Nova Scotia College of Art and Design University
university
Nova Scotia College of Art and Design University

Nova Scotia College of Art and Design University

If you believe that creative ideas can build a better world, there's a place for you here. Our mission is to nurture transformative experiences that challenge c

5163 Duke St, Halifax, NS B3J 3J6, Canada

About Nova Scotia College of Art and Design University

NSCAD University, established in 1887 as the Victoria School of Art and Design, is a public art university located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. It is internationally recognized for its leadership and innovation in creative practice, research, and pedagogy, shaping visual and material culture in Canada. The university offers bachelor's and master's degrees in fine art, design, and art history. NSCAD is committed to fostering an environment of equity, diversity, inclusion, and academic excellence, where students engage in a rigorous, interdisciplinary educational experience. The university operates across three campuses in downtown Halifax: the historic Fountain Campus, the Academy Campus focusing on Media Arts, and the Port Campus housing industrial art, design, and craft facilities. NSCAD emphasizes the strategic integration of arts, culture, and community engagement, preparing students to be leaders and innovators in creative industries.
Program NameDetails
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)
Bachelor

The BFA program at NSCAD University provides a balance of theory and practice, focusing on studio work and related theory. Students engage in the production of art, craft, and design while exploring historical and contemporary culture.

Varies
English
Full-time tuition is $12,042 CAD, with mandatory fees of $1,377 CAD, plus additional costs for books and supplies.
Deadline: March 1 for the fall semester and October 1 for the winter semester for UG programs
Bachelor of Design (BDes)
Bachelor

The BDes program balances theoretical knowledge with hands-on studio practice, enabling students to develop skills in various design disciplines. Students explore design principles while engaging in creative projects.

Varies
English
Full-time tuition is $12,042 CAD, with mandatory fees of $1,377 CAD, plus additional costs for books and supplies.
Deadline: March 1 for the fall semester and October 1 for the winter semester for UG programs
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Art History
Bachelor

The BA in Art History program focuses on written and verbal analysis and interpretation of historical and contemporary culture materials. Enhanced by its setting within an art school, the program enables students to take studio courses while concentrating on the critical discourse surrounding the social production and reception of art.

Varies
English
Full-time tuition is $12,042 CAD, with mandatory fees of $1,377 CAD, plus additional costs for books and supplies.
Deadline: March 1 for the fall semester and October 1 for the winter semester for UG programs
Master of Fine Arts (MFA)
Master

The MFA program at NSCAD provides graduate students with opportunities to develop their artistic practice through research, experimentation, and critical inquiry. This program fosters creative leaders and visionaries.

Varies
English
Full-time tuition is $12,042 CAD, with mandatory fees of $1,377 CAD, plus additional costs for books and supplies.
Deadline: Applications are invited in Fall for graduate programs
Master of Design (MDes)
Master

The Master of Design program fosters an interest in the role of design in society, the economy, design history and theory, teaching, and research at a postsecondary level. Applicants to the MDes Program should possess a Bachelor of Design Degree, a Bachelor's Degree in a related discipline, or the equivalent qualifications from a four-year university or college program.

Varies
English
Full-time tuition is $12,042 CAD, with mandatory fees of $1,377 CAD, plus additional costs for books and supplies.
Deadline: Applications are invited in Fall for graduate programs
Master of Arts in Art Education (MAAE)
Master

The MAAE program aligns with NSCAD University's Graduate Program in Art Education, emphasizing relevance and unique contributions to Applied Pedagogy in Art Education; Museum and Curatorial Studies; Community-Based Practice. This program develops educators and community leaders.

Varies
English
Full-time tuition is $12,042 CAD, with mandatory fees of $1,377 CAD, plus additional costs for books and supplies.
Deadline: Applications are invited in Fall for graduate programs

Performance & Metrics

Institutional Stats
0
Students
0
Faculty
0
Alumni
6
Programs
Accreditations & Affiliations
NSCAD University is officially accredited by the Department of Labour and Advanced Education of Nova Scotia. It is also a member of Universities Canada (UC), the Association of Independent Colleges of Art and Design (AICAD), and the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE), ensuring its credentials are recognized nationally and internationally.
Admissions
60-69% (moderately selective)
Acceptance Rate
Deadlines
Graduate MFA Program
January 15
Graduate MDes & MAAE Programs
May 1
Undergraduate Fall Entry (Domestic)
June 30
Undergraduate Fall Entry (International)
May 1
Undergraduate Winter Entry (All Applicants)
October 1
Undergraduate Fall Entry (Scholarship Consideration)
March 2
Requirements
High school applicants must have completed Grade 12 (or equivalent) with an average of 70% or higher, including a minimum of 70% in Grade 12 English for university preparation. An International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma with a minimum grade of 24 is acceptable. Advanced Placement (AP) courses with a grade of 4 or higher are eligible for transfer credit. All undergraduate and graduate applicants are required to submit Visual Portfolios. Graduate programs typically require a relevant bachelor's degree with an overall 'B' average.
Recent Rankings
·
#
·
#
·
#

Nova Scotia College of Art and Design University Academic FAQ

Nova Scotia College of Art and Design University is If you believe that creative ideas can build a better world, there's a place for you here. Our mission is to nurture transformative experiences that challenge c

The acceptance rate for Nova Scotia College of Art and Design University is 60-69% (moderately selective), reflecting the selectivity of its academic programs.

Applicants are typically required to submit: High school applicants must have completed Grade 12 (or equivalent) with an average of 70% or higher, including a minimum of 70% in Grade 12 English for university preparation. An International Baccal....

Nova Scotia College of Art and Design University provides a comprehensive curriculum including: Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), Bachelor of Design (BDes), Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Art History, Master of Fine Arts (MFA), Master of Design (MDes).

The institution maintains a student-to-faculty ratio of 15:1 (Student to Full-Time Faculty), ensuring personalized mentorship and studio culture.

Nova Scotia College of Art and Design University is situated in Halifax, Canada, offering a vibrant context for architectural study.

Yes, Nova Scotia College of Art and Design University holds accreditations from: NSCAD University is officially accredited by the Department of Labour and Advanced Education of Nova Scotia. It is also a member of Universities Canada (UC), the Association of Independent Colleges of Art and Design (AICAD), and the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE), ensuring its credentials are recognized nationally and internationally..