Non-Degree Students should apply for admission several weeks prior to being permitted to register, as all applications must be reviewed and this may take some time.
A Non-Degree student is an individual who has been given permission to take a course or courses for credit, but has not been admitted to a degree program of NSCAD. To qualify to become a non-degree student, a person must have successfully completed high school or its equivalent, or qualify for mature student status. Non-Degree students are evaluated by the same standards used for degree students and are subject to the same academic regulations as degree students. A Non-Degree student may take up to 30 credits at NSCAD.
In order to change from Non-Degree to Degree status, a student must apply for formal admission to NSCAD through the regular application process. Non-degree students must first apply for admission; a meeting with the Director of Admissions and Enrolment Services may be required. If the potential non-degree student is not in Halifax, s/he should contact nscad.ca to coordinate the appropriate documents and forms. They will be assigned spaces alongside degree student requests on a first-come-first-served basis, space permitting.
There is no application deadline for Non-degree applications, however registration periods will determine when a Non-degree student is permitted to register for courses. For registration dates, please refer to the academic calendar of dates.
Non-degree students will be permitted to register at NSCAD only after they have successfully been accepted as a Non-degree student by submitting the following documents:
- NSCAD Non-degree Application form
- Test of English or Proof of English Proficiency (i.e. completed High School English or 1 year of English-speaking Post Secondary study) if English is not the applicants first language
- Documentation of previous academic study (High School, College or University transcript).
- Any other required documentation as may be necessary to support eligibility to register
- Mature Students (aged 21 or over, and 3 or more years of High School and have not previously attended a post-secondary institution for credit) are required to meet with the Director of Admissions and Enrolment Services.
Until admitted to NSCAD, Non-Degree Students are not permitted to register. Once accepted, a Letter of Acceptance will be sent through email. Once accepted to NSCAD to take courses as a Non-Degree student, the student is required to submit the following:
- Registration form(s) for courses
- $100 tuition Deposit for the semester (not refundable once classes begin)
- Written permission (via instructor signature or attached email from the course instructor.) In the case of Foundation classes, permission should be sought from the Foundation Chair. Some exceptions apply. See exempt list in Visiting Student section below
DOWNLOAD THE NON-DEGREE AND VISITING APPLICATION
PROSPECTIVE NON-DEGREE STUDENTS FROM OUTSIDE OF THE HALIFAX AREA
Non-Degree students who may not be able to secure a signature in person should submit the Summer Approval and Prerequisite Form so that we can determine your eligibility to take specific classes.
Visiting Students should submit their documentation several weeks prior to being permitted to register, as all applications must be reviewed and this may take some time.
A Visiting student is an individual permitted to take courses at NSCAD for transfer of credit towards a degree/ diploma program at another university of post-secondary institution. Visiting students must submit a Letter of Permission from their home institution before they will be permitted to register. Visiting students require signatures for most courses they wish to take at NSCAD, with some exceptions:
Courses that Visiting Students do NOT need signatures for includeFNDN 1350 Foundation Computer
FNDN 1310 Foundation Photography
FNDN 1360 Foundation movement Art
FNDN 1330 Foundation Video
FNDN 1340 Foundation Wood and Metal.
2000 – 2700 level Art History courses (2800 level need permission)
Visiting students must obtain signatures from individual faculty members or Division Chairs on the Course Selection Form for course selections such as AHIS 3000 level, FNDN 1400-1600, or 2000-4000 level studio courses. In cases where the prospective student is not able to do this in person, the Office of Academic and Student Services will obtain required signatures based on transcripts of previous course work, and on portfolio submission, where applicable.
Students may register by mail, fax (902 425-2987) or in person, and will be assigned spaces alongside degree student requests on a first-come-first-served basis, space permitting. Visiting students will be permitted to register at NSACD only after they have submitted the following documents:
- Letter of Permission from their home institution
- NSCAD Application form
Once accepted to NSCAD to take courses as a Non-Degree student, the student is required to submit the following:
- Registration form(s) for courses
- $100 Tuition Deposit for the semester (non-refundable once classes begin)
- Written Permission (via instructor signature or attached email from the course instructor.) In the case of Foundation classes, permission should be sought from the Foundation Chair.
APPLICATION FORM AND INFORMATION DOWNLOAD
Visiting students who may not be able to secure a signature in person should submit the Summer Approval and Prerequisite Form so that we can determine your eligibility to take specific classes.
Inquiries about registration or course selection should be made to the Office of Student and Academic Services at nscad.ca. Prospective students should ensure that they submit all documents required for their particular status. Forms should be faxed directly to the Office of Student and Academic Services at 902 425-2987.