INTERNATIONAL APPLICATIONS
If you wish to challenge yourself in a supportive academic community where members are known and celebrated for their creativity and differences, join us at NSCAD University.
NSCAD University has long been a place where international artists, craftspersons and designers have come to learn the knowledge and skills necessary to prepare them for the creative industries in Canada or in their home countries. This should guide you through the application process.
Applicants whose language of instruction in high school (for at least three years) or at the post-secondary level (for at least one 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 TESTS:
TOEFL (Code 3265) | Undergraduate: At least 90 with no test less than 20 Graduate: At least 94 with no test less than 22 |
IELTS | Undergraduate: At least 6.5 with no test less than 6.0 Graduate: At least 7.0 with no test less than 6.0 |
CAEL | Undergraduate: At least 69 with no test less than 60 Graduate: At least 69 with no test less than 60 |
CANTEST | Undergraduate: At least 4.5 with no test less than 4.0 Graduate: At least 4.5 with no test less than 4.0 |
CAE | Undergraduate: At least B Graduate: At least B |
MELAB | Undergraduate: At least 82 with no test less than 80 Graduate: At least 82 with no test less than 80 |
IB | Undergraduate: At least 5 in English A1 or A2 HL Graduate: At least 5 in English A1 or A2 HL |
AP | Undergraduate: At least 4 in English language and composition or literature and composition Graduate: 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. Only conditional offers of admission will be made until such scores are received.
Conditional offers of admission.
Those who do not meet NSCAD’s English language proficiency requirement at the time of admission will be offered conditional admission pending the submission of an acceptable test score as indicated above. Students may also enrol in English language studies through one of NSCAD’s partner language school pathway programs.
Note: Should international students encounter problems with immigration once they are in Canada, they should contact the Office of Opportunity and Belonging immediately.
Language school undergraduate degree pathway programs.
Those who do not meet NSCAD’s English language proficiency requirement at the time of admission will be offered conditional admission pending the submission of an acceptable test score as indicated above. Students may also enrol in English language studies through one of NSCAD’s partner language school pathway programs.
- Apex Language and Career College (ALCC) University Bridging Program
- Canadian Language Learning College (CLLC) University Pathway Program
- East Coast Language College (ECLC) University College Pathway
- Halifax Language Institute of Canada (HLIC) University Bridging Program
- International Centre for English for Academic Purposes (ICEAP) English Academic Preparation Program
- International Language Institute (ILI) University Pathway Program
- Language Studies International (LSI) Advanced (Level 5)
- The Language Centre at Saint Mary’s University English for Academic Purposes
Writing requirements.
All degree students at NSCAD University must demonstrate the ability to write competently in English. Students meet this requirement by successfully completing FNDN 1800 Writing for the Arts, in the Foundation Year. Students who attended another post-secondary institution before entering NSCAD may meet the writing requirement through transfer by demonstrating that they have previously completed studies in an English-speaking university program. Students must have studied at an English-speaking university and must have completed at least six credits of English courses or nine credits of liberal arts courses at a B- level or better to fulfill the requirement.
Students transferring from community colleges cannot meet the writing requirement through transfer except in circumstances where NSCAD University has a formal articulation or transfer agreements with a specific college in which meeting the writing requirement through transfer is provided for in the agreement. Students from other community colleges for which transfer is not possible, may register for a 2000-level liberal arts/art history course concurrently with FNDN 1800, but must successfully complete FNDN 1800 before taking other LAS/AHIS courses at NSCAD University or under NSCAD University auspices.
Citizenship and Immigration Canada provides study permits for internationals who have been accepted to a designated learning institution and who will be studying in Canada for longer than four months. For students who have been accepted to NSCAD University, an acceptance letter will include a DLI (Designated Learning Institution) number which is 019021269652. This paperwork will need to be included in a submission for a study permit that will need to be processed prior to entrance to Canada. For a complete overview of the process for applying for a study permit, please visit the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website.
Note: Students who may be younger than 18 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 18. The university cannot act as a legal guardian for a student.
Under a Canadian study permit, students are eligible to work in Canada within the guidelines provided by Citizenship and Immigration Canada. Service Canada can provide a social insurance number for students to be paid to work in Canada. Once a student has arrived in Canada, they can visit a Service Canada location to apply for and obtain a social insurance number in order to work in Canada.
*Students attending NSCAD as a visiting or exchange student for less than 6 months do not require a study permit.
Go to career services Working in Canada section
Additional Resources:
The Study and Stay in Nova Scotia program provides guidance, mentoring and supports to qualifying applicants through their journey from student to professional. Visit their website to learn more.
The Post-Graduation Work Permit Program is open to eligible NSCAD students after graduation. Please visit the official government website to learn more.
All international students, both those on student exchange or those pursuing a full degree at NSCAD, are required to have adequate health insurance. NSCAD University’s International Health Insurance Plan is automatically included in your NSCAD fees and provides coverage for 12 months from September – August. Students studying on a one-semester exchange are provided coverage at a prorated cost.
NSCAD’s insurance provider covers medical and dental needs on an emergency basis. This is not a plan that covers pre-existing conditions or is intended to replace regular health check-ups. Please visit your family doctor before travelling to Canada for any ongoing or general health or dental needs.
International students who have been in Halifax for more than 12 months may be eligible for coverage under the Nova Scotia Health Medical Services Insurance plan. To discuss eligibility and the process for applying students need to contact MSI directly. Once enrolled in the MSI plan, the regular health insurance plan provided to domestic students through SUNSCAD will be available.
Students can find out more about their health plan and available resources by visiting our Student VIP International Health Insurance website.
Students coming to NSCAD for an international experience are encouraged to have their finances in place to support their time here. It is also wise to have a plan for fluctuating exchange rates and trips home. International students are welcomed in Halifax and there are lots of opportunities to explore and experience all Canada has to offer, and a solid financial plan can help ease concerns and let you make the most of your time here.
The university recommends that prospective international students budget a minimum of $20,000.00 – $25,000.00 (Cdn) not including airfare for 8-12 months of study Canada.
Non-Canadian students should note that the university is required to charge a differential tuition fee for all international students.