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OCAD U is a leading hub of art, design, digital media, research and innovation.
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150
Years of educating the creative leaders of tomorrow
30+
Fabrication studios and shop facilities
#1
Employers ranked OCAD U the number 1 art and design university in Canada
17
Undergraduate programs
94%
of OCAD University grads are employed
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Housing in Toronto
OCAD University places you in the heart of one of North America's great creative cities. Toronto is safe, welcoming, and endlessly connected—steps from world-class galleries, cafés, and vibrant neighbourhoods, with subway and streetcar lines just minutes from campus. Thousands of students arrive here every year, and with the right place to live, the city quickly feels like home.
While OCAD U doesn't operate its own residence, there are several trusted housing options to choose from. Purpose-built student buildings offer a supportive, social environment with meal plans and a built-in community. Cooperative housing provides a smaller, close-knit setting that's often more affordable. Homestays offer a comfortable landing with a local family—ideal for anyone new to Toronto or to Canada. And for more independence, renting solo or sharing with roommates is always an option.
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Student Wellness and Support
University is a major transition, and having access to the right resources matters. OCAD U offers a range of services to support students’ academic success, mental health, wellbeing and accessibility needs. From the Student Wellness Centre to academic and accessibility services, students can access support throughout their time at OCAD U.
OCAD University’s alumni are driving Canada’s creative economy.
OCAD U graduates are building careers across Canada’s creative economy and beyond. More than nine in 10 alumni are employed, working in fields ranging from marketing, technology and city planning to illustration, interior design and automotive innovation. The creative thinking, problem-solving and technical skills developed at OCAD U are highly transferable, giving graduates the flexibility to pursue different career paths as industries and technologies evolve.
Studio focused learning
At OCAD U, hands-on studio learning is at the heart of the student experience. Students develop practical skills through projects and experimentation, with access to specialized shops, studios and production facilities for traditional and digital creation. They graduate with experience using the tools, technologies and creative processes they’ll need to pursue their careers.
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Frequently asked questions
OCAD U is Canada’s top art and design university and one of the country’s leading destinations for creative education. Founded in 1876, OCAD U is Canada’s oldest and largest art and design university, with more than 4,500 students and a faculty of 400 practicing artists, designers and creative professionals.
At OCAD U, students gain more than technical skills. They develop creative thinking, critical thinking and problem-solving skills that can open doors across a wide range of creative industries and careers. With hands-on studio learning, opportunities to collaborate across disciplines and a location in the heart of downtown Toronto, OCAD U offers an education built for the changing world of work.
More relevant than ever. As technology and AI reshape the workplace, organizations need people who can think creatively, solve complex problems and turn ideas into meaningful experiences. That’s exactly what an OCAD U education develops.
OCAD U graduates work across UX, product design, animation, advertising, urban planning, interiors, game development and many other fields. 94% of graduates are employed, and employers have ranked OCAD U the top art and design university in Canada.
An art and design degree isn’t just preparation for one job. It develops adaptable creative, technical and problem-solving skills that can open doors across industries and help graduates navigate a changing world of work.
OCAD U’s campus is at 100 McCaul Street, putting students in the centre of Toronto’s vibrant creative community. Galleries, studios, agencies, design firms and cultural institutions are all close by, giving students opportunities to experience the city and connect with the industries they may one day join. The campus is also easily accessible by two subway lines.
For peace of mind, Campus Security is available 24 hours a day, with Student Wellness and Accessibility Services on campus.
At OCAD U, we understand that cost is an important factor when applying for an undergraduate degree. For information on tuition and fees, as well as funding options and additional resources, visit the Tuition and Fees page.
All applications for admission are made online through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC). The only entry point is in September each year. The recommended deadline to apply for all programs at OCAD University is early February. For a full admissions timeline, and information on academic requirements, visit the Guide to Admissions.
No, OCAD U doesn't operate its own residence. Most first-year students choose a purpose-built student building near campus (with meal plans and a built-in community), a co-op house, a homestay with a Toronto family, or a shared rental. Our housing partners are vetted and used to working with first-year families.
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Meet our alumni
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Sharene Shafie
Strategic Foresight and Innovation (MDes)
OCAD U alum Sharene Shafie wants you to feel empowered by growing your own food! Sharene earned her Master’s in Strategic Foresight and Innovation at OCAD U and is using her skills as Project Lead for the City of Toronto’s Climate Action Team.
Michael Belmore
Sculpture/Installation
Meet Michael Belmore (@michaelbelmore), an Anishinaabe sculptor and proud OCAD U alum of the Sculpture & Installation program. Michael’s work, shaped by the natural beauty of copper, stone and other materials, reflects a deep connection to the land, history, and cultural identity.
