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
Integrated Media Faculty Award
$1,050.00
March 23, 2026
Integrated Media Faculty Award was established by faculty in the Integrated Media program and first granted in 2015.
IODE Ontario Scholarship
$1,000.00
March 31, 2026
The IODE Ontario Scholarship was established in 1955 by the Provincial Chapter of Ontario IODE and is granted to a second year Drawing & Painting student. Students will be automatically considered for this scholarship, and therefore need not apply.
Irene Andrews Bursary
$2,012.02
November 07, 2025
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.
Jack Dixon Award for Excellence in Detailing in Environmental Design
$1,232.38
March 23, 2026
The Jack Dixon Award for Excellence in Detailing in Environmental Design was established in 2016 by Jack Dixon (AOCA, 1960). For excellence in Environmental Design.
James A. Robertson Scholarship in Environmental Design
$1,044.73
March 31, 2026
The James Robertson Scholarship was established in 1989 and is granted to a student enrolled in first year of the Environmental Design program. Students will be automatically considered for this scholarship, and therefore need not apply.
James Hewson Travel and Decorative Arts Bursary
$1,147.99
November 07, 2025
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.
Jan van Kampen Scholarship
$2,789.90
March 31, 2026
The Jan van Kampen Scholarship was established in 2009 with gifts from friends and family in memory of Jan van Kampen. The scholarship granted to a first year student for excellence in Graphic Design. Students will be automatically considered for this scholarship, and therefore need not apply.
Jeff Watson Memorial Digital Futures Award
March 23, 2026
The Jeff Watson Memorial Digital Futures Award recognizes outstanding creative work by a fourth year student presenting a thesis in the Digital Futures program.
Joan and Clifford Hatch Foundation Award in Life Studies
March 23, 2026
Established by the Joan & Clifford Hatch Foundation to support Life Studies students.
Joan and Clifford Hatch Foundation Scholarship in Life Studies (First Year)
$1,250.00
March 31, 2026
Established in 2021 by the Joan and Clifford Hatch Foundation as part of a larger gift to support Life Studies. Students will be automatically considered for this scholarship, and therefore need not apply.
Joan and Clifford Hatch Foundation Scholarship in Life Studies (Second Year)
$1,250.00
March 31, 2026
Established in 2021 by the Joan and Clifford Hatch Foundation as part of a larger gift to support Life Studies. Students will be automatically considered for this scholarship, and therefore need not apply.
Joan and Clifford Hatch Foundation Scholarship in Life Studies (Third Year)
$1,500.00
March 31, 2026
Established in 2021 by the Joan and Clifford Hatch Foundation as part of a larger gift to support Life Studies. Students will be automatically considered for this scholarship, and therefore need not apply.
Joga Bonito Bursary
$2,068.45
November 07, 2025
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
$1,781.24
November 07, 2025
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 Madott Fine Art Award
$3,699.75
March 23, 2026
The John Madott Fine Art Award was established in 2011 by the family and friends of the late John Madott. The award is granted annual to a 4th year student in Drawing & Painting.
John Robert & Elizabeth Ann Veres Bursary in support of Indigenous Students
$16,609.76
November 07, 2025
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 S. Manuel Scholarship
$5,055.79
March 31, 2026
The John Manuel Scholarship was established in 2010 through the estate of John S. Manuel. Granted to a 2nd year, Environmental Design student. Students will be automatically considered for this scholarship, and therefore need not apply.
John Scott Bursary
$954.60
November 07, 2025
In memory of OCAD U professor and renowned artist John Scott. Bursary to support Drawing & Painting students. Supported by family and friends.
Joubin-Selig Bursary
January 31, 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
$1,098.52
November 07, 2025
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
$2,865.69
November 07, 2025
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
$4,303.48
November 07, 2025
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
$1,632.25
November 07, 2025
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
$1,699.77
November 07, 2025
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
$2,585.60
November 07, 2025
The Knorr Canada Bursary was established in 2007. The fund supports students who have demonstrated financial need.
KPMG Foundation Bursary
$2,500.00
November 07, 2025
Students who self-identify as Indigenous, enrolled in any program at OCAD University who demonstrate financial need.
Kym Pruesse Memorial Scholarship
$584.70
March 31, 2026
The Kym Pruesse Memorial Scholarship was established in 2009 by family and friends in memory of Kym Pruesse. The scholarship is for students in excellent standing who show interest in curatorial practice, art & design activism, and/or popular culture. Students will be automatically considered for this scholarship, and therefore need not apply.
