OCAD University

Bachelor in Industrial Design

Toronto, Canada Taught in English Open to international students

Introduction

OCAD University in Toronto is a leading centre for art and design education with a long history of nurturing creative talent. Serving roughly 4,500 students, including a substantial international cohort, OCAD U emphasizes interdisciplinary practice and experimentation across studio art, design, digital media and emerging technologies. The university’s urban setting in Toronto offers rich cultural resources and industry connections that enhance learning and professional development.

The curriculum at OCAD University blends foundational skills with cross-disciplinary collaboration, encouraging students to explore new materials, technologies and design methods. State-of-the-art studios, workshops and research labs support work in visual arts, industrial design, animation and interaction design. Students benefit from faculty mentorship, exhibitions, industry partnerships and career services that prepare graduates for creative careers and entrepreneurial ventures.

Campus life is vibrant, with galleries, events and collaborative projects linking students to Toronto’s creative industries and cultural institutions. International students receive targeted support for admissions, portfolios, visa guidance and orientation. Prospective applicants should review program-specific entry requirements and deadlines, prepare strong creative portfolios where required, and engage with OCAD U’s advising resources to plan studio practice, internships and post-graduation career steps.

About the Program

The Bachelor in Industrial Design at OCAD University is a degree program for students who want to create products and processes that consider the needs of future generations. This four-year program in Toronto, Canada, helps students develop skills in designing consumer and commercial products, furniture, and interaction design. Students learn from international faculty and gain hands-on experience.

The curriculum focuses on the relationships between users, makers, and designers. Students learn about design ethics, critical thinking, and systems thinking through applied research and experimentation. They also engage in hands-on learning, making, and collaborative practice-based learning with different industries and communities. This helps students develop skills in strategic creativity, applied innovation, and sustainable design.

Graduates of this program can pursue careers as Industrial Designers, Product Designers, Furniture Designers, Interaction Designers, or Design Researchers. They can work in various industries, including manufacturing, technology, and sustainability. Employers may include design firms, tech companies, or organizations focused on sustainable development. Students gain the skills and knowledge needed to create innovative and sustainable designs that meet the needs of users and the environment.

Tuition in Context

This program's tuition is 20% above the typical bachelor's in Canada.

Median tuition for that cohort is 17,841 USD, across 2,688 programs in our catalog.

Compare Canada bachelor's programs

English Test Requirement

This program asks for IELTS 5.5-6.0. Here's what that's worth on the other tests universities accept, based on the official concordance tables:

TOEFL iBT
46–59
PTE Academic
42–49
Duolingo
85–95
CEFR level
B1/B2
Convert your own score

Equivalences are approximate — confirm the exact test and score the program accepts.

Similar Programs You Can Apply To

Direct application via Global Admissions is not available for this program. Browse similar partner programs below or visit the university's site to apply directly.

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