3 programs, side by side

Rows marked with a dot are where these differ. Everything is each university’s own published wording; the “your average” row is yours, calculated the way each program does it.

	OCAD Digital Futures OUAC HDF Remove	Waterloo Architecture (Co-op Only) OUAC WR Remove	Waterloo Architectural Engineering (Co-op only) OUAC WEA Remove
Your average, their wayrequired courses forced in
Published rangetheir exact wording	Not published“N/A”	83–87%“Mid-80s”	83–90%“Mid- to High 80s”
Required coursesforced into your top 6 — options are the row below	ENG4U	ENG4U SPH4U	ENG4U MCV4U MHF4U SCH4U SPH4U
Choose one ofany of these satisfies it	—	one of MCV4U, MHF4U	—
Prerequisitesas published	OSSD with an overall academic average of at least 70% in six 4U/M courses, including English 4U with a minimum final grade of 70%	English (ENG4U – min. 78%) Advanced Functions (min. 70%) or Calculus and Vectors (min. 70%) Physics (min. 70%)	English (ENG4U – min. 70%) Advanced Functions (min. 70%) Calculus and Vectors (min. 70%) Chemistry (min. 70%) Physics (min. 70%)
More than marks?supplementary application	Yes Admission based primarily on your portfolio assessment. All offers of admission are conditional on meeting the minimum academic requirements. Alternative Offers There are no alternative offers. Usually closes before January 15	Yes Qualified applicants will be invited to submit a portfolio. Usually closes before January 15	Yes NEW: All Engineering program applications require an online video interview. You will receive more information after you apply. An Admission Information Form is also required. We will send you instructions when we acknowledge your application. Also considered: Involvement in extracurricular activities in school or community, evidence of interest in engineering and strong performance in mathematics, science or engineering-related competitions. Usually closes before January 15
Co-op	No	Available	Available
Degree	Bachelor of Design, BDes, Bachelor of Fine Arts, BFA	—	—
First-year intakewhere published	—	75	90
What you study	Computer Animation and Visual Effects Design Fine Art Information Systems	ArchitectureBuildingDesign	ArchitectureBuildingCivil Engineering Design
What it is	Digital Futures is a design and fine arts program where you study visual storytelling through digital tools and media, combining animation, graphic design, coding, and art. Unlike traditional design or fine art streams, it's built around interdisciplinary collaboration and real-world projects that blend artistic creativity with digital technology and communication. It suits people who want to create visually, think critically about media, and work across both artistic and technical domains.	You study how to design and plan buildings and structures, learning both the creative design side and the technical skills needed to make buildings work safely and function well. This program requires you to do paid work terms at architecture firms throughout your degree, alternating with school semesters, so you graduate with real professional experience. It suits people who want hands-on learning alongside theory and are ready to balance intensive coursework with workplace responsibility.	You study how buildings are designed and constructed, combining architecture with engineering principles like structural systems, materials, and building codes. This program requires you to do co-op work terms alongside your studies, so you alternate between school and paid job placements in design firms or construction companies. It suits students who want hands-on experience in the building industry and prefer learning by doing real projects, not just in classrooms.
The door tomajors you reach through it	Applied to directly	architecture	Applied to directly
Entrance awardsat this campus, by average	None published by average	4 published, 3 with no applicationfrom 80%See them	4 published, 3 with no applicationfrom 80%See them
Source	OCAD University on OUInfo	University of Waterloo on OUInfo	University of Waterloo on OUInfo

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