The Ontario College of Art and Design University, also known as OCAD University, is a government-run higher education and research institution in Toronto, Ontario's provincial capital.
It was founded in 1876 as the Ontario School of Art to provide professional creative instruction and promote art education in the city. Between 1886 and 1996, the institution was renamed several times before settling on the Ontario College of Art and Design.
Under the Act of 2002, the college transformed into a university in 2010, approving its current name. It is a member of the International Association of Universities, the Association of Independent Art and Design Colleges, and the Canadian Bureau for International Education.
It is Canada's largest and oldest educational institution of art and design. The university has state-of-the-art infrastructure, and the campus of the university includes Annex Building, Student Centre, libraries, galleries, design centers, dining, research centers, etc.
OCAD U's main campus, separated into North and South Campuses, is at 100 McCaul Street. The main university building, the Annex Building, the Inclusive Design Institute, the Sharp Centre for Design, the Continuing Education Centre, the Rosalie Sharp Pavilion, and the Student Centre are all located on the North Campus.
The Dorothy H. Hoover Library, located in the Annex Building, serves as the university's main library. The OCAD Zine Library, located in the building's Learning Zone, is a collection of journals, books, and publications about art, design, and other themes.
History
The Ontario Society of Artists established OCAD University in Toronto in 1876. It was known as the Ontario School of Art at the time. It was incorporated as the Ontario College of Art in 1912, becoming Canada's first school dedicated only to the education of professional artists in fine and commercial art.
The name was changed to the Ontario College of Art and Design in 1996 to reflect the expansion of design programs. To institution's status was changed to a university in 2002, and the school was renamed OCAD University in 2010.
Missions
OCAD University empowers students by providing an environment that promotes access and choice outside the typical classroom and studio. While striving for an inclusive, varied, accessible, and open culture, creative frameworks that empower students to develop individual learning routes are fostered.
OCAD University shifts from what to learn to how to learn, designing and rethinking the core of our heritage's critical practice in art and design. Faculty can move across departments and institutions because of this fluidity.
University Ranking
OCAD University is one of the best public universities in Canada. It is ranked 101 in the QS World University Rankings for 2022.
University highlights
|
University Type |
Public |
|
Established Year |
1876 |
|
No of Students |
6072 |
|
Number of Courses |
24 |
|
Tuition Fees for International Students Yearly |
7200 CAD |
|
Intakes |
September, January, and May. |
Main intakes
The main intakes are in September, January, and May.
Scholarship
Entrance Scholarships
- First-year undergraduate students entering the 2022/2023 academic year will be automatically considered for admission grants and rewards.
- Entrance scholarships are awarded based on academic merit as proven by a high school average, portfolio information, and, if necessary, supporting proof.
- Range: $500 - $5000 each.
Application Process/ documents needed for admission
Academic Documents (For Bachelor)
- SLC Mark sheet
- School Leaving Certificate
- SLC Character Certificate
- Transcript of 12th-grade
- Individual Mark sheet of 12th-grade
- Character Certificate of 12th-grade
- Provisional Certificate of 12th-grade
- Migration Certificate of 12th-grade
Academic Documents (For Masters)
- Transcript of Bachelor's Degree and 12th-grade
- Individual Mark sheets of Bachelor's Degree and 12th-grade
- Character Certificate of Bachelor Degree and 12th-grade
- Provisional Certificate of Bachelor Degree and 12th-grade
- Migration Certificate of Bachelor Degree and 12th-grade
- IELTS/TOEFL/PTE scores
- Passport
- Experience letter
- Statement of Purpose
- 2-3 LORs
- GRE/GMAT Scores
- Application Fees
- Proof of Scholarships - If any
- Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
- College Recommendation (if a current student)
Language Requirement
|
Test |
Minimum Score requirement |
|
TOFEL Requirements |
84 with a minimum of 20 in Reading, 19 in Listening, 22 in Speaking, and 20 in Writing |
|
IELTS Requirements |
6.5 overall, with no part below 6.0 |
|
PTE |
58 with a minimum of 56 in all components |
FAQ
Q. Can I work as a student in Canada?
Yes, International students in Canada can work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) during school terms.
Q. Does OCAD University offer financial aid to International Students?
Yes, OCAD University offers scholarships to international students. You can find details about scholarships in our scholarship section.
Q. What are the different intakes at OCAD University?
Generally, September, January, and May are the time when intakes occur.
Q. Do I have to meet language requirements?
Yes, the applicant must satisfy the language criteria mentioned above in the language requirements section.
Q. Are SAT/ACT scores required for admission?
- SAT/ACT scores are not required, but submitting results, if available, may positively contribute to scholarship potential.
