Nova Scotia College of Art and Design (NSCAD University)

5163 Duke Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
(902) 491-4911
www.nscad.ca

Undergrad program application deadline: Mar 01, 2011
Graduate program application deadline: Jan 15, 2012

PROGRAMS

NSCAD University has offered undergraduate and graduate degrees for more than 30 years. It was Canada’s first independent degree-granting art school and is a leader in providing graduate degrees.

Undergraduate
NSCAD offers three undergraduate degrees:

Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Design
Bachelor of Fine Arts

Achievement of the degree requires eight semesters of study (usually completed in four years), beginning with two semesters of Foundation studies.

Graduate
NSCAD offers the following graduate degrees:

Master of Design
The Master of Design is a 42-credit program taken over a period of three semesters or one calendar year. The program has two streams: the “domestic” stream that addresses the needs of students from Canada, the United States, and, to a lesser extent, Europe; and the “international” stream that address (for now) the needs of students from China who wish to study design in a North American context. The “international” stream may, in the future, be extended to students from other countries who could benefit from an intensive English-language graduate program in design.

Master of Fine Arts
The Master of Fine Arts degree is awarded after the successful completion of 42 credits of course work and other program requirements (including the Final Exhibition and Thesis) taken over a 20 to 24 month period, beginning in the Fall semester. The university’s MFA Program, in existence since 1973, provides students with the opportunity to develop their work in a context of intense critical discussion. Academic studies in art history or other relevant subjects form an integral part of the program.

The university’s MFA Program addresses the main areas of study offered at the university: Craft and Fine and Media Arts.

Post Baccalaureate
NSCAD University offers two certificate programs for those wishing to pursue studies after obtaining a bachelor degree.

The Visual Arts Certificate in Studio
Individuals interested in expanding their expertise in the visual arts and have earned an undergraduate university degree, have a unique opportunity to earn a graduate certificate from NSCAD University. Approved through the NSCAD Academic Council, NSCAD Board of Governors and Maritime Provinces Higher Education Commission (MPHEC), the 30-credit Visual Arts Certificate in Studio is designed for both art specialists and non-art specialists.

The Visual Arts Certificate for Teachers
Approved by the Nova Scotia Department of Education, the 30-credit Visual Arts Certificate for Teachers meets Nova Scotia provincial requirements for one level of Advanced Teacher Certification. The program is designed for all teachers interested in strengthening their knowledge of the visual arts for integration into their teaching practices. Art Specialist teachers will upgrade their studio skills and further their knowledge of contemporary visual arts issues. Non-Art Specialist teachers will gain an understanding of art making, its application to the classroom and the role of the visual arts in contemporary culture.

ADMISSION + PORTFOLIO REQUIREMENTS

NSCAD University offers a range of programs for those wishing to pursue art studies.

Undergraduate degrees are offered in Fine Art, Craft and Design and begin with an application to the first year Foundation program. Students with a background in fine art may be eligible to apply for transfer as an Advanced Standing applicant, or visit NSCAD as a visiting or exchange student.

Graduate studies are offered with the Master of Fine Art or Master of Design. Visual Art certificate programs are available for teachers and for those with a fine art background pursuing further study in studio areas.

Pre-University credit programs are available in the summer for high school students entering into Grade 12. Last but not least, for those wishing to pursue general interest non-credit courses, you will want to take a look at the opportunities offered through the Division of Extended Studies.

Need more information on enrolment procedures?
Contact Admissions at (902) 494 8129, or toll free at 1 888 444 5989, or by email at admissions@nscad.ca

FINANCE, TUITION, SCHOLARSHIPS AND LOANS

Fees & Tuition
The Office of Financial Services at NSCAD determines, charges, and collects all student-related fees and expenses. All financial arrangements must be approved by the Office of Financial Services. All questions regarding such arrangements should be directed to that office.

Office of Financial Services
4th Floor
5163 Duke Street
NSCAD University
Halifax, NS B3J 3J6 Phone: (902) 494-8222
Fax: (902) 429-4925
E-Mail: studentaccounts@nscad.ca
Hours: 9 am – 4 pm, Monday – Friday

All NSCAD students pay their tuition and other academic and miscellaneous fees through the Office of Financial Services.

