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
Indigenous Student Bursary
November 09, 2026
The Indigenous Student Bursary is an award provided to self-identified Indigenous students with financial need who are attending postsecondary programs and/or training programs at either Ontario publicly-assisted colleges and universities, or any of the nine Indigenous Institutes in Ontario. This bursary was first established in the 2008-09 academic year as part of the Government of Ontario’s…
Irene Andrews Bursary
$2,452.09
November 09, 2026
The Irene Andrews Bursary was established in 2006 by Robert Andrews, in memory of his beloved wife Irene Andrews. The Irene Andrews Bursary is for students who have demonstrated financial need.
James Hewson Travel and Decorative Arts Bursary
$1,379.22
November 09, 2026
The James Hewson Travel and Decorative Arts Bursary is for undergraduate students in the Mobility\Exchange Program student, in the Faculty of Design, with preference given to an Environment Design students. The donor encourages students to study 17th and 18th century decorative arts of European and English Royal Palaces.
Joga Bonito Bursary
$2,485.07
November 09, 2026
The Joga Bonito Bursary was established in 2006 by Ideal-Minds Inc. for Nike Canada. The fund supports students in need of financial assistance.
John C. Germain Memorial Bursary
$2,140.01
November 09, 2026
The John C. Germain Memorial Bursary was established in 2011 by Ms. Dianne Dunham-Martin and Mr. Allan Martin, in memory of John C. Germain. The bursary supports students in need of financial assistance.
John Robert & Elizabeth Ann Veres Bursary in support of Indigenous Students
$19,955.24
November 09, 2026
Established by John and Betty Veres in 2021, the John Robert & Elizabeth Ann Veres Bursary in support of Indigenous Students will support Indigenous students entering the Faculty of Design program. The funds will be distributed annually to one recipient for up to four years and will first cover tuition and education costs before living costs.
John Scott Bursary
$1,146.88
November 09, 2026
In memory of OCAD U professor and renowned artist John Scott. Bursary to support Drawing & Painting students. Supported by family and friends.
Joseph A. Medwecki Bursary in Drawing & Painting
$5,000.00
November 09, 2026
Joseph A. Medwecki was an alum of OCAD U and a life-long artist and learner. This bursary honours his love of drawing & painting in oder to support a student in financial need.
Joubin-Selig Bursary
November 09, 2026
The Joubin-Selig Bursary was established in 2004 through a bequest from Franc Joubin. The fund is to support Ontario students pursuing Mobility/Exchange and International Experiences. Student must be a Canadian Citizen, Permanent Resident or Protected Person, and an Ontario resident as defined by OSAP.
June Handera Memorial Bursary
$1,324.64
November 09, 2026
Established in 2022, the June Handera Bursary will support a student registered in an undergraduate student in any program/year who self-identify as Black, Indigenous or racialized.
Kendra Jaal McCleskey Memorial Bursary
$3,442.88
November 09, 2026
The Kendra Jaal McCleskey Memorial Bursary was established in 2000 by Ian Woodbury in memory of his beloved wife Kendra Jaal McCleskey. For a Drawing & Painting student participiating in the Mobility/Exchange program.
Kenneth T. Burt Bursary
$5,170.27
November 09, 2026
The Kenneth T. Burt Bursary was established in 2012 through a bequest from Kenneth T. Burt. The fund supports students in financial need.
Ken Rodmell Bursary Fund
$1,687.49
November 09, 2026
The Ken Rodmell Bursary Fund was established in 2007 with gifts in honour of Ken Rodmell with lead gifts from Michael de Pencier and Watt International Inc. The fund supports students in need of financial assistance, with preference given to students in Graphic or Industrial Design.
Kinguyakkii Bursary
$2,042.13
November 09, 2026
The Kinguyakkii Bursary was established in 2013 through the Estate of Elizabeth A. Roberts Cook. To be granted to a student of Inuit Canadian descent. Alternatively, if no suitable candidate is available, the bursary may be awarded to a student who identifies as Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, Inuk).
Knorr Canada Bursary
$3,106.38
November 09, 2026
The Knorr Canada Bursary was established in 2007. The fund supports students who have demonstrated financial need.
Mabel Woods & June Kostoff Bursary
$3,955.67
November 09, 2026
The Mabel Woods & June Kostoff Bursary was established in 2010 with a generous gift from Richard Kostoff. The bursary supports students in need of financial assistance.
