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
Delaney Family Bursary (Undergraduate)
$4,626.00
October 09, 2025
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.
Digital Futures Award
$500.00
March 23, 2026
This award is donated by the Faculty of Arts & Sciences.
Donna MacLean Award
$1,430.00
March 23, 2026
The Donna MacLean Award was established in 2004 by Donna MacLean through the Community Foundation of Medicine Hat & Southeastern Alberta. The award is granted annually to student enrolled in Drawing & Painting who excels in life and portrait study.
Don Watt Bursary
$3,224.52
November 07, 2025
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.
Dora Wechsler Memorial Award
$158.17
March 23, 2026
The Dora Wechsler Memorial Award was established in 1963 by the the late Dora Wechsler. The award is granted to 4th year students in the Material Art & Design program.
Dori Tunstall Racial Equity Bursary
$2,466.53
November 07, 2025
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.
Dorothy Hoover Award
$1,137.71
March 23, 2026
The Dorothy Hoover Award was established in 1981 by the Alumni Association. Dorothy Hoover bequeathed a gift to top up the award created her in honour. To be awarded for excellence of an academic nature in art history.
Doug Johnson and Valerie Gordon Johnson Bursary
$4,418.25
November 07, 2025
The Doug Johnson and Valerie Gordon Johnson Bursary was established in 2007. The bursary supports students in need of financial assistance.
Dr. Eugene A. Poggetto Scholarship (Faculty of Art)
$2,118.61
March 31, 2026
The Dr. Eugene A. Poggetto Scholarship was bequeathed in 1993 by the late Helene Lang Poggetto in the name of Dr. Eugene A. Poggetto. The fund provides scholarships for 3rd year students in various programs. This scholarship rotates annually. Students will be automatically considered for this scholarship, and therefore need not apply.
Dr. Eugene A. Poggetto Scholarship (Faculty of Arts & Sciences)
$2,118.61
March 31, 2026
The Dr. Eugene A. Poggetto Scholarship was bequeathed in 1993 by the late Helene Lang Poggetto in the name of Dr. Eugene A. Poggetto. The fund provides scholarships for 3rd year students in various programs. This scholarship rotates annually. Students will be automatically considered for this scholarship, and therefore need not apply.
Dr. Eugene A. Poggetto Scholarship (Faculty of Design)
$2,118.61
March 31, 2026
The Dr. Eugene A. Poggetto Scholarship was bequeathed in 1993 by the late Helene Lang Poggetto in the name of Dr. Eugene A. Poggetto. The fund provides scholarships for 3rd year students in various programs. This scholarship rotates annually. Students will be automatically considered for this scholarship, and therefore need not apply.
Dr. Kathy Moscou & Dr. Gervan Fearon Bursary for Black Students in Design
$1,000.00
November 07, 2025
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
$2,972.37
November 07, 2025
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
$1,154.59
November 07, 2025
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
$4,396.36
November 07, 2025
The Edward & Dorothy Williams Bursary was established in 2006 by John A. Vivash. The bursary is open to graduate level students with financial need.
Edward David Aziz Award of Innovative Excellence
$576.93
March 23, 2026
The Edward David Aziz Award of Innovative Excellence was established in 2001 by Edward G. Aziz in honour of his father, Edward David Aziz. The award is granted annually to a graduating student in Industrial Design who demonstrates an entrepreneurial and innovative spirit.
Edwin D. Harris Memorial Scholarship
$2,384.69
March 31, 2026
The Edwin D. Harris Memorial Scholarship was established in 2002 by family and friends, in memory of Edwin D. Harris. The scholarship is granted to students in the 3rd year of Environmental Design. Students will be automatically considered for this scholarship, and therefore need not apply.
Ellen Adams Award
$2,203.46
March 23, 2026
The Ellen Adams Scholarship was established in 2003 though a generous bequest from the late Ellen Adams (1941-2001). To be awarded to a student in Surface Design/Print; for work showing competence in a range of studio skills, and a professional attitude toward realization of creative ideas.
Ellen Adams Scholarship
$2,203.46
March 31, 2026
The Ellen Adams Scholarship was established in 2003 through a generous bequest from the late Ellen Adams (1941-2001). To be awarded to a 3rd year student whose focus or concentration is textiles. To be awarded to the student with the highest grade MAAD-3017: Fibre: Surface Design 2. Students will be automatically considered for this scholarship, and therefore need not apply.
Elliot Joel Bursary
$4,228.41
November 07, 2025
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. Supplementary information required for non-OSAP students, non-OSAP students must apply through…
Environmental Design Award for Excellence in Sustainable Design
$650.00
March 23, 2026
Awarded to student who demonstrates excellence in sustainable design. Funded by faculty and annual donors.
Eric Freifeld Award
$1,787.97
March 23, 2026
Eric Freifeld Award was endowed in 1981 in honour of the late Eric Freifeld by friends and family. The award is granted to a student in Drawing & Painting who shows exceptional ability in drawing, particularly figurative drawing.
Ernie & Rivette Herzig Bursary
$1,521.30
November 07, 2025
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.
