New Students

Welcome New Graduate Students of OCAD University!

Did you receive an offer of admission for Fall 2026? Congratulations! We are excited to welcome you to the OCAD U graduate community.

This page is your hub for support, deadlines, events, and other important information to help you transition to OCAD U as a new graduate student. We're here to provide some answers and guidance to get you ready and feeling confident about joining OCAD U’s School of Graduate Studies in September 2026.

Don't forget to keep an eye out for more emails from gradadmissions [at] ocadu.ca (gradadmissions[at]ocadu[dot]ca).

Haven’t applied yet? Connect with an OCAD U advisor to learn more about our programs and what we offer.

View Student Events

New Student Checklist

RESPOND TO YOUR OFFER:

Confirm that you would like to accept your offer of admission by the deadline indicated in your offer of admission through the Graduate Application Status Page.

PAY THE ADMISSION CONFIRMATION DEPOSIT

Ensure you pay the non-refundable admission confirmation deposit to secure your seat by the deadline indicated in your offer of admission. PayMyTuition allows you to choose from several different payment methods.

All payments must be made through this platform:

SUBMIT ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS: 

To satisfy the conditions of your offer of admission, you must provide all required official documents to meet the admissions requirements. You can review your Application Status Page to see what required documents you still need to send in. Details on different conditions can be found on the second page of your Letter of Offer under “Conditions of Your Offer”.

ACTIVATE YOUR OCAD U USERNAME: 

New students will receive an important message about activating their username in June/July. 

ENROL IN THE GRADUATE STUDENT ORIENTATION COURSE: 

This self-directed course is designed to help you get started at OCAD U as a new graduate (MFA, MDes, MA) student. New students will receive an important message about enrolling in this course in June/July. 

RESPOND TO TEACHING ASSISTANT (TA) ROLE ANNOUNCEMENT: 

Eligible students who expressed interest in Experiential/Work Opportunities via their Graduate Application may be matched with TA roles for Fall 2026 or Winter 2027. The School of Graduate Studies will share a preliminary offer via your student email in late July.

Note: Part time, domestic applicants may contact gradadmissions [at] ocadu.ca (gradadmissions[at]ocadu[dot]ca) if interested in TA roles.

PLAN YOUR ELECTIVE COURSES:

Review your Program Guide and the OCAD U Course Catalog to help determine your elective courses.

More Information

Admissions FAQs Supports & Services International Students

Questions about conditions, deadlines and more...

What if I have questions? How do I contact the Graduate Admissions & Recruitment Office?

Email is the best way to get in touch with us at this time. Email us at gradadmissions [at] ocadu.ca (gradadmissions[at]ocadu[dot]ca) or book a 1:1 appointment here.

Outstanding Conditions or Documents

If there are documents outstanding from your file (i.e. Official Transcripts) that haven’t yet been sent to us, we recommend that these items are submitted to us electronically.

If your school, testing centre or examining body is able, they can send official documents to us by email to gradadmissions [at] ocadu.ca (gradadmissions[at]ocadu[dot]ca) or through e-transcript services like Parchment, MyCreds, etc.

Documents may also be sent by mail to:

OCAD University
Graduate Admissions & Recruitment
100 McCaul Street
Toronto, Ontario
M5T 1W1

What if my English language test results are below the minimum requirements?

If you have received an offer of admission and are required to submit English language proficiency test results, you have until June 2, 2026 to submit results that meet our minimum requirements.

Full details on the tests we accept, the minimum score requirements as well as details on our language pathway partner schools are available on our Application Requirements  page.

What if I don't receive a study permit on time?

Study permits are required for you to begin your studies in Canada. For details on how to obtain the appropriate documentation visit the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

Review our International Applicant page or the Government of Canada’s website for more detailed information.

If your study permit is not ready in time for September, please contact  gradadmissions [at] ocadu.ca (gradadmissions[at]ocadu[dot]ca) for assistance. 

Can I defer my offer of admission?

OCAD University will consider deferrals of the offer of admission in extenuating circumstances. To be eligible for a deferral you must first accept the offer of admission, pay the non-refundable admission confirmation deposit and satisfy all conditions of the offer of admission.

Please send us an email at gradadmissions [at] ocadu.ca (gradadmissions[at]ocadu[dot]ca) to enquire about a deferral if necessary. The last date to request a deferral is August 1, 2026.

