Awards
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OCAD U's undergraduate scholarships and awards programs recognize achievement.
Each program major and year level offers a variety of scholarships and awards based on grades or through juried competition. Scholarships and awards are different from bursaries, which are distributed on the basis of financial need.
View Undergraduate In-Study Scholarships & Awards Policies & Procedures
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Scholarships recognize academic achievement by either the overall average within a program major or the highest grade in a specific course. They are given at the first-, second- and third-year levels in the Faculties of Art, Design and Liberal Arts & Sciences/School of Interdisciplinary Studies. Scholarships may be one-time only or renewable with the student's continued compliance with scholarship criteria (no application required). Scholarships are given as tuition credits prior to the start of the next academic year. For more information, visit in-study awards.
Awards recognize achievement in each program major at the fourth-year level normally through a juried competition at the end of each academic year. Awards are given as cash awards.
Prizes are given within both the Scholarship and Awards Programs and are of non-monetary and/or of monetary worth. ie. Professional membership, equipment and rental, etc.
OCAD U Medals are given in each Program major at the fourth-year level as part of the Awards Program. OCAD U Medals are highlighted at the Grad Ex and formally presented at the Convocation Ceremony. For more information, visit in-study awards.
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Governor General’s Academic Medals
The Governor General’s Academic Medals are awarded annually to a graduate and an undergraduate student who achieve the highest academic standing upon graduation from a graduate degree program (Gold Medal) and a bachelor degree program (Silver Medal). The medals are awarded at the Spring Convocation Ceremony on behalf, and in the name of, the Governor General. No application is required.
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Awards and Scholarships
To find out more, please visit AwardSpring
Ada Slaight Bursary
$3,918.55
November 09, 2026
The Ada Slaight Bursary was established in 1996 by Ada Slaight. The fund supports students in need of financial assistance in any year of study or discipline.
AIM Scholars Fund
$8,000.00
November 09, 2026
The intended purpose of the gift is to establish renewable entrance fund for three students enrolled in the Faculty of Design, who demonstrate financial need.
Albert Fisher Memorial Bursary
$2,249.72
November 09, 2026
The Albert Fisher Memorial Bursary was established in 2007 by friends and family in memory of Albert Fisher. The Albert Fisher Memorial Bursary is a lasting tribute to the Fisher Family’s commitment to OCAD University.
Alumni Association Bursary Fund
$2,686.36
November 09, 2026
The Alumni Association Bursary was established in 2007 by the Alumni Association to assist students with demonstrated financial need.
Alumni Association Chancellor's Bursary
$4,232.43
November 09, 2026
The Alumni Association Chancellor's Bursary was established in 2008 by the Alumni Association to assist students who have demonstrated financial need.
Andre Beaulieu Bursary for Young Visual Artists (General)
$1,592.70
November 09, 2026
The Andre N. Beaulieu Bursary for Young Visual Artists was established in 2003 through a gift from the Estate of Andre N. Beaulieu. The fund supports students in need of financial assistance who are enrolled at OCAD U.
Anne Mirvish Bursary
$1,576.90
November 09, 2026
The Anne Mirvish Bursary was established in 1996 by friends and family in honour of Anne Mirvish. The fund provides financial support for students in need.
Anonymous Bursary in Sculpture/Installation
$2,642.00
November 09, 2026
Established with a generous gift, the Anonymous Bursary in Sculpture/Installation will support students enrolled in any year of the program who demonstrate financial need.
Auréade Falconer-Girard Bursary
$1,240.00
November 09, 2026
The Auréade Falconer-Girard Memorial Bursary was established in 2015 by Gabriel Girard, in loving memory of his wife. The bursary is awarded annually to one student on the basis of financial need. Preference will be given to students enrolled in the Drawing & Painting program.
Av Isaacs Bursary
$2,811.14
November 09, 2026
The Av Isaacs Bursary was established in 1992 in honour of Av Isaacs. The fund is for students in Drawing & Painting.
Barbara D. Grace Bursary
$1,000.00
November 09, 2026
Barbara was a graduate of OCAD and was a formidable talent of portraiture and landscape art. Her paintings won many awards over the years and feature proudly in the homes and businesses of the many who admired her gift to our culture.
Barford Family Bursary
$5,125.00
November 09, 2026
The Barford Family Bursaries were established in 2006 with a generous gift from the Ralph M. Barford Foundation. The fund provides financial support for students in need. Preference given to students with an average grade of 70%.
Butterfield Park Bursary Fund
$2,372.94
November 09, 2026
The Butterfield Park Bursary Fund was established in 2007 by George and Martha Butterfield. The fund supports students in need of financial assistance.
