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NSCAD University [NSCAD] 2023-2024 Admissions: Entry Requirements, Deadlines, Application Process

Halifax, Nova ScotiaLocation

UniversitySchool type

Estd1887established year

927enrollment

Public

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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	admissions@nscad.ca 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.