CANADA
Nova Scotia College of Art and Design
public · Founded 1908 · Languages: en
In short
NSCAD University, founded in 1887, is Canada's oldest degree-granting art and design institution, renowned internationally for its contemporary art education. It offers BFA, BDes, and MFA programs in a vibrant downtown Halifax campus setting.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1908
- Students
- 900
- International students
- 120
- Tuition (intl)
- €15–18k/yr
- Languages
- EN
- Location
- Canada
NSCAD University is Canada's oldest degree-granting art and design institution, founded in Halifax in 1887. Internationally renowned since the 1970s for its role in conceptual and contemporary art, NSCAD offers BFA, BDes, and MFA programmes across studio arts, craft, design, and education. Its downtown Halifax campus integrates students into a vibrant creative community.
Why study here
- One of Canada's most prestigious art and design institutions with over 130 years of history.
- International reputation for contemporary and conceptual art education.
- Studio-based learning with small class sizes and close faculty mentorship.
- Downtown Halifax location immersed in galleries, studios, and Atlantic Canada's creative economy.
- Graduate MFA programme recognised internationally, attracting students from around the world.
Student life
NSCAD's compact urban campus creates an intense creative community. Students work in purpose-built studios, printmaking labs, ceramics kilns, jewellery workshops, and digital media suites. The Halifax waterfront, independent galleries, and strong arts scene provide continual inspiration and exhibition opportunities. Student exhibitions, critiques, and visiting artist lectures are core to campus culture.
Fees
InternationalInternational students pay approximately CAD 20,000–24,000 (EUR 14,500–18,000) per year in tuition fees.
HomeCanadian domestic students pay approximately CAD 8,500–10,500 per year.
LivingHalifax living costs average CAD 1,200–1,600/month including rent, food, and transit.
Art supplies and studio material costs are additional and vary by programme. Many students access government student loans and bursaries.
Admissions
Academic requirementHigh school diploma or equivalent with competitive academic standing
PortfolioPortfolio of 10–20 works demonstrating creative ability and artistic range
Artist statementWritten statement describing creative interests and reasons for applying
IELTS Academic6.5 overall (no band below 6.0)
TOEFL iBT85 overall
Duolingo English Test105
University scholarships
NSCAD President's ScholarshipCAD 2,000–5,000 (merit-based, renewable)
International Student Entrance AwardCAD 2,000 (one-time)
Canada Student GrantsUp to CAD 3,000/year (needs-based, for Canadian students)
Accreditation
NSCAD University is a publicly funded degree-granting institution under the Nova Scotia Universities Act, authorised to confer BFA, BDes, and MFA degrees. It is a member of the Association of Independent Colleges of Art and Design (AICAD).
For international students
CanadaStudent visa & funds
International students must obtain a study permit from IRCC before arriving. Most college and undergraduate applicants must also include a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) confirming a space under the annual cap; from January 2026, master’s and doctoral students at public institutions are exempt from this requirement. Applicants must show living funds of CAD 22,895 (effective September 2025, for a single student, excluding tuition and travel), and Student Direct Stream applicants hold this amount as a GIC.
Working while you study
Full-time students at designated learning institutions whose permits include work authorization may work up to 24 hours per week off campus during academic terms — a cap in effect since November 2024 that replaced the former 20-hour rule and a temporary 40-hour exception. Students may work unlimited hours during scheduled breaks such as summer and winter holidays. From April 2026, eligible students no longer need a separate co-op work permit for mandatory placements.
After you graduate
Graduates of eligible programs may apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) within 180 days of confirmed completion. The PGWP matches program length up to a maximum of three years, and master’s graduates receive a three-year permit regardless of program length. Since November 2024 most applicants must show a recent language test at CLB 7 (university graduates) or CLB 5 (college graduates); degree graduates are exempt from the field-of-study alignment rule that applies to other applicants.
