![Student working on a lathe](/sites/default/files/styles/16_9_x_large_1280_x_720/public/2026-09/general-header_1.jpg.webp?itok=Id0emXiU) version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"? # Undergraduate Admissions at OCAD University Join OCAD University, Canada’s top art and design university, in the heart of downtown Toronto and learn how to use your creativity for in-demand careers. [How to apply](https://admissions.ocadu.ca/apply/guide-admissions) [Explore our Programs](https://admissions.ocadu.ca/discover/undergraduate-programs) [Connect with us](https://admissions.ocadu.ca/get-help/contact-us) ![](/themes/custom/ocad/img/decor/ripped-paper-whitebg.png) rgb(255,255,255) rgb(255,255,255) ## Find the program for you 01 Previous item Next item [ ![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_medium/public/2026-09/advertising.jpg.webp?itok=xAwcLBuz) ### Advertising ](https://admissions.ocadu.ca/program/advertising) [ ![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_medium/public/2026-09/drpt.jpg.webp?itok=0MJ1fN6S) ### Drawing & Painting ](https://admissions.ocadu.ca/program/drawing-painting) [ ![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_medium/public/2026-09/graphicdesign.jpg.webp?itok=INRlUXfz) ### Graphic Design ](https://admissions.ocadu.ca/program/graphic-design) [ ![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_medium/public/2024-10/ill.jpg.webp?itok=mOhzh72h) ### Illustration ](https://admissions.ocadu.ca/program/illustration) [ ![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_medium/public/2024-10/df.jpg.webp?itok=Opfccdlu) ### Digital Futures ](https://admissions.ocadu.ca/program/digital-futures) [ ![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_medium/public/2026-09/envr.jpg.webp?itok=mOCniwMb) ### Environmental Design ](https://admissions.ocadu.ca/program/environmental-design) [ ![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_medium/public/2026-09/Screenshot%202026-09-07%20at%204.02.16%E2%80%AFPM.png.webp?itok=2NWuX3K9) ### Experimental Animation ](https://admissions.ocadu.ca/program/experimental-animation) [ ![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_medium/public/2024-10/phot.jpg.webp?itok=TTCD7PD4) ### Photography ](https://admissions.ocadu.ca/program/photography) [ ![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_medium/public/2024-10/industrial.jpg.webp?itok=m71tUlvy) ### Industrial Design ](https://admissions.ocadu.ca/program/industrial-design) [ ![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_medium/public/2024-10/creativewriting.jpg.webp?itok=iRlXKj-v) ### Creative Writing ](https://admissions.ocadu.ca/program/creative-writing) [ ![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_medium/public/2024-10/crcp_0.jpg.webp?itok=dlUcgCPP) ### Criticism & Curatorial Practice ](https://admissions.ocadu.ca/program/criticism-curatorial-practice) [ ![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_medium/public/2026-09/intm-interior.jpg.webp?itok=_wttnseO) ### Environmental Design: Interior Design Specialization ](https://admissions.ocadu.ca/program/environmental-design-interior-design-specialization) [ ![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_medium/public/2024-10/invc.jpg.webp?itok=LAvlo_kv) ### Indigenous Visual Culture ](https://admissions.ocadu.ca/program/indigenous-visual-culture) [ ![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_medium/public/2024-10/intm.jpg.webp?itok=ebZmByMO) ### Integrated Media ](https://admissions.ocadu.ca/program/integrated-media) [ ![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_medium/public/2024-10/cross.jpg.webp?itok=h4xWofFW) ### Integrated Media: Life Studies Specialization ](https://admissions.ocadu.ca/program/integrated-media-life-studies-specialization) [ ![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_medium/public/2024-10/maad.jpg.webp?itok=Yqzamvm9) ### Material Art & Design ](https://admissions.ocadu.ca/program/material-art-design) [ ![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_medium/public/2024-10/print.jpg.webp?itok=xXokSxj8) ### Printmaking & Publications ](https://admissions.ocadu.ca/program/printmaking-publications) [ ![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_medium/public/2024-10/sculpture.jpg.webp?itok=gWhHpW61) ### Sculpture/Installation ](https://admissions.ocadu.ca/program/sculptureinstallation) [ ![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_medium/public/2024-10/visa.jpg.webp?itok=sph4v1Yb) ### Visual and Critical Studies ](https://admissions.ocadu.ca/program/visual-critical-studies) rgb(255,255,255) ## Why OCAD U OCAD University isn’t a typical art and design school. It’s where creative thinkers learn to solve problems, work with emerging technologies and build careers in a rapidly changing world. AI is changing creative work. That makes human creativity, critical thinking, curiosity and the ability to see new possibilities more valuable, not less. At OCAD U, you’ll develop those skills alongside hands-on experience in areas like experimental animation, industrial design, digital media and more. Our programs combine studio practice with real-world learning, internships and collaboration across disciplines. You’ll learn from working artists and designers who know what it takes to build a career and who will push you to develop your own ideas, skills and point of view. With 17 undergraduate programs and a close-knit, supportive community, OCAD U gives you the tools to turn creativity into a career. You’ll graduate with practical skills, a strong portfolio and the confidence to adapt as technology and industries evolve. **The future needs people who can think differently. Start building your future at OCAD U.** [Learn more about OCAD U](https://admissions.ocadu.ca/discover/about-ocad-u) [Explore our Campus](https://admissions.ocadu.ca/visit/explore-campus) ![Sharp Center for Design at night](/sites/default/files/styles/3_4_large/public/2026-09/why-ocadu.jpg.webp?itok=uOzLA7_L) ## We are Canada's most inspiring campus! ### Our Location OCAD U puts you in the middle of one of the world’s most creative cities. Our campus sits next to Grange Park and the Art Gallery of Ontario, with Queen West, the Entertainment District and some of Toronto’s most vibrant neighbourhoods just steps away. Across 12 buildings, you’ll find 20+ shops and studios, six public galleries and spaces designed for making, experimenting and bringing ideas to life. With excellent transit and a city full of culture, creativity and opportunity right outside your door, Toronto becomes part of your education. ### Housing options At OCAD University, you're living in the heart of Toronto—steps from galleries, cafés, and iconic neighbourhoods, with subway and streetcar lines just minutes from campus. While OCAD U doesn't have its own residence, you'll find plenty of ways to feel at home: privately-run student residences, community-focused co-op housing, welcoming homestays with local families, or your own place to rent solo or share with roommates. Whichever you choose, our housing resources and admissions team are here to help you settle in—explore your options at [ocadu.ca/housing](https://ocadu.ca/housing). [Learn more about housing](https://admissions.ocadu.ca/afford/housing-options/housing-info) ![Student orientation under the Sharp Center](/sites/default/files/styles/square_large/public/2026-09/bot%20left%20img.jpg.webp?itok=jiXar5l-) ![Sharp center through fall leaves](/sites/default/files/styles/square_large/public/2026-09/top%20right%20img.jpg.webp?itok=gpkMnctc) .paragraph--collage-2-image .field_pattern svg path { stroke: #f26323 ; fill: #f26323 ; } rgb(255,255,255) ## Frequently asked questions ### Is OCAD U a good school? 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 [ Learn more about OCAD U .arrow-link-long { fill: #000; } ](https://admissions.ocadu.ca/discover/about-ocad-u) ### What do I need to do to get into OCAD U? Admission to OCAD University is competitive, and requirements vary by program. [Get more information about how to apply to OCAD U here](https://admissions.ocadu.ca/apply/academic-requirements). ### How do I create a portfolio? Submit 8–10 finished pieces in a range of media, a sketchbook or process document, and a statement of intent (max 300 words) explaining why you've chosen your program. Each piece gets a 50-word description. Some programs, including Digital Futures and the design programs, have extra guidelines. [ Find tons of tips and tools for building your portfolio here .arrow-link-long { fill: #000; } ](https://admissions.ocadu.ca/apply/preparing-portfolio) ### Can I get feedback on my portfolio before I submit it? Yes. Upload five pieces to the AICAD portfolio review portal and select OCAD U as a reviewer, come to a National Portfolio Day, or book a one-on-one with an admissions advisor. [ Get portfolio feedback .arrow-link-long { fill: #000; } ](https://admissions.ocadu.ca/apply/preparing-portfolio) ### How much does it cost to go to OCAD U? 