Call for Applications: OCAD U Pre-University Summer Intensive 2026

International Summer Art & Design Residency, 2024 Photo by Brian Medina.

Applications are open for OCAD University’s yearly summer intensive for Canadian and international high school students

July 6 – 24, 2026
OCAD University, Toronto, Canada

Early Bird Deadline: March 1, 2026 (save $200)
Apply here
Register for info session

The OCAD U Pre-University Summer Intensive (formerly International Summer Art & Design Residency) is a three-week hands-on, immersive summer studio experience for high school students who are preparing for creative post-secondary education, and who want to visit and make art in downtown Toronto.

This small cohort intensive program is aimed at equipping students for their next step by closely resembling the first-year OCAD U experience with studio visits, class discussions and projects that help develop and improve creative ideas and skills.

Through hands-on art making under the direction of OCAD U faculty, students will have access to campus facilities, studios, equipment, resources and community. At the end of this program, participants will show their work in an exhibition and leave with new portfolio pieces demonstrating key concepts, skills, and techniques for post-secondary art and design admissions.

Program Highlights:

• 3-weeks of hands-on instruction from highly experienced OCAD U faculty
• Accommodation at one of our residence partners
• Access to OCAD U studios, library and facilities
• Field trips, gallery visits and outings
• Final in-person and online exhibition
• Professional documentation of student work for portfolios

International Summer Art & Design Residency, 2024 & 2025. Photos by Brian Medina.

Eligibility:

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

Key Dates:

• Early Bird Deadline: March 21, 2026
  Save $200 off program fee. Recommended deadline if you require a visitor visa to enter Canada.
• Info Session: February 20, 2026 at 11:00am EST (Toronto time). Register here
• Final Application Deadline: May 4, 2026
• Program Dates: Monday, July 6 – Friday, July 24, 2026

Fees:

• With accommodation and meal plan: CAD $7,150 + applicable taxes.
• Without accommodation: CAD $4,700 + applicable taxes. Accommodation, transportation, and meals are not included.

How to Submit:

1. Fill out the online application form
2. Submit portfolio and personal written statement

Learn more about the program on our website.

For additional information or questions, please contact:
Lisa Oiwa, Program Coordinator, Youth Programs
portfolioclinics@ocadu.ca

OCAD University
100 McCaul Street
Toronto, ON M5T 1W1, Canada

Accessibility Level: This building is accessible.