Bachelor in Illustration

The deadline to apply for the Sep 2027 intake is Jun 1, 2027. Tuition is View tuition fees and funding.

The Bachelor in Illustration at Ontario College of Art and Design University is a four-year English-language program for students who want to produce images that complement the written word or stand on their own. You will learn traditional and digital techniques, and develop your individual artistic voice. This program helps you grasp communication art and business skills.

The curriculum covers topics such as observational drawing, design principles, illustrative concepts, and art and design history in the first year. In subsequent years, you will study graphic design for illustration, human form and function, and media studio. You will also have the opportunity to take advanced courses like graphic novel illustration, book illustration, and storyboarding.

Graduates of this program can pursue careers as freelance illustrators, graphic novel artists, children's book illustrators, editorial illustrators, or concept artists. They can work in various industries, including publishing, advertising, and entertainment, for employers such as magazines, book publishers, and animation studios.

OCAD University in Toronto is Canada’s specialized public university for art, design, and digital media, with a history dating back to 1876 and a student community of roughly 5,000. OCAD U offers a broad portfolio of undergraduate and graduate degrees focused on creative practice, interdisciplinary collaboration, and research-led innovation. International students are part of a vibrant campus culture that encourages experimentation across visual arts, design, media, and emerging technologies.

The university provides studio-based learning environments, specialized labs, fabrication workshops, and exhibition spaces that enable hands-on development of portfolios and public-facing projects. Cross-disciplinary initiatives and partnerships with cultural institutions, industry, and community organizations in Toronto give students opportunities for internships, collaborative research, and real-world project experience. Faculty are practicing artists and designers who emphasize critical thinking and professional development.

OCAD U supports career readiness through portfolio development, mentorship, and connections to galleries, studios, and creative enterprises. International applicants can access services for admissions advice, visa guidance, and orientation to city life in Toronto. Prospective students should investigate program specifications, studio resources, and opportunities for collaborative projects to ensure alignment with their artistic and professional goals.