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

NSCAD ADVANTAGE

NSCAD University students are passionate, committed and hard-working. Through in-class critiques led by acclaimed faculty, they engage in critical discussion and are encouraged to examine ideas from a variety of perspectives. NSCAD encourages creative exploration and risk-taking. The student experience is enriched with the freedom to try new art forms and combine them in exciting ways.

First-year students must complete foundation courses to expand their understanding of different art and design methodologies. As a result of this holistic approach to learning, NSCAD students are exposed to expansive options in technology, resources, materials and practice. They learn to think critically, to build and understand how to be relevant players in the creative economy.

Faculty members challenge and support students to do their very best work. NSCAD University professors are designers and artists themselves and maintain active practices that inform their teaching.

Throughout the academic year, students learn about the makeup of different materials⁠—how they respond to duress or to different temperatures and treatments. With their hands, they mold, sculpt, paint, sew, dye, stretch and scratch. This deep dive into design and creation helps NSCAD students identify responses to challenges, to innovate and to push boundaries.

Academy Awards
BMO 1st Art
Canadian Children’s Literature Award
Emmy
Fulbright Scholarship
Governor General’s Awards in Visual and Media Arts
Governor General’s Award for Illustrated Children’s Books
Grammy
Guggenheim Memorial Fellowship
Hnatyshyn Award
JUNO Award
Kate Greenaway Medal, Britain
MTV Video Music Awards
Polaris Prize
RBC Canadian Painting Competition
Saidye Bronfman Award
Scotiabank Next Generation Photography Award
Sobey Art Award
Venice Biennial representative artists

92%

Of alumni found their NSCAD degree to be a good investment

 

80%

Of alumni believed the theories and skills learned at NSCAD prepared them to succeed in their chosen field

93%

Of alumni agreed that NSCAD played an important role in their development as people

*Results from the 2021 Alumni Survey

History of NSCAD

history

As the oldest degree-granting art school in Canada, NSCAD is a storied institution shaping art, craft and design in Canada and beyond since 1887. NSCAD remains an international centre for artistic activity, with world-renowned artists as faculty, alumni and visiting artists.

NSCAD Facility Offerings

campuses

Fountain Campus

It’s hard to imagine a university campus with more character than our historic Fountain Campus. Adjacent to the Halifax boardwalk, the Victorian terrace-style buildings were once an interconnected row of 19 merchant shops and warehouses. Inside you will find plenty of mysterious nooks and stairwells, as well as open interiors and modern studio spaces. If you are looking for a place where your imagination can run wild, this is it.

Port Campus

Located on the edge of the sea, here you’ll enjoy learning while being inspired by the ocean views observed from wall-to-wall windows.

Port Campus also holds NSCAD’s high-efficiency, computer-controlled Blaauw kilns.

Academy-Viewbook

Academy Campus

Academy Campus sits across from Citadel Hill in the heart of Halifax. Built in 1878, Academy Campus is home to the Media Arts Division, including film, photography and expanded media. The space is fully equipped for film production, complete with edit suites, studio space, sound rooms, a screening room and animation facilities.