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
Ruby Crichton Vivash Bursary
$5,338.28
November 07, 2025
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.
Samuel Lazer Kagan Award
$752.59
March 23, 2026
The Samuel Lazar Kagan Award was established in 1982 in memory of the late Samuel Lazar Kagan, and is awarded to a fourth year Sculpture/Installations student with work that uses representational sculpture.
Sandy McQueen Memorial Scholarship
$3,029.31
March 31, 2026
The Sandy McQueen Memorial Scholarship was established in 2011 by Roderick McQueen in memory of his wife, Sandy McQueen. Students will be automatically considered for this scholarship, and therefore need not apply.
Sculpture/Installation Faculty Award
$950.00
March 23, 2026
Sculpture/Installation Faculty Award was established by faculty in the Sculpture / Installation program and was first granted in 2006.
Sharon Merkur Memorial Award
$1,807.49
March 23, 2026
The Sharon Merkur Award was established in 2002 by Celia Hirsh in memory of her mother, Sharon Merkur. For excellence in mixed media printmaking techniques.
Sid Lee Design BIPOC Bursary
$1,077.60
November 07, 2025
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.
Sir Edmund Walker Award
April 24, 2026
The Sir Edmund Walker Award was established in 1980 by the late Dorothy Webb in memory of her father, Sir Edmund Walker. The award is granted to a Fourth Year, graduating student to encourage further study at the postgraduate level (Masters) anywhere in the world. Applicants must be graduating June 2026, with post secondary studies commencing Fall 2026 (cannot be deferred). Previous awards have…
Sprachman-Therrien Scholarship in Visual & Critical Studies
$1,578.95
March 31, 2026
Scholarship for a second year student registered in Visual & Critical Studies. Students will be automatically considered for this scholarship, and therefore need not apply.
St. George's Society of Toronto Bursary in Art & Design in Honour of Rosalie Sharp
November 07, 2025
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 ‘…
Stephen Bulger Gallery Scholarship
$1,000.00
March 31, 2026
The Stephen Bulger Gallery Scholarship was established in 2006 by Stephen Bulger, and is granted to a third year Photography student, Students will be automatically considered for this scholarship, and therefore need not apply.
Steve Sutton Memorial Bursary
$2,500.00
November 07, 2025
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.
StoryBee Bains Social Impact Award in Illustration
March 23, 2026
Established in 2025, the StoryBee Bains Social Impact Award in Illustration acknowledges and celebrates the work of three (3) Fourth (4th) year students annually in the Illustration program who, whenever possible, have demonstrated excellence in illustration related to socially impactful concepts. One award of $500, one award of $300, and one award of $200.
Sully Corth Memorial Fund Scholarship (First year)
$1,052.28
March 31, 2026
The Sully Corth Memorial Scholarship was endowed in 1992 by Renee Robinson in memory of her sister, Sully Corth. The scholarship is granted to one student in each First, Second and Third year of the Sculpture / Installation program. Students will be automatically considered for this scholarship, and therefore need not apply.
Sully Corth Memorial Fund Scholarship (Second Year)
$1,052.28
March 31, 2026
The Sully Corth Memorial Scholarship was endowed in 1992 by Renee Robinson in memory of her sister, Sully Corth. The scholarship is granted to one student in each First, Second and Third year of the Sculpture / Installation program. Students will be automatically considered for this scholarship, and therefore need not apply.
Sully Corth Memorial Fund Scholarship (Third Year)
$1,052.28
March 31, 2026
The Sully Corth Memorial Scholarship was endowed in 1992 by Renee Robinson in memory of her sister, Sully Corth. The scholarship is granted to one student in each First, Second and Third year of the Sculpture / Installation program. Students will be automatically considered for this scholarship, and therefore need not apply.
Takao Tanabe Scholarship
$1,500.00
March 31, 2026
The Takao Tanabe Scholarship was established in 2002 by Mr. Takao Tanabe through the Vancouver Foundation. The scholarship is granted to 3rd year students enrolled in Drawing & Painting based on merit. Two scholarships valued at $1,250 each. Students will be automatically considered for this scholarship, and therefore need not apply.
TD Bursary
$2,585.60
November 07, 2025
The TD Bursary was established in 2007 by TD. The fund supports students who have demonstrated financial need.
