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
Nicholas Metivier Drawing Award
March 24, 2026
Generously supported by Nicholas Metivier, this award will be given to three students who demonstrate excellence in drawing on traditional materials. One award of $5000 and two awards of @2500 each will be given This award will rotate between Drawing & Painting and Illustration
Nora E. Vaughan Award
$752.19
March 23, 2026
The Nora E. Vaughan Award was established with a generous bequest from the estate of Nora E. Vaughan. This fund supports the undergraduate OCAD U medal winners each year. One OCAD U Medal winner will receive the Nora E. Vaughan Award in the following undergraduate programs. Advertising Creative Writing Criticism…
Norman & Margaret Jewison Charitable Foundation Bursary
November 07, 2025
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 Carole Conde
$1,000.00
November 07, 2025
The Ontario College of Art…
OCADFA Memorial Bursary in memory of David Scopick (Photography)
$1,000.00
November 07, 2025
David’s illustrious teaching career at OCAD spanned more than 40 years, many as the head of Photography, where he helped many careers get off the ground. David was also an accomplished and internationally recognized artist, with one of his works permanently exhibited in the National Gallery of Canada.
OCADFA Memorial Bursary in memory of Heidi Overhill (ENVR: Interior Design)
$1,000.00
November 07, 2025
Heidi was a beloved professor at OCAD, where she taught until 2010. She was powerfully creative across a breadth of disciplines in design and art, and had major impacts in senior roles at a number of foundational institutions, including the National Gallery of Canada, the Art Gallery of Ontario, and the Royal Ontario Museum.
OCADFA Memorial Bursary in memory of John Kuisma (Printmaking & Publications)
$1,000.00
November 07, 2025
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 Scholarship in memory of Chinkok Tan
$1,000.00
March 31, 2026
Established in 1985 by the Ontario College of Art…
OCADFA Memorial Scholarship in memory of Frieda Johles Forman
$1,000.00
March 23, 2026
Frieda was a trailblazer at OCAD, founding the first interdisciplinary feminist art conference at the school, as well as teaching OCAD’s first-ever women’s studies course. The mentorship she provided through the Feminist Art Collective continues to have an impact for many faculty members at OCAD
OCADFA Memorial Scholarship in memory of Ronald (Ron) McCurdy
$1,000.00
March 31, 2026
Established in 1985 by the Ontario College of Art…
OCAD Jewellery Studio Scholarship
$100.00
March 31, 2026
The OCAD U Jewellery Studio Scholarship was established in 1999 by Anne Barros and is granted to a second year student whose focus or concentration is jewellery. Students will be automatically considered for this scholarship, and therefore need not apply.
OCAD U (TSA) Bursary for Full-Time Students
$1,025.00
November 07, 2025
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
April 24, 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 07, 2025
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
$1,000.00
November 07, 2025
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
$500.00
November 07, 2025
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 2025/26.
OCAD U Access Accommodation Bursary (Domestic)
April 24, 2026
Access accommodation bursaries are intended to provide assistance to students with permanent, 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 Disabilities…
OCAD U Access Accommodation Bursary (International)
April 24, 2026
Access accommodation bursaries are intended to provide assistance to students with permanent, persistent or prolonged disabilities for costs of recommended assessments, assistive technology, services, or equipment.
OCAD U Bursary (General)
$1,750.00
November 07, 2025
The OCAD U Bursary is for students who demonstrate financial need.
OCAD U Bursary for International Students
November 07, 2025
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 07, 2025
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
$1,060.07
November 07, 2025
Half of the net proceeds from the 2025 OCAD U Gala are to establish a bursary for undergraduate BIPOC students.
OCAD University Medal
March 23, 2026
One OCAD U Medal is given for each program at the fourth-year level as part of the Fourth Year Awards…
OCAD U Urgent Needs Bursary
$2,381.07
November 07, 2025
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
$1,641.61
November 07, 2025
The Olga Korper Bursary was established in 2007 for students in need of financial assistance.
Ontario-Ukraine Solidarity Scholarship
$10,000.00
November 07, 2025
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…
Ontario Association of Architects Award
$2,500.00
March 23, 2026
This award is intended to recognize exceptional leadership through design excellence combined with innovative approaches to Climate Action in an assignment or project.
Ontario eSports Scholarship
November 07, 2025
The Ontario eSports Scholarship is an award provided to Ontario postsecondary students in video-gaming and related programs at participating institutions. Eligible OCAD U programs: Experimental Animation (BFA) Drawing…
OPSEU Bursary in memory of Ed Charpentier
$500.00
November 07, 2025
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.
