International Summer Art & Design Residency

OCAD University’s International Summer Art & Design Residency is built for international 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 July 10 – July 28, 2023.

March 

• Applications open  

• March 29th: Early bird deadline. Apply by this date to receive a $200 discount on the program fee. 

April 

• April 18th: Recommended deadline. Apply by this date to get in the best position to secure a spot.

• Applicants will begin to be notified of their results. 

• Payment and deposit schedule released to admitted participants. 

• Housing and chaperone program applications open. 

Applications will remain open until filled. Housing is limited and is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. 

Application Process

1. Fill out the International Summer Residency Application form
2. 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
3. Create a Slideroom account and use the link in your email to access the Summer Residency Application.
4. Upload your creative work and statement of intent.
5. Submit and stay tuned as we review your work!

Application Requirements

1. Application Form

2. Written Statement of Intent
Tell us a little about you, 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 make 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. 
   

Residence and chaperone program

Participants have the option to stay with our campus housing partner CampusOne. CampusOne is a 15 minute walk to our downtown Toronto campus*. Read more about CampusOne here.

The approximate fee for the residence and chaperone program is $3300**. This fee is inclusive of breakfast, dinner and chaperone supervision for any participants under 18. 

*Housing is limited and is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. In the event that housing is unavailable with CampusOne, participants will be supported through referrals to other housing options.

**Final rates will be determined based on your arrival and departure dates and any special circumstances regarding your participants arrival.

Other housing options

Other options include homestay (staying with a local family in Toronto), furnished accommodations or co-op housing. Read more about OCAD U’s housing partners and providers. 

The course fee will be $2400 CAD. Payment and deposit schedule will be released to admitted participants. The course fee is inclusive of some supplies and field trips. 

The approximate fee for housing is $3300 CAD*. This fee is inclusive of breakfast, dinner chaperone supervision for any participants under 18.  

*Final rates will be determined based on your arrival and departure dates and any special circumstances regarding your participants arrival.  

Other expenses like entertainment, studio supplies, transit, health insurance and lunch/snacks are the responsibility of the participant. Admitted participants will receive a suggested budget in April to support their planning. 

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 would 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 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 and chaperone program, please reach out to portfolioclinics [at] ocadu.ca.

Don't see your question here? Email us at portfolioclinics [at] ocadu.ca.