Application Form: OCAD U Pre-University Summer Intensive

The * means the field is required.

Applications are open!

Join us in July 2026 for an exciting opportunity to spend three weeks in Toronto working in our OCAD U studios, creating work and gaining new skills across disciplines, all while engaging with Toronto's creative community.

ℹ️ About the program

OCAD U Pre-University Summer Intensive (formerly known as International Summer Art & Design Residency) is a three-week hands-on, immersive summer studio experience for domestic and international high school students who want to visit and make art in Toronto, Canada. Fully immerse yourself in the making of a new series of art or design work for your portfolio under the guidance of OCAD U faculty.

This residency program will closely resemble the first-year OCAD U experience with studio visits, critiques and projects that help you develop and improve your ideas through full-day studio classes. Through hands-on art making under the direction of OCAD U instructors, you will have access to our studios, equipment, resources and community. By the end of this program, you will come away with new work that will showcase your concepts, skills and techniques for post-secondary admissions.

Program highlights:

3-weeks of hands-on instruction from highly experienced OCAD U faculty
Access to OCAD U studios, library and facilities
Field trips, gallery visits and outings
Final in-person and online exhibition

Eligibility: Who is this program for?

Local, out of province and international high school students
Must have completed Grade 10 by July 2026
Be 16 years or older

🏢 Accommodation

To make travel and participation easier, this program can include an overnight residence-based experience one of OCAD U's nearby downtown student housing partners. These are safe and convenient options to provide participants with the experience of living on their own, with a little support.

Participants can also choose to arrange their own accommodation.

💸 Program fee

Summer 2026	With accommodation	Without accommodation
Early bird*	CAD $6,950	CAD $4,500 + tax
Regular fee	CAD $7,150	CAD $4,700 + tax

*To be eligible for early bird pricing, please complete your application and submit your portfolio by March 2026.
*Accommodation at one of our residence partners.
*Fee without accommodation is available to participants with alternative housing arrangements.

🗓️ Dates and deadlines

Program dates:Monday, July 6 to Friday, July 24, 2026. Recommended arrival and departure dates are  Sunday, July 5 and Saturday, July 25.

Early bird application deadline: March 1, 2026 (Save $200. Recommended deadline for international students who need to apply for visas to enter Canada)

Final application deadline: May 1, 2026

Virtual information session: TBD

Applicants will hear back within two to four weeks after submitting their application and portfolio. We encourage international applicants to apply as soon as possible to avoid issues with visa processing times.

🗺️ International Students: Frequently Asked Questions

Are there language requirements?

The program is delivered in English. If English is not your first language, you are required to be proficient in written and spoken English and be able to participate in group discussions and presentations in English.

I’m not a citizen or permanent resident of Canada. Will I need a visa?

A study permit is not required for a stay of less than 6 months. However, unless you are a citizen of the United States, you will need either a temporary resident visa (visitor visa) or an electronic travel authorization (eTA) to enter Canada. The one you need depends on your country of citizenship, please visit the Government of Canada website to find out which one you should apply for.

How long does it take to get a visitor visa?

Canadian visiting visa processing times vary from country to country. Accepted participants are responsible for recognizing and adhering to the immigration requirements to enter Canada as a visitor from their country of origin. If you require a Visitor Visa please check the current expected processing times in advance of applying.

Can OCAD help me with my visa application?

The International Student Support Office at OCAD can answer questions and provide advice but cannot complete the visa application for you. Please contact international@ocadu.ca if you need assistance.

Application Form

Participant Information

First Name*

Last Name*

Email Address*

Birthdate*

Address*

Country

Street

City

Region

Postal Code

Citizenship

Phone Number*

Primary Country of Citizenship*

Parent/Guardian Information

This section is required if you/your participant is under the age of 18. Please visit the Government of Canada- Minor Children travelling to Canada page for more information on minors visiting Canda.

Parent/Guardian Name

Parent/Guardian Email Address

Parent/Guardian Phone Number

Parent/Guardian Address (ONLY if different from students)

Country

Street

City

Region

Postal Code

Emergency Contact Information

Emergency Contact Name*

Emergency Contact Phone Number*

Housing

This residency program includes a 3-week accommodation at one of OCAD U's nearby student housing partners in downtown Toronto (exact partner to be confirmed). Limited rooms are available, so please check this box to ensure your spot is saved! Residence is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Yes, I will be staying at a student residence.

No, I have alternate arrangements.

Application Process

1. Submit this application form

2. Upon submitting, you will receive an email from portfolioclinics@ocadu.ca and be prompted to submit your portfolio through Slideroom, where you will provide the following:

Written Statement of Intent:
- Tell us a little about yourself, what you're interested in, and why. Your statement should be approximately 250 - 350 words in length and answer the following questions:
  - Why are you interested in participating in the OCAD U International Summer Art & Design Residency Program? What areas of interest and/or mediums do you work in? What are you hoping to achieve or gain while immersed in this program?

Art/Design Portfolio:
- Provide 5-8 files that include images or documentation of your art or design work. This may consist of process work or documentation of larger 3-dimensional sculpture or installation work. Please include examples of art and design work you have made independent from school projects or have been self-directed.