Bachelor of Design - Graphic Design

Academic Requirements

To apply for the Bachelor of Design - Graphic Design program at OCAD University, applicants must meet the following Academic Requirements:

• Portfolio: A portfolio is required for all studio BFA and BDes programs, which demonstrates the applicant's suitability and potential for success in the program.
• Official Transcripts: Applicants must submit official transcripts from their previous educational institutions.
• International Applicants:
  • Secondary School Graduation equivalent to Grade 12 in Ontario with an overall average of B or 70% numeric equivalent in the final year.
  • If applying from a country where English is not the official language, successful results of an English Language Proficiency Test (ELPT) are required.
• International Baccalaureate (IB): A minimum final score of 24 points is required, including IB English with a final grade of 4 or higher.
• British Pattern Curriculum: Proof of completion of the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE/IGCSE) with five O-Level subjects with a minimum C grade or better, along with at least two A-Levels or four AS-Levels.
• Advanced Placement (AP) Courses: Successful completion of AP courses will be considered when assessing academic requirements.

Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

It is important to note that admission to OCAD University is competitive; meeting the minimum academic entrance requirements does not guarantee admission. Final decisions on matters of admission rest within the Undergraduate Admissions Office. All admission decisions are final and are not subject to appeal.

For any clarification and support regarding the application process, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

English Language Proficiency Requirements

The language/medium of instruction at OCAD University is English. It's important for your success at OCAD U that you demonstrate proficiency in both spoken and written English that is sufficient to meet the demands of studio/classroom instruction, written assignments, as well as participation in discussions and critiques.

In addition to meeting academic entrance requirements and English prerequisite course (if applicable) requirements, all applicants whose first language is not English are required to submit results of an English Language proficiency test meeting or exceeding the test results indicated below.

OCAD University reserves the right to request an English Language Proficiency test from any applicant regardless of their academic background. English Language Proficiency requirements are subject to change.

The following English Language Proficiency tests are acceptable for admission to an undergraduate program at OCAD U. Test results will be considered valid if completed within 24 months of the intended start date at OCAD U:

• IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Academic: Minimum 6.5 overall with no part below 6.0 (Academic Module).
• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) iBT: Minimum total score of 84 with at least 20 in Reading, at least 19 in Listening, at least 22 in Speaking and at least 20 in Writing.
• TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition: Minimum total score of 84 with at least 20 in Reading, at least 19 in Listening, at least 22 in Speaking and at least 20 in Writing.
• PTE Academic (Pearson Test): Minimum 58 overall with at least 56 in Listening, at least 56 in Reading, at least 56 in Speaking and at least 56 in Writing.
• Duolingo English Test (DET): Minimum overall score of 110 with at least 105 in Production.
• CAEL (Canadian Academic English Language Assessment): Minimum 70 overall with no band below 60.
• COPE (Certificate of Proficiency in English) and TOP (Test of Oral Proficiency): Minimum 86 overall with at least 32 in Writing, at least 22 in Reading, and at least 22 in Listening. Minimum score of 6 in TOP.

Please check with our team for more details.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.