![Students at convocation](/sites/default/files/styles/16_9_x_large_1280_x_720/public/2026-09/parents-header.jpg.webp?itok=GJINSEuP) version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"? # Build skills for what's next at OCAD University The job market is changing. Build adaptable creative skills at OCAD U to help you navigate what comes next. [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) ## OCAD U is a leading hub of art, design, digital media, research and innovation. rgb(255,255,255) ## 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 rgb(255,255,255) ![Sharp Center for Design](/sites/default/files/styles/square_medium/public/2026-09/top%20left%20img.jpg.webp?itok=DxtJdG2C) ![O-Days](/sites/default/files/styles/square_medium/public/2026-09/53236535056_1bd6b6d3b3_k.jpg.webp?itok=rfV_tj51) version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"? ![Building on the south campus](/sites/default/files/styles/square_medium/public/2026-09/bot%20left%20img_0.jpg.webp?itok=ky-E6-8i) ![Exterior of Onsite Gallery](/sites/default/files/styles/square_medium/public/2026-09/bot%20right%20img.jpg.webp?itok=KdPz-B_k) ## 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. Privately-run student residences 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. [Learn more about housing](https://admissions.ocadu.ca/afford/housing-options/housing-info) ![Sharp Center for Design](/sites/default/files/styles/square_medium/public/2026-09/top%20left%20img.jpg.webp?itok=DxtJdG2C) ![O-Days](/sites/default/files/styles/square_medium/public/2026-09/53236535056_1bd6b6d3b3_k.jpg.webp?itok=rfV_tj51) version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"? ![Building on the south campus](/sites/default/files/styles/square_medium/public/2026-09/bot%20left%20img_0.jpg.webp?itok=ky-E6-8i) ![Exterior of Onsite Gallery](/sites/default/files/styles/square_medium/public/2026-09/bot%20right%20img.jpg.webp?itok=KdPz-B_k) rgb(255,255,255) ![Sharp Centre for Design at night](/sites/default/files/styles/16_9_medium/public/2026-09/Rectangle%201.jpg.webp?itok=E4_y-D3J) ![Sharp Centre for Design at night](/sites/default/files/styles/floating_card_vertical/public/2026-09/Rectangle%201.jpg?itok=SppT7t3K) ### We are Canada's most inspiring campus! OCAD U’s campus puts students at the centre of Canada’s largest city, surrounded by the galleries, cultural institutions, creative businesses and opportunities that make Toronto an inspiring place to study. [ Explore campus .arrow-link-long { fill: #000; } ](https://admissions.ocadu.ca/visit/explore-campus) ![Person working at a table at orientation](/sites/default/files/styles/16_9_medium/public/2026-09/Rectangle%202.png.webp?itok=_erWckXH) ![Person working at a table at orientation](/sites/default/files/styles/floating_card_vertical/public/2026-09/Rectangle%202.png?itok=9falHBLw) ### 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. [ Learn more .arrow-link-long { fill: #000; } ](https://ocadu.ca/wellness) ![Student explaining work at an art show](/sites/default/files/styles/16_9_medium/public/2026-09/Rectangle%203.png.webp?itok=DNpWhuI1) ![Student explaining work at an art show](/sites/default/files/styles/floating_card_vertical/public/2026-09/Rectangle%203.png?itok=zdhplein) ### 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. [ Explore alumni .arrow-link-long { fill: #000; } ](https://ocadu.ca/alumni) ![Student in a photoshoot](/sites/default/files/styles/16_9_medium/public/2026-09/Rectangle%204.png.webp?itok=enecvUmS) ![Student in a photoshoot](/sites/default/files/styles/floating_card_vertical/public/2026-09/Rectangle%204.png?itok=3Tlg39hW) ### 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. [ Learn more .arrow-link-long { fill: #000; } ](https://www.ocadu.ca/student-services/studios) 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) ### How relevant is an art or design degree in 2026? 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. [ See where our alumni work .arrow-link-long { fill: #000; } ](https://ocadu.ca/alumni) ### What is it like to study in downtown Toronto? 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. [ Explore campus .arrow-link-long { fill: #000; } ](https://admissions.ocadu.ca/visit/explore-campus) ### 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). [ Estimate your costs .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). [ Full dates and deadlines .arrow-link-long { fill: #000; } ](https://admissions.ocadu.ca/apply/guide-admissions) ### Does OCAD U have a residence? No, OCAD U doesn't operate its own residence. Most first-year students choose a privately-run student residence 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. [ Compare housing options .arrow-link-long { fill: #000; } ](https://admissions.ocadu.ca/afford/housing-options/housing-info) ### What financial aid is available? Domestic students can apply for OSAP (or their home province's equivalent), and OCAD U offers entrance scholarships, in-study awards and bursaries based on financial need. Payment plans are also available to spread tuition across the year. [ See funding options .arrow-link-long { fill: #000; } ](https://admissions.ocadu.ca/afford/funding-options) ### Do you need to already be a strong artist to get in? You need a portfolio that shows skill, curiosity and creative thinking, not a finished professional style. Admissions looks at 8–10 pieces plus a sketchbook, and we run portfolio clinics, summer workshops and one-on-one reviews to help applicants get there. [ Preparing a portfolio .arrow-link-long { fill: #000; } ](https://admissions.ocadu.ca/apply/preparing-portfolio) ### Can we visit before applying? Yes. Book a campus tour, attend an online information session, or come to Open House in the fall. Parents are welcome at all of them, and you can book a one-on-one with an admissions advisor to ask about anything specific. [ Book a visit .arrow-link-long { fill: #000; } ](https://admissions.ocadu.ca/visit/meet-us) ### What support is there for a student who struggles with the transition? The Student Wellness Centre offers counselling and health services on campus, Student Accessibility Services arranges academic accommodations; and the Centre for Learning & Teaching (CLT) helps with essays and study skills. First-year orientation runs the week before classes start. [ Student support services .arrow-link-long { fill: #000; } ](https://www.ocadu.ca/wellness) ![](/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; } ](/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; } ](/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")