Hi

I just sort of stumbled across your query re google alerts, and since I know quite a bit about this (I teach at OCAD), I thought I'd give a response.

If you want to study graphic design *and* get a university degree, I'm pretty sure OCAD is your only option in Toronto (though Sheridan College *might* also have such a program). We're a big school (one of three or four largest in North America), so we cover a lot of options, but you need to be sure we hit your area of interest (e.g. I don't think we do much in packaging--it would be easy for you to check by contacting Faculty of Design.

So you should look at that, and you should contact Admissions office ASAP to find out about application deadlines and out-of-country fees. I will say that time is likely of the essence b/c I know that letters of acceptance already have started to go out.

Re housing--again, admissions office has tons of info on this, but my understanding is that, while we don't have our own residences, we do have an agreement w/ a University of Toronto residence about a block away so that would at least get you started.

All this contact info is on our website, www.ocad.ca. You'll also see a picture of our building there---the crazy addition on stilts is the Faculty of Design, so that's where you'd be hanging out if you ended up at OCAD.

Hey RuggedAscent,

Thanks for the warm welcome! I did look around a little last night to see housing options (my head is swirling with things to take care of and deal with lol) but for now I think it will be best if I live close to OCAD since I need to learn my way around, maybe after a couple months or so I could move out and find some place further and cheaper. How's the public transportation there? Here in Philly I don't need to have a car because public transportation are everywhere. Do you have to buy tokens when you ride or do you give out cash?

Hi chuckles,

I'm glad at least 2 people notices my plea of help. haha.....

What do you teach at OCAD? I have emailed the admissions yesterday but seeing that today is Saturday I think I have to wait until Monday. My questions mostly are about Portfolio requirements, scholarships/grants/financial aid and deadlines. I don't know if I can get a student loan in Toronto because I'm an International student.

My interest in Graphic Design mostly centered around prints, anything from poster to book/dvd cover. I don't really like packaging so that's a relief and maybe multimedia, since I use Director all the time. I want to learn Flash and get more into Web Design. It seems Graphic Designers have good employment rates there in Toronto, is that true?

When I was searching for Graphic Design schools, only two came up, the other one wasn't really that good and they don't offer a degree. I have an Associate in Graphic Design and I want to transfer the credits. I know that it won't be more than 50% credit transfer even for Advanced standing but what are the chances? What about credits from the Art Institute of Philadelphia? When I enrolled into the AIPH it wasn't accredited but they recently have become accredited. I wonder if it's also transferable.

One more thing, does OCAD help their graduates find jobs?

Ren

Hey Sarah,

Thanks for the suggestion. I checked the admissions requirements. Just seeing the cost makes me reeling. My budget is under $25,000 /year for school and living expenses. I can't afford $25,000-$30,000 since it's going to be a loan not free money. It'll take a lifetime to return that much money, but thanks for the effort.

Ciao.