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NSCAD University

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VerifiedPublicEstd. 1887
Founded
1887
Type
Public
University Guide

About NSCAD University

Explore overview, courses, fees, admissions, campus life, scholarships and student accommodation guidance in one premium Admistay guide.

One of Canada’s oldest cultural institutions, NSCAD, is an internationally recognized university of the visual arts. Areas of study at NSCAD include Art History and Critical Studies; Craft; Design; Fine Arts; and Media Arts.

The institution is regarded as one of the top principal centers for education and research in North America. NSCAD is the oldest post-secondary art school in Canada. It presently forms a community of internationally recognized artists, researchers, designers, and scholars. According to Webometrics, the university ranks at 113rd position in Canada.

NSCAD University Campus

Highlights

University Type Public
Establishment Year 1887
Location Halifax, Nova Scotia
Campus Setting Urban
No. of Campuses 3
Mode of Program Full-time/ Part-time
SAT/ ACT scores Not required
Mode of Application Online
Medium of Instruction English
Total Enrollment 927
Admission Seasons Fall and Winter
Official Website www.nscad.ca

NSCAD University Campus

  • NSCAD University has three campuses located within Halifax's downtown core.
  • The campus of NSCAD University is known for its exceptional architecture.
  • The different campuses and departments within it have been discussed below:

The Fountain Campus

  • The campus houses departments of Craft, Design, Fine Arts, and Media Arts.

The Port Campus

  • It houses the Foundation, Craft, Design, and Fine Arts division.
  • The campus covers a total area of 70,000 sq. ft.

The Academy Campus

  • The campus houses the Media Arts division.
  • Space is well equipped with all amenities including equipment for film production, edit suites, space for a studio, sound rooms, screening as well as animation room.

NSCAD University Residence

  • NSCAD University does not provide on-campus residence facilities.
  • Students of NSCAD University are offered residence halls facilities by Saint Mary’s University, University of King’s College, Granville Hall and Atlantic School of Theology.
  • Detailed information about on-campus housing options at the above-mentioned universities are given below:

Saint Mary’s University

  • Saint Mary’s University campus comprises three well-furnished residence buildings namely Loyola Residence, Rice Residence, and Vanier Residence.
  • Students can also enjoy other conveniences such as Dockside Dining and Cafeteria, The Gorse brook Lounge, Patrick Power Library, Student Centre Cafeteria, Health Services, and much more.
  • Students who have opted for housing at Loyola and Vanier residence must choose their meal plan.

University of King’s College

  • Amenities available to students include choosing from four meal options, eight-month lease for stay, internet connection, well-furnished rooms with mini-fridge, etc.

Atlantic School of Theology

  • The Atlantic School of Theology offers large and small single room accommodation for students with the lowest rates for university residence in Halifax.
  • The residence will be provided access to AST’s library.
  • Accommodation options include single and double rooms, apartments with a sitting room, kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom for parents with children. It also includes a shared kitchen and dining room for all residents on each floor.

Off-campus housing

  • The Granville Hall offers off-campus living options for international students.
  • Students can choose between single and double occupancy options.
  • Each floor has common areas, washrooms, kitchen to provide complete comfort and a secured environment. Students can also choose from the meal option provided to them.

NSCAD University Courses

  • NSCAD University provides undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs in the fields of Art History, Contemporary Culture, Craft, Design, Fine Arts, and Media Arts.
  • The University offers 6 types of programs that include Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Design, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Master of Design, Master of Fine Arts and Master of Arts.
  • The University also offers 14 post-baccalaureate certificate programs to students.
  • The institution is also developing plans for Winter 2023 programs which will be presented in the form of online, on-campus, and hybrid form.

NSCAD University Application Process

NSCAD University accepts applications from students all around the world. It must be noted that SAT or ACT scores are not required for admission to the University. Candidates who do not demonstrate satisfactory English proficiency scores will be offered conditional admission on taking pathway programs offered by the University’s partner Halifax language schools.

How to Apply?