Margaret & Ted Newall Indigenous Bursary
$1,331.20
November 09, 2026
The Margaret & Ted Newall Indigenous Bursary is intended to be awarded to one student registered in any year, in any faculty and in any program who self-identifies as Indigenous and demonstrates financial need.
Martha Edna Breihaupt Bursary
$5,325.77
November 09, 2026
The Martha Edna Breihaupt Bursary was established in 2006 by the Estate of Miroslav Mesesnel. The fund supports students who have demonstrated financial need.
Mary Egan-Haines Bursary
$2,445.39
November 09, 2026
The Mary Egan Haines Bursary was established in 2006 by Mary Egan Haines. Mary was a Faculty member and the Student Advisor at OCAD U for many years. The fund supports students enrolled in Industrial Design, with preference given to students who are not likely to receive other funds at OCAD U.
Mary McLean Bursary for Indigenous Students
November 09, 2026
This bursary supports Indigenous students in financial need, who wish to pursue artistic careers. Mary McLean (Born February 9, 1924 Okanagan Landing B.C., died November 16, 2018 Toronto) Upon the death of her mother, Mary, at age two, and her two older brothers moved to Toronto to be raised by their aunt and uncle, Alice…
Mary McLean Memorial Bursary
$5,970.71
November 09, 2026
The Bursary supports a student or students in the Drawing…
Mary Rita TenEyck Bursary
$1,000.00
November 09, 2026
Established in memory of Joanna Berlinghoff and through her estate via her partner Ron Cooper. This bursary will support five students a year for five years in any program/faculty and year of study.
Mejuri Design Excellence Bursary
$6,708.00
November 09, 2026
The Mejuri Design Excellence Bursary is open to eligible fourth year students enrolled in MAAD-4901 Thesis Development and/or MAAD-4002 Jewellery: Production who are focused on jewellery.
Mimi Vandermolen Bursary
$1,211.58
November 09, 2026
The Mimi Vandermolen Bursary was established in 1995 with gifts in honour of Mimi Vandermolen.
National Bank Emergency Bursary
November 09, 2026
Established in 2026 with a generous gift from National Bank, The National Bank Emergency Bursary Fund will give OCAD U the capacity to issue bursaries on a case-by-case basis for urgent, severe circumstances such as: • Temporary housing or housing instability • Unexpected medical or dental expenses • Sudden loss of income • Repair or replacement of essential academic technology Emergency…
Nexus Investment Management Bursary
$1,189.08
November 09, 2026
The Nexus Investment Management Bursary was established in 2007 by Nexus Management. The bursary supports students in good academic standing.
Norman & Margaret Jewison Charitable Foundation Bursary
November 09, 2026
The Norman & Margaret Jewison Charitable Foundation Bursary was established in 1996. The fund supports students who demonstrate financial need. Preference given to students who identify as Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, Inuk).
OCADFA Memorial Bursary in memory of April Hickox (Photography)
$1,000.00
November 09, 2026
April was beloved by her fellow faculty members. A student then professor at OCAD, April taught for more than years at the institution, and Chaired the Photography program for nearly a decade. She was a well-known lens-based artist, educator and independent curator for over 40+ year career. April worked with objects and still life rooted in narrative histories, exploring the ability of inanimate…
OCADFA Memorial Bursary in memory of Carole Conde
$1,000.00
November 09, 2026
The Ontario College of Art…
OCADFA Memorial Bursary in memory of John Kuisma (Printmaking & Publications)
$1,000.00
November 09, 2026
John’s passing hit the OCAD community hard, where he is endearingly remembered by many former colleagues. John worked at OCAD as both a Permanent Technician and a Sessional Instructor in the Faculty of Design and the Faulty of Art until 2017. He was an artist, woodworker and designer, and a creative force who could always be seen with a sketchbook in hand.
OCADFA Memorial Bursary in memory of Nubuo Kubota (ENVR: Interior Design)
$1,000.00
November 09, 2026
Nobuo practiced architecture for ten years, and taught at the Ontario College of Art (before it became OCAD University) for 28 years. He was an award-winning multimedia artist and improvisational musician, and a central figure in the avant-garde and experimental music scenes in Toronto. A recipient of the Victor Martyn Lynch-Staunton Award from the Canada Council for the Arts and the Governor…
OCAD U (TSA) Bursary for Full-Time Students
November 09, 2026
OCAD U bursaries are awarded depending on individual circumstances, financial need and as per MCURES (Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security) SAG (Student Access Guarantee) guidelines.
