Anna Leonowens, the governess whose memoirs inspired The King and I, helped found this art school in 1887. NSCAD University is now one of Canada's few independent art and design universities, with its main Fountain Campus in restored 19th-century buildings on Granville Street in downtown Halifax. It teaches fine art, craft, design and media arts, with a strong studio culture.
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Official website: nscad.ns.ca
1887
Independent art and design university
Fountain Campus, Granville Street
CA$22,000 – CA$27,000
International students, undergraduate programmes, approximate
CA$15,000 – CA$19,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on nscad.ns.ca before you apply.
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 90
Bachelor of Design (Interdisciplinary Design)
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 90
BFA Craft
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 90
Master of Fine Arts
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 7.0, TOEFL: 95
Studios in historic buildings in downtown Halifax.
Craft studios for ceramics, jewellery and textiles.
A small, studio-focused community.
Graduates work as artists, designers, craftspeople and educators.
Many set up studios or work in film and media in Atlantic Canada.
Eligible graduates can apply for a post-graduation work permit.
Undergrad
Rolling, with portfolio
Postgrad
Winter deadline
The Fountain Campus sits among the old stone warehouses of downtown Halifax, a block from the harbourfront boardwalk and the ferry to Dartmouth.
Halifax has a lively arts scene with small galleries and music venues. Rent has risen sharply, so look for housing early.
Letter of acceptance from NSCAD University
Nova Scotia provincial attestation letter
Proof of funds for tuition and living
Online IRCC study permit application
Medical exam, if requested
Valid passport and biometrics
NSCAD reviews undergraduate applications on a rolling basis, with a portfolio. The MFA has a single deadline in winter for September. Apply early so the study permit isn't rushed.
Programmes start in September.
Study permit, applied for through IRCC. You'll upload the acceptance letter from NSCAD University, an attestation letter if your programme needs one, proof you can pay tuition and living costs, and then give biometrics.
The BFA, design, craft and MFA programmes are the main options. Undergraduates need secondary school results, a portfolio and IELTS 6.5; the MFA needs a relevant bachelor's degree and a strong portfolio.
NSCAD offers some entrance scholarships based on portfolio and grades, and international students are eligible for several. Check the awards page.
