Admission
Learn to use your creativity for today’s challenges. Alongside a diverse and supportive team of instructors and peers, gain employable skills that will help you get paid to do what you love.
General Admission
Admission and Academic Requirements
All offers of admission are conditional upon meeting the minimum academic requirements. Ontario high school students must successfully complete an Ontario Secondary School Diploma, including:
- Grade 12 U English (ENG4U or EAE4U) with a minimum final grade of 70%.
- A total of at least six Grade 12 U or M level courses (including ENG4U or EAE4U) with a minimum overall academic average of 70%.
There are other minimum requirements for mature students and those who are applying from outside Ontario or those with previous postsecondary education.
Read more about OCAD U’s admission requirements.
Portfolio
Admission to OCAD U’s studio-based degree programs (BDes or BFA) is based on submitting a portfolio. 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 requirements and supplemental application materials. After you apply, we will email you with details about submitting your portfolio for assessment.
Learn more about creating a portfolio.
Alternative Admissions and Transition Programs
Students who complete the Academic Bridging Program at the University of Toronto, Woodsworth College are welcome to apply to OCAD University’s undergraduate programs. Admission to the Academic Bridging Program is determined by Woodsworth College. OCAD U-bound students are encouraged to select the part-time option for the Bridging Program.
Mature student (see the next section about who is considered a mature student) who achieve a minimum of 63% final grade in the Academic Bridging Program (one full course) will be deemed to have met the academic requirements for admission to OCAD University.
Applicants to OCAD University must meet all other requirements for admission as stated on the OCAD University website, including the portfolio assessment, which is the primary basis of admission to OCAD U’s studio programs.
Learn more about the Academic Bridging Program.
Mature Students
To be considered a Mature Applicant, you must be at least 20 years of age by September 1 of the year of intended enrollment and not engaged in formal education for at least 2 years. Satisfactory proof of proficiency in English (a course or a test) is required of all applicants.
View OCAD U’s mature student policy
Transfer Policies
Students who have attended an accredited postsecondary institution or have completed Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate Higher Level courses may request transfer credits. This request must be initiated by the student; OCAD U does not automatically assess transfer credit. Those who receive transfer credit will avoid repeating course material already completed.
Students admitted in September 2020 or later have 2 years from the time they are admitted to OCAD U to request transfer credits. Students submit only 1 request during their time at OCAD U. We will review your transcripts for relevant courses that could fulfill program requirements at all year levels.