The process for applying to NSCAD University has been discussed below:

Application Portal: Online Application

Application Fee: N/A

Application Deadline:

Program Application Deadline
Undergraduate Fall (September) 2023 Entry – 01 May 2023
Graduates Fall – 15 January 2023
Post Baccalaureate Fall (September) – 01 March

Admission Requirements: International applicants must satisfy the below-mentioned requirements to be eligible for admission to NSCAD University:

  • Complete the online application form
  • Submit completed writing assignment
  • Original Letter of Acceptance to be submitted directly from the university
  • Passport, Birth Certificate, or other identification proving you as the citizen of your native country.
  • Certificate of Health examination
  • Photographs
  • Official academic transcripts or certificates/ results from the Ministry of Education or secondary school in the original language along with its English translation.
  • Official exam results if taken from examination boards
  • English Proficiency scores required for gaining admission for courses offered by NSCAD University. The table below shows English proficiency score requirements for undergraduate and graduate programs:
Test Requirements for Undergraduate program Requirements for Graduate program
TOEFL (IBT) 90 94
IELTS 6.5 7.0
CAEL 69 69
CanTest 4.5 4.5
CAE B A
MELAB 82 82
IB 5 in English A1 or A2 HL 5 in English A1 or A2 HL
AP 4 in English Language and Composition or Literature and Composition 4 in English Language and Composition or Literature and Composition

NSCAD University Cost of Attendance

A detailed per credit hour cost for international undergraduate and graduate students at NSCAD University are given in the table below:

Credit Hours Fees (CAD)
Winter 2023 (Undergraduates)
3 2,537.11
6 4,520.11
9 6,654.75
12 8,637.75
15 10,620.75
18 12.603.75
Winter 2023 (Graduates)
3 2,555.11
6 4,556.11
9 6,708.75
12 8,709.75
15 10,710.75
18 12,711.75

NSCAD University Scholarships/Financial Aid

  • Students who apply for admission by the priority deadline on March 1 are automatically considered for Entrance Scholarships.
  • The amount of scholarship ranges from 5,000 CAD to 6,000 CAD and is renewable up to 4 years that take the total award amount to 25,000 CAD.
  • The University annually awards 100,000 CAD through scholarships and bursaries to almost 90% students.
  • The various scholarship options available to students are as follows:
Name of Scholarship Eligibility Criteria Amount Awarded
Undergraduate Entrance Scholarship Awarded to entering freshmen who apply by March 1 500 – 8,000 CAD
Master of Fine Arts Awards and Scholarships Awarded to each MFA student who has enrolled in the program. 13,000 CAD
The Robert Pope Foundation Scholarship Awarded to graduate students for entering Fine and Media Arts 2,000 CAD
The Roloff Beny Foundation Scholarship Awarded to graduate students for entering Fine and Media Arts along with a concentration in Photography 5,000 CAD
The Faculty Union of NSCAD Awarded to graduate students for entering Fine and Media Arts or Craft programs. 1,000 CAD
The Joan Catherine DeWolfe Graduate Fellowship Awarded to graduate students entering Canadian Fine and Media Arts or Craft programs. 2,000 CAD

NSCAD University Alumni Network

NSCAD University presents a wide range of alumni benefits to its students from across the globe. The benefits include:

  • Art Bar + Projects – An independently operated space by Alumni Association of NSCAD. This space promotes discussion and celebration of art and design at Halifax.
  • Show your NSCAD Pride – The “I Am NSCAD” campaign provides logo services in varied types and sizes for social media, websites, email signatures, and more.

Some of the popular alumni of the university are as follows:

  • Karen CrockerHead of Wardrobe Karen Crocker, currently working with Queen Musical production
  • Karin Jones – Multidisciplinary artist, currently works as an instructor at the Vancouver Community College’s Jewellery Art and Design Program serving as the Department Head.
  • Letitia Fraser - Winner of RBC Emerging Artist Award for visual arts from Nova Scotia Talent Trust.
  • Susanna Heller – Popular Artist whose paintings have been shipped to Toronto

NSCAD University Placements

The job bank of NSCAD University is responsible for offering student services that include a list of student job postings. Job Junction provides assistance to youth seeking jobs in Canada. It is a free service and offers the best employment information for students of the university.

Courses & Fees

Compare courses in a cleaner, easier way

Explore tuition, duration, language, eligibility, and exam requirements without the clutter.

Courses

14

Fee from

₹37,108.62

Exams

TOEFL · IELTS

Showing 5 of 11 bachelors

Overview
Degree TypeBachelor
Duration4 years
Study ModeFull Time
LanguageEnglish
Fees
Tuition FeeINR 1,435/Yr
Native FeeCAD 21 /Yr
Fee trendTuition progression
Official Program Page
Admission Guide

Admission Process

NSCAD University is a selective university with an acceptance rate of 64% with a total enrollment of 750 students. Accredited by the ‘Department of Labour and Advanced Education’. NSCAD is one of the best universities in Canada solely dedicated to the studies of design and art with popular courses offered being Fine Art (BFA), Design (BDes), and Art History (BA). It also offers graduate degrees in Master of Fine Arts and Master of Design.

