OCAD University

Basic Requirements for Admission

The primary basis for admission to OCAD University's studio-based degree programs (BDes or BFA) is a portfolio submission. All applicants must submit a portfolio to be considered. Portfolio requirements vary by program. Admission to our non-studio degree program (Honours BA) is based on a combination of academic records and supplemental written application materials.

All offers of admission are conditional upon meeting minimum academic requirements. Ontario high school students must successfully complete an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), including the following:

• Six 4U/M courses with an overall final average of 70%
• 4U English (ENG4U, EWC4U, ETS4U, EAE4U, EAC4U, or EAL4U) with a minimum final grade of 70%

If English is not your first language and you have not completed 4 consecutive academic years of study in an English school system, you will be required to provide additional documentation of English proficiency.

Failed and Repeated Courses

If a course has been taken more than once, the highest reported successful grade will be considered.

Timing and Process for Admission Decisions

The only entry point for all programs for Group A applicants is the fall term which begins in September each year. The recommended deadline to apply for fall term entry is February 1, 2027. Applications received after February 1, 2027, will be considered if space is available.

Group B applicants may choose a fall (September) or winter (January) term entry point. The recommended deadline to apply for fall term entry is February 1, 2027. The recommended deadline to apply for winter term entry is May 1, 2027. Applications received after these deadlines will be considered if space is available.

For applicants who apply by February 1, portfolio or written submissions will be due in mid-February. Applicants who apply after the February 1 deadline will be given 2 weeks to submit the portfolio or written items.

For applicants who apply by February 1, we will begin sending admission decisions in April based on the results of the portfolio and/or written submission assessment, available academic records and supplemental application materials. All other applicants will be notified of their admission decision approximately 2 to 4 weeks after the portfolio/written items are submitted.

Additional Admission, Application and Program Information

For details about our portfolio requirements, tips for portfolio creation and portfolio review events visit our Preparing a Portfolio pages on our website.

Undergraduate Degrees and Areas of Major

OCAD University offers a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Visual and Critical Studies, a Bachelor of Design (BDes) and a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA). Areas of major in the BDes and the BFA include: Advertising; Creative Writing; Criticism & Curatorial Practice; Digital Futures; Drawing & Painting; Environmental Design (Interior Design Specialization available); Experimental Animation; Graphic Design; Illustration; Indigenous Visual Culture; Industrial Design; Integrated Media (Life Studies Specialization available); Material Art & Design (Textiles/Jewellery); Photography; Printmaking & Publications; and Sculpture/Installation.

More information about our degrees, majors, specializations, minors, academic courses and graduate degrees

More detailed information about our programs and the admissions process

Circonstances atténuantes

OCAD University reviews all applicants on an individual basis. If you have special/extenuating circumstances, you are encouraged to email OCAD University's Admissions & Recruitment Office.