OCAD University is Canada's largest and oldest art and design university, founded in 1876. Our campus, located in the heart of Toronto, is an internationally recognized hub for art, design, digital media, research, innovation and creativity.

You will be immersed in a diverse and tight-knit community of 4,500+ students, and learn in small classrooms from professors who are leading artists, designers and scholars.

OCAD U has three undergraduate faculties, a School of Graduate Studies and a School of Continuing Studies.

You can choose between 17 undergraduate programs and 6 graduate programs across art, design, media and research. We offer a unique environment that combines studio-based learning with critical inquiry, history and theory, and academic rigor.

Undergraduate programs lead to a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), a Bachelor of Design (BDes), or a Bachelor of Art (BA). Graduate programs award a Master of Art (MA), Master of Fine Art (MFA), or Master of Design (BDes).

Campus and Facilities

While enrolled, you will learn in small classrooms and have access to a wide range of unique shops and studios meant for you to explore and expand your art and design practice.

Specialized studios include:

• Photography Centre
  
• Rapid Prototyping
  
• Jewellery Studio
  
• Textiles Studio
  
• Ceramics Studio
  
• Mouldmaking Studio
  
• Printmaking Studio
  
• Computer Labs
  
• Motion Capture Studios
  
• Tool Loans and more

OCAD U does not have its own residence, but there are several nearby housing options to consider, such as residence parters, home stay options or co-ops.

Throughout the year, OCAD University hosts online and virtual events for you to learn more about the programs, portfolio requirements and transfer options. The summer programs are perfect for high school students looking to get studio experience before preparing applications for post-secondary art and design programs.

The RBC Centre for Emerging Artists and Designers supports the early career advancement of all OCAD U students. You will have access to career advising, internships, experiential learning programs, career development opportunities, and creative entrepreneurship support.

OCAD University Campus Life, in collaboration with the Intramural Program at Michener Institute for Applied Health Sciences (222 St. Patrick St.) offers exciting intramural opportunities to OCAD U students. All games are played in Michener's gymnasium where OCAD U students will play against each other, as well as Michener teams, for some friendly competition! All teams must be co-ed.

Campus Life

At OCAD U, we want all students to feel supported and enjoy every aspect of campus life! Campus Life ensures that students have access to community outside the classroom with initiatives such as:

• Orientation & Welcome Day
• Peer Mentor programs
• Intramural Sports
• Student Clubs

You can also get involved in the Student Union or be a student representative at the Board of Governors or Senate.

Studio based computing is provided via six computer studios located throughout the campus. Some of these facilities function both as a resource for students for digital technology and as venues for studio based curriculum delivery. Industry standard applications, commonly used by artists and designers, are available on both the Mac and Windows operating systems. High speed Internet and wireless technology are available throughout campus. In addition, for OCAD's laptop program, we negotiate with Apple and Toshiba in order to provide students with the best pricing and the latest hardware.

XPACE is a non-profit, student run gallery that aims to promote the works of emerging artists of all disciplines in a professional setting. All OCAD students are members of XPACE Cultural Centre, which is a membership driven organization governed by the OCAD Student Union Board of Directors.

OCAD University offers a variety of services and supports to students, including:

• RBC Centre for Emerging Artists & Designers
• Student Accessibility Services
• International Student Support Office
• Centre for Learning & Teaching
• Indigenous Student Centre
• Financial Aid

OCAD has a study abroad program at our campus in Florence, Italy as well as a self designed international study program. The Florentine campus offers a facilitated, directed study approach to learning and is open each year to a limited number of students from all areas who have completed at least two years of study. While in Florence, students develop a body of work in a communal studio setting and study art history amidst a backdrop of architectural and artistic treasures from the Italian Renaissance. Alternatively, OCAD students may spend a semester at another art and design institution by participating in the Mobility/Exchange program.

Guided on-campus tours are available year-round, check the schedule here.

An education in art and design is a special learning experience. National Portfolio Day is your opportunity to meet professionals from some of the finest design and visual arts schools in North America. It’s not a competition and no offers of admission will be made. Bring your best work and have it critiqued for potential admission to the art or design school of your choice. OCAD hosts a National Portfolio Day event annually in November. Visit the Prospective Students section of the OCAD University website in September for exact dates and a list of participating institutions.