All NSCAD campuses closed at noon, February 24, 2024 due to freezing rain. All campuses will reopen at 9 a.m. on February 25.

International Students

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. NSCAD’s three campuses are found downtown in beautiful Kjipuktuk/Halifax, Nova Scotia, rated the second fastest growing municipality in Canada. Halifax is also a diverse city, with immigrants from more than 168 different countries contributing to the rich culture of the city. It is no wonder Halifax has seen record-breaking international student enrolment over the last 10 years.

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!

Contact the Office of Student Experience for more information.

OSE@NSCAD.ca

What you need to know to get started

ENGLISH PROFICIENCY REQUIREMENTS

Applicants whose language of instruction either in high school (for at least three years) or at the post-secondary level (for at least one year) is notin English must submit evidence of their ability to carry on studies in English. This evidence must be provided through one of the following:

TESTUNDERGRADUATEGRADUATE
TOEFL 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 6.0at least 7.0 with no band less than 6.0
CAEL at least 69 with no band less than 60at least 69 with no band less than 60
CanTestat 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 80at least 82 with no band less than 80
 IBat least 5 in English A1 or A2 HLat least 5 in English A1 or A2 HL
 APat least 4 in English Language and Composition or
Literature and Composition
at least 4 in English Language and Composition or Literature and Composition

Note: These test results must be sent directly from the testing service to NSCAD University Admissions Office to be considered valid.

CONDITIONAL OFFERS OF ADMISSION

Applicants 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 or successful completion of one of the pathway programs offered by our partner Halifax language schools.

For more information on NSCAD’s admission requirements, click here.

Note: Should international students encounter problems with immigration once they are in Canada, they should contact the Office of Opportunity and Belonging immediately.

STUDY PERMIT (STUDENT VISA)

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.

WORKING IN CANADA

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.

Additional Resources:

– The  Study and Stay in Nova Scotiaprogram 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.

International Health Insurance

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.

Financial Planning

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.