OCAD University’s International Summer Art & Design Residency is a three-week hands-on studio experience dedicated to high school students seeking an opportunity to visit and create in Toronto, Canada.
Situated at our campus in downtown Toronto, and with the guidance of OCAD U faculty, you are invited to fully immerse yourself in the making of a new series of art or design work for your portfolio.
This residency program closely resembles the first year OCAD U experience with studio visits, critiques, and projects that help you develop and improve your ideas through full day studio classes. By the end of this program, you will come away with new work that showcases your concepts, skills and techniques for post-secondary admissions inspired by your time in Toronto!
OCAD University’s International Summer Art & Design Residency is for students seeking an opportunity to visit and make art in Toronto, Canada.
Applicants to this program must have completed Grade 10 and be 16 years or older.
The residency will run from Monday, July 7th – Friday, July 25th, 2025*
*Recommended arrival and departure dates are Sunday, July 6th and Saturday, July 26th, 2025
February
- 2025 Residency Applications Open: February 4, 2025
March
- Early bird deadline: April 3, 2025
- Save $200 off tuition!
- Recommended deadline if you require a visitor visa to enter Canada
April
Residency Info Session: April 10, 2025, at 8:00 am EST (Toronto time)
- Deadline for international applicants who need a visa: April 30, 2025.
- Processing times for a visitor visa to enter Canada vary by country, use this tool to check processing times in yours.
June
- Final application deadline: June 4, 2025
Application Process
- Fill out the International Summer Residency Application form.
- After submitting the application form, you'll receive an email with a link to Slideroom, where you can upload your portfolio and statement of intent
- Create a Slideroom account and use the link in your email to access the Summer Residency Portfolio Submission Application.
- Upload your creative work and statement of intent within two weeks.
- Submit and stay tuned as we review your work!
Application Requirements
2. Written Statement of Intent
Tell us a little about yourself, what you're interested in, and why. Your statement should be approximately 250 - 350 words in length and answer the following questions:
- Why are you interested in participating in the OCAD U International Summer Art & Design Residency Program?
- What areas of interest and/or mediums do you work in?
- What are you hoping to achieve or gain while immersed in this program?
3. Art/Design Portfolio
Provide 5-8 files that include images or documentation of your art or design work. This may include process work or documentation of larger 3-dimensional, sculpture or installation work.
- In your submission, please include examples of art and design work you have made independent from school projects or that have been self-directed.
- For any media-based work (film, animation, video, or audio), you may upload the file directly or include a link to the work. This can be from YouTube, Vimeo, SoundCloud or any other web hosting you use to share your time-based media.
Applicants should expect a response to their complete application within two weeks.
For ease of travel and stay, this program can include an overnight residence-based experience with Parkside or one of OCAD U's nearby downtown student housing partners. These are safe and convenient options to provide participants with the experience of living on your own, with a little support.
Amenities include:
- Two on-site laundry facilities
- 24-hour gym, yoga and cycling studio
- Social lounges, recreation theatre and billiards space
- Community kitchens with an all-you-care-to-eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner program, including lunch-to-go and after-hours pick-up dinner options
- 24-hour, card-controlled access & on-site security guards
Already have a place to stay in the city? See our cost breakdown for a local residency program participant.
Can you tell me more about the residence arrangements at Parkside?
Parkside is located in downtown Toronto, a 20-minute streetcar/30-minute walk from OCAD U. Each suite is fully furnished, cozy, secure and low maintenance. Participants will be supported by Parkside’s 24/7 security and community assistant teams*.
*Note that participants under 18 will be enrolled in a curfew and check-in program.
Do I have to stay at Parkside residence?
This residency experience has been designed for participants to get fully immersed on our campus and in our studio, explore what it's like to live in a student residence, build friendships with other artists and designers, and to get to know Toronto.
If you are interested in this program but have a nearby place to stay for three weeks, you can apply as a local residency program participant. You will still be expected to attend all weekday programming and have the option to participate in any potential weekend activities.
Don't see your question here? Email us at portfolioclinics [at] ocadu.ca (portfolioclinics[at]ocadu[dot]ca)
Program fee
CAD 7,150 plus tax (13%)
Included in the cost:
- 3-week accommodation at Parkside, a student residence in the heart of downtown Toronto.
- All-you-care-to-eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- To-go lunch options and an after-hours dinner pick-up service
- Most program materials
Local residency program cost
If you are interested in the residency program, but have a nearby place to stay throughout the three weeks, you can apply as a local residency program participant.
Program fee for local residency program participants is CAD 4,700 plus tax (13%)*
*some additional costs may apply depending on your arrival, departure dates. All participants will receive a suggested budget for out-of-pocket expenses like entertainment, lunch, clothing, phone plans, specialized art supplies etc.
Are there language requirements?
All classes are taught in English. If English is not your first language, you are required to be proficient in written and spoken English and be able to participate in group discussions and presentations in English. As a guideline, we expect you to have an IELTS score of 4.5 to 6.0.
I’m not a citizen or permanent resident of Canada. Will I need a visa?
A study permit is not required for a stay of less than 6 months. However, unless you are a citizen of the United States, you will need either a temporary resident visa (visitor visa) or an electronic travel authorization (eTA) to enter Canada. The one you need depends on your country of citizenship. Please visit the Government of Canada website to find out which one you should apply for.
How long does it take to get a visitor visa?
Canadian visiting visa processing times vary from country to country. You can check the average processing time for your region on the Government of Canada website.
Can OCAD help me with my visa application?
The International Student Support Office at OCAD can answer questions and provide advice but cannot complete the visa application for you. Please contact international [at] ocadu.ca (international[at]ocadu[dot]ca) if you need assistance.
I’m under 18 years old. Are there special requirements for me to come to Canada?
In Ontario, a person under 18 is considered a minor child. Minor children under the age of 17 must come to Canada with a parent or legal guardian or have a custodian in Canada. A custodian is a responsible adult who will take care of the child in Canada. Custodians must be citizens or permanent residents of Canada. Please visit the Government of Canada website for details.
If you do not have a responsible adult in Canada and you would like to take part in the residence program, please reach out to portfolioclinics [at] ocadu.ca (portfolioclinics[at]ocadu[dot]ca).
Explore the work of our Residency Participants
We are accepting applications on a rolling basis until June 4, 2025.
*If you require a visa to enter Canada, apply by April 30 to account for visa processing times.