  • The university does not require SAT or ACT scores but students need to have 70% for higher in Class 12 or equivalent for admissions to its undergraduate foundation programs. For graduate programs, there are no minimum score requirements and neither does it ask for GMAT or GRE scores.
  • Students are required to submit Visual Portfolios for both undergraduate and graduate programs offered by NSCAD university.
  • Admission applications are invited in Fall and Winter sessions for undergraduate programs and in Fall for graduate programs.
  • Students can apply by March 1 for the fall semester and October 1 for the winter semester for UG programs.
  • The university provides financial aid to its students through scholarships and awards which may range from 500 CAD to 6000 CAD.
  • All the transcripts must be sent directly to the university.

NSCAD University COVID-19 Update:

  • Unofficial transcripts may be submitted but official transcripts will be required later.
  • Students can enroll themselves in full-time courses and can start their classes remotely at NSCAD University.

Highlights

Application Portal Online portal
Application fee 70 CAD
Acceptance rate 65%
Academic calendar Semester-based
Application deadline Undergraduate- March 1 and October 1
Graduate- January 15
Intake Season Fall and Winter
Financial Aid Scholarships and awards
Test Scores accepted TOEFL, IELTS, CAEL, Can Test, CAE, MELAB, IB, AP
SAT and ACT scores Not required
Admission Helpdesk [email protected]
fax: 902-442-4077

NSCAD Acceptance Rate

When it comes to granting admissions, NSCAD is somewhat selective in its approach. The university has an acceptance rate of 65% where an applicant's past academic records, letters of recommendation and creative visual portfolio is considered during the selection process.

NSCAD University Admission Deadlines

The NSCAD University intakes students in the Fall and Winter Sessions. The admission deadlines for various degrees are tabulated below-

Session Deadline
Undergraduate Courses
Fall (September) March 1
Winter (January) October 1
Graduate Courses
Fall (September) January 15
Post-baccalaureate Courses
Fall (September) March 1
Exchange
Fall (September) March 30
Winter (January) September 30

Please note that: All graduate programs begin in the Fall semester. Although the admission deadlines for Fall 2023 concluded on January 15, 2023, international graduate applicants can check up with the university and wait for further developments regarding admissions for the 2023-2024 academic year. 

NSCAD University International Student Admissions

It accepts international students from all over the world. Students who have fulfilled the minimum equivalent eligibility criteria can apply. The application process is similar for both International and Domestic students.

Application Portal- Online

Application fee- 70 CAD

Admission requirements- The International students applying for the NSCAD University admissions have to fulfill the following requirements:-

  • Completed application form
  • Official transcripts
    • Class 12 or equivalent for undergraduate programs.
    • Bachelor's Degree for Masters programs.
    • 70 % or higher in Class 12
    • Must be translated in English
  • SAT/ACT/GMAT/GRE scores are not required.
  • Personal Statement of purpose to study in Canada
  • Letters of Recommendation
    • Undergraduate - Not mandatory
    • Graduate - 2 LORs
  • Writing requirement: Completing FNDN1800 Writing for Arts
  • Portfolios required for both undergraduate and graduate programs.
  • Bank Statement
  • Birth Certificat
  • Copy of Passport
  • Health Examination form

Note that: All transcripts must be received in the Office of Admissions by email directly from the issuing institution to be considered official.

English Proficiency Test Score for International Students

Students need to demonstrate their English proficiency to be able to study in Canada as the medium of Education here is English. Students can submit one or more of the following scores -

Tests Undergraduate Courses (Minimum) Graduate Courses (Minimum)
TOEFL iBT 90 with all sections score above 20 94 with all sections score above 22
IELTS 6.5 with no band less than 6.0 7.0 with no band less than 6.0
CAEL 69 with no band less than 60 69 with no band less than 60
Can Test 4.5 with no section less than 4.0 4.5 with no section less than 4.0
CAE Grade B Grade B
MELAB 82 with no band less than 80 82 with no band less than 80
IB 5 in English A1 and A2 HL 5 in English A1 and A2 HL
AP 4 in English language and composition or literature and composition 4 in English language and composition or literature and composition

Visa Process for International Students

International applicants can apply for a student visa to study in Canada once they are admitted to the university. The University provides it in the form of a Student permit.

  • Students applying for exchange for less than 6 months or just visiting the NSCAD University does not require a student permit.
  • Documents required for Permit to study in Canada requires:-
    • Passport
    • Birth Certificate
    • Acceptance Letter
    • Financial statement
    • Health examination
    • Photographs

NSCAD University Undergraduate Admissions

It offers three degrees under the undergraduate admissions with 11 courses viz Bachelor of Arts ,Bachelor of Design and Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with 2 , 1 and 8 courses under them respectively. Students may have deadlines extended once discussed with the Admission Office.