Canadian Federation of University Women North Toronto Bursary for Mature Students
$1,302.82
November 09, 2026
The Canadian Federation of University Women North Toronto Bursary for Mature Students is to support students in their first year at OCAD University. Preference will be given to mature students, prioritizing female students with demonstrated financial need.
Carl and Trudy Michailoff Bursary
$1,000.00
November 09, 2026
Established to honour Carl and Trudy Michailoff's love of art and support of emerging young artists. This bursary is to support any eligible undergraduate student in the Faculty of Art.
Cathy Daley Bursary
$6,250.00
November 09, 2026
From the estate of Cathy Daley, a notable Canadian artist, beloved mentor and OCAD University Professor Emerita. For a student in Drawing & Painting, with preference to a female Black or Indigenous students. This bursary may be renewed for up to four consecutive years total.
Charles Magee Memorial Bursary
$2,020.81
November 09, 2026
The Charles Magee Memorial Bursary was endowed in 1995 through the estate of the late Charles Magee. This bursary supports students who are pursuing inernational experiences in the United Kingdom and Europe.
Charles Pachter Bursary
$3,113.31
November 09, 2026
The Charles Pachter Bursary was established in 2008. The fund supports graduate level students in fine art, who have demonstrated financial need.
Christie Blatchford Second Chance Bursary
$1,323.53
November 09, 2026
The Christie Blatchford Second Chance Scholarship was created to support a student or students who demonstrate financial need registered in any year of the Creative Writing program, with preference given to those who have been involved or are at risk of becoming involved, in the Ontario Criminal Justice system. If no student or students meet this criterion, the funds will be granted to a student…
Christopher Pratt & Mary West Pratt Bursary
$2,555.35
November 09, 2026
The Christopher Pratt & Mary West Pratt Bursary was established in 1995 with proceeds from the President's Dinner honouring Christopher Pratt and Mary West Pratt. The fund supports students enrolled in Drawing & Painting who are in need of financial assistance.
CIBC Racial Equity Bursary
$5,000.00
November 09, 2026
Five annual CIBC Racial Equity Bursaries at $5,000 each. The bursary will be given to an BIPOC student in financial need, in any year and any program of study.
Claire Boudreau Bursary (Faculty of Art)
$1,250.00
November 09, 2026
Funded by the Royal Heraldry Society of Canada in honour of Dr. Claire Boudreau. Two bursaries will be available for the Faculty of Art.
Claire Boudreau Bursary (Faculty of Design)
$1,250.00
November 09, 2026
Funded by the Royal Heraldry Society of Canada in honour of Dr. Claire Boudreau. Two bursaries will be available in the Faculty of Design.
Clayton W. Morehead Travel Bursary
$1,000.00
November 09, 2026
This bursary honours Clayton W. Morehead, also known as Mac, who received a degree in industrial design from the Ontario College of Art in 1971. Upon graduating, he received a travel award from OCA that further inspired his commitments to art, design, and education. This bursary will provide financial assistance for travel abroad or international experience to any undergraduate or graduate OCAD U…
David H. Chang Memorial Bursary
$2,586.68
November 09, 2026
Established in 2021 by the family of David H. Chang who graduated as the medal winner of the Industrial Design program in 2008. The bursary will support one student demonstrating financial need enrolled in any year in the Industrial Design program.
David Hall-Humpherson Bursary
$1,080.21
November 09, 2026
The David Hall-Humpherson Bursary was established in 2005 from the estate of David Hall-Humpherson. The fund provides financial support for students in need.
David MacDonald Bursary
$1,750.26
November 09, 2026
The David Macdonald Bursary was established in 1989 by Mary Bosley in memory of her son David Macdonald. The bursary supports students in need of financial assistance.
Delaney Family Bursary (Graduate)
$5,213.17
November 09, 2026
Established in 2023 with a generous gift from the Delaney Family, this bursary was established to support students in the Criticism & Curatorial Practice (MFA) program who demonstrate financial need.
Delaney Family Bursary (Undergraduate)
$5,213.17
November 09, 2026
Established in 2023 with a generous gift from the Delaney Family, this bursary was established to support undergraduate students in the Criticism & Curatorial Practice program who demonstrate financial need.
Don Watt Bursary
$2,324.39
November 09, 2026
The Don Watt Bursary was established in 1997 with gifts from friends and family in honour of Don Watt. The Don Watt Bursary is a lasting tribute to Don Watt’s commitment to OCAD University. This bursary is for Industrial Design students in Year 3.
Dori Tunstall Racial Equity Bursary
$2,972.33
November 09, 2026
The Dori Tunstall Racial Equity Bursary was established in honour of Dean Dori Tunstall by her dear friends Jacob Yerex and Salah Bachir, beloved benefactor, and Chancellor Emeritus of OCAD University. The Dori Tunstall Equity Bursary will support Black and Indigenous students across the University demonstrating financial need.
