English for Art and Design

English for Art & Design (EAD) pathway programs

Choose English for Art & Design (EAD) as your pathway into OCAD University and advance your journey as an artist/designer.

 Set  yourself up for success in first year and beyond!  
Build your confidence in English and practice in a supportive environment.
Connect, build community and make friends!

The English for Art & Design (EAD) Advantage

Designed specifically for students who are English Language Learners (ELLs), EAD offers much more than language learning. Immerse yourself in creative and interactive studio-based learning!

Join a vibrant community of English Language Learners who are passionate about art and design just like yourself.
Practice language skills while you make art/design and learn the vocabulary used by art and design professionals.
Develop a strong academic foundation before you start your first year (in EAD: Bridge)
Explore university-level learning and expectations (e.g., how to participate in discussions, conventions about writing, reading skills, making presentations, OCAD U classroom cultures).
Learn from OCAD U instructors (professional artists and designers, and language coaches).

2025 English for Art & Design Programs

EAD: Bridge to First Year

June 30 - August 8, 2025

EAD: Expanded

September - December, 2025

English for Art & Design (EAD) might be a good fit for you if:

You receive an offer of admission to OCAD University and need to meet the condition of English language proficiency.*

You have an offer of admission to OCAD U, have met the English language proficiency requirements and want to get a head start (advantage) on your first year. EAD programs are designed for students who speak English as an additional language (English Language Learners).

*Students who successfully complete the appropriate English for Art & Design program will fulfil the English language proficiency requirements for admission and will not need to provide further proof of English language proficiency.

Have more questions?

For general questions about the EAD programs, feel free to contact us. You can also check the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page. The button to the FAQs page is available to the right (in desktop view) or at the bottom (mobile view) of this page.

To contact us, please email the ead [at] ocadu.ca (EAD Office).