Bachelor of Fine Arts - Indigenous Visual Culture 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 Indigenous Visual Culture (INVC) at OCAD University is designed to deepen your understanding of the visual, cultural, social, and political histories of Indigenous peoples. This program encourages students to explore their own art and design within a supportive studio-based learning environment. By honoring the creative traditions of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit art and design practices, students engage in a rich educational experience that fosters both personal and artistic growth.

Program structure

The INVC program is structured to be completed in four years. Throughout this time, students will engage in a variety of artistic practices and methodologies, allowing for a comprehensive exploration of Indigenous visual culture. The program includes:

Electives in various mediums such as painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, and digital media.
A year-long thesis project in the fourth year, culminating in a portfolio designed for self-promotion.
Opportunities to participate in mentorship programs, open studio visits, and artist talks through partnerships with the Indigenous Student Centre.
Access to a supportive community that emphasizes social justice and cultural honor.

Students are encouraged to take risks and experiment with their artistic expressions, contributing to the ongoing history of innovative artistic production.

Featured Experiences

The INVC program offers a variety of unique experiences that enhance the educational journey:

Mentorship programs connecting students with Indigenous artists across Turtle Island.
Open studio visits and artist talks to foster community engagement and learning.
Short experiential learning placements with numerous organizations to gain practical experience.
Creative in-class projects that collaborate with real-world industry partners.
Exclusive summer internships to further develop skills and professional networks.
Gallery exhibitions showcasing student work, including participation in GradEx, OCAD U’s Graduate Exhibition.

Career Options

Graduates of the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Indigenous Visual Culture program can pursue a variety of career paths in Canada, including:

Arts and Community-Based Activism: Engaging in advocacy and activism through artistic expression and community involvement.
Education and Workshop Facilitation: Teaching and facilitating workshops that promote Indigenous art and culture.
Independent Artists and Entrepreneurs: Establishing personal art practices or businesses that reflect Indigenous perspectives.
Museums, Galleries, and Archives: Working in cultural institutions to preserve and promote Indigenous art and history.
Publishing, Media, Communications, and Design Organizations: Contributing to creative projects that highlight Indigenous narratives and perspectives.

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 - Indigenous Visual Culture program at OCAD University, applicants must meet the following Academic Requirements:

Portfolio: A portfolio is required for all studio BFA programs, including the Bachelor of Fine Arts.
Official Transcripts: Applicants must submit official transcripts as part of their application.
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 or school system with English as the official language of instruction, a minimum grade of B or 70% numeric equivalent in English 12 or equivalent course is required.
- If applying from a country or school system with a language other than English as the official language of instruction, or if the applicant's first language is not English and they have not completed at least four consecutive years of high school in an English-medium school system, they are required to present the successful results of an English Language Proficiency Test (ELPT).
International Baccalaureate (IB): The admission average for an IB Diploma applicant is generally calculated on 3 Higher Level and 3 Standard Level subjects, with a minimum final score of 24 points required. IB English must be included as one of these courses with a final grade of 4 or higher.
British Pattern Curriculum: Applicants must provide proof of completion of the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE/IGCSE) with five O-Level subjects with a minimum C grade or better, as well as General Certificate of Education Advanced or Advanced Supplementary Levels (GCE-A or GCE-AS) with at least two A-Levels or four AS-Levels.
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 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.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!