OCAD U (TSA) Bursary for Indigenous Students
November 09, 2026
Ongoing Support is available to assist Indigenous Students with short-term costs which support students’ access and success. Examples of short-term support could include: local transportation costs, art supplies/materials/books, immediate food/living costs, a return trip to home community, etc. Students can apply as required, depending on their circumstances. Indigenous bursaries are funded…
OCAD U (TSA) Emergency Bursary
November 09, 2026
Emergency bursaries are intended to provide short-term assistance to students experiencing financial difficulties beyond their control. Students are expected to have accessed their provincial student loan/grant program and/or all potential personal sources of income (including savings) first before seeking assistance through this program. These bursaries are not meant to assist domestic students…
OCAD U (TSA Fall) Bursary for Out-of-Province/Band Funded Students
November 09, 2026
This bursary is designated to students registered full-time students receiving student aid from a province outside of Ontario, or band funding. OCAD U bursaries are awarded depending on individual circumstances and financial need and as per MCURES (Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security) SAG (Student Access Guarantee) guidelines. This bursary is dependent on…
OCAD U (TSA Fall) Bursary for Part-time Students
November 09, 2026
This bursary is designated to students registered part-time and in receipt of part-time OSAP, out-of-province student aid or indigenous band funding. This bursray is dependent on available funding for 2026/27.
OCAD U Access Accommodation Bursary (Domestic)
November 09, 2026
Access accommodation bursaries are intended to provide assistance to students with per$30,000.00manent, persistent or prolonged disabilities for costs of recommended assessments, assistive technology, services, or equipment not covered through another financial assistance program. Students are expected to access their provincial student loan/grant program (OSAP), the Bursary for Students with…
OCAD U Bursary (General)
$1,750.00
November 09, 2026
The OCAD U Bursary is for students who demonstrate financial need.
OCAD U Bursary for International Students
November 09, 2026
OCAD U has provided a bursary fund for currently registered international students who demonstrate financial need. These bursaries are non-repayable funds.
OCAD U Emergency Bursary
November 09, 2026
Emergency bursaries are intended to provide short-term assistance to students experiencing financial difficulties beyond their control. Students are expected to have accessed their provincial student loan/grant program and/or all potential personal sources of income (including savings) first before seeking assistance through this program. These bursaries are not meant to assist domestic students…
OCAD U Gala 2025 Bursary
$1,358.61
November 09, 2026
Half of the net proceeds from the 2025 OCAD U Gala are to establish a bursary for undergraduate BIPOC students.
OCAD U Urgent Needs Bursary
$2,860.66
November 09, 2026
The OCAD U Urgent Needs Bursary was established by Sheila Demsey Beiko. The bursary supports students in financial need who are considered to be in crisis. Preference will be given to Canadian students.
Olga Korper Bursary
$1,577.80
November 09, 2026
The Olga Korper Bursary was established in 2007 for students in need of financial assistance.
Ontario-Ukraine Solidarity Scholarship
$10,000.00
November 09, 2026
In response to the Russian military invasion of Ukraine, on April 6, 2022, the province announced the creation of a $1.9 million Ontario-Ukraine Solidarity Scholarship to support students attending Ontario’s publicly assisted colleges and universities. The scholarship prioritizes students impacted by the conflict in Ukraine, but also supports students impacted by other conflicts. The value of…
OPSEU Bursary in memory of Ed Charpentier
$1,000.00
November 09, 2026
Edward was a valuable member of the Facilities, Planning & Management office for almost 25 years. He quite literally held the keys to OCAD U and was involved in everything from campus access to wayfinding and mapping. For many years, his was the first voice callers heard when they dialed in to our automated switchboard system. He was also a staff donor to the university.
ORT Toronto Walter Moos Bursary
$2,140.01
November 09, 2026
The ORT Bursary was established in 2011 by ORT Toronto. The fund provides financial support for students in need.
OTSS Bursary
November 09, 2026
The Ontario Trust for Student Support (OTSS) is a government program established to encourage companies and individuals to contribute to permanent endowment funds to provide financial assistance for Ontario College and University students. With support from the OTSS program and generous OCAD U donors, this bursary was created to support Ontario students enrolled in OCAD U who are in financial…
Pat Fairhead Bursary
$1,425.00
November 09, 2026
Pat was one of Canada's premier painters. Showing strong artistic talent, Pat began studying at the Ontario College of Art with Franklin Carmichael when she was just 15. She continued a life-long connection to the OCA as a much-loved teacher, guest lecturer and art education maven. She also completed a Master of Arts degree at Goddard College in Vermont and a Master of Education at the Ontario…