OCAD University Admissions 2025: Application Deadline, Requirements & Costs

Ontario College of Art and Design University is a public university of art and design located in Toronto, Ontario. It is the largest and oldest educational institution of art and design in Canada. The university has state-of-the-art infrastructure and the campus of the university includes Annex Building, Student Centre, libraries, galleries, design centres, dining, research centres, etc.

The university's mission is to create a powerful interplay between the fields of Art, Design, Social Sciences, Humanities and Sciences. It thrives to cultivate interdisciplinary and diverse forms of knowledge. The university is building a generous and joyful community by integrating multiple perspectives and practices in its campus.

Courses Offered

 

What courses are available to international students?

 

The university offers more than 30 undergraduate and graduate programs under the three faculties. The popular undergraduate and graduate programs are as follows:

Undergraduate Programs

• Advertising
• Environmental Design
• Graphic Design
• Environmental Design
• Integrated Media
• Visual and Critical Studies
• Photography
• Creative Writing
• Printmaking and Publications

Graduate Programs

• Contemporary Art, Design and New Media Art Histories
• Inclusive Design
• Design for Health
• Strategic Foresight and Innovation
• Digital Future
• Criticism and Curatorial Practice

 

Eligibility & Documents Required

 

What are the eligibility requirements for international students?

 

The eligibility criteria for international students are as follows:

Undergraduate Admissions:

• Students are required to have a Grade 12 with an overall average of 70% or B.
• Students are also required to have a valid study permit/student visa for admission.
• English language requirements are listed as follows:

English Proficiency Tests	Minimum score level
IELTS	6.5 overall, with no part below 6.0
TOEFL iBT	84 with a minimum of 20 in Reading, 19 in Listening, 22 in Speaking and 20 in Writing
PTE	58 with a minimum of 56 in all components
DET	110 or above
CAEL	70 with a minimum of 60 in all components
COPE	86 with a minimum of 32 in Writing, 22 in Reading, and 22 in Listening
IB	24 or above
AP	Grade 4

Graduate Admissions:

• Students are required to have a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
• Some programs might have different eligibility requirements, like interviews and portfolio requirements.
• English language requirements are as follows:

English Proficiency Tests	Minimum score level
IELTS	6.5 overall, with no part below 6.0
TOEFL iBT	84 with a minimum of 20 in Reading, 19 in Listening, 22 in Speaking and 20 in Writing
PTE	58 with a minimum of 56 in all components
DET	110 or above

Note: Students can check the university’s website for more information.

 

What documents are needed for the university application?

 

The documents required for international students are as follows:

Undergraduate Documents:

• High school transcripts
• Proof of English language proficiency
• Writing sample
• Portfolio
• Statement of intent
• Letters of recommendation (LOR)
• Copy of passport

Graduate Documents:

• Official transcripts from the university
• Proof of English language proficiency
• Research proposal
• Writing sample
• CV/Resume
• Reference letters
• Statement of interest
• Financial documents

 

Application & Tuition Fees

 

Is there any application fees?

 

The university charges an application fee of CAD 110 for international students applying to both undergraduate and graduate programs. The application fee is non-refundable and charged for each program. Students can pay the application fees through the university's admission portal.

 

Scholarships & Financial Aid

 

Is there any scholarship or financial aid available for international students?

 

The university offers various scholarships, awards, and bursaries to international students. The scholarships are based on merit, academic qualifications and the financial need of the students. The scholarships and awards are as follows:

 

Undergraduate Scholarships and Awards:

Undergraduate students are automatically awarded a scholarship between CAD 500 and CAD 5,000 each year. It is an entrance scholarship and is based on the merit and academic qualifications of the students. Academic excellence is demonstrated by portfolio information, supporting documentation, high school average, etc. Students are not required to submit an application for an entrance scholarship.

 

Graduate Scholarships and Awards:

All the graduate students enrolled in the university are automatically considered for entrance scholarships and awards. The value of the scholarships varies according to the program. The decisions are made through the Office of Research and Graduate Studies. Students are not required to submit any separate applications for the scholarship.

 

Admission Process

 

When do the admissions start?

