- OCAD University, founded in 1876, is Canada's oldest and largest art and design university, located at 100 McCaul Street in downtown Toronto
- Ana Serrano has served as President and Vice-Chancellor since 2020
- International undergraduate tuition is approximately CAD 32,000 per year for 2025-2026, and the minimum IELTS requirement is 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0.
What Is OCAD University?
OCAD University is Canada's oldest, largest and leading art and design university, founded in 1876 as the Ontario School of Art in Toronto. It enrolls roughly 4,500 students across 17 undergraduate and seven graduate programs, and sits next to the Art Gallery of Ontario in the downtown core. Its president is Ana Serrano.
OCAD University began in 1876 as the Ontario School of Art and has since been known by several names, including the Ontario College of Art and Design, before becoming a university in 2010. Today it is a public, specialist institution focused entirely on art, design and digital media, and describes itself as a national and global leader in the field.
- Founded: 1876 (as the Ontario School of Art)
- President and Vice-Chancellor: Ana Serrano (since 2020)
- Chancellor: Jaime Watt (since 2022)
- Students: approximately 4,500 across undergraduate and graduate programs
- Affiliations: AICAD, Universities Canada, Council of Ontario Universities
- Website: ocadu.ca
Where Is OCAD University Located?
OCAD University's main campus is at 100 McCaul Street in downtown Toronto, next to Grange Park and the Art Gallery of Ontario. Its landmark Sharp Centre for Design sits on stilts above the street. An earlier Florence off-campus exchange program ran from 1974 but was discontinued in 2017, so study is now Toronto-based.
The campus is in the heart of Toronto's arts district, giving students direct access to galleries, museums, studios and a large creative-industry community. The full mailing address is 100 McCaul Street, Toronto, Ontario M5T 1W1. Being embedded in a major cultural hub is one of the university's biggest advantages for art and design students.
What Are the QS Rankings for OCAD University?
OCAD University is a specialist institution, so it does not appear in the overall QS World University Rankings. Instead it is ranked by subject: QS placed OCAD within the top 100 art and design universities globally (51-100 band). It is widely regarded as one of North America's leading art and design schools.
Because OCAD focuses only on art and design, subject-specific rankings are the most meaningful measure of its standing. In the QS World University Rankings by Subject for Art and Design it has consistently placed inside the top 100 worldwide, alongside a small group of dedicated art schools rather than large multi-faculty universities.
Cheapest Countries to Study Abroad for Indian StudentsRead →How Much Are OCAD University Fees in 2026?
Fees differ for domestic and international students. For 2025-2026, domestic BFA and BA tuition is about CAD 7,800 per year and BDes about CAD 8,900, while international undergraduate tuition is roughly CAD 32,000 per year based on a full 5.0-credit load. These figures exclude the laptop program and material fees.
The figures below are taken from OCAD University's own tuition and fees page for the 2025-2026 academic year. Amounts are for a full-time load of 5.0 credits and are subject to change; they do not include ancillary fees, the laptop program, or course-based material costs, which vary by program.
| Student Type (2025-2026) | Approx. Annual Tuition (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Domestic BFA / BA | 7,800 |
| Domestic BDes | 8,900 |
| International undergraduate | 32,000 |
International students should budget beyond tuition for living costs in Toronto, health insurance and study-permit expenses. Always confirm the current year's figures on the official OCAD admissions site before making financial plans, as tuition is reviewed annually.
Which Programs Does OCAD University Offer?
OCAD University offers 17 undergraduate and seven graduate programs across three faculties: the Faculty of Art, the Faculty of Design, and the Faculty of Arts and Science. Undergraduate degrees include the BFA, BA and BDes, while graduate options span Digital Futures, Inclusive Design, Design for Health and Strategic Foresight and Innovation.
Programs are studio-based and career-focused, blending hands-on making with theory, research and industry exposure. Undergraduate degrees typically run four years and lead to a Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Design, while graduate programs offer specialised master's degrees in emerging creative and design fields.