Eugene Yao Scholarship
$2,012.75
March 31, 2026
The Eugene Yao Scholarship was established in 2008 with gifts from family and friends in memory of Eugene Yao. To be granted to students enrolled in courses focusing on Sustainable Design & Development and/or socially responsible design practices. Students will be automatically considered for this scholarship, and therefore need not apply.
Experimental Animation Faculty Award
March 23, 2026
Open to Experimental Animation students for conceptual and formal excellence in a graduating animation project. Juried by the fourth-year awards jury for EXAN. Supported by faculty members and annual donors. One award valued at $1000 and four awards valued at $250 each.
FCCP (Ont.) Education Foundation Scholarship
$1,000.00
March 31, 2026
The FCCP (Ont.) Education Foundation Scholarship was established in 2001 by The Federation of Chinese Canadian Professionals (Ontario) Education Foundation and is granted to a third year Environmental Design student. Students will be automatically considered for this scholarship, and therefore need not apply.
First Generation Bursary
November 07, 2025
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
$1,312.53
November 07, 2025
The Four Seasons Hotels Bursary was established in 1997 for students in need of financial assistance.
Frances Lea Ziegler Memorial Scholarship
$6,308.19
March 31, 2026
The Frances Lea Ziegler Memorial Scholarship was originally established in 2006 by Mr. Peter Ziegler in memory of his wife, Frances Lea Ziegler. The fund was endowed in 2015 through the Estate of Mr. Peter Ziegler. The endowment will support two scholarships to be granted to full time students in the Faculty of Art who are enrolled in the Drawing and Painting program. Students will be…
Fred Hagan "Passion in Painting" Award
$832.18
March 23, 2026
The Fred Hagan "Passion In Painting" Award was established in 2006 by the Hagan Family in memory of their father, Fred Hagan. The award is for excellence in Painting.
Fred Hagan Memorial Award
$1,200.00
March 23, 2026
The Fred Hagan Memorial Award was established in 2005 by the OCAD University Printmaking faculty in memory of Fred Hagan and is awarded for printmaking studio work with possible emphasis on lithography. Supplementary information required.
Friends of Fibre Award
$300.00
March 23, 2026
The Friends of Fibre Award was established in 2015 by Karen Krupa and is awarded to a fourth year student for work in textiles.
Friends of OCA Bursary
$1,720.38
November 07, 2025
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
$1,522.44
November 07, 2025
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 07, 2025
Established to support a second year student enrolled in the Faculty of Art.
Geraldine & Marco Magarelli Bursary (Faculty of Design)
$1,000.00
November 07, 2025
Established to support a second year student enrolled in the Faculty of Design.
Glen James Furse Bursary
$1,000.00
November 07, 2025
Established by friends and family in memory of Glen James Furse. This bursary is open to any undergraduate OCAD U student in financial need.
Haydn Davies Memorial Award
$5,689.21
March 23, 2026
The Haydn Davies Memorial Award was established in 2010 by the Davies Family in memory of Haydn Davies. Preference is given to a student focused on the creation of sculpture, having achieved a mature understanding of the art form, as demonstrated through exhibited work.
Hiawatha Bursary
$1,699.77
November 07, 2025
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.
Hoda Zarbaf Memorial Scholarship
$1,279.83
March 31, 2026
The scholarship was established to support and encourage a student in First-Year, Drawing & Painting. Students will be automatically considered for this scholarship, and therefore need not apply.
Hugh Mackenzie Scholarship
$1,328.94
March 31, 2026
Established in 2021 in memory of Hugh Mackenzie. Hugh Mackenzie graduated as a member of the Class of 1950 at the Ontario College of Art. He returned to the College as an instructor in 1969 and remained there until 1991. Following that retirement, he continued to teach and to paint into his 90s. The Scholarship supports a 2-year renewable scholarship to an upper year student in the Faculty of Art…
Hunt & McEwen Sculpture/Installation Award
$1,000.00
March 23, 2026
Established by sculptor and alum John McEwen, this award will be given to a fourth-year student in the Sculpture/Installation program who demonstrates excellence in their work.
Ian Swan Commemmorative Bursary
$1,362.55
November 07, 2025
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.
Ian Tudhope Scholarship in Graphic Design
$1,239.36
March 31, 2026
The Ian Tudhope Scholarship in Graphic Design was established in 2014 by Catherine Delaney, Chancellor of OCAD University. This scholarship honours Ian Tudhope, Chair of the Board of Governors of the University from 2008 to 2014. The scholarship is offered annually to a top 2nd year student on the basis of merit in the Graphic Design program. Students will be automatically considered for this…
IES Toronto Section Scholarship
$1,000.00
March 31, 2026
Established in 2015 by the Illuminating Engineering Society. This scholarship is awarded to three students with the highest grades in ENVR-3014 Design: Colour…
Ignite Imagination Bursary
$1,650.00
November 07, 2025
The Ignite Imagination Bursary is supported with gifts from alumni and friends of OCAD U. The fund supports students who demonstrate financial need.
Indigenous Student Bursary
November 07, 2025
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…
Indigenous Visual Culture Award
$500.00
March 23, 2026
This award will be awarded to the Indigenous Visual Culture OCAD U medal winner.