Graphic Design (BDes)

For more information about Graphic Design at OCAD University, please visit the webpage using the button above.

The award
BDes

How long you will study
4 years

Domestic course fees
CAD 7700 per year

How you will study
full-time

Course starts
find out

International course fees
CAD 26000 per year

All study options

About Graphic Design at OCAD University

In the Graphic Design program, you will learn the process of visual communication through the combo of images, photography and text to represent ideas and messages.

Some graphic design programs at other schools have a sole focus on technical skills and commercial, corporate work. OCAD U’s Graphic Design program teaches you the skills you need but also encourages you to use graphic design as an art form, to challenge barriers and create work for social good.

You’ll learn how graphic design impacts society and generates dialogue. You will benefit from hands-on training, as well as theory courses that explore design as a form of expression.

Theory courses in topics like brand strategy will teach you to explore the creative process and develop designs that help promote ideas and products.

At the end of this four-year program, you will earn a Bachelor of Design degree.

Learn More About This Course

There is more information about this course available on the OCAD University website

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Study options for this course

The award How you will study How long you will study Course starts Domestic course fees International course fees
The awardBDesHow you will studyFull-timeHow long you will study4 years
Course starts find outDomestic course feesCAD 7700 per yearInternational course feesCAD 26000 per year

Entry requirements

Official transcripts (unless collected and submitted through the OUAC), English language proficiency test results (if required) and supporting documents should be mailed directly from the institution attended or the testing centre to the Admissions & Recruitment office at OCAD U's main address. The following academic requirements must be met to complete the admission process.

For International high school applicants: Secondary School Graduation equivalent to Grade 12 in Ontario with an overall average of B or 70% numeric equivalent in the final year and:

If you are applying from a country or school system with English as the official language of instruction, a minimum grade of B or 70% numeric equivalent in English 12 or equivalent course is required.
If you are applying from a country or school system with a language other than English as the official language of instruction, OR if your first language is not English and you have not completed at least four consecutive years of high school in an English-medium school system, you are required to present the successful results of an English Language Proficiency Test (ELPT).

All international students must have a valid Study Permit/Student Visa before registering at OCAD U. We strongly recommend that you apply for your study permit as soon as the offer of admission is received.

International Baccalaureate (IB): The admission average for an IB Diploma applicant is generally calculated on 3 Higher Level and 3 Standard Level subjects. A minimum final score of 24 points is required. IB English must be included as one of these courses with a final grade of 4 or higher. Transfer credit may be awarded to students who achieve a grade of at least 5 in Higher Level IB courses that are approved as equivalent to OCAD U courses.

Please Note: Applicants not completing the full IB Diploma must provide official transcripts and proof of Secondary School Graduation equivalent to Grade 12 in Ontario with an overall average of B or 70% numeric equivalent in the final year and satisfy English entrance requirements.

Advanced Placement (AP) Courses: OCAD U recognizes the value of AP courses and will take successful completion of these courses into consideration when assessing academic requirements. Transfer credit may be awarded to students who achieve a grade of 4 or higher in courses that are approved as equivalent to OCAD U courses.

British Pattern Curriculum: Applicants must provide proof of completion of the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE/IGCSE) with five O-Level subjects with a minimum C grade or better as well as General Certificate of Education Advanced or Advanced Supplementary Levels (GCE-A or GCE-AS) with at least two A-Levels or four AS-Levels. Minimum grade of C in each A/AS-Level is required. English at the A-Level or AS-Level is recommended but must at least be completed at the O-Level.

Non-traditional Applicants: To be considered as a Mature Applicant, you must be at least 20 years of age by September 1 of the year of intended enrolment and not engaged in formal education for at least two years. Satisfactory proof of proficiency in English (a course or a test) is required of all applicants.

As outlined in the Admission Requirements (Undergraduate) Policy, applicants to OCAD University’s undergraduate programs must meet minimum academic entrance requirements and submit:

Statement of Intent (required for all programs) and
Portfolio (required for all studio BFA, BDes programs) or
Writing sample (required for the BA in Visual and Critical Studies)
Official transcripts
English Language Proficiency Test results (if required)

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