Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Where can I apply?

A. All applications for OCAD U’s undergraduate degree programs are made online through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC). There are two application types through the OUAC. The 101 Application is for current Ontario Secondary School Students. All other applicants should use the 105 application.

Q. When should I apply?

A. The OUAC application typically opens annually in October. OCAD U’s application deadline to apply is typically February 1 of the year of intended enrollment.

Q. Can I apply for January admission?

A. No. OCAD University currently does not offer winter or spring intake to any undergraduate programs.

Q. If I am accepted to a specific area, can I change my mind?

A. Applicants may be able to request to change programs during the application process depending on program availability. Students may be able change their program during their first year of study. Depending on the number of students transferring, a portfolio assessment may be necessary to transfer.

Q. How do I know if I qualify for Direct Entry to an Upper Year (Advanced Standing)?

A. Applicants interested in applying for direct entry to an upper year (Advanced Standing) must have at least one year of post-secondary education that is equivalent to the program they are applying to at OCAD U. Applicants should review our curriculum and program guides to compare to their previous post-secondary experience to determine if they qualify. For further information please visit our Transfer Pathways page and contact us if you have questions about eligibility.

Q. How many credits can I transfer?

A. Applicants with previous post-secondary experience are encouraged to apply to receive transfer credit. All applicants who receive an offer of admission will be emailed details on how to request transfer credit. For further information please visit our Transfer Pathways page.

Q. I received an offer of admission last year but did not attend. Do I need to apply again?

A. Yes, you must reapply for admission if you did not accept the offer. You must also reapply if you did not complete any courses during the Fall or Winter term of the academic year you were admitted to.

Q. Do I need to send my transcripts?

A. Yes, all applicants are required to submit transcripts in support of their application for admission. Applicants currently attending a secondary school in Ontario who apply using the 101 application will have their grades automatically reported through the OUAC. For 105 applicants, there are special procedures for through the OUAC for obtaining transcripts from Ontario high schools, British Columbia (BC) high schools, Quebec CEGEPs, Ontario universities and colleges, and some BC universities and colleges. Visit OUAC 105 for additional details. All other applicants must have official transcripts and supporting documents submitted directly from the institution attended to the Admissions & Recruitment office at OCAD U.

Q. When should I send my transcripts?

A. If you have completed your high school or post-secondary studies, official transcripts should be sent as soon as possible after you apply. If you are currently attending a high school or post-secondary institution, official transcripts should be sent as soon as first-term grades and second-term midterm grades are available. Applicants will be notified by email of final deadlines to submit final official transcripts and supporting academic documentation.

Q. Where do I send my transcripts?

A. Official transcripts must be sent directly from the sending institution to OCAD University. We will accept official transcripts by mail, by email from a school official, or through other electronic transcript submission methods.

If submitted by mail, all mail must be sent to the following address:

OCAD University
Admissions & Recruitment
100 McCaul Street
Toronto, Ontario
M5T 1W1

Q. How do I submit my portfolio?

A. All applicants are required to submit an online portfolio using Slideroom.com. After the OUAC application is received and processed, applicants will be emailed instructions for their online portfolio submission.

Q. When will my portfolio be reviewed?

A. After your application has been received and processed, OCAD U will contact you let you know when you can submit your portfolio for review. Portfolio submissions are typically due in mid-February each year.

Q. What is OCAD U's TOEFL code?

A. OCAD University's TOEFL code is 0537.

Q. I haven’t met the academic entrance requirements yet, can I still apply?

A. You may still apply and submit a portfolio for admission consideration. You may receive an offer of admission based on your portfolio submission with the condition that you meet at least the minimum academic entrance requirements, including the minimum required grade in the English prerequisite course, by specific deadlines. Visit our Academic Entrance Requirements page for additional details.

Q. I need to submit an English language proficiency test, but I haven’t taken one yet. Can I still apply?

A. You may still apply and submit a portfolio for admission consideration. You may receive an offer of admission based on your portfolio submission with the condition that you provide ELP test results by specific deadlines. Visit our English Language Proficiency page for details on acceptable tests and score requirements as well as information on language pathways.

Q. Why can't I find OCAD U on the OCAS website?

A. OCAD U is an accredited university and is part of the Ontario university system. Applicants must apply through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC).

Q. Can I defer my acceptance?

A. Deferrals are granted on a case-by-case basis. In order to be eligible for a deferral you must accept your offer of admission, pay your confirmation deposit and meet all academic entrance requirements and satisfy all conditions of the offer by the deadlines indicated. Deferral requests will be considered after June 1 each year. Further details will be made available online after that date.

Q. I graduated from a specialized high school art program. Can I skip first year?

A. In order to qualify for Upper Year (Advanced Standing) entry consideration, applicants must have completed at least one year of post-secondary education in an equivalent visual art or design program. Applicants who do not have any post-secondary education, must apply to first year. Currently, OCAD U does not transfer credits from specialized secondary school/high school art programs.