Bachelor of Arts - Visual and Critical Studies

Academic Requirements

To apply for the Bachelor of Arts in Visual and Critical Studies at OCAD University, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Portfolio or Writing Sample: A writing sample is required for the BA in Visual and Critical Studies.
• Official Transcripts: Applicants must submit their official academic transcripts.
• Statement of Intent: A statement outlining the applicant's intentions and motivations for pursuing the program.
• Original Writing Sample: This should respond to an assigned topic provided by OCAD U.

Admission to the program is competitive, and meeting the minimum academic entrance requirements does not guarantee admission. Final decisions on admission are made by the Undergraduate Admissions Office, and all decisions are final and not subject to appeal.

For international students, the following additional requirements apply:

• 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 non-English speaking country, successful results of an English Language Proficiency Test (ELPT) are required.

Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases. It is advisable to apply as soon as possible to ensure all materials are submitted on time. For any clarification or support, 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.