Undergraduate Programs (Faculty of Design)
- Graphic Design
- Industrial Design
- Illustration
- Advertising
- Environmental Design and Interior Design
- Material Art and Design
Undergraduate Programs (Faculty of Art)
- Drawing and Painting
- Photography
- Printmaking
- Sculpture and Installation
- Integrated Media
- Criticism and Curatorial Practice
- Indigenous Visual Culture
Graduate Programs
- Digital Futures
- Inclusive Design
- Design for Health
- Strategic Foresight and Innovation
- Interdisciplinary Master's in Art, Media and Design
- Contemporary Art, Design and New Media Art Histories
What Are the Admission Requirements at OCAD University?
Admission is portfolio-based for most studio programs, alongside official transcripts and a statement of intent. International applicants whose first language is not English must show proficiency: OCAD requires a minimum IELTS Academic score of 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0, or a TOEFL iBT total of 84 with specified section minimums.
Most undergraduate art and design programs assess applicants on a creative portfolio in addition to academic records. Requirements can vary by program, so applicants should check the specific instructions for their chosen degree on the OCAD admissions website.
- Statement of intent (required for all programs)
- Creative portfolio (or writing sample for some programs such as Visual and Critical Studies)
- Official academic transcripts
- English language proficiency test results, where required
- IELTS Academic: minimum 6.5 overall, no band below 6.0
- TOEFL iBT: minimum total 84 (Reading 20, Listening 19, Speaking 22, Writing 20)
English test results must be completed within 24 months of the intended start date. OCAD does not accept TOEFL Essentials, TOEFL ITP or TOEFL ITP Plus for China. Other approved tests, such as PTE Academic, may also be accepted, so check the current list before booking an exam.
What Is the Acceptance Rate at OCAD University?
OCAD University does not publish an official acceptance rate, and admission is competitive and portfolio-driven rather than purely marks-based. Selection weighs your creative portfolio, statement of intent and academic record together. Because assessment is holistic, a strong portfolio can matter more than grades, so applicants should focus on presenting their best original work.
Rather than a single cut-off percentage, OCAD evaluates each applicant on the overall strength of their submission. A well-curated portfolio that shows creativity, technical skill and a clear point of view is central to a successful application, particularly for competitive studio programs.
When Is the OCAD University Application Deadline?
OCAD University's undergraduate applications for fall entry generally open in the autumn and close early in the year, with the main deadline typically in February through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC). Portfolio and supporting documents follow shortly after. Applicants should always confirm exact 2026 dates on OCAD's official admissions website before applying.
Domestic applicants usually apply through OUAC, while international applicants may apply directly to OCAD. After the initial application, students are notified about submitting a portfolio and any additional program-specific materials. Missing a deadline can mean waiting for the next intake, so early preparation of the portfolio is strongly recommended.
How Does OCAD University Support International Students?
OCAD University welcomes international students from more than 50 countries and offers dedicated support to help them settle in Canada. Services cover immigration and study-permit advice, health insurance, on and off-campus work guidance, work-permit information, and student exchange opportunities. The international student office also helps newcomers adjust to life and study in Toronto.
International students form a significant part of the OCAD community, and the university provides guidance from application through to graduation. Support focuses on the practical side of studying abroad as well as building the professional networks that help graduates become successful practitioners in art and design.
- Guidance on adjusting to life in Canada and Toronto
- Immigration and study-permit advice
- On and off-campus work and placement support
- Work-permit information for during and after study
- Health insurance guidance
- Student exchange opportunities
Who Are OCAD University's Notable Alumni?
OCAD University has more than 25,000 alumni working across the creative sector worldwide. Its graduates include leading Canadian artists, illustrators and photographers such as Barbara Astman, Rebecca Belmore and David Blackwood, along with designers, curators and animators. Many alumni have shaped Canadian visual culture and gone on to internationally recognised creative careers.
OCAD's alumni network spans galleries, studios, design firms, film, animation and technology companies around the world. This community is a valuable resource for current students seeking mentorship, collaboration and career opportunities after graduation.
- Barbara Astman, artist and photographer
- Rebecca Belmore, internationally recognised artist
- David Blackwood, Canadian artist and printmaker
- Peggy Adam, comic book artist and illustrator