Master of Design - Strategic Foresight and Innovation

Academic Requirements

For the Master of Design in Strategic Foresight and Innovation at OCAD University, applicants must meet the following Academic Requirements:

• Minimum GPA: Applicants must hold a BA, BFA, BDes, BComm, 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.
• Statement of Intent: A statement of intent of 1,000 to 1,200 words is required, describing why you are interested in the program and how it aligns with your professional and personal goals.
• Samples of Work: Applicants should submit 3-5 examples of their work, with a rationale for their inclusion. This can include work produced in professional, personal, volunteer, or creative contexts.
• Curriculum Vitae: An updated copy of your CV must be included.
• Program-Specific Questions: Applicants will be asked to provide responses to a series of questions specific to the program.

It is advisable to apply as soon as possible to ensure your application is submitted on time. For any clarification and support, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

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:

1. Completion of a Bachelor's, Master's, or doctoral degree (or equivalent) where the language of instruction was English;
   • Applicants should provide official documentation from the institution stating that the degree was taught in English, in one of the following ways:
     • A transcript that includes information on language of instruction;
     • A document issued by the institution stating that the language of instruction for the degree was English.
2. Your first language is English;
3. 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.

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.