Ottawa School of Art

The Ottawa School of Art is the largest alternative art school in Canada. Credit courses offered at the OSA provide pre-professional fine arts training in strong, well-designed programs.

With small class sizes in one of our twelve studios, students pursue an intensive course of study marked by a high degree of interaction with working professional artists in a studio setting. Students are given the freedom necessary to develop their skills and to follow their creative impulses.

Students have the advantage of the school’s excellent location in the heart of Ottawa’s cultural district. Situated in the lively bustle of the ByWard Market, the OSA is just steps away from the National Gallery of Canada, the National Arts Center, the Canadian Museum of Contemporary Photography, the Canadian Museum of Civilization, and a wide selection of private art galleries.

2.What will a Portfolio Certificate give me?

The Ottawa School of Art offers Portfolio Certificate students a unique one-year program of intensive, hands-on, well-structured training in the fine art tradition of drawing, painting and sculpture. Through a challenging well-structured year of foundation studies, OSA students have the potential to gain a deeper understanding of their own ideas and to develop these ideas into a professional portfolio.

While no certificate can guarantee a student’s success in the marketplace nor can it provide entry into a desired program of study, learning to make connections differently, synthesizing information creatively, puts OSA students out in front of the line with a professional portfolio.

3. What does the OSA look for in an applicant?

Students at OSA are creative spirits. We want to make sure that every student has a good chance of being successful so we look at ways that, as a prospective student, you might be a good match with our program.

4. Will I need a portfolio for entry into one of your programs?

No portfolio is required. This unique program is designed to help you develop your portfolio for entry into an institution or program of your choice. If you already have a portfolio, presenting it in the context of your OSA interview will help us find the courses that can best serve your needs. For more information, visit the Making a Formal Application section here.
 

5. What kind of financial aid is available?

OSA is a registered charitable organization and an alternative art school. As such, we have no funding from outside sources. At this time, we cannot offer bursaries or financial aid to our students. Scholarships and awards are available to students already enrolled in an OSA program. Information on these scholarship awards is available here.

The OSA offers a financial payment plan, the details of which will be explained as part of the interview process.
 

6. What is the OSA studio access policy?

If the school is open, you have studio access. For each three hours of studio class time, you are guaranteed three hours of free studio time. During the busy times of year, studio space is available for students determined on a priority basis as follows: third year Diploma students (full-time), third year Diploma students (part-time), second year Diploma students and Portfolio Certificate students.

7. Do students have exhibition opportunities?

Yes, students have opportunities to show their works, in the OSA Boutiques and the annual Holiday Art Sales at both the Main Campus (35 George St.) and Orleans Campus (245 Centrum Blvd., Shenkman Arts Centre) and in off-site venues.

8. How does OSA compare with other schools?

Students who do well at the Ottawa School of Art are ones who enjoy a challenging studio environment. We suggest that you visit us in person and compare for yourself.

9. What are the academic requirements for admission?

No specific high school classes are required. However, you must present proof of high school graduation. Mature entry into any program is available for adults who have reached their 19th year.
 

10. Can I study part-time?

Yes, it is considered part-time when a student takes three courses per term. A student may take less than three courses only with special permission. To be full time, students must take five courses per term for two terms a year.
 

11. Does OSA supply materials?

Each student is responsible for obtaining the required materials for each class. The OSA does not supply the materials, however, a variety of supplies can be purchased through the OSA store located on the ground floor. Store hours vary with the hours of the front desk. Course supply lists from each instructor are available at the front desk.
 

12. What are the smoking regulations?

Smoking is not permitted anywhere in the Ottawa School of Art by order of City of Ottawa Bylaw 144-79. 


 

13. Does OSA supply storage?

Lockers are available and can be rented through the front office. All unregistered lockers will have contents removed after one week posted notice. Due to the extreme shortage of available storage space all student work must be removed from the School at the end of each term. Work remaining in the studios or other areas of the School after the end of the term will be disposed of. The OSA cannot be responsible for any loss or theft of student property.
 

14. How can I ask other questions that I may have?

Please contact us at 613.241.7471 or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Check out the News & Events and Galleries sections of the OSA website regularly for information about current events at the school. Mark important dates in your agenda, for example: portfolio reviews, scholarship information days and vernissage dates.

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