Incoming Exchange

Being nominated for the exchange program is not a guarantee of acceptance to OCAD U. Decisions are based on the quality of your application, the terms of the exchange agreement with your home institution, as well as the balance between incoming and outgoing students at OCAD U. We strongly recommend that you also consider other study abroad options in case we are not able to offer you a spot for exchange. 

Admission decisions will be communicated by email in mid-June for both Fall and Winter Term applicants.

Exchange students are normally admitted into Year 3 - Level 3000 programs. Information on how to select courses will be sent to students prior to arrival.

A full-time course load at OCAD U is 2.5 credits (five 0.5 credit courses) per term. All incoming exchange students must maintain full-time student status for the duration of their studies at OCAD U. Students must take a minimum of four 0.5 credit courses (2.0 credits), and no more than five 0.5 credit courses (2.5 credits) per term. Please contact your home institution to confirm the number of credits you are required to complete (2.0 or 2.5 credits).

Course offerings usually become available in June for the upcoming Fall/Winter Term.

Exchange students can learn more in our Program Guides for OCAD U students, and in our Course Catalogue. 

NOTE: Field placement, independent study, internship, research, self-directed study and thesis courses are not open to exchange students.

As an exchange student, you pay tuition fees to your home institution. At OCAD U, exchange students are required to pay mandatory fees, including fees for the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP), course materials, and software (required for certain programs of study).

Note that UHIP provides international students with basic health coverage (hospital and medical services) during their exchange. It does not provide supplementary insurance. Students may wish to opt in to Studentcare, OCAD U's student health and dental plan.

Students must clear any outstanding accounts (fees, AV loans, etc.) before any documents or transcripts can be issued by the University. Please visit Tuition and Fees for important information on fee payment deadlines, payment methods, and late payment penalties.

OCAD U does not have an on-campus student residence. Students are responsible for finding their own housing for the period of their stay. Visit our housing information page for more information. Students should plan ahead and explore all housing options at the time of their application. The International Student Services Office will assist where possible.

Exchange students coming for one term (less than six months) are not required to have a study permit, however depending on your country of citizenship, you may be required to obtain a temporary resident visa (TRV) or an electronic travel authorization (eTA) to enter Canada. Your letter of acceptance from OCAD University will be required for your visa application. Please consult with the Canadian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate nearest you.

Exchange students are not permitted to work on campus or off campus. Details can be found on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.

You can take courses at OCAD University as a part-time special student. Submit a special student admission application form and supporting documents to the Office of the Registrar at least four weeks prior to the start of the first week of classes in a given term.

Please contact the Office of the Registrar at regservices@ocadu.ca for further questions.