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What will I learn?

The foundation year, which is the first year of study at NSCAD University, introduces the practices, principles, approaches and issues of art, craft and design. It allows new students the opportunity to begin to focus on a particular discipline area or combination of discipline areas.

Students should plan to complete the 30-credit foundation year before taking courses at the 2000 level or higher. The foundation year is composed of four three-credit required FNDN courses and the remaining 18 credits chosen from among other 1000-level courses. Check Self-Service for course availability as not all elective foundation year courses are available every semester.

In a student’s foundation year, registration in two required courses is recommended in the first semester and registration in two required courses is recommended in the second semester. The remaining courses in each semester should be selected from the elective foundation courses. The standard number of credits in each semester of the foundation year, in a standard plan of study, is 15 credits, which allows the opportunity to complete the foundation year in two semesters.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

The Foundation Year, which is the first year of study at NSCAD University, introduces the practices, principles, approaches and issues of art, craft and design. It allows new students the opportunity to begin to focus on a particular discipline area or combination of discipline areas.

Students should plan to complete the 30-credit Foundation Year before taking courses at the 2000 level or higher. The Foundation Year is composed of four three-credit required FNDN courses and the remaining 18 credits chosen from among other 1000-level courses. Check Self-Service for course availability as not all elective Foundation Year courses are available every semester.

In a student’s Foundation Year, registration in two required courses is recommended in the first semester and registration in two required courses is recommended in the second semester. The remaining courses in each semester should be selected from the elective Foundation courses listed below. The standard number of credits in each semester of the Foundation Year, in a standard plan of study is 15 credits, which allows the opportunity to complete the Foundation Year in two semesters.

Which department am I in?

NSCAD University

Study options

Full Time (2 Semesters)

Tuition fees
CAD$23,382.00 (US$ 16,806) per year
CAN $23,382 for full-time international students based on 30-credits over two semesters

*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please

Application deadline

Expected October 2025

Start date

January 2025

Venue

NSCAD University

The Fountain Campus,

5163 Duke Street,

HALIFAX,

Nova Scotia (NS),

B3J 3J6, Canada

Entry requirements

For international students

Applicants currently completing high school must submit a record of all studies from at least grade 10 onward. These transcripts should include at least mid-term or first semester grades for the graduating year.

All high school applicants must have completed grade 12 (or the highest grade level required for secondary graduation) with an average of 70% or higher, including a minimum grade of 70% in grade 12 English for university preparation. Advanced Placement (AP) courses with a grade of 4 or higher are eligible for transfer credit.

English Language proficiency:

TOEFL: At least 90 with no test less than 20

IELTS: At least 6.5 with no test less than 6.0

CAEL: At least 69 with no test less than 60

CANTEST: At least 4.5 with no test less than 4.0

CAE: At least B

MELAB: At least 82 with no test less than 80

*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.

ADD TO MY FAVOURITES

About Nova Scotia College of Art and Design (NSCAD) University

Canada has a high standard of living, low tuition fees, and international students may even be able to stay and work in Canada after graduation.

  • Halifax is a lively city offering a top student experience
  • Student artwork promoted through university’ gallery space
  • Average class size of 13
  • Scholarships and bursaries available