing guidance on study permits, work permits, visas, and immigration. It manages the On-Campus Employment Program (CEPIS), shares job opportunities, oversees the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP), and supports students navigating healthcare.
The office also hosts workshops, information sessions, social events, and trips to help students connect, build community, and explore Toronto. Past activities have included visits to the Royal Ontario Museum and Art Gallery of Ontario, cycling on the Toronto Islands, attending an NBA game, and tree-top trekking.
Student Life
As a non-traditional urban campus, OCAD U offers many ways to get involved, from music, art, and cultural groups to clubs like gardening, pottery, mouldmaking, and animation. Students can join the Student Mentor Program as a mentee or peer mentor, start or join a student-run group, stay active with intramural sports, or attend and volunteer at O-DAYS in late August and early September. Opportunities also include shaping the educational community through university committees and participating in paid, elected, or volunteer roles with the OCAD U Student Union.
- Ontario
100 McCaul Street
