Master of Design - Digital Futures

Academic Requirements

To apply for the Master of Design - Digital Futures program at OCAD University, applicants must meet the following Academic Requirements:

• Minimum GPA: Applicants must hold a BA, BFA, BDes, BComm, BSc, BEng, or comparable honours degree/certification with an average of 75 per cent (B+) or better during the last two years of study.
• Transcripts: Unofficial transcripts from every post-secondary institution attended must be uploaded as part of the online application. If your transcript does not clearly state that your degree was conferred, upload a copy of your degree certificate along with your transcript. Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.
• Recommendation Letters: All program applications require two (2) recommendation letters. Recommenders must complete their recommendation letter directly through the Graduate Application Portal.
• Program-Specific Requirements: Applicants need to complete and submit the following through the Graduate Application Portal:
  • Thesis Project Proposal: An 800 to 1,000-word proposal for a thesis project that you can imagine completing in your second year of the program.
  • Samples of Work: Select 3-7 samples of your work that speak to the ideas you are working on and are interested in exploring in the Digital Futures program.
  • CV: An updated copy of your curriculum vitae must be included.
  • Program-Specific Questions: Responses to a series of questions specific to the program are required.

For international students, it is advisable to contact LOA Portal's advisors for any clarification and support regarding the application process. Students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to ensure they meet all requirements and deadlines.

Language Requirements

The official language of instruction at OCAD U is English. To demonstrate English language proficiency at a graduate level, you must meet one of the following criteria:

• Completion of a Bachelor's, Master's, or doctoral degree (or equivalent) where the language of instruction was English.
• Your first language is English.
• Completion of an English language test within the 24 months prior to the application deadline, meeting the below minimum test scores:

• TOEFL iBT or TOEFL iBT Home Edition
  • Overall: 90
  • Reading: 22
  • Listening: 20
  • Writing: 22
  • Speaking: 22
• IELTS (Academic)
  • Overall: 7
  • Reading: 7
  • Listening: 7
  • Writing: 7
  • Speaking: 7
• Duolingo English Test
  • Overall: 120
  • (OCAD U will continue to accept Duolingo English Test scores for Fall 2025 applicants to our graduate programs.)

Applicants who are required to provide TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo test scores are encouraged to schedule their test date as soon as possible to ensure that test scores are available prior to the application deadline. You will not be able to submit your application until you provide English language test scores.

In need of accessibility accommodations? All listed proficiency tests offer alternative testing formats:

• IELTS Test Format Accommodations
• TOEFL Test Format Accommodations
• Duolingo Test Format Accommodations

If you are offered admission, we will verify your English language test results with the testing body. You may be asked to provide additional information (e.g. IELTS test report form number, or TOEFL registration number) at this point. When registering for your English language test, please make sure you select OCAD University as a score recipient.

OCAD University reserves the right to require an applicant to take the TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo test, or to provide documentation proving that the language of instruction at an institution attended was English, at any point during the application or admissions process.

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.