Bachelor of Fine Arts - Drawing and Painting at OCAD University - Program overview

This program is currently under review and being updated. For the most up-to-date information, please contact us.

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-05-13

Program overview

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Drawing and Painting at OCAD University is designed to help students expand their knowledge of contemporary painting through both traditional and experimental approaches. This program is taught by practicing professional artists who guide students in finding their individual artistic voice while developing essential drawing and painting studio skills. Students will engage with art theory, history, and contemporary social issues, providing a comprehensive framework for their artistic practice. By the end of the program, graduates will possess a deep understanding of contemporary drawing and painting practices, along with highly developed technical and conceptual skills.

Program structure

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Drawing and Painting is a four-year program that offers a rich and diverse curriculum designed to foster artistic growth and technical proficiency. The program structure includes:

Foundational courses in painting, drawing, and art history during the first year.
Intensive studio courses in the second year that build on fundamental techniques and introduce new media.
Critical assessment and professional practice in the third year, focusing on the development of an art career.
A choice between a Thesis or a breadth of electives in the fourth year, allowing for specialization or broader exploration.

Additionally, students have the opportunity to participate in:

Short experiential learning placements with various organizations.
Creative in-class projects with real-world industry partners.
Exclusive summer internships.
Gallery exhibitions of their work.
Freelance creative opportunities.

Featured Experiences

The Drawing and Painting program at OCAD University offers a variety of unique experiences that enhance learning and professional development:

Access to short experiential learning placements from a wide range of organizations.
Creative in-class projects that collaborate with real-world industry partners.
Exclusive summer internships that provide hands-on experience.
Opportunities to exhibit work in galleries, showcasing student talent.
Freelance creative opportunities to build a professional portfolio.

Career Options

Graduates of the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Drawing and Painting can pursue a variety of career paths in the cultural sector. Some potential job options include:

Practicing Artist: Create and exhibit original artwork in various mediums.
Curator: Organize and manage art exhibitions in galleries and museums.
Cultural Programming Coordinator: Develop and implement arts programs and events.
Art Teacher: Educate students in art techniques and history at various educational levels.
Arts Administrator: Oversee operations and management within arts organizations.
Art Conservator: Preserve and restore artworks for museums and galleries.
Illustration and Mural Artist: Create visual art for publications, public spaces, and private commissions.
Artistic Director: Lead creative projects and initiatives within arts organizations.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

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Last updated on 2025-05-13

Program overview

Academic Requirements

To apply for the Bachelor of Fine Arts - Drawing and Painting program at OCAD University, applicants must meet the following Academic Requirements:

Portfolio: A portfolio is required for all studio BFA programs, including Drawing and Painting. This portfolio should demonstrate the applicant's suitability and ability to succeed 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, applicants must present successful results of an English Language Proficiency Test (ELPT).
Prerequisite Courses: Applicants must have completed the necessary prerequisite courses as specified by the program.

It is important to note that transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

Admission to OCAD University is competitive; meeting the minimum academic entrance requirements does not guarantee admission. Therefore, it is advisable to apply as soon as possible to ensure your application is considered.

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.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!