Doug Johnson and Valerie Gordon Johnson Bursary
$5,308.15
November 09, 2026
The Doug Johnson and Valerie Gordon Johnson Bursary was established in 2007. The bursary supports students in need of financial assistance.
Dr. Kathy Moscou & Dr. Gervan Fearon Bursary for Black Students in Design
$1,000.00
November 09, 2026
Each year, $1,000 will be awarded to one student enrolled in the Faculty of Design, in any year of study, in any program who self-identifies as Black who is actively engaged in design initiatives in support of Black communities, Black youth, or inclusive design and demonstrates financial need. In the unlikely event that no students meet this criterion, the disbursement will be awarded to a…
Dr. Tony Belcourt Bursary
$3,571.06
November 09, 2026
The Dr. Tony Belcourt Endowment for Métis in the Arts was established in 2010 in honour of Dr. Tony Belcourt. The bursary was established for Métis students who have demonstrated financial need; are Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or protected persons; are residents of Ontario; are enrolled in full-time or part-time undergraduate studies. Preference will be given to a Métis student…
Ed Bartram Memorial Printmaking Bursary
$1,387.15
November 09, 2026
Ed Bartram was an instructor of Art History and Printmaking for 18 years at OCAD. As one of Canada's foremost painter/printmakers, Bartram explored contemporary techniques and influences to focus upon the abstract and dynamic elements in the rugged northern landscape of the Precambrian Shield for over five decades, translating the rocks of Georgian bay, it's clear waters and windswept trees into…
Edward & Dorothy Williams Bursary
$5,281.86
November 09, 2026
The Edward & Dorothy Williams Bursary was established in 2006 by John A. Vivash. The bursary is open to graduate level students with financial need.
Elliot Joel Bursary
$4,322.30
November 09, 2026
The Elliot Joel Bursary was established in 2014 in loving memory of Elliot Joel (1970-2014), AOCA, 1995. The bursary is granted annually to a qualified student in the 3rd or 4th year of the Drawing and Painting Program, receiving mental health assistance from OCAD University’s Student Wellness Centre.
Ernie & Rivette Herzig Bursary
$2,056.18
November 09, 2026
Established in 2007 by Mr. and Mrs. Ernie Herzig for students in need of financial assistance. The Ernie & Rivette Herzig Bursary is a lasting tribute to the Herzig Family’s outstanding commitment to OCAD University.
First Generation Bursary
November 09, 2026
The Ontario First Generation Bursary (“First Generation Bursary”) was first established in the 2005-06 academic year. It is an award provided to Ontario students whose parents have not attended postsecondary studies, insided or outside of Canada (siblings may have attended postsecondary studies). Students must have financial need and be attending a publicly-assisted college or university. The…
Four Seasons Hotel Bursary
$1,576.90
November 09, 2026
The Four Seasons Hotels Bursary was established in 1997 for students in need of financial assistance.
Friends of OCA Bursary
$2,066.90
November 09, 2026
The Friends of OCA Bursary was originally established as a scholarship, then transferred in 2011 to a bursary. The fund is to support students who have demonstrated financial need.
George and Patty Boake Bursary
$2,057.72
November 09, 2026
The George & Patty Boake Bursary was established in 1997 with a generous gift from George and Patty Boake. The fund supports students in need of financial assistance.
Geraldine & Marco Magarelli Bursary (Faculty of Art)
$1,000.00
November 09, 2026
Established to support a second year student enrolled in the Faculty of Art.
Geraldine & Marco Magarelli Bursary (Faculty of Design)
$1,000.00
November 09, 2026
Established to support a second year student enrolled in the Faculty of Design.
Glen James Furse Bursary
$1,000.00
November 09, 2026
Established by friends and family in memory of Glen James Furse. This bursary is open to any undergraduate OCAD U student in financial need.
Hiawatha Bursary
$2,042.13
November 09, 2026
The Hiawatha Memorial Bursary was established in 2013 through the Estate of Elizabeth A. Roberts Cook in memory of her mother, Phyllis A. Cook. To be granted to an Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, Inuk) student. Supplementary information required, students must apply through this system.
Ian Swan Commemorative Bursary
$1,639.24
November 09, 2026
Established in memory of OCAD U alumnus and artist Ian Swan. This bursary will support a Drawing & Painting student, any year. Supported by friends and family of Ian Swan.
Ignite Imagination Bursary
$2,195.00
November 09, 2026
The Ignite Imagination Bursary is supported with gifts from alumni and friends of OCAD U. The fund supports students who demonstrate financial need.