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](https://admissions.ocadu.ca/afford/tuition-fees). [ Tuition, fees, and cost calculator .arrow-link-long { fill: #000; } ](https://admissions.ocadu.ca/afford/tuition-fees) ### What are the important dates and deadlines? All applications for admission are made online through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC). There are entry points in the fall and winter (winter entry is available for all applicants except currently enrolled Ontario High School Students) 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](https://admissions.ocadu.ca/apply/guide-admissions). [ Dates and deadlines .arrow-link-long { fill: #000; } ](https://admissions.ocadu.ca/apply/guide-admissions) ### What type of career can I have with a degree from OCAD U? OCAD U alumni work as designers, illustrators, animators, art directors, photographers, curators, writers, architects' collaborators and entrepreneurs across advertising, tech, film, publishing, fashion and the public sector. 94% of grads are employed, and career services start in first year through the Centre for Emerging Artists and Designers. To learn more about how OCAD U alumni have found success after graduating, visit [Alumni News and Stories page](https://www.ocadu.ca/alumni/alumni-news-and-stories). [ Career support .arrow-link-long { fill: #000; } ](https://www.ocadu.ca/student-services/centre-emerging-artists-and-designers) ### Can I apply as an international student? Yes, OCAD U welcomes applicants from over 90 countries each year. Find out more about how to apply to OCAD U and the benefits of studying in Canada as an international student. [ International applicant guide .arrow-link-long { fill: #000; } ](https://admissions.ocadu.ca/discover/international-applicants) ### Can I transfer from another college or university? Yes. If you've completed at least one year in a related program, you may qualify for upper-year entry based on your portfolio and transcripts. First-year applicants with post-secondary credits may also receive transfer credit. [ Transfer pathways .arrow-link-long { fill: #000; } ](https://admissions.ocadu.ca/apply/transfer-options) ### When is Open House? Open House runs each fall on campus, with program tours and info sessions on admissions and financial aid. If you can't make it, online information sessions run throughout the year. [ Open House details .arrow-link-long { fill: #000; } ](https://admissions.ocadu.ca/visit/open-house) ![](/themes/custom/ocad/img/decor/ripped-paper-whitebg.png) rgb(0,0,0) ## Meet our alumni 01 Previous item Next item ![Graeme McMillan](/sites/default/files/styles/16_9_wide/public/2025-09/Graeme-McMillan---photo.jpg.webp?itok=XhFyQv-3) ![Graeme McMillan](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_large/public/2025-09/Graeme-McMillan---transparent_1.png.webp?itok=pqRXQCDB) Watch ### Graeme McMillan Industrial Design From sketching sneakers in high school to leading footwear design in Portland, Graeme McMillan (Industrial Design, 1999) has always followed his creative impulses 👟 An early letter from Nike encouraged him to pursue Industrial Design and his art teacher suggested OCAD University – where he learned how to blend creativity [ Read more .arrow-link-long { fill: #000; } ](/profile/graeme-mcmillan "Visit Graeme McMillan profile page") ![Sharene-Shafie](/sites/default/files/styles/16_9_wide/public/2024-10/Sharene-Shafie.jpg.webp?itok=CtzjddKn) ![Sharene-Shafie](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_large/public/2024-10/Sharene-Shafie_3.png.webp?itok=QT_Ofe-h) Watch ### 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. [ Read more .arrow-link-long { fill: #000; } ](/profile/sharene-shafie-0 "Visit Sharene Shafie profile page") ![Sung Wook Park](/sites/default/files/styles/16_9_wide/public/2026-09/sung-wook-park.jpg.webp?itok=1cwYapJ3) ![Sung Wook Park](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_large/public/2026-09/sung-wook-park_0.png.webp?itok=Kvbb4l1p) Watch ### Sung Wook Park Industrial Design As Senior Design Lead at Umbra, Sung Wook Park (Industrial Design, 2011) creates modern, functional products used in homes around the world. What began with hands-on prototyping and sanding models in the shop has grown into leading a team of designers and mentoring emerging talent. [ Read more .arrow-link-long { fill: #000; } ](/profile/sung-wook-park "Visit Sung Wook Park profile page") ![Madelaine Fischer-Bernhut](/sites/default/files/styles/16_9_wide/public/2025-10/Madelaine-Fischer-Bernhut-.jpg.webp?itok=fncRUluq) ![Madelaine Fischer-Bernhut](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_large/public/2025-10/Madelaine-Fischer-Bernhut-.png.webp?itok=_iGVwnZj) Watch ### Madelaine Fischer-Bernhut Digital Futures (BDes, BFA) As a Senior Technical Artist at Ubisoft Toronto, Madelaine Fischer-Bernhut (Digital Futures, 2021) brings game worlds to life — creating the physics and destruction effects that make environments move and react in games like Assassin’s Creed Shadows and the Splinter Cell Remake. [ Read more .arrow-link-long { fill: #000; } ](/index%2ephp/profile/madelaine-fischer-bernhut "Visit Madelaine Fischer-Bernhut profile page") ![Lucas-Kschischang](/sites/default/files/styles/16_9_wide/public/2024-10/Lucas-Kschischang.jpg.webp?itok=gqBCtVmV) ![Lucas-Kschischang](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_large/public/2024-10/Lucas-Kschischang_1.png.webp?itok=r1_Ks_1d) Watch ### Lucas Kschischang Photography Since his days in OCAD U’s photography program, Lucas Kschischang @kschischang has worked for the Toronto Blue Jays, Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors, and more. We followed Lucas around for a day as he captured the action as the club photographer of the Toronto FC [ Read more .arrow-link-long { fill: #000; } ](/profile/lucas-kschischang "Visit Lucas Kschischang profile page") ![Ali Mapara](/sites/default/files/styles/16_9_wide/public/2024-11/Ali-Mapara.jpg.webp?itok=bcJOvADe) ![Ali Mapara](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_large/public/2024-11/Ali-Mapara_0.png.webp?itok=9OUH-1PD) Watch ### Ali Mapara Industrial Design Ali, a 2018 graduate of OCAD U's Industrial Design program and a sports enthusiast, created the first design for Movemate as his final thesis project. [ Read more .arrow-link-long { fill: #000; } ](/profile/ali-mapara "Visit Ali Mapara profile page") ![Danielle-Kim](/sites/default/files/styles/16_9_wide/public/2024-10/Danielle-Kim.jpg.webp?itok=B6HUt3Js) ![Danielle-Kim](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_large/public/2024-10/template.png.webp?itok=aeWFqJkl) Watch ### Danielle Kim Environmental Design After graduating from OCAD U’s Environmental Design program in 2016, Danielle Kim is bringing her passion for functional design to life at RioCan. Her biggest takeaway from her time at OCAD U? 'Form follows function' — a design principle that guides her every step. [ Read more .arrow-link-long { fill: #000; } ](/index%2ephp/profile/danielle-kim "Visit Danielle Kim profile page") ![Kikki Guerard](/sites/default/files/styles/16_9_wide/public/2024-11/Kikki-Guerard.jpg.webp?itok=VSgzvm6Z) ![Kikki Guerard](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_large/public/2024-11/Kikki-Guerard.png.webp?itok=esy5VBTK) Watch ### Kikki Guerard Advertising Learn more about our Advertising program: [](https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbV9jQ2M3OGx3bTZPRThvUVNBeXZnWE03eTdfUXxBQ3Jtc0ttLXhPOW84STFzNFh2UHpIcTZvTjZIc2pIM3JMR2ZVbTNVUnRGNWJhLXRwU214MFBxbkpydmdUa1ZiUzQ5aXBwdXE5ZjhFSXVLQkRGMEJ0TkZRdENyQTRkbVZNUWxhSFVJZU1UY3RHWV9DM1) [ Read more .arrow-link-long { fill: #000; } ](/profile/kikki-guerard "Visit Kikki Guerard profile page") ![https://live-ocad-dpl.pantheonsite.io/profile/samuel-kwan](/sites/default/files/styles/16_9_wide/public/2024-11/Samuel-Kwan.jpg.webp?itok=v2sYfokT) ![Samuel Kwan](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_large/public/2024-11/template.png.webp?itok=GtX_fv7V) Watch ### Samuel Kwan Industrial Design Learn more about the Industrial Design program: [](https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa2gtNlVSeE1mRXNQYjJEclJXMVkxNmlzZjZhUXxBQ3Jtc0ttZXJScUZYR21CS0dmMkxxNUNGVUJuNDRKM2pPaDRUSjZkWmNHamJTcnhZb1ZxZlVpX1Y3NDVfeDZRdTdueDFOT2NVWHJpekZmM3FtOU1EcEdZR1VnMHZJdnk1b1lGYTAtNk5tZ0I2) [ Read more .arrow-link-long { fill: #000; } ](/profile/samuel-kwan "Visit Samuel Kwan profile page") rgb(0,0,0) ## Featured student work 01 28 Previous item Next item [ ![Digital scene](/sites/default/files/styles/square_large/public/2025-04/Screenshot%202025-04-08%20at%202.09.39%E2%80%AFPM.png.webp?itok=Ghku8Ei6) Brian Nguyen View work » ](https://eportfolio.ocadu.ca/work/details/fc4d0baa-48c3-48ca-820c-c2868a037173?eid=edc98860-8c38-4c43-b1cb-7696f22b193f "Prometheus") [ ![Animation still](/sites/default/files/styles/square_large/public/2025-07/Screenshot%202025-07-15%20at%2012.31.58%E2%80%AFPM.png.webp?itok=C1L3Oy1z) Xinyi Tian View work » ](https://eportfolio.ocadu.ca/work/details/971bfb23-18e2-4df3-9a87-1cc24e29dad5?eid=f29bedaf-a973-4b8b-af0e-21366f748a9d "Who Killed Peter?") [ ![Illustration of a woman in a space helmet holding a broken vase ](/sites/default/files/styles/square_large/public/2025-04/Screenshot%202025-04-08%20at%202.23.42%E2%80%AFPM.png.webp?itok=X9LrULoH) Jinhan Guo View work » ](https://eportfolio.ocadu.ca/work/details/3b301ea0-371a-4042-a682-e1805e61a3d6?eid=e717c4c5-3302-474e-93fc-d0000f627221 ""Heritage Horizons"-Greece") [ ![Rendering of a humanoid figure flying over a mountain](/sites/default/files/styles/square_large/public/2025-04/Screenshot%202025-04-08%20at%202.14.48%E2%80%AFPM.png.webp?itok=lukY9eNK) Ryan Boyd View work » ](https://eportfolio.ocadu.ca/work/details/7d14bd49-6478-44e7-933b-4c965f339722?eid=dcdb93e7-0c47-41d4-937f-98fc55288937 "Archangel Okeanos") [ ![Silhouette of a woman sitting in flowers](/sites/default/files/styles/square_large/public/2025-07/Screenshot%202025-07-15%20at%2012.35.54%E2%80%AFPM.png.webp?itok=Hy0Jm6_4) Shamika Pierre View work » ](https://eportfolio.ocadu.ca/work/details/48045576-edde-4510-b198-11ac83714355?eid=8a59a821-7cc9-48b5-87c2-51321c0ba663 "02 In Bloom") [ ![Illustration of a manatee dancing with a diver](/sites/default/files/styles/square_large/public/2025-04/Screenshot%202025-04-08%20at%202.17.32%E2%80%AFPM.png.webp?itok=-OGcSQ5l) Chau Phan View work » ](https://eportfolio.ocadu.ca/work/details/6e6beb33-8b35-4601-a49c-ffc1ec3b26c2?eid=8be3eb9f-5db0-4eeb-abe3-5291093cba0e "Aquarium") [ ![Rendering of a mouse on a swing in a tiny tree](/sites/default/files/styles/square_large/public/2025-04/Screenshot%202025-04-08%20at%202.11.48%E2%80%AFPM.png.webp?itok=2ddZnYCV) Jade Wu View work » ](https://eportfolio.ocadu.ca/work/details/a0b73a09-357c-482c-a5a4-892295f14d18?eid=c87f34ee-f000-49ed-8016-3a7d0f4f5992 "Mushroom Lounge Concept") [ ![Print leaning against colourful wall](/sites/default/files/styles/square_large/public/2025-04/Screenshot%202025-04-08%20at%202.04.44%E2%80%AFPM.png.webp?itok=5X9v0pzJ) Richie Evans View work » ](https://eportfolio.ocadu.ca/work/details/5c352c88-6976-40a2-8910-bb3db4e04022?eid=945a9950-e794-4698-820a-8acf7a0f1932 "SWEET DREAMS") [ ![Three bronze busts](/sites/default/files/styles/square_large/public/2025-04/Screenshot%202025-04-08%20at%202.22.52%E2%80%AFPM.png.webp?itok=v5mdp7cf) Douglas Free View work » ](https://eportfolio.ocadu.ca/work/details/9614974e-4856-42be-894a-943a622af8b6?eid=648959b9-f7f4-4cca-a6eb-827b8d1e6c92 "Remembrance, A Gathering of Stories") [ ![Open book on a wooden table](/sites/default/files/styles/square_large/public/2025-04/Screenshot%202025-04-08%20at%202.06.42%E2%80%AFPM.png.webp?itok=0EdWs6Jc) Valeria Suing View work » ](https://eportfolio.ocadu.ca/work/details/473a5c05-b346-4d9d-9df1-76123191142a?eid=e9728214-eaa3-4641-b061-1dac044d4998 "AR Project: Coffee & Climate") [ ![Ink drawing of a person on a church altar playing the guitar](/sites/default/files/styles/square_large/public/2026-07/The%20Exorcism%20-%20Max%20Mancuso.png.webp?itok=RxvYKo-c) Max Mancuso View work » ](https://eportfolio.ocadu.ca/work/details/63f825ec-4c66-4f2b-bf8b-3a21ecd0e4e0?eid=985b9132-06d5-483a-a22f-d6b1fd43de24 "The Exorcism")