By joining the NSCAD community, you are joining an international community as well. NSCAD currently has students enrolled from the following countries:
Australia - Barbados – Bahamas – Brazil-China-Germany-Guatemala -India- Israel-Japan-Kenya-South Korea-Luxembourg-Mexico-Phillipines-Taiwan-Thailand-Turkey-United States- United Kingdom
International Student Services are offered through the Director of Financial Aid and Student Counselling, Bernadette Kehoe.
Services include information and supporting documentation for the following:
In order to study in Canada, international students must have a valid study permit. If your current study permit is due to expire, you should apply to renew your study permit at least 90 days before the expiry date. For more information, visit the Citizenship & Immigration Canada website.
Because international students are not normally permitted to seek or accept employment while in Canada, it is most important that they plan their budgets carefully so that they will have sufficient funds from private and/or government resources to meet all their living and educational costs. The University expects that international students will be completely responsible for their own financial affairs.
The University recommends that prospective international students budget a minimum figure of $20,000.00 (Cdn) exclusive of airfare, for the eight-month academic year; a minimum figure of $25,000.00 (Cdn) is recommended for those who will spend a full twelve months in Canada.
International students must purchase NSCAD’s comprehensive health insurance before being allowed to register at the University.
New full-time International students including Exchange students are required to purchase health insurance in Canada to be considered to have adequate coverage for Canadian medical services. Information on the NSCAD health insurance plan for International students will be sent to students before the semester begins. They are required to purchase the insurance plan in order to register at NSCAD. No exemptions will be considered.
Information and advance notice of this requirement have been included with all registration material sent to each student by the Registrar's Office. For further information, contact the Director of Financial Aid and Student Counselling by email at bkehoe@nscad.ca or by telephone at (902) 494-8130.
Upon your arrival at NSCAD, please meet with the Director of Financial Aid and Student Couselling to purchase health insurance coverage before the beginning of the semester. NSCAD’s International student health plan is currently provided through Travel Insurance Coordinators Limited. International Students who are not eligible to apply for MSI (see information below) must purchase health insurance from TIC before being permitted to attend the University. This is a comprehensive insurance plan which costs $236 per term or $650 for 12 months (2008-09 rates)* . All prices listed are subject to change. No student may begin classes at NSCAD without approved health insurance.
International students who have been in Nova Scotia for twelve consecutive months, and who have not left the province for more than 31 days during this period are eligible to apply for Medical Services Insurance, Nova Scotia's provincial medical insurance. Application may be made on the last day of the twelfth month, and the insurance may become valid on the first day of the thirteenth month. Call MSI at the number below to confirm eligibility. If you are eligible to apply, mail your copies of your student visa to:
Medical Services Insurance
PO Box 500
Halifax, NS
B3J 2S1
(902) 468-9700
International students who are eligible for MSI will be charged for the extended health coverage administered by NSCAD’s Student Union.
Generally, full-time international students with a valid study permit (student authorization) registered in a degree-granting program are allowed to work on the campus of the institution at which they are registered without the need for an employment authorization. For further information about working in Canada please visit the Canada Immigration and Citizenship website. Exchange or Visiting International students must have a study permit before they can apply for any possible on campus work. Priority for on campus work will be given to International students enrolled in a degree program.
Working after GraduationThe Post-Graduation Employment Program is designed to provide graduating international students with Canadian work experience. You may be eligible to work in Canada for up to 3 years after graduating. To apply for a post-graduation work permit, you must have a valid study permit and have received notification from NSCAD that you have completed your degree requirements and are eligible to receive your degree. Please check the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website for details on applying for a post-graduation work permit.
Social Insurance Number (SIN)If you are going to work in Canada, you will need to apply to the government for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) before you start your job. You can find more information on the Service Canada website.
Other NSCAD Services
Writing Resource Centre