Bachelor of Fine Arts - Photography 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

In the Photography program at OCAD University, students will learn essential skills ranging from darkroom techniques to digital photography. This program uniquely blends artistic vision with extensive technical training, allowing students to engage deeply with the medium. Participants will explore historical, analogue, and digital processes, using photography as a tool for creative expression and cultural production. With access to state-of-the-art facilities, including digital labs and darkrooms, students will develop a nuanced understanding of photography's evolution and its significance in contemporary art and culture. By the end of this program, students will have a refined portfolio and the critical tools necessary to navigate various professional creative careers.

Program structure

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography is a four-year undergraduate program designed to provide a comprehensive education in photography. The program structure includes:

Hands-on experience in state-of-the-art facilities, including digital labs and darkrooms.
Courses that cover photography history, theory, and criticism.
Independent and group projects to enhance skills in lighting, composition, editing, and production.
Encouragement of experimentation and connections with other disciplines such as installation, video, and performance.
Options for a Thesis or Directed Studio in the final year, allowing for specialized focus.

Students will also have opportunities for internships and experiential learning, which include:

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

Featured Experiences

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

Access to both colour and black and white darkrooms, one of the few schools in Canada to provide this.
State-of-the-art digital labs and film processing stations.
Hands-on projects that encourage experimentation across various artistic disciplines.
Collaboration with industry partners through creative in-class projects.
Opportunities to showcase work at GradEx, Toronto's largest free art and design exhibition.

Career Options

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

Independent Artist: Create and exhibit personal artwork, often in galleries or alternative spaces.
Freelance Photographer: Work on a project basis for various clients, capturing events, portraits, or commercial work.
Fashion Photographer: Specialize in capturing images for fashion magazines, advertisements, and lookbooks.
Gallery Administrator: Manage operations and exhibitions in art galleries, curating shows and supporting artists.
Art Educator: Teach photography and art concepts in schools or community programs, sharing knowledge with aspiring artists.

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

Visit OCAD University official website

Last updated on 2025-05-13

Program overview

Academic Requirements

To apply for the Bachelor of Fine Arts - Photography 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 - Photography. This portfolio should demonstrate the applicant's suitability and ability to succeed in the program.
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 where English is not the official language, applicants must present successful results of an English Language Proficiency Test (ELPT).
International Baccalaureate (IB): Applicants must have a minimum final score of 24 points, 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.
Study Permit/Student Visa: All international students must have a valid Study Permit/Student Visa before registering at OCAD U.

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.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!