Applicants whose language of instruction either in high school (for at least 3 years) or at the post-secondary level (for at least 1 year) is not in English must submit evidence of their ability to carry on studies in English. This evidence must be provided through one of the following:
| TEST | UNDERGRADUATE | GRADUATE |
| TOEFL [code: 3265] | at least 90 with no test less than 20 | at least 94 with no test less than 22 |
| IELTS | at least 6.5 with no band less than 6.0 | at least 7.0 with no band less than 6.0 |
| CAEL | at least 70 with no band less than 60 | at least 69 with no band less than 60 |
| CanTest | at least 4.5 with no part less than 4.0 | at least 4.5 with no part less than 4.0 |
| CAE | at least B | at least B |
| MELAB | at least 82 with no band less than 80 | at least 82 with no band less than 80 |
| IB | at least 5 in English A1 or A2 HL | at least 5 in English A1 or A2 HL |
| AP | at least 4 in English Language and Composition or Literature and Composition | at least 4 in English Language and Composition or Literature and Composition |
These test results must be sent directly from the testing service to NSCAD University, Admissions Office, to be considered valid. No offer of admission will be made until such scores are received.
Those who successfully complete the following programs will be granted full admission to NSCAD without submitting results from one of the above-listed tests:
- East Coast School of Languages (ECSL) University Achievement Pathway
- Apex Language and Career College’s (ALCC) Academic Preparation Program
- Canadian Language Learning College’s (CLLC) Academic English Program
- International Language Institute’s (ILI) University Preparatory English Program
The East Coast School of Languages (ECSL) in Halifax has partnered with NSCAD to provide training in English as a second language (ESL) and University Achievement Pathway (UAP). Applicants may be conditionally accepted to NSCAD degree programs pending successful completion of UAP at ECSL. Students who successfully complete UAP at ECSL do not have to submit a test of English as a second language to NSCAD for admission to the university.
East Coast School of Languages
1256 Barrington St.
Halifax NS B3J 1Y6
902 491 1526 TEL 902 429 3275 FAX
www.ecslcanada.com
After admission to the university, international students will be required to complete the English Requirement, which is a degree requirement and must be completed by all students at the university.
Students from the United States and abroad must meet specific obligations in regard to their presence in Canada.
If their period of study will be longer than four months, students must obtain a Permit to Study in Canada, which is issued through the Canadian Consulate in the student’s home country. An International Student must present a copy of this permit to study to the Office of Student and Academic Services before they begin classes at the university.
In order to obtain a permit to study, a student must submit the following items to the nearest Canadian Consulate:
- A passport, birth certificate, or other identification that identifies you as a citizen of your native country.
- The original letter of acceptance from the university.
- Satisfactory evidence of sufficient funds for the period of study in Canada. This proof may be a notarized statement of parents’ willingness to financially support the student's stay in Canada along with a notarized bank statement certifying their resources, a statement of a Federally or State Guaranteed loan, or any other documentation that proves sufficient funds to finance the period of study in Canada. Some countries may not allow an individual to take sufficient funds out of the country for her/his maintenance in Canada. A student from one of these countries must find a sponsor before being issued a student permit. The university does not sponsor students, and does not maintain a list of sponsors.
Students from countries other than the United States may be requested to submit additional items (e.g. health examination, photographs, evidence of English proficiency) in order to obtain a student permit. It is recommended that such students contact the nearest Canadian Consulate when they begin their admissions process to ascertain these requirements. A copy of the permit to study must be presented to the Office and Student and Academic Services before a student will be permitted to attend classes.
For detailed information on student authorizations (permit to study) and other documentation required by individuals to enter Canada to study, prospective students should consult the Canadian government website at www.cic.gc.ca
Students who may be younger than 19 years old when entering Canada to study should consult their local consulate regarding the documentation necessary to establish legal guardianship while in Canada until such time as they reach the age of 19. The university cannot act as a legal guardian for a student.
Additional information in regard to international student enrolment is provided as a regular part of the admissions and registration processes.
Non-Canadian students should note that the university is required to charge a differential tuition fee for all International students.
Should international students encounter problems with immigration once they are in Canada, they should contact the Office of Student and Academic Services immediately.
All International students are required to purchase health insurance in Canada to be considered to have adequate coverage for Canadian medical services.
NSCAD will send students information on this program, which they are required to purchase in order to register at NSCAD. No exemptions will be considered.