About
OCAD University (originally founded in 1876 as the Ontario School of Art) is Canada’s oldest and largest art and design institution, located in the heart of downtown Toronto. With approximately 4,500–5,200 students across 17 undergraduate and 7 graduate programs, it emphasizes studio-based learning, interdisciplinary research, and collaboration with leading practitioners. Its downtown campus, including the iconic Sharp Centre for Design, empowers students through access to state‑of‑the‑art studios, galleries, and research centres—like the Inclusive Design Research Centre and Global Centre for Climate Action—bridging creativity, technology, and societal impact.