Program and Administration Policy

Current schedule & fees

The Ottawa School of Art reserves the right to modify the course schedule and course fees.

Current Diploma Fees

Prospective students pay a one-time Application Fee of $56.50 (includes HST) at the time of their interview. All students are required to become members of the Ottawa School of Art. The Individual Membership fee of $33.90 (includes HST) is valid for one year from the date of issue. Application and membership fees are not refundable.

Tuition is currently $375 per course, per term – this includes all applicable taxes. Third year students pay $400 per apprenticeship, per term, and $100 for Graduation Review in the winter term. Tax is not applicable to tuition and Graduation Review fees.

New prices of tuition effective June 27, 2023.

Prospective students pay a one-time Application Fee of $50 (plus tax) at the time of their interview.

All students are required to become members of the Ottawa School of Art. The Individual Membership fee of $30 (plus tax) is valid for one year from the date of issue. Application and membership fees are not refundable. Each year your membership must be renewed.

Tuition is currently $400 per course, per term. The cost of a third year mentorship is $425 per term, and graduation review is $125 in third year, tax is not applicable to these fees.

Cancellations are accepted only when the request is made within one week of registration and prior to the scheduled date of the second class. All cancellations are subject to an administrative fee. In the event that the OSA cancels a course, students will receive a full refund. Students who wish to withdraw from a course beyond the cancellation deadline will have an ‘Incomplete’ recorded on their transcript.

Students are encouraged to enroll on a full time basis to obtain the maximum benefits of the program. Part-time status will be considered under certain circumstances. For further information please consult with the Diploma Program Coordinator. Learn more under Making a Formal Application here.

A full course load is five courses each term. Part-time study is defined as a minimum of three courses each term. Students who want to study part-time are required to start with the mandatory courses as outlined in the current course schedule. Alternatives to these requirements are rare but can be considered.

General Program students can audit Diploma classes providing there is adequate space. Course fees must be paid in full and no evaluation will be given.

Normally, full-time students should complete their studies in 3 years. Note that part-time students are expected to complete the program in a maximum of six years from their start date.

80% attendance is required in all credit program courses. Instructors will outline course assignments at the beginning of each term. It will be the responsibility of each student to fulfill these requirements to receive a passing grade. These ‘quantitative’ requirements will not replace the ‘qualitative’ goals of producing work that demonstrates progress, improvement and commitment in its development and direction.

To maintain full-time standing in the 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 12 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.

If for any reason you wish to transfer from a course for which you have registered to another course, and your request can be accommodated; a $25 fee+HST ($28.25) will be charged for transfers made prior to the start of the classes; and a $25 fee +HST will be charged for transfers made once the first class has taken place.

If a student fails a required course they must repeat and pass that course as soon as possible. Students are given three opportunities to pass any required Diploma course. Upon failing such a course for the third time, students will be transferred to the General Program and will be allowed to apply for reinstatement after a period of one year.

Students may lose their full time or part-time status for the following reasons:

A. Inactivity: failure to register in an ongoing or consecutive basis for the required number of credits per term;

B. Non-payment of fees or outstanding accounts;

C. Failing grades or failure to maintain a C+ average;

D. Failure to complete the program within the accepted time limits; or

E. Unprofessional conduct or occurrences that may demean the reputation of OSA.

Appeals can be directed to the Executive Director. Applications for reinstatement can be submitted after a period of one year.

At the end of each term, marks will be posted on the third floor announcement board. Students can request a copy of their transcript from the Program Registrar at: program_officer@artottawa.ca. If the student requires an Official Transcript, they are required to pay a $10 administrative fee (includes tax).

The Ottawa School of Art uses the following letter grades for evaluation purposes:

A+ 90 – 100%

A 85 – 89%

A- 80 – 84%

B+ 77 – 79%

B 73 – 76%

B- 70 – 72%

C+ 67 – 69%

C 63 – 66%

C- 60 – 62%

D+ 57 – 59%

D 53 – 56%

D- 50 – 52%

F 0 – 49%

A certain level of academic standing is expected from students in the Fine Arts Diploma and Portfolio Certificate Programs. Students will be expected to maintain a C+ or better on all courses selected.