OUTGOING STUDENT EXCHANGE
Expand Your World with NSCAD Exchange & Off-Campus Study
Broaden your education through NSCAD’s exchange and off-campus study programs. Whether it’s a semester abroad or an independent study experience, international learning can enrich your academic journey and prepare you for a global career.
The Office of Student Experience coordinates off-campus programs and supports students with applications and financial planning. You’ll be responsible for arranging your travel, visa, permits, and housing.
Getting started
Planning Ahead
“Exchange applications require early preparation. If you’re aiming to go abroad in 2026–27, you must declare your intent between October 1, 2025 and November 1, 2025—one year in advance.
Keep in mind: Exchange is highly competitive. You’ll first need to be nominated by NSCAD before applying to the host school. The host school then assesses your application and determines if you will be admitted to their school as an Exchange student. While placement isn’t guaranteed, the Office of Student Experience will guide you every step of the way.”
Partner Schools
The following is a list of universities that which NSCAD University has or is in the process of renewing signed Exchange agreements. Please note that this list is subject to change:
| School or association name* | Country | Area of Study** |
Canada & USA | Varies by institution. Please visit AICAD website to learn more | |
Australia | Art, Design | |
Hong Kong, China | Animation and Digital Arts, Film and Visual Arts, Liberal Arts and History | |
KEA Copenhagen School of Design and Technology | Denmark | Design, Jewellery |
Hochschule Bielefeld – University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSBI) | Germany | Design |
Germany | Art, Design | |
Germany | Design | |
Germany | Design | |
University of Applied Sciences Mannheim (Technische Hochschule Mannheim) | Germany | Design |
Germany | Jewellery | |
Ghana | Art, Design | |
Ireland | Fine Art, Design, Visual Culture | |
Japan | Art, Design | |
Netherlands | Art, Design | |
Norway | Art, Design | |
Portugal | Art & Design | |
University of Cape Town | South Africa | Off-campus study, please connect with the Registrar’s Office to learn more |
Daegu Catholic University | South Korea | Media Art, Fashion, Animation, Jewellery |
South Korea | Art, Design | |
South Korea | Art, Design | |
University of Ulsan | South Korea | |
Escuela Universitaria de Artes (TAI) | Spain (program taught in Spanish) | Film, Photography |
University of Gothenburg – HDK-Valand – Academy of Art and Design | Sweden | Art, Design |
United Kingdom | Art, Design | |
Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design, University of Dundee | United Kingdom | Art, Design |
Edinburgh College of Art, University of Edinburgh | United Kingdom | Art, Design |
USA | Art, Design (need approval from FIT) |
*Please consult with the Office of Student Experience to confirm the status of our Exchange partnership with any of the schools listed.
*Exchange agreements sometimes exclude certain programs of study at the host institution. Please consult with the Office of Student Experience if you have questions about a specific program of study.
General Requirements
Before declaring your intent to apply for exchange, students must meet the following internal requirements:
- Attend an Outbound Exchange Information Session hosted by the Registrar’s Office. Information regarding these sessions will be sent to students at their NSCAD email account in early September 2025.
- A student must be registered at the university and in good academic standing at the time of application for off-campus study;
- A student must have completed a minimum of sixty (60) credits with a minimum of 6 credits earned at the 3000 level; completed 9 credits of liberal arts and science course work including 6 credits of Art History for BFA students; have maintained a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 in order to participate in off-campus study;
- a student applying for independent off-campus study must have completed the prerequisites in those courses for which they are registered while away from the university.
How to apply
Steps to Apply for Exchange
Before heading off on your exchange journey, a few key steps must be completed:
1. Attend an Info Session
Join an Outbound Exchange Information Session in Fall 2025. Details will be emailed to your NSCAD email in early September.
2. Submit Declaration Form
Complete the Declaration to Apply for Exchange Studies form between October 1 – November 1, 2025.
Note: The form will only be accessible starting October 1.
3. NSCAD Nomination
The Office of Student Experience will nominate students for each host institution based on demand and cumulative GPA.
You’ll be notified of your nomination status by late November via NSCAD email.
4. Meet with Registrarial Services
Once nominated, schedule a meeting with the Manager, Registrarial Services to confirm your host school’s:
- Nomination process
- Application deadlines
- Specific documentation requirements
Common requirements include:
- Statement of Intent outlining why you want to study at the host institution
- Two faculty recommendations (from instructors in your major, within the past 12 months)
- A portfolio of recent, relevant work
Tuition, credits and financing your exchange
Tuition & Registration
All tuition and fees are paid to NSCAD, not to the host institution. Tuition and fees for your exchange period must be paid in full before your NSCAD registration is official. If payment isn’t made before departure, you must have an approved arrangement with the Vice-President of Finance. Otherwise, you will not be considered officially registered.
Earning Credit for Off-Campus Study
To receive credit for exchange or off-campus study, students must:
- Return to NSCAD and complete at least one full-time semester
- Submit an official transcript from the host institution confirming successful course completion
- Support future exchange students by sharing their experience, if asked
Note: Exchange credits are transfer credits and do not affect your GPA; however, you must receive an equivalent NSCAD grade of C or higher to receive transfer credit for courses taken on Exchange.
Before departure, students must complete a Learning Agreement outlining courses for transfer credit. It’s your responsibility to ensure course selections align with NSCAD degree requirements—consulting with an academic advisor is strongly recommended.
- Total credits must match NSCAD’s semester system
- A maximum of 15 credits can be awarded per exchange semester
Financial Tips for Studying Abroad
Before applying for government loans (e.g. Canada Student Loans, Quebec Student Loans, or other provincial programs), students must consult with an Academic and Financial Aid Advisor in the Office of Student Experience.
Some provinces may factor in extra costs for studying abroad, while others may not provide any financial support for international programs. Make sure your funding is secure—off-campus study should not be attempted without adequate financial resources.
- Assign Banking Authority:
Consider giving a trusted family member written authorization to handle your bank affairs while you’re away. Inform both your bank and the Office of Opportunity and Belonging if you make these arrangements. - Emergency Fund:
Budget an extra $500–$750 for emergencies. You can:- Take it with you, or
- Keep it in a Canadian bank account for quick access. If needed, a designated family member (with clear written instructions) can withdraw and wire the funds to you immediately.
Accessing Funds While Abroad
Plan ahead for how you’ll access money while overseas. In past cases, students have faced challenges receiving funds abroad. If you’re receiving a Canada Student Loan, you must:
- Sign loan documents before departure or
- Provide a reliable mailing address for receiving and returning documents via registered mail
Leave detailed instructions with the Office of Student Experience regarding how your bursary, loan balance, or other funds should be forwarded.
NSCAD Scholarships
Students participating in Off-Campus Study Programs may be eligible for NSCAD scholarships. Apply during the In-Course Scholarship Application period using the common application form. Be sure to indicate if you’re considering or have been accepted for Exchange in the upcoming academic year.
External Scholarships & Grants
Additional funding may be available through external sources:
- Contact the consulate of your destination country for possible grants or scholarships.
- Explore funding opportunities through the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE), of which NSCAD is a member.
We encourage early research and application to maximize your funding options.
Note for Transfer Students
You may apply for Off-Campus Study after completing two full-time semesters at NSCAD. Residency requirements may limit eligibility—please consult with an advisor.