OCAD University is situated on the treaty lands of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. These are the ancestral territories of many nations, including the Anishinaabeg, the Haudenosaunee and the Huron-Wendat who are the original owners and custodians of the land. Toronto is also home to many urban First Nations, Inuit and Métis.
Indigenous Community at OCAD U
In the spirit of reciprocity, care and community, OCAD U is committed to maintaining and growing our relationships with Indigenous communities and peoples. We are here to provide programming and support for doers and makers interested in art and design. We welcome your collaborations by:
- Co-creating workshops with us
- Sharing supports and resources for Indigenous learners
- Inviting portfolio mentors and admissions specialists for information sessions and more
The Indigenous OCAD U community thrives on a network of like-minded artists, activists, elders, faculty and staff. Indigenous OCAD U influences and reaches far outside of campus from high schools and community organizations, to aunties and grandmothers. Our community is open and welcoming - reach out, tune in and connect with us.
Applicant Supports
...as an Ontario High School student
Submit an application through the Ontario Universities Application Centre (ouac.on.ca). You'll also need:
- a portfolio
- an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) with a minimum of 6 Grade 12 U or M courses including with a minimum 70% overall final average including ENG4U (or EAE4U) with a final grade of 70% or above.
...as a Canadian or U.S. High School student*
Submit an application through the Ontario Universities Application Centre (ouac.on.ca). You'll also need:
- a portfolio and statement of intent (See Preparing a Portfolio for details)
- a Secondary School Graduation equivalent to Grade 12 in Ontario with an overall average of B or 70% numeric equivalent in the final year
- AND a minimum grade of B or 70% numeric equivalent in English 12 or equivalent course.
*Refer to Finances & Funding to learn more about the Jay Treaty.
...as a Transfer student
Submit an application through the Ontario Universities Application Centre (ouac.on.ca). Depending on your past education, you'll join us as an Upper Year student or transfer credits to support your degree.
- a portfolio and statement of intent (See Preparing a Portfolio for details)
- a Secondary School Graduation equivalent to Grade 12 in Ontario with an overall average of B or 70% numeric equivalent in the final year
- AND a minimum grade of B or 70% numeric equivalent in English 12 or equivalent course.
- Visit our Transfer Pathways page to learn more about what you'll need to submit.
...as a Mature student
Submit an application through the Ontario Universities Application Centre (ouac.on.ca). You'll also need to submit:
- a portfolio and statement of intent (See Preparing a Portfolio for details)
- a Secondary School Graduation equivalent to Grade 12 in Ontario with an overall average of B or 70% numeric equivalent in the final year
- AND a minimum grade of B or 70% numeric equivalent in English 12 or equivalent course.
Visit the Guide to Admissions for a breakdown of the steps you'll take to apply.
There are various scholarships and bursaries available for Indigenous students. Find the full list here.
If you have questions regarding application fees and funding opportunities, connect with Sierra, our Indigenous Student Advisor, at sdasilvacanadien [at] ocadu.ca. She'll be able to talk through the options and pathways available to you at OCAD University.
...for U.S. based students
OCAD University recognizes the Jay Treaty of 1794, which provided First Nations and Native American citizens to pass freely between the Canada-United States border.
Native Americans from the United States of America must present documentation of tribal enrolment or membership to have the international tuition differential waived from their student accounts and will be assessed domestic tuition fees.
The Indigenous Visual Culture (INVC) program honours the creative traditions of First Nations, Métis and Inuit art and design practices. In this 4 year Bachelor of Fine Art program you will deepen your understanding of the visual, cultural, social, and political histories of Indigenous peoples.
Admissions & Recruitment, alongside the Indigenous Student Centre at OCAD U, is here to support our education and community partners.
We are always developing new ways help you prepare your students for post-secondary opportunities in art and design. Sign up to our community mailing list to learn more about:
- Application updates and admission requirements
- Support for ways to develop a portfolio
- Professional development opportunities and information sessions for guidance counsellors and teachers
Sierra da Silva-Canadien
Coordinator, Indigenous Admissions & Recruitment Support
sdasilvacanadien [at] ocadu.ca
Community at OCAD U (Student Support)
Explore the ISC community space and the centre's various resources!
Get access to wellness support, counselling and community through OCAD U and the ISC
Learn more about housing and travel resources for Indigenous students.
Stay up to date with the ISC's events and programming schedule.
Financing your studies can be stressful to plan; learn what funding and supports are available.
Have more questions?
Sierra da Silva-Canadien
Coordinator, Indigenous Admissions & Recruitment Support
e: sdasilvacanadien [at] ocadu.ca
