OCAD University, which is known for its studio-based and experiential education and research, offers three bachelor’s streams in 18 majors, more than 20 art-related minors in subjects such as wearable technology, and seven master’s degrees. Each spring, graduating students show their work over several days in a public exhibition, GradEx. Their audience includes recruiters looking for new talent for galleries and firms.

The downtown Toronto campus borders on trendy Queen Street West and busy Chinatown. Refurbished Rosalie Sharp Pavilion is home to the Experiential Learning Centre, which provides hands-on learning opportunities for students, as well as the RBC Centre for Emerging Artists and Designers, which offers specialized creative career development—including advice, experiential learning placements, entrepreneurship, professional mentorship, gallery exhibitions and employment opportunities—for students and recent grads. OCAD U has additional space for graduate studies, research labs and studios on Richmond Street West, including the Onsite Gallery. The university has implemented individual career supports for grads for one year after graduating.

“At OCAD University, students learn and apply the necessary 21st-century skills of creativity, collaboration and problem-solving, not just in their areas of practice, but across multiple disciplines,” says president Ana Serrano. “Our graduates are career-ready professionals who are fuelling innovation in all areas of the economy.”