Admissions
Where to start.
When should I register?
The Diploma Program has a limited number of places. Once a student has been accepted and a contract is signed, registration and tuition payment is necessary to obtain the chosen courses. Waiting until the start of the term may result in a loss of the student’s contract.
Do I need a portfolio?
All applicants to the Fine Arts Diploma Program must submit a portfolio of recent work to be considered. Diploma Program applicants should have 10 and 15 pieces of their work, some based on observation and employing a variety of media. The work should demonstrate the range and quality of the student’s experience in visual art.
What prerequisites do I need?
The Ottawa School of Art requires a grade twelve Ontario Secondary School Diploma or its equivalent. All transcripts from institutions previously attended and a signed resume (providing further information on experience in art or design) must accompany each application to this program.
How do I apply?
Prior to registration, an interview with the Diploma Program Coordinator is a requirement for all prospective OSA credit program applicants. The Coordinator is available during specific days for consultation. Interview appointments can be made through our contact page.
The interview will determine the prospective student’s eligibility to the program. If admitted to the program, the Coordinator advises on course selection, a mini-orientation to the school is given and the student should be ready to register as soon as possible following the interview. Although reserved for a short period of time, admittance into the program does not guarantee the courses chosen in the interviewing process nor a place in the current year. Registration is the final step to securing the desired course schedule.
Remember:
You cannot register without a contract and a surcharge of $25 per course applies as a late registration fee after the closing date in August of the current year.
Making a formal application
DOWNLOAD THE PDF FINE ARTS DIPLOM APPLICATION FORM
DOWNLOAD THE PDF PORTFOLIO CERTIFICATE APPLICATION FORM
Information on all OSA credit programs may be obtained at the front desk of the school or by contacting the Diploma Coordinator at diploma@artottawa.ca.
To begin the application process, all prospective students must familiarize themselves with OSA requirements and policies. Any procedural differences, between programs or for prospective students applying from abroad, are outlined under the appropriate sections of the web site.
To make a formal application for admission to the Ottawa School of Art, prospective students must include the following with their completed application form:
Payment of the $50 (plus tax) application fee.
A portfolio of 10 to 15 pieces of your recent artwork for review. This should include drawings, works in colour and a variety of your best studio work. It is always better to present the original pieces, but you may also present them in 8.5″ x 11″ format (approximately 20 cm x 25 cm). Bring a current sketchbook to the interview if available.
Officially stamped transcripts from all institutions previously attended (plus translation of transcripts into English, if needed).
Your resume with your e-mail address in cases of advanced standing.
A signed essay (one page in length) explaining why you wish to attend the Ottawa School of Art.
A copy of an official photo ID (e.g. driver’s license, passport, etc.).
Two passport-sized photographs.
A copy of your passport officially stamped (International Students only).
Proof of competence in the English language (e.g. TOEFL ranking for International Students.)
Please note that, with the exception of the portfolio, none of these items will be returned.
Prospective students applying to the Fine Arts Diploma Program who have an outstanding portfolio may apply for advanced standing. This consideration may also be given for courses completed at university or at another art school.
When a student has been accepted into an OSA credit program, they will be required to sign a contract with the Ottawa School of Art. This contract details the courses to be undertaken, their duration and the payment required. As part of the contract will be the expectations of the OSA with respect to the student’s performance and attendance. The original contract will be kept in the student’s file and a copy provided for the student’s records.
Students are required to make themselves aware of relevant policies and to understand them fully.
Official Transcripts
Transcripts can be mailed directly to the institutions of your choice by filling out the form and paying the fee. It may take between one and three days to process, depending upon the number of requests.
More info to know
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Full-time status is based on taking five (5) courses per term. Part-time status is based on taking a minimum of three (3) courses per term.
Students wishing to be considered full time must take a minimum of 15 credits per term, ensuring that they finish with 90 credits by graduation.
To maintain full-time standing in a program, students will have to meet all course requirements (attendance, assignments, etc.) and receive a passing grade in enough courses to earn a total of 15 credits per term.
It is important to note that ‘Incomplete’, ‘Withdrawal’ and ‘No Credit’ mark designations will not be counted when totalling the minimum 15 credits per term.
Credits will only be awarded in those courses in which the student receives a passing grade.
In addition, students are required to maintain a yearly C+ average or higher.
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It is necessary to become an OSA member before taking courses. You can purchase an annual membership for only $30 (plus tax) and it is valid for the entire family. Students must pay a minimum of one half the course fees for the term plus membership at the time of registration. The remainder of the fees is due and payable before courses commence in the form of post-dated cheques.
Any other financial arrangements must be made at the time of the prospective student’s interview. Application forms for the OSA financial plan will be discussed at that time. Students are encouraged to apply at least two months prior to registration.
The Ottawa School of Art accepts cash, cheques, VISA or MasterCard credit cards and INTERAC bank debit cards. Registration may be made in person or by telephone (VISA or MasterCard only).
Full time students will receive a tax receipt from the school.
Scholarships are awarded as tuition credits. Some values are subject to change due to the nature of each particular scholarship fund. Most memorial scholarships are funded by donors through CanadaHelps.org or the Community Foundation of Ottawa or funds sent directly to the Ottawa School of Art.
For further information for students on scholarship applications please view or scholarships page.