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
Patricia Chadwick Newton Bursary
$2,164.13
November 09, 2026
The Patricia Chadwick Newton Bursary was established in 2011 by family and friends of Patricia Chadwick. The bursary supports students in financial need.
Percy Atkinson Bursary
$6,149.98
November 09, 2026
The Percy Atkinson Bursary was established in 2006 through the Estate of Percy William Atkinson. The fund supports students who have demonstrated financial need.
Ron Shuebrook Bursary
$3,245.53
November 09, 2026
The Ron Shuebrook Bursary was established in 2005 in honour of Ron Shuebrook's term as President of OCAD University in 2005. The bursary supports a 4th year Drawing & Painting student.
Roy McMurtry Second Chance Bursary
$2,140.01
November 09, 2026
The Roy McMurtry Second Chance Bursary was established in 2011 by the Second Chance Scholarship Foundation in honour of the Honourable Roy McMurtry. The bursary will support students who have been involved in the Ontario Criminal Justice system or disadvantaged youth who are at risk for becoming involved, and are committed to giving back to the community in the form of community service. If no…
Ruby Crichton Vivash Bursary
$6,413.50
November 09, 2026
The Ruby Crichton Vivash Bursary was established in 2006 with a generous gift from John A. Vivash. For graduate level students who demonstrate financial need.
Sid Lee Design BIPOC Bursary
$1,294.65
November 09, 2026
The Sid Lee Design BIPOC Bursary was established in 2021 and supports a student or students registered in any program in any year in the Faculty of Design who self-identify as Black, Indigenous or Racialized and demonstrate financial need. If no students in the Faculty of Design qualify, the Bursary will be distributed to a qualified student in the Faculty of Art or Faculty of Arts & Sciences.
Sprott Foundation Emergency Housing Support Bursary
November 09, 2026
Established by the Sprott Foundation to provide assistance to students facing urgent challenges related to housing. 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…
St. George's Society of Toronto Bursary in Art & Design in Honour of Rosalie Sharp
November 09, 2026
The St George's Society of Toronto Bursaries in Honour of Rosalie Sharp was established in 2008 from proceeds from the Red Rose Ball in honour of Rosalie Sharp for students in the Faculty of Art or Design. For students on exchange with schools in the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland). The fund may be also granted to graduate level students or students classified as…
Steve Sutton Memorial Bursary
$2,500.00
November 09, 2026
Established by Kathleen Sutton in memory of her late husband Steve Sutton, this bursary will support two students every year enrolled in Printmaking and Publications, any year of study.
TD Bursary
$3,106.38
November 09, 2026
The TD Bursary was established in 2007 by TD. The fund supports students who have demonstrated financial need.
TICEF Bursary
$3,454.57
November 09, 2026
Toronto International Cultural Exchange Foundation Bursary was established in 2012. The fund supports students who have demonstrated financial need.
Toronto Society of Architects Bursary
$1,000.00
November 09, 2026
To support a student in the Environmental Design program who demonstrates an active commitment to volunteerism and leadership for the benefit of their fellow students and communities and demonstrates financial need. Should there not be an eligible Environmental Design student in any given year, the bursary will then be open to any student within the Faculty of Design
Tyson Febbo Bursary
$1,432.27
November 09, 2026
The Tyson Febbo Bursary was established through the estate of Joseph Vincent Febbo, in memory of Tyson Febbo.
Vyner Family Bursary (First Year)
$2,000.00
November 09, 2026
The Vyner Family Bursary is distributed annually to one first year student year student in need of financial support.
Vyner Family Bursary (Second Year)
$2,000.00
November 09, 2026
The Vyner Family Bursary is distributed annually to one second year student in need of financial support.
Walker Wood Scholar Bursary
$5,000.00
November 09, 2026
The Walker Wood Scholar Bursary supports exceptional OCAD University undergraduate students across all faculties who demonstrate strong academic and creative achievement, financial need, and meaningful community involvement. In the 2026–27 academic year, five (5) bursaries of $5,000 each will be awarded to eligible in‑study students. Eligibility Criteria: • Canadian Citizen, Permanent Resident or…
William & Phyllis Waters Bursary
$1,548.04
November 09, 2026
The William & Phyllis Waters Bursary was established in 2006. The bursary is to support students at the graduate level in need of financial assistance.
William and Nona Heaslip Foundation Project & Travel Grant
November 09, 2026
Overview The William…
Willmott Bruce Hunter Bursary
$4,502.01
November 09, 2026
Willmott Bruce Hunter proudly obtained an Interior Design Degree from OCAD U. Initially he worked as an Interior Designer for Canadian National Railways, later becoming the Chief Interior Designer for the Toronto Dominion Bank where he worked for 29 years. Bruce subsequently became the proud Director of the MAC AIDS Fund after many years of serving on the Board. He was also the Corporate…
Âhasiw Maskêgon-Iskwêw Bursary
$4,625.09
November 09, 2026
Âhasiw Maskêgon-Iskwêw Bursary was established in 2008 by Dr. Sara Diamond, President and Vice-Chancellor, OCAD University, O. of Ont., RCA. The bursary supports graduate students of Indigenous descent. Eligible programs are: MFA in Criticism and Curatorial Practices and the Interdisciplinary Master's in Art, Media and Design. If there are no eligible students in any given year, then the fund…