OPSEU Scholarship in memory of Janice Perrin
$500.00
March 23, 2026
OPSEU, Local 576 has funded a scholarship or award for OCAD University students since 1983. Students will be automatically considered for this scholarship, and therefore need not apply.
ORT Toronto Walter Moos Bursary
$1,781.24
November 07, 2025
The ORT Bursary was established in 2011 by ORT Toronto. The fund provides financial support for students in need.
OTSS Bursary
$1,007.14
November 07, 2025
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…
Pandora Y. H. Ho Memorial Award
$2,001.70
March 24, 2026
Pandora Y. H. Ho Memorial Award was established in 2009 through the estate of Pandora Y.H. Ho. The award rotates annually between Advertising and Photography. For the 2025/26 year, this award will be granted in the Advertising program.
Patricia Chadwick Newton Bursary
$1,693.31
November 07, 2025
The Patricia Chadwick Newton Bursary was established in 2011 by family and friends of Patricia Chadwick. The bursary supports students in financial need.
Patricia Joy Alpert Memorial Award
$1,812.79
March 23, 2026
The Patricia Joy Alpert Award was established in 2002 with a generous gift from Herbert S. Alpert in memory of his late wife, Patricia Joy Alpert. The fund is granted annually to a student graduating from Drawing & Painting.
Paul Stephens Memorial Award
$1,301.73
March 23, 2026
The Paul Stephens Memorial Award was established in 1994 by family and friends at Baker Lovick in memory of Paul Stephens. For excellence in typography in Advertising.
Percy Atkinson Bursary
$5,118.94
November 07, 2025
The Percy Atkinson Bursary was established in 2006 through the Estate of Percy William Atkinson. The fund supports students who have demonstrated financial need.
Photography Department Excellence Award
March 23, 2026
Funded by the Photography Department, these Awards are given to students who demonstrate excellence in photography. Funds may be divided at the jury's discretion with no one award being less than $1000 each.
Printmaking & Publications Award
$1,000.00
March 23, 2026
Established in 1996 by the OCAD U Printmaking faculty, this is awarded to a Printmaking & Publications student in their final year.
Printmaking & Publication Scholarship (Year 2)
$500.00
March 31, 2026
Established in 1996 by the OCAD U Printmaking faculty, this award is granted to two second year students in Printmaking & Publications. Students will be automatically considered for this scholarship, and therefore need not apply.
Printmaking & Publications Scholarship (Year 3)
$500.00
March 31, 2026
Established in 1996 by the OCAD U Printmaking faculty, this award is granted to two third year students in Printmaking & Publications. Students will be automatically considered for this scholarship, and therefore need not apply.
Project 31: New Futures Bursary for BIPOC Indigenous Visual Culture Students
$1,800.00
November 07, 2025
As part of the proceeds of Project 31 (2021): New Futures, contributors to Project 31: New Futures' live and silent auction, selected a portion of their donation to support black, indigenous, and people of colour students with bursaries.
Reid R. Diamond and Pam Diederichs Award
$1,000.00
March 23, 2026
Established by Rebecca Diederichs, this Award will recognize a Creative Writing student who has shown artistic merit, growth, and quality in the building and making of their writing over their degree.
Robbie Award
$1,972.92
March 23, 2026
The Robbie Award was established in 2012 with gifts from family and friends in memory of artist Enid Robbie, AOCA '73 and Rod Robbie, co-architect of the Sharp Centre for Design. The award is offered to a 4th year student on the basis of studio work in the Drawing & Painting Program.
Ron Shuebrook Bursary
$2,701.42
November 07, 2025
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.
Ross Fletcher Film/Video Scholarship
$1,000.00
March 31, 2026
The Ross Fletcher Film/Video Scholarship was established in 1990 by John and Patricia Fletcher in memory of their son, Ross Fletcher, and is awarded to a third year film/video student with the highest grade in INTM-3001.
Ross Mendes Memorial Scholarship
$1,716.23
March 31, 2026
The Ross Mendes Memorial Scholarship was established in 2001 by family and friends of the late Ross Mendes. The scholarship is granted annually for excellence in Illustration. Students will be automatically considered for this scholarship, and therefore need not apply.
Roy McMurtry Second Chance Bursary
$1,781.24
November 07, 2025
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…