Additional supports & services

Apply for Transfer Credit

Students who have completed courses at a graduate level at another institution may apply for transfer credits on a case-by-case basis. OCAD U does not assess transfer credits automatically.

We recommend new students to submit their request by August 1 to ensure enough processing time before their first classes start in September.

If you would like your previously completed courses considered, please contact gradadmissions [at] ocadu.ca (gradadmissions[at]ocadu[dot]ca) for the application form.

Financial Support

Whether it be tuition & fees, applying for OSAP, bursaries or scholarships, on-campus work-study programs, Financial Aid & Awards has information and resources available to help.

Visit the Financial Aid page to learn more.

Housing

There are a variety of housing options in Toronto for new, incoming students who will be attending OCAD U. We continuously work with these partners to ensure we provide reliable information and advice for our students.

Visit our housing page for more information and for links to our housing partner websites.

International Students

Apply for a Study Permit/Student Visa

Study permits are required for you to begin your studies in Canada and we recommend submitting your application as soon as possible after you have decided to accept the offer of admission to avoid processing details. For details on how to obtain the appropriate documentation visit the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

As of January 2026, graduate level students do not require a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL).

Additional details on study permits and visas can be found on our International Applicants page or on the Government of Canada’s website.

International Student Services 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.

Learn more about International Student Services

Laptop Program

The Laptop Program is unique to OCAD U. It tailors software support to the program you applied to for all students. All students entering undergraduate studies at OCAD University are required to bring a recommended laptop computer with them to University.

Learn more about the Laptop Program

Indigenous Applicants

SHE:KON, AANIIN, BOOZHOO, TANSI, TUNNGASUGIT, WACHAY, WELCOME! TO THE INDIGENOUS STUDENT CENTRE

The Indigenous Student Centre (ISC) offers a variety of services available for our diverse community of Indigenous students (Status, Non-status, Métis and Inuit). Our welcoming and friendly staff are here to provide a safe space and to support the academic, cultural, social and emotional well-being of Indigenous students at OCAD University.

L earn about the Indigenous Student Centre

Academic and Accessibility Support

Student Accessibility Services has subject matter expertise in the area of disability, accessibility and academic accommodations and oversees and coordinates the student academic accommodation process.

Learn about Student Accessibility Services

The Centre for Learning & Teaching (CLT) supports students and faculty in their learning, teaching and curriculum development through a variety of programs and services.

Learn more about the CLT

OCAD U welcomes international students to make meaningful global connections at Canada's largest university dedicated to art & design. All international students require a study permit issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) which allows you to study in Canada.

Study permits, visas and work permits

To learn more about the documents you will need as an international student in Canada, please visit our International Applicants page.

Additional Questions

If you have further questions about your study permit application, please contact the International Student Support Office at international [at] ocadu.ca (international[at]ocadu[dot]ca).

The International Student Support Office offers the following services to support you during your studies:

Advice on study permits, work permits and visas
Information about on- and off-campus employment
Guidance on using the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) and navigating the health system in Ontario
Advice on adjusting to life in Canada
Workshops and social activities

Note: Students are solely responsible for ensuring that they comply with all Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) regulations during their studies and while in Canada. The information on this page does not constitute legal advice and information may change without notice. Always refer to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website (external link)  for the most up-to-date information.

Welcome

We are so excited to welcome you into our diverse and vibrant community this September. Immerse yourself in world-class quality art & design education and learn from renowned faculty who are experts in their fields. At OCAD U, you will make friendships, build networks, and develop connections that will last a lifetime.

Set yourself up for success. 
Our staff and student services will help make your transition to graduate school at OCAD U as smooth as possible. We are here to provide support regarding tuition and finances as well as your health and medical needs.

Be in the centre of Canada’s biggest hub for culture and creativity. 
Located in the heart of downtown Toronto, our urban campus is situated in the centre of the action just minutes away from countless shops, restaurants, major museums, art galleries, and cultural institutions. Our bustling city is the home to Canada’s largest community of working artists, designers, makers, and creative professionals.

Your creative career continues here. 
Did you know that Toronto is home to 93% more artists than any other Canadian city? At OCAD U, you’ll join a community of successful alumni currently employed within creative and cultural sectors in Canada. Develop the skill sets needed to further your professional journey through career residencies, work opportunities, field placements and more throughout your studies.

Application Status Page

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