Lillian Allen Creative Writing Award
$500.00
March 23, 2026
Award for fourth year Creative Writing student supported by the Faculty of Arts & Sciences.
Lily Maley Scholarship
$128.00
March 31, 2026
The Lily Maley Scholarship was established in 1983 by Marion Bell MacRae (AOCA, 1947), in honour of Lily Maley. The fund supports students in Material Art & Design. Scholarship will be awarded to a Material Art & Design student in year 2.
Lily Yung Memorial Award
$995.22
March 23, 2026
The Lily Yung Memorial Award is for work in jewellery and was established in 2010 with a generous gift in memory of Lily Yung. For strong experimental or conceptual components to thesis work.
Lily Yung Memorial Scholarship
$995.22
March 31, 2026
The Lily Yung Memorial Scholarship was established in 2010 with a generous gift from an anonymous donor in memory of Lily Yung. The scholarship is granted annually to a student in Year 3 of the Jewellery program, with good academic standing. For strong experimental or conceptual components to thesis work.
Lyn Jamison Award
$1,172.60
March 23, 2026
The Lyn Jamison Award was established in 1989 by the Packaging Association of Canada in honour of Lyn Jamison. For excellence in structural package design.
Mabel Woods & June Kostoff Bursary
$3,292.51
November 07, 2025
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
$1,108.03
November 07, 2025
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.
Marsh Urquhart Memorial Scholarship
$3,065.67
March 31, 2026
The Marsh Urquhart Memorial Scholarship was established in 2002 with gifts from family and friends in memory of Marsh Urquhart. The scholarship is for excellence in Drawing & Painting for students in their 3rd year of studies. Students will be automatically considered for this scholarship, and therefore need not apply.
Martha Edna Breihaupt Bursary
$4,432.91
November 07, 2025
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
$2,035.42
November 07, 2025
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 07, 2025
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
$4,969.73
November 07, 2025
The Bursary supports a student or students in the Drawing…
Mary Rita TenEyck Bursary
$1,000.00
November 07, 2025
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.
Mel Shave Memorial Scholarship
$781.12
March 31, 2026
The Mel Shave Memorial Scholarship was established in 2005 by Beverley Shave in memory of her husband, Mel Shave. The scholarship is for excellence in Advertising. Students will be automatically considered for this scholarship, and therefore need not apply.
Michèle Cowan Memorial Award
$1,652.96
March 23, 2026
The Michèle Cowan Memorial Award was established by Victoria Cowan in 2005 in memory of her mother, Michèle Cowan. The award is granted annually to a graduating student in Material Art & Design program for excellence in textiles.
Mimi Vandermolen Bursary
$1,008.46
November 07, 2025
The Mimi Vandermolen Bursary was established in 1995 with gifts in honour of Mimi Vandermolen.
Mrs. W.O. Forsyth Award
March 23, 2026
The Mrs. W.O. Forsyth Award was endowed in 1969 by the late Mrs. Marjorie Forsyth Barlow in memory of her mother, Mrs. W.O. Forsyth. The award is granted to 4th year students in Drawing & Painting whose major means of expression or central area of study at OCAD University has been painting. Preference has historically been given to women.
Nancy Jain Sustainability Award for Environmental Design
$645.75
March 23, 2026
Established in 2020 with a generous gift from Nancy Jain to support students at the 4th year level enrolled in Environmental Design. To be awarded with preference given to students whose work is inspired by environmental practices and demonstrate sustainability components.
Nancy Jain Sustainability Award for Industrial Design
$645.75
March 23, 2026
Established in 2020 with a generous gift from Nancy Jain to support students at the 4th year level enrolled in Industrial Design. To be awarded with preference given to students whose work is inspired by environmental practices and demonstrate sustainability components.
Nestor Golets: FolioCreative Endowment Award
$1,000.00
March 23, 2026
The Nestor Golets: FolioCreative Endowment Award will be awarded to a student in fourth-year who demonstrates inter/cross-disciplinary skills and talent, emphasizing creative innovation and an entrepreneurial spirit.
Nexus Investment Management Bursary
$1,319.64
November 07, 2025
The Nexus Investment Management Bursary was established in 2007 by Nexus Management. The bursary supports students in good academic standing.