Guide to Admissions
Our application process
WATCH: How to apply to OCAD University
Dates and Deadlines
Applications will open in September 2026 for all programs and for both Fall 2027 and Winter 2028 intakes.
Detailed timelines below.
Detailed timelines below.
Timeline for Fall 2027 entry
- September 2026 - Applications open through OUAC
- October 2026 - OCAD U begins processing applications and confirming with applicants
- November 2026 - Portfolio submission opens through SlideRoom
- January 15, 2027 – Recommended application deadline for Group A: Current Ontario High School Students
- February 1, 2027 - Application deadline for Group B: All other applicants (*note that OCAD U may continue to accept applications after this date, applicants will be provided with specific deadlines if different than below)
- February 10, 2027 - Portfolio submission deadline
- March 1, 2027 - deadline to submit interim transcripts, any final transcripts, and language tests (if applicable)
- March 2027 - Admission decisions begin to be sent out
If you get an offer of admission:
- May 3, 2027 - Deadline to respond to offer of admission (accept or decline) for Group B applicants
- May 10, 2027 – Deadline to pay admission confirmation deposit for Group B applicants who have accepted offer of admission
- June 1, 2027 - Deadline to respond to offer of admission (accept or decline) for Group A applicants (Current Ontario High School Students)
- June 8, 2027 – Deadline to pay admission confirmation deposit for Group A applicants (Current Ontario High School Students) who have accepted offer of admission
- July 15, 2027 - Recommended deadline to submit all final official documents, transcripts, and language test results (if applicable).
- August 1, 2027 - Final deadline to submit all official documents to satisfy admission conditions .
Timeline for Winter 2028 entry
Please note: Winter intake is only available for group B (all applicants except Ontario High School Students)
- September 2026 - Applications open through OUAC
- October 2026 - OCAD U begins processing applications and confirming with applicants
- November 2026 - Portfolio submission opens through SlideRoom
- May 1, 2027 - Application Deadline for winter entry for Group B: All other applicants
- May 10, 2027 - Portfolio submission deadline
- June 2027 - Admission decisions begin to be sent out.
If you get an offer of admission:
- By the deadlines indicated in the offer - Respond to offer of admission (accept or decline), pay admission confirmation deposit, and provide documents to prove you have met academic entrance requirements and satisfy any admission conditions, including language proficiency
- December 1, 2027 - Final deadline to submit all official documents to satisfy admission conditions
APPLYING TO OCAD U
How it works
All applications for admission are made online through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC), with supporting materials, such as portfolio or writing samples, submitted through Slideroom. Offers of admission are based primarily on the strength of the applicant’s portfolio or writing sample, and all offers are conditional upon meeting the minimum academic requirements and supplying required documentation.
Admissions checklist
On this page learn about:
- Application Timeline
- Dates & Deadlines
- Admissions Checklist
- Ways to Connect
- and more! (Keep scrolling)
Take the Next Step
Connect with us
Stay updated on important dates and deadlines, key events, webinars and more!
Book a virtual one to one appointment with an undergraduate admissions experts!
Meet our admissions team to get info about academic and portfolio requirements, campus life and more!
Follow us on Instagram @ocaduadmissions to participate in our #OCADpromptsU challenge! Show us what you got! We prompt you with an idea, you come up with a unique and interesting response to it and we will share it on our Instagram!