Application Portal: Online mode

Application fee: 70 CAD

Admission requirements- Applicants need to fulfill certain requirements for NSCAD University admissions -

  • Completed Application
  • Official transcripts
    • Class 12 or equivalent for undergraduate programs.
    • Bachelor's Degree for Masters programs.
    • 70 % or higher in Class 12
    • Must be translated in English
  • Letter of Recommendation is not required but can be submitted to support the application.
  • Visual Portfolio

NSCAD University Graduate Admissions

It offers three master degrees in fields of Arts and Design. It also offers a post-baccalaureate certificate degree with several courses underlined. The requirements vary with programs.

Application Portal: Online mode

Application fee: 70 CAD

Admission requirements: The program-specific requirements for NSCAD University graduate admissions are tabulated below-

PROGRAM Master of Fine Arts Master of Arts in Art Education Master of Design Visual Arts Certificate in Studio Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Design
Transcripts Required Required Required Required Required
Letter of Recommendation 2 LORs 2 LORs 2 LORs Not required Not required
Statement of intent for MS in Canada Required Required Required Not required Required
Portfolio 20 Image files; properly numbered and with list attached. Optional 20 Image files; properly numbered and with list attached. Not required 20 Image files; properly numbered and with list attached.
Writing sample and personal statement Both not required Writing sample Required Both not required Personal statement required Both not required

The NSCAD University is a visual art and craft promoting university where students can apply for various undergraduate as well as graduate programs to pursue their passion for Arts and Design.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ques. What are the general admission requirements for undergraduate programs?

Ans. Applicants need to submit Application Form, Admission Essay, Official transcripts and Portfolio to be considered for admissions.

Ques. Does NSCAD University offer diploma courses?

Ans. No, the university does not offer diploma courses, instead it offers undergraduate and graduate(Certificate also) courses.

Ques. Which standardized scores are accepted by the University?

Ans. The university does not require SAT and ACT scores for any of the courses offered. The university accepts TOEFL, IELTS, CAEL, MELAB, CAE, CanTest, IB, and AP scores as proof of English proficiency.

Ques. How can I submit the official transcripts?

Ans. All transcripts must be received in the Office of Admissions by email directly from the issuing institution to be considered official.

Ques. Do I need to submit GRE or GMAT scores for graduate admissions?

Ans. No, GRE or GMAT scores are not required.

Ques. What are the admission requirements for international students who wish to apply for NSCAD Admissions 2023?

Ans.  Admissions requirements are the same for international students as they are for domestic students. Please visit https://my.nscad.ca/applyfndn/foundationapplicationrequirements.ezc as well as, https://my.nscad.ca/international/international-applicants.ezc

Ques. What are the fees for International students who wish to apply at NSCAD?

Ans. Please check https://nscad.ca/apply/scholarships-and-tuition/ for more details. 

Ques. When is the application deadline for international students who wish to apply at NSCAD?

Ans. All applicants follow the same application deadlines. Advanced Standing applicants for Fall Semester: February 1; Advanced Standing applications for Winter semester: October 1; Foundation for Fall semester; March 1 (for scholarship consideration), June 1 for late applications, October 1 for Winter semester.

Ques.  I am an international applicant, how do I apply at NSCAD?

Ans. International applicants follow the same application procedures as domestic applicants. If your first language is not English you will have to submit proof that you are proficient in the English language. Follow steps listed here https://my.nscad.ca/applyfndn/foundationapplicationrequirements.ezc

Ques. How do I apply for a visa?

Ans. You must apply through Canadian Immigration. See cic.gc.ca.

Ques. How much will one year of study at NSCAD cost an international student?

Ans. Approximately CAD$25,000

Ques. Do I have to pay all of my tuition at one time?

Ans.  No, tuition payments are done at the start of each semester (the final business day of the month in which the semester begins): September 30 / January 31 / May 31.

Ques. How can I make my fees and tuition payment?

Ans. A payment can be made by using Western Union GlobalPay for International Students.

Placements & Recruiters

NSCAD University Placement Details

NSCAD University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada placement details include salary insights, top recruiters, and hiring trends to help students understand career outcomes and campus opportunities.

Students usually compare highest package, average package, and recruiter profile before applying. This section gives a compact overview of career outcomes and placement visibility in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.

Recruiters
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Salary Metrics
0/2
Placement Metric

Highest Package

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Represents the top salary package reported in the available placement information.

Placement Metric

Average Package

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Placement information is currently limited.

More salary or recruiter data may be updated later for this college.

Contact Information

5163 Duke Street Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 3J6

+1-902-444 -9600

1 888-444-5989