As part of the RBC Centre for Emerging Artists & Designers, the Career Development office supports the professional development of emerging OCAD U creative talent. We provide direction, resources and opportunities which lead to the realization of transformative personal and early-career goals.

The Career Development office has the experience, networks and agility to take on ambitious partnerships which benefit students and recent alumni. We facilitate connections and develop strong relationships which result in recruitment for all manner of paid creative work opportunities. We foster inclusive, accessible and supportive spaces that allow aspiring individuals to develop new skills and take risks with their work, in any number of contexts and sectors.

Building meaningful, lasting relationships within the communities and industries that matter to you is an important step towards early career success as you transition out of school.

There are a number of ways the RBC Centre for Emerging Artists & Designers (CEAD) facilitates professional connections for students both in and outside of OCAD U, including a professional dinner series, employer information sessions, online social platforms, Coffee Chats,or individual opportunities for mentorship, such as the OCAD U Hub on TenThousandCoffees.com. In addition, the RBC Speed Networking Program which is coordinated by OCAD U’s Alumni Relations department

For Further Enquiry Please Contact to our PSA counselor.

Eligibility for Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP):
Graduated from a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada.
Desire to stay in Canada temporarily for work.

Important Note:
Graduating from a DLI doesn't automatically qualify you for a PGWP.

Validity of PGWP:
Depends on the length of the study program or the expiry date of your passport, whichever comes first.

Duration of PGWP Based on Study Program Length:
Less than 8 months (or 900 hours for Quebec credentials): Not eligible for PGWP.
At least 8 months (or 900 hours for Quebec credentials), but less than 2 years: PGWP may be granted for the same length as the study program (e.g., a 9-month program results in a 9-month PGWP).
2 years or more: PGWP may be valid for 3 years.

Completion of Multiple Programs:
PGWP may combine the lengths of each program if:
Each program is PGWP eligible.
Each program is at least 8 months (or 900 hours for Quebec credentials) in length.

Important Restriction:
You cannot obtain a PGWP if you already had one after completing an earlier program of study.

For Further Enquiry Please Contact to our PSA counselor.

For international high school applicants

Secondary School Graduation equivalent to Grade 12 in Ontario with an overall average of B or 70% numeric equivalent in the final year and:

• If you are 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 you are applying from a country or school system with a language other than English as the official language of instruction, OR if your first language is not English and you have not completed at least four consecutive years of high school in an English-medium school system, you are required to present the successful results of an English Language Proficiency Test (ELPT).

All international students must have a valid Study Permit/Student Visa before registering at OCAD U. We strongly recommend that you apply for your study permit as soon as the offer of admission is received.

For Ontario Secondary School applicants: 

• Successful completion of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
• Grade 12 U English (ENG4U or EAE4U) with a minimum final grade of 70%
• A total of at least six Grade 12 U or M level courses (including ENG4U or EAE4U) with a minimum overall academic average of 70%

Please note: if your first language is not English and you have not completed at least four consecutive years of high school in an English-medium school system you are also required to submit successful English Language Proficiency Test (ELPT) results in addition to ENG4U.

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
Score Requirements: Minimum 6.5 overall with no part below 6.0 (Academic Module).

*OCAD U uses the IELTS online verification system. Provide your Test Report Form (TRF) number to the Admissions & Recruitment office

*OCAD U does not accept the IELTS Indicator for admission purposes

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) iBT
Score Requirements: 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

*OCAD University's institution code for TOEFL is 0537

TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition
Score Requirements: 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

*OCAD U's institution code for TOEFL is 0537

*OCAD U does not accept TOEFL Essentials for admission purposes.

PTE Academic (Pearson Test)
Score Requirements: 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)
Score Requirements: Minimum overall score of 110 with at least 105 in Production

Please note: Duolingo test takers who achieve an overall score of 110 but who score below 105 in the Production sub-score are required to enroll in OCAD U’s EAD: Expanded Program which includes a reduced course load in the Fall term. It is also recommended to enroll in the ELL section of ENGL 1004: The Essay and The Argument in the Winter term to ensure continued language support.

CAEL (Canadian Academic English Language Assessment)
Score Requirements: Minimum 70 overall with no band below 60

COPE (Certificate of Proficiency in English) and TOP (Test of Oral Proficiency)
Score Requirements: 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.

For Further Enquiry Please Contact to our PSA counselor.