OCAD University (Ontario College of Art and Design University) is a public university located in Toronto, Canada. The university offers undergraduate and graduate programs in a wide range of areas including fine arts, design, digital media, environmental design, and criticism and curatorial practice.
It is considered to be one of the leading art and design schools in Canada and is known for its focus on interdisciplinary and experiential learning.
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Brief history
OCAD University has a long and rich history dating back to 1876 when it was first founded as the Ontario School of Art. It was established to provide professional training for artists and designers in the province of Ontario. In 1921, the institution was renamed the Ontario College of Art (OCA) and became the first art and design school in Canada to grant degrees.
Currently, OCADU is home to over 4,500 undergraduate and graduate students, and is known for its innovative programs and groundbreaking research. The university remains committed to its mission of transforming lives and communities through the power of art, design, and digital media.
Campus and residence (local and international)
OCAD U does not have its own student residences, but has many housing partners within the city! As we know there are many new and current students who will be need a place to stay during their studies, we have compiled these housing pages to support you in your search.
For students who prefer a more traditional residence experience, there are several student residences located near the university, including Campus Common, Chestnut Residence, and Tartu College. These residences offer a range of amenities and are popular among students attending OCADU and other universities in the area.
Ranking
In terms of rankings, OCADU is consistently ranked as one of the top art and design schools in Canada. Internationally, OCADU is also highly regarded. In the 2021 QS World University Rankings by Subject, OCADU was ranked among the top 100 institutions in the world for Art and Design.
Additionally, the university has been ranked as one of the top art schools in North America by several publications, including ArtNet News and Artsy. It is ranked #101-150 in QS WUR Ranking by Subject 2022.
Tuition
Tuition fees are charged at either the domestic or international rate. For the 2022-2023 academic year, the estimated tuition fees for domestic students (Canadian citizens and permanent residents) are as follows:
- Undergraduate programs: $8,070 to $12,200 per year
- Graduate programs: $10,020 to $12,200 per year
For international students, the estimated tuition fees for the 2022-2023 academic year are as follows:
- Undergraduate programs: $30,240 to $36,480 per year
- Graduate programs: $18,570 to $22,200 per year
Admission requirements
The admission requirements for OCAD University vary depending on the program of study and level of study. Generally speaking, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Undergraduate Programs:
Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, with a minimum of six Grade 12 U/M courses, including English (ENG4U) with a minimum grade of 70%
A portfolio of creative work, which will be used to assess the applicant’s suitability for the program
Some programs may also require specific courses or prerequisites, such as math or science courses, or a certain minimum grade point average (GPA)
Graduate Programs:
A four-year bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) from a recognized institution, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B)
A portfolio of creative work, which will be used to assess the applicant’s suitability for the program
Some programs may also require specific courses or prerequisites, work experience, or other additional materials
In addition to these requirements, applicants may also be required to submit transcripts, letters of recommendation, and other supporting materials. International applicants may also need to provide proof of English language proficiency, such as a TOEFL or IELTS score.
Acceptance rate
OCAD University has an acceptance rate between 40% to 50%, thus it is averagely selective. The applications for courses at OCAD are accepted during the Fall, Summer, and Winter semesters.
Why you should study at OCAD
At OCAD University, we attract curious and creative students who expect something more from their education and are willing to challenge themselves to achieve it. The University is leading intuition for rt and design, access to industry professional, Interdisciplinary programs, state-of-the-art facilities and vibrant community of students, faculty, and staff, who come from all over the world.
Notable alumni
OCAD University has produced many notable alumni who have gone on to achieve success in a wide range of creative fields. Here are just a few examples:
- Douglas Coupland – Author and visual artist, best known for his novel “Generation X”
- Virginia Kilbertus – Designer and artist, known for her work in fashion and textiles
- Ian Daffern – Composer and sound designer, known for his work on film, television, and video games
- Micah Lexier – Visual artist, known for his conceptual and minimalist work
- Annie Pootoogook – Inuit artist, known for her drawings and prints depicting contemporary Inuit life
OCAD University Address and Contact
Address: 100 McCaul Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5T 1W1
Phone: +1 416-977-6000
Website: https://www.ocadu.ca
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