OCAD University

Explore your creativity and design a career doing what you love

OCAD University is Canada’s biggest art and design university. We’re a world-famous hub for art, design, digital media, research, innovation and creativity. At OCAD U, we can help you explore your creativity and turn what you love to do into a career.

We’re located in downtown Toronto, Canada’s economic powerhouse and one of the safest and most multi-cultural cities in the world. From small class sizes to technical support in all of our shops and studios, you will be more than a number at OCAD U.

All international students at OCAD U are supported by International Student Services. Friendly, knowledgeable staff can help you with obtaining health care, housing and employment, as well as adjusting to life in Canada.

More than nine out of ten OCAD U alumni are employed, and almost the same number have been their own boss. Our grads work in everything from city planning and advertising to photography, illustration and industrial design.

OCAD U has more than 4,500 students and 17 undergraduate programs. Field placement and internship opportunities are available in almost every program. Our degrees open the door to graduate-level education in many fields.

OCAD U professors and grads are the country’s best artists, designers, makers and cultural thinkers. We inspire innovation and generate jobs, entrepreneurship and economic impact.

The world needs the talent of people like you - you belong here! Send us an email or connect with us for a one on one meeting and see for yourself how you can design a career doing what you love.

Funding options for international students are very limited, so it is extremely important to have a solid financial plan in place for your education-related costs and living expenses. None of the federal or provincial financial aid programs are available to international students. These student loan and bursary programs are government-funded and students must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada to be eligible to apply. As an international student, you may be eligible for the following funding at OCAD U:

Scholarships and Awards (merit based, students are automatically considered)
OCAD U Bursary for International Students
International Student Emergency Fund

We recognize that it is it is not always easy to adjust to a new campus, city and country and we are here to support you all along the way. Campus Life is all about what you, as students, make it! We work hard to enhance student experiences and the overall quality of campus life by developing programs and activities that engage all students.

Welcome and Orientation

OCAD U and International Student Services offer welcome activities and orientation sessions for new undergraduate and graduate students, as well as incoming exchange students. Fall Orientation takes place each September before classes begin with a range of information sessions, campus and city tours and social outings offered to all new students. There will be welcome sessions specifically for international and exchange students. We also offer a condensed orientation for incoming exchange students in January of each year.

International Student Support and Exchange Programs

The Office of International Student Support and Exchange Programs ensures international students, exchange students and all students wishing to make meaningful global connections have access to innovative services, programs and activities that are responsive to their needs and assist them in becoming successful practitioners in the fields of art and design.

We offer information, support and guidance on the following:

Adjusting to life in Canada
Immigration matters (study permits, student work permits, visas)
On- and off-campus employment for international students
Tuition and finances
Student exchange and study-abroad opportunities
University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) and the Ontario healthcare system

Year institution founded: 1876
Total enrolled: 4500

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