OCAD University is dedicated to art, music and media and was founded by the Ontario Society of Artists. Around 4,423 students pursue undergraduate programs offered by the university, whereas, only 319 students are enrolled to the graduate programs in OCAD university. International students from 50 different countries represents the multicultural nature and popularity of the university.

Ranked among the top 16% Universities in the World by Edurank, 2021, it is one of the best institutes for higher education in Canada best known for digital art, creative writing and indigenous digital culture. The university provides 17 undergraduate and seven graduate programs flexibly to the enrolled students. Admission to these programs require academic excellence along with SOP, multiple LOR and scores of exams to study in Canada as the primary requirement.

Ocad University Rankings

  • #101-150 in Art and Design by QS World University Ranking by Subject, 2022.
  • #75 in Country Rank by Webometrics, 2021.
  • #56 in Canada by Edurank in 2021.
  • Ranked among top 16% Universities in the World by Edurank, 2021. 

Ocad University Highlights

Established 1876
Type Public
Campus setting Urban
Endowment 15.5 million CAD
Administrative staff 250
Cost of attendance 20,631 CAD approximately
Financial aids Scholarships, loans and grants
Housing facility Not Offered
Cumulative number of students 4,376 undergraduates and 255 graduates
Official Website ocadu.ca

Ocad University Campus and Accommodations

The OCAD university’s campus is located in Richmond St West in Toronto, Canada and is considered to be a commuter campus. The campus is nearer to various landmarks like The Miles Nadal Jewish Community Centre, City of Toronto Recreation Centre and the Toronto Governor Grosvenor YMCA Centre.

Bike tracks, Toronto Parks, Woodlands, Glacial Lake Iroquois and eleven beaches can be found near the OCAD campus. The students wellness centre, different clubs and organisations like the Muslim association, GAMA club and Art in Public Spaces club are the most talked about centres in the entire campus.

Ocad University Accommodations

OCAD University does not provide on-campus housing facilities but does include a plan called Toronto Home Share. Through this plan, the students will be provided housing with affordable rents ranging from 400 to 600 USD. This scheme is specially designed to help international students find accommodation in Canada. OCAD also provides co-op houses, independent residences and online housing services in the Greater Toronto Area.

In other ways, the students can use the FindStorageFast service to store valuables and search other housing facilities. The facilities provided along with the residence - style housing at Campus One Student Residence are fully furnished suites, fireplace, lounges, fitness center, Penthouse level Sky Lounge, laundry room, 3-meal food Program, high-speed Wi-Fi and full-time security. For international students, Homestay Network plan is another residential option offered by OCAD which lets the students stay with families in Toronto.

Ocad University Programs

Programs at OCAD University are available for both undergraduate and postgraduate students. OCAD University offers courses like Contemporary Art and Design, Creative Writing, Criticism and Curatorial Practice specially for international students along with the programs that include more than 20 art minors and 16 majors programs.

The university offers more than six graduate programs in Digital Futures, Strategic Foresight and Innovation. Other popular courses at the university are spoken word, indigenous visual culture, design in advertising, digital futures, graphic designing, illustrations, integrated media, curatorial practice and creative writing. The Bachelors in Fine Arts is the most opted course in OCAD.

Ocad University Application Process

For international students, getting admissions at OCAD University requires the following steps:

Application Portal: Online portal.

Application Fees: No application fees for the undergraduate students, 110 CAD for graduate programs.

Application Deadline: UG: February 4 , PG: May 8.

Application Requirements: Following are the general admission requirements for admission to the university:

  • Academic transcripts
  • Completed application form
  • Application fees
  • Three LOR
  • Portfolios
  • SOP
  • Work experience with samples
  • English translated official transcripts
  • English language proficiency scores
  • 500 word research proposal
  • CV / resume

Ocad University Cost Of Attendance

Tuition fee may vary with programs. Cost of attendance includes rent, meal, tuition and other basic expenses. The table below mentions the cost of living in Canada while studying at the university.

Expenses UG (CAD) PG (CAD)
Tuition 13, 941 13, 177
Student fee 87 87
Health facilities 434 434
Accommodation 600-800 600-800
Food Not available Not available
Books 800 Not available
Personal expenses 9920 9920
Health insurance 636 636

Ocad University Scholarships

OCAD University’s scholarships are available as Merit-Based Scholarships Awards, OCAD U Bursary and International Students Emergency Funds for financial aid. The In-Study Scholarships award is offered to the students of art, design, and liberal arts with 60% or above marks. The AwardSpring application system is used for selection. The following is a list of some international scholarships:

  • Sir Edmund Walker Award: This award is for the fourth-year students pursuing Masters' level and offers 10, 000 CAD per year.
  • OCAD University Entrance Scholarships: This scholarship is for the undergraduate students and offers 500-5,000 CAD a year.
  • Trudeau foundation Scholarships: This scholarship is for the students enrolled in PhD in the field of Humanities or Social Sciences and offers 60,000 CAD per year.
  • Inclusive Design International Student Scholarship: This Scholarship is offered to the International Applicant enrolled for the fall and winter Term with a grade average of 80% and offers 3,500 CAD every year for two consecutive years.

Ocad University Alumni

OCAD University helps the students avail various alumni facilities including career services, low rate insurance, The alumni hosts and actively takes part in various events around the year. The alumni members also enjoy several discounts on merchandises. Some of the notable alumni of the OCAD University:

  • JEH MacDonald, an artist who initiated the first major National Canadian Art Movement
  • Franklin Carmichael, a landscape artist
  • Doris McCarthy, an artist who paints Abstract Canadian Landscapes

Ocad University Placements

The Campus Employment Program for International Students (CEPIS) offers part-time employment on-campus. Students with full-time enrollment in a degree program and study permit are eligible for the placement. The students can also become a part of the alumni association to be a part of the career fairs and workshops.

OCAD is one of the illustrious art and design institution in Canada. The university is a coveted educational centre as it provides degrees at a minimal cost. International students are attracted to apply for admission to the university due to its living-learning facility and a variety of financial assistance offered.