Terry Iles Memorial Advertising Scholarship
$6,465.96
March 31, 2026
The Terry Iles Memorial Advertising Scholarship was created by Susan, Erin and Gillian Iles in memory of Terry Iles. The scholarship is intended for a student demonstrating excellence in Advertising.
TICEF Bursary
$2,875.41
November 07, 2025
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 07, 2025
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
$1,192.15
November 07, 2025
The Tyson Febbo Bursary was established through the estate of Joseph Vincent Febbo, in memory of Tyson Febbo.
Verant Richards Photography Award & Prize
$500.00
March 23, 2026
The Verant Richards Photography Award & Prize was established in 1989 in memory of the late Verant Richards, and is awarded to a student in experimental photography, including mixed media work. $500 cash award; plus 6 months darkroom access at Gallery 44 in Toronto, with 24 hour darkroom access and an exhibition at Gallery 44 Vitrines ($500 value).
Vida Peene Memorial Award
$2,124.00
March 24, 2026
The Vida Peene Memorial Award was established in 1979 by the late Vida H. Peene. The award rotates between Advertising, Graphic Design, Illustration, Environmental Design and Industrial Design. The bequest is managed through Canada Council for the Arts.
Visual & Critical Studies Award
$500.00
March 23, 2026
This award will be awarded to the Visual & Critical Studies Medal winner.
Vyner Family Bursary (First Year)
$2,000.00
November 07, 2025
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 07, 2025
The Vyner Family Bursary is distributed annually to one second year student in need of financial support.
W.P. Drysdale Scholarship
$1,575.28
March 31, 2026
The W.P. Drysdale Scholarship was established in 2012 by Jill Birch in honour of her uncle Paul Drysdale, 1966 Communication & Design graduate. For the benefit of OCAD U’s student support program for a student in the Sculpture/Installation Program. Students will be automatically considered for this scholarship, and therefore need not apply.
Wayne Lum Memorial Sculpture Scholarship
$500.00
March 31, 2026
The Wayne Lum Scholarship was established in 2007 by the friends and family in loving memory of Wayne Lum. For a 3rd year student enrolled in Sculpture / Installation. Students will be automatically considered for this scholarship, and therefore need not apply.
Wendy Coburn Scholarship for Art and Social Change
$2,156.27
March 31, 2026
The Wendy Coburn Scholarship for Art and Social Change was established in 2015 by family and friends in memory of Wendy Coburn (AOCA, 1986). The scholarship is granted annually to a student enrolled in the Art & Social Change Minor program / ASOC 3003 Art & Social Change II. Students will be automatically considered for this scholarship, and therefore need not apply.
Will Davies Scholarship
$1,062.16
March 31, 2026
On September 3rd, 2016, Will Davies passed away at 92 years old. He will be remembered as one of Canada’s most esteemed illustrators and OCAD University's greatest instructors. This award is granted to a third year Illustration student, with the highest grade in GDES-3075: Book Illustration.
William & Phyllis Waters Bursary
$1,610.64
November 07, 2025
The William & Phyllis Waters Bursary was established in 2006. The bursary is to support students at the graduate level in need of financial assistance.
Willmott Bruce Hunter Bursary
$3,537.00
November 07, 2025
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…
Women's Art Association of Canada Anita Stein Scholarship in Drawing & Painting
$1,700.00
March 31, 2026
The Women's Art Association of Canada Anita Stein Scholarship in Drawing & Painting was established in 2025 by the Women's Art Association of Canada,and is awarded to students in their 3rd year of Drawing & Painting. Free membership with WAAC for a year.
Women's Art Association of Canada Mary Ella Dignam Scholarship
$1,700.00
March 31, 2026
The Women's Art Association of Canada Mary E. Dignam Scholarship was established in 1951 by the Women’s Art Association of Canada in honour of the late Mary Ella Dignam, and is awarded to students in their third year of Sculpture/Installation. Free membership with WAAC for a year. Students will be automatically considered for this scholarship, and therefore need not apply.
Won Lee Fine Art Award (Drawing & Painting)
$500.00
March 23, 2026
The Won Lee Fine Art Award was established in 2015 by Won Lee and is awarded to a fourth-year student in Drawing & Painting.
Won Lee Fine Art Award (Sculpture/Installation)
$500.00
March 23, 2026
The Won Lee Fine Art Award was established in 2015 by Won Lee and is awarded to a fourth-year student in Sculpture/Installation.
Âhasiw Maskêgon-Iskwêw Bursary
$3,808.75
November 07, 2025
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…