English tests
- IELTS Academic6.0–6.5 with no band below 6.0; research-intensive universities 6.5–7.0
- TOEFL iBT80–100; top universities (e.g. University of Toronto) 100+
Main intakes
SeptemberJanuaryMay
Typical living cost
€1,250/month
Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.
SourcesIRCC — Study permit: get the right documents · CIC News — Increased fund requirements for study permits (Sept 2025) · CIC News — Off-campus work rules update (May 2026) · IRCC — Post-graduation work permit: who can apply · ETS — Minimum TOEFL score requirements for the USA, UK and Canada · Mastersportal — Living costs & tuition in Canada
Scholarships
for Canada
full fundingUniversity of Toronto
Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarship
For international students beginning undergraduate study at the University of Toronto who are first-time entrants from outside Canada. Students must be nominated by their school, then complete the U of T application and scholarship process. Selection recognises exceptional academic achievement and creativity, with a record of leadership and impact at school.
full
Funding
€200k
Max
Nov 30, 2026
Deadline
full fundingUniversity of British Columbia
International Leader of Tomorrow (ILOT) Award
For international students entering their first undergraduate degree at the University of British Columbia (UBC) who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and financial need. Students must be nominated by their school and require financial support to study at UBC; the award is need-based, covering costs the student and family cannot meet.
full
Funding
€70k
Max
Nov 15, 2026
Deadline
full fundingWestern University
Western University National Scholarship Program (Canada)
Open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents entering full-time undergraduate study at Western University's main campus, with a minimum academic average of 90% in Grade 12 U/M courses (or equivalent), a school nomination, a reference letter, a transcript and an essay.
full
Funding
€47k
Max
Feb 14, 2027
Deadline
partial fundingUniversity of Ottawa
University of Ottawa International English Scholarships
Open to international undergraduate students who hold a valid Canadian study permit and are newly admitted to an English-language undergraduate programme in Arts, Engineering, Health Sciences, Science, Social Sciences, or the Telfer School of Management. A minimum admission average of 80 percent is needed for the Admission Scholarship and 90 percent for the Academic Excellence Scholarship. Students in the French immersion or French-language streams are not eligible.
partial
Funding
€46k
Max
Apr 1, 2027
Deadline
full fundingCanadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
Open to Canadian and international students pursuing a doctoral (PhD) degree at a Canadian university. Candidates must be nominated by the Canadian institution, not yet have started the doctoral program beyond defined limits, and demonstrate academic excellence, research potential, and leadership.
full
Funding
€34k
Max
Nov 4, 2026
Deadline
full fundingCIHR / NSERC / SSHRC (Tri-Agency), Government of Canada
Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Doctoral (CGRS-D)
For doctoral students undertaking a PhD at a Canadian institution, with an outstanding academic record. Awards are made by Canada's tri-agency (CIHR, NSERC, SSHRC); applicants apply through their university, and eligibility (including for international students) follows the current Canada Graduate Scholarships rules.
full
Funding
€27k
Max
Nov 1, 2026
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees for international students at NSCAD University?
+
International students can expect to pay approximately CAD 20,000–24,000 per year in tuition fees. Please note that costs for art supplies and studio materials are additional and will vary by program.
What are the English language proficiency requirements for international students?
+
International applicants need to demonstrate English proficiency through tests such as IELTS Academic with a 6.5 overall score (no band below 6.0), TOEFL iBT with an 85 overall score, or the Duolingo English Test with a score of 105.
What academic qualifications are needed for admission to NSCAD University?
+
You will need a high school diploma or equivalent with a competitive academic standing. Additionally, a portfolio of 10–20 works showcasing your creative ability and artistic range, along with an artist statement, is required.
Does NSCAD University offer scholarships for international students?
+
Yes, NSCAD University offers the International Student Entrance Award worth CAD 2,000 (one-time). The NSCAD President's Scholarship, ranging from CAD 2,000–5,000, is also available and merit-based, offering renewal.
What is the cost of living for students in Halifax?
+
Living costs in Halifax, including rent, food, and transit, average between CAD 1,200–1,600 per month for students.
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