Figuring out your financial plan helps to ensure success in your undergraduate degree. Being ready financially will help you to focus on your creative practice, classes and getting the most out of your time at OCAD U.
There are many ways to support your education costs: scholarships, bursaries, on-campus jobs and more!
Entrance Awards & Scholarships
All new, full-time, first-entry undergraduate students enrolling in first year will be automatically considered. You’ll need a strong portfolio or supplemental items and good academics, so keep up the hard work!
OCAD U is exited to announce the introduction of Guaranteed Entrance Scholarships for Ontario High School Students through our Entrance Scholarships & Awards Program.
Eligibility:
You will be automatically awarded an entrance scholarship if you:
- Are graduating from an Ontario secondary school in 2026
- Have a final average of 85.00% or higher in six (6) Grade 12 U/M-level courses, including prerequisite courses
- Are a Canadian citizen, Permanent Resident of Canada, or a Protected Person in Canada
Scholarship Amounts based on Average:
- Final average in six (6) Grade 12 U/M-level courses: 85% to 89.99%
Total Award Value: $1000
Fall Term: $500
Winter Term: $500 - Final average in six (6) Grade 12 U/M-level courses: 90% to 94.99%
Total Award Value: $2000
Fall Term: $1000
Winter Term: $1000 - Final average in six (6) Grade 12 U/M-level courses: 95%+
Total Award Value: $3000
Fall Term: $1500
Winter Term: $1500
All scholarships and awards are in Canadian dollars.
Please review the terms and conditions for additional details:
Note: If you intend to apply for OSAP, please do not report this scholarship on your OSAP application. We will report it on your behalf. Scholarship funding can potentially affect your OSAP assessment, so please watch your OSAP account for any updates.
OCAD U's Entrance Awards and Scholarships for International Applicants recognizes the aptitude of our international applicants.
Set on a global stage, OCAD University values the voices, perspectives, and experiences that you bring with you into our city and onto our campus. As part of our community, you will be immersed and creating in one of the most diverse and universally connected cities in the world alongside other international students, faculty, and staff.
These awards awards celebrate your hard work and achievements as demonstrated by the strength of your portfolio submission and your overall application.
President’s Global Talent Award
Eligibility: All international applicants are automatically considered
Timeline: Successful recipients will be notified by email in April. Terms and conditions apply and are indicated to selected recipients.
Awards available: 25 recipients yearly
Total Award Value: $5000
Fall Term: $2500
Winter Term: $2500
Hermanos Fattori International Student Entrance Award
Eligibility: All International applicants from Latin American countries are automatically considered.
Timeline: Successful recipients will be notified by email in April. Terms and conditions apply and are indicated to selected recipients.
Awards available: One recipient yearly
Total Award Value: $5000
Fall Term: $2500
Winter Term: $2500
All scholarships and awards are in Canadian dollars.
Undergraduate Entrance Scholarships and Awards
Amount: From $500 to $5000
Eligibility: All new, full-time, first-entry undergraduate students enrolling in first year will be automatically considered.
Criteria: This scholarship is based on portfolio or supplemental material strength and good academics, keep up the hard work!
Additional details coming soon.
Note: If you intend to apply for OSAP, please do not report this scholarship on your OSAP application. We will report it on your behalf. Scholarship funding can potentially affect your OSAP assessment, so please watch your OSAP account for any updates.
Other Funding Opportunities
Government programs like the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) provide financial aid to students enrolled in post-secondary studies.
Loan programs can help pay for costs relating to your education such as tuition, books, compulsory fees, transportation and associated living costs for students who qualify Keep in mind that typically, this is money that you will have to pay back to the institution that loaned you the money. Some programs, like OSAP also include grants (money you keep!).
For more on loan programs for Ontario residents, other provinces within Canada, or applications from the United States explore more here.
Keep in mind that international students are not eligible for government assistance through Canadian Federal and/or Provincial loan programs. Check out International Tuition and Finances for more information about tuition, scholarships and bursaries geared to international students.
In general, students must apply for student loans through the province where they last lived for at least 12 months prior to entering full-time post-secondary studies.
Information on applying for assistance or renewing student loans previously issued through another province or territory can be found on the following provincial/territorial websites:
Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Newfoundland and Labrador
Nova Scotia
Northwest Territories
Nunavut
Prince Edward Island
Quebec
Saskatchewan
Yukon
OCAD U has obtained eligibility for US students to secure private student loans through Sallie Mae only.
OCAD U can certify loan interest-free repayment deferrals for students who have previous Federal Family Education Program Loans and Federal Direct Student Loans funding.
Bursaries are non-repayable awards given primarily on the basis of financial need.
Bursaries are intended to supplement, not replace, other sources of funding that students may have for their studies.
We offer emergency bursaries to provide one-time, short-term assistance to students experiencing financial difficulties beyond their control.
Learn more about OCAD U bursaries and the application process.
The Ontario Bursary for Students with Disabilities (BSWD) and the Canada Student Grant for Services and Equipment – Students with Disabilities (CSG-DSE) help eligible full-time and part-time students pay for eligible disability-related services and equipment needed to participate in postsecondary studies.
If you have a verified permanent disability or a verified persistent or prolonged disability, you may be considered for BSWD and CSG-DSE funding.
There is also the chance to work at OCAD U while you study!
The University offers many on-campus employment opportunities (You could be a campus tour guide, IT/AV support, study-group leader, etc.) through the Institutional Work Study Plan (IWSP). Learn more about working on campus here.
Regardless of your program or residency status, our Centre for Emerging Artists & Designers (CEAD) can help you find work or internships off campus with one of our 400+ experiential learning partners. Learn more about the CEAD.
Financial Aid & Awards Info Session Recording