 

The application deadlines for undergraduate and graduate programs are as follows:

Programs	Deadlines*
Undergraduate Programs	Early-February
Graduate Programs	Mid-January

*Deadlines vary depending on the course and may change frequently. We encourage you to check the university’s website for exact deadlines.

 

What are the steps to the application proces?

 

The process to apply through the university's portal is as follows:

Step 1: Visit apply.ocadu.ca/apply.

Step 2: Create an account if you are a new user.

Step 3: Start the application for your selected program.

Step 4: Fill in your biographical details including name, address, email address, postal address, mobile number, country details, qualification details, gender, etc.

Step 5: Fill in your academic qualification details including academic background, degree details, etc.

Step 6: After filling in all the details, review and submit the application.

Next, wait for the results.

 

When will I hear from the university after I submit my application?

 

Students will receive the university’s decision within 12 weeks after submitting their application. After the university processes the applications, offer letters will be sent to the students via email. It might take longer if it consists of an interview or audition. Students can check their application status using the university's admission portal.

 

Student Diversity & Preferred Profile

 

What are the chances to get into this university? What is the acceptance rate of the university?

 

The acceptance rate of the university is 63%. It means that out of 100 students, only 63 students are selected. The university is moderately competitive. The applications are assessed individually by the university. The selection process is based on merit, academic excellence, interviews, references and extra-curricular activities. Students are required to meet the eligibility criteria and minimum English requirements to gain admission to the university. After the university processes the applications, offer letters will be sent to the students via email.

 

How many Indian/international students are studying at the university?

 

The university has 4,742 students in total, including 4,423 undergraduates and 319 graduate students. Out of the total population, 21% are international students from over 100 countries.

 

Part Time Work While Studying

 

Can I work while studying here?

 

The university offers various on-campus work opportunities for international students. Undergraduate students can work for 20 hours a week during an academic session. During vacations, students can work full-time. Graduate students can only work for 20 hours a week as it requires continuous enrolment. The eligibility criteria for international students to work in the country is as follows:

• A valid study permit.
• The study permit must state that students ‘may accept employment’ or ‘may work’ in the country.
• Students must be enrolled in a full-time study program.
• Social Insurance Number (SIN) is required.

Students can find various job vacancies on the Career page of the university. The jobs include assistant, library assistant, coordinators, instructional design and academic engagement librarian, interim chair in critical writing, program assistant, sessional instructor, research assistant, web developer, etc. Students can also find job opportunities on job portals like LinkedIn or Indeed.

 

Campuses & Accommodation

 

How many campuses does the university have?

 

OCAD University only has one campus located in Toronto, Ontario that teaches through three faculties. The university has three departmental locations of libraries:

• Dorothy H. Hoover Library
• The Learning Zone
• Visual Resources and Special Collections

Their objective is to enhance the students’ learning experience and help them develop a reading habit and knowledge that is useful in navigating real-life work experiences.

 

Is on-campus housing available? How much does it cost?

 

The university does not offer any on-campus housing facility to the students. However, it does provide various housing service providers, including independent residences, co-op housing, private accommodations, flat-style housing, etc.

Students can opt for residence-style housing or dorm-style accommodation at Chestnut Residence. It includes single rooms with en-suite washrooms, indoor bike storage, wellness room, music room, meal plans, laundry facility, etc. The Avant Toronto housing facilities include Wi-Fi, furniture, kitchen, laundry rooms, outdoor courtyard, lounge areas, gym facility, etc. Other residences include Parkside Student Residence, Neill-Wycik Student Co-op and Summer Hotel, Oakwood Studio on Richmond, Zoeken, and other private residences. Students can check the university’s website for more information on off-campus residence housing accommodations.

Living Expenses:

The living expenses for international students are as follows:

Expenses	Cost (in CAD)
Tuition Fees	19,420
Ancillary Fees	891.52
Books and Supplies	800
Transportation	800
Other Expenses	9,920

Note: The rates are subject to change and might vary as per the lifestyle of students.

 

University Contact Information

 

Whom should I contact in case of any doubts?

 

Students can contact the university in case of any doubts at the following address:

Website: www.ocadu.ca

Address: OCAD University, 100 McCaul St, Toronto, ON M5T 1W1, Canada

Telephone: +1 416 977 6000