OCAD University

Bachelor in Photography

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 Photography at OCAD University is a degree program for students who want to understand the world through photography. This 4-year program helps students develop their technical skills and think creatively about photography. Students learn in a supportive community with access to black and white and color darkrooms, digital labs, and lighting studios.

The curriculum includes hands-on projects and courses that cover photography techniques, visual culture, and issues like decolonization and the environment. Students also get to try out other art forms like time-based media, 3D exploration, and drawing. They can choose from electives like wearable art, curatorial studies, and street art to help them find their own path.

Graduates of this program can become fine art photographers, photo editors, or photography instructors. They can also work as commercial photographers, documentary photographers, or photojournalists for companies, magazines, or newspapers. With a strong portfolio and skills, they can succeed in the photography industry and make a positive impact on their communities.

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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