General Information

Admission to NSCAD University is based on evidence of reasonable maturity, interest in working within the programs of the university, and ability to benefit from the offerings of the university as determined by the Admissions Committee. In making a determination on admittance to the university, the Admissions Committee will consider pertinent material that an applicant wishes to submit in addition to those required materials listed in this bulletin. The Admissions Committee is the sole judge of decisions regarding admission to the university.

The university offers full-time programs of study during each of three semesters beginning in September, January and May. Successful Foundation applicants may begin a program of study in either September or January. Transfer applicants may begin a program of study in either September or January. Students may continue their studies at the university during the summer semester. Applicants may submit application materials at any time of the year, but reviews of complete applications take place twice a year from March to June and October.

Applicants should note the application deadlines, by which dates all application materials must have been received. Early application is urged.

Four application categories are described below. Please apply for the correct category.
If you have any questions, please consult the Office of Admissions, (902) 494 8129, or toll free at 1 888 444 5989, or by email at nscad.ca.

Applicants who have completed, or expect to complete high school by year end; or have attended a post-secondary institution or university but have not studied visual arts at the post-secondary level; or have completed less than one full year of visual arts study at the post-secondary level, should apply to the Foundation Program.

Applicants who have successfully completed at another post-secondary institution course work at least equivalent to that of the university’s Foundation Program may apply under the Advanced Standing category. An applicant who is currently completing the first year of a visual arts program should apply at the Foundation Program level. The Admissions Committee will determine if advanced standing is appropriate.

An applicant who, in addition to meeting the NSCAD University undergraduate admissions requirements and a minimum of 24 credits and ideally 30 credits or the equivalent of one-year of full-time studies at a recognized university, may directly enter second year of the Major in Art History.

Eligible transferrable courses in liberal arts, social sciences and humanities include the fields of: history, languages, psychology, gender studies, archaeology, English, sociology, Canadian studies, classics, costume studies, philosophy, anthropology, native studies, journalism, or theatre studies. Applicants must have achieved a minimum average grade of 67% or B- and no credit will be transferred for individual grades below 58% or C-.

Students from other universities or degree-granting institutions may apply to take courses at NSCAD for credit at the student’s home institution under the Visiting Student category.

Visiting students from other universities in the Halifax metropolitan area may apply to take a course at NSCAD in conjunction with studies at their home institution. These students must apply to NSCAD’s Registrar with a Letter of Permission from the home institution authorizing a particular course selection.

Visiting students from universities outside the metropolitan area may apply to take a semester or year of course work at NSCAD for credit at their home institution. These students must apply through the normal application procedures, while also presenting a Letter of Permission from the Registrar, Dean, or program supervisor of the home institution authorizing a particular program of study. Such applicants should consult NSCAD’s Director of Admissions regarding their proposed course selection. The university will make every reasonable effort to accommodate the course selections of Visiting Students on a Letter of Permission, but in no case can guarantee a particular selection.

Visiting students should apply following the application procedures and deadlines for advanced standing.

Exchange applicants must be registered at an institution with which NSCAD has a formal exchange agreement and must apply through the appropriate official at their home institution. Applicants should consult the timetable for the semester(s) during which they wish to enroll, available on this website.

A Non-Degree Student is an individual who takes a course for credit but who has not been admitted into a degree program of the university. To be eligible to register as a non-degree credit student, an individual must have successfully completed high school or its equivalent, or qualify for mature student status.

Prospective non-degree students should contact the Office of Admissions.