NSCAD students applying for Canada Student Loans and provincial student loans must have the loans made out to NSCAD University as the official Institution of Record.

Methods of Payment

Cheque (current dated) from a Canadian financial institution made payable to NSCAD
Bank or Postal Money Order in Canadian funds
payable to NSCAD
Credit Card (Visa or MasterCard)
Interac (in person only)
Internet or telephone banking with the following financial institutions: BMO, TD, RBC, Scotiabank, CIBC and President’s Choice Financial. Account number for this purpose is 6-digit student number OR the 7-digit Colleague Student ID. Set up vendor as NSCAD University as opposed to Nova Scotia College of Art and Design. If a student already has an account set up with a previous 6-digit ID number, and wishes to use the new Colleague ID, delete the current account, and set up a new vendor with the Colleague ID (add 0's at the front to make 7 digits).
Pay in person or at ABMs at any of the above-mentioned financial institutions
Or, if Eligible:
$100 deposit on tuition, with

VISA or MasterCard number for semester payment, or
Post-dated cheque for semester payment, or
Copy of Student Loan document

Note Students are responsible for keeping their accounts current, and should check on their account status regularly by contacting Student Accounts at the Office of Financial Services (studentaccounts@nscad.ca). Students are required to have all outstanding fees paid in full prior to beginning a new academic year.

Outstanding Fees No student will be permitted to register who has an outstanding and overdue balance owing to the university. Transcripts and grades will not be issued to students having an overdue account balance with the university. Graduating students with an outstanding account balance will not receive their diplomas or transcripts until all fees have been paid.

2010-2011 & 2011-2012 Tuition Fees, Payment and Refund Deadlines

NOTE: A Tuition Fee Increase of up to 3% is anticipated effective Summer 2011. 2011-2012 Fees will be posted prior to the Summer 2011 Semester start.

Nova Scotia University Student Bursary Program
For the 2010-11 academic year, all Nova Scotia students (as determined by a definition established by the province) will receive a reduction in their tuition of $128.31 per each 3 credits and other Canadian students will receive a reduction of $26.10 per each 3 credits. This reduction, which will take the form of a bursary, will be applied using the same guidelines as for tuition. Please check our website for more detailed information about the Nova Scotia University Student Bursary Program as it becomes available.

Fee Payment Deadlines
All fees are payable at the time of registration for each semester as noted below. Exceptions to this requirement may be granted only upon satisfactory arrangement with Student Accounts. In addition to tuition and other expenses (including books and supplies), some courses have a required materials fee.

Payment Schedule:

Fall Semester: Due September 30
Winter Semester: Due January 31
Summer Semester (Full or Session 1): Due May 31
Summer Semester (Session 2): Due July 31

Tuition Payments and Withdrawal Procedures
It is the student’s responsibility to comply with the financial regulations and payment schedules of the University. Registration is regarded as incomplete until all fees have been paid in full. Failure to comply with these regulations may result in cancellation of enrolment at the University.

Students should note that Financial withdrawal Dates / Refund Schedule (and subsequent charges) are different from Academic Withdrawal Dates.

Canada Student Loans
Students planning to pay by Canada Student Loan shoudl apply to their province in April or May so that funds will be available by the time payment is required. The University will deduct fees/charges from the loan at the time of endorsement. The Late Payment Interest Fee will apply to students whose loans are negotiated after October 1 (Fall Semester); February 1 (Winter Semester); June 1 (Summer Semester).

Late Payment Interest Fee
Interest of 12% will begin accruing on all outstanding accounts 30 days following the final due date for semester fees (the final business day of the month in which the semester begins): September 30 / January 31 / May 31 / July 31.

Late Payment Fee
In addition to interest levied, a Late Payment Fee of $50.00 will be levied upon students for late payment of outstanding fees immediately following each tuition due date: September 30 / January 31 / May 31 / July 31.

Letter of Permission Tuition Fees
Students taking courses at other Univeristies on a Letter of permission are expected to pay fees directly to the other institution. Students should factor in these additional tuition and fee payments when applying for student loans.

Material Fees
Students are expected to provide materials for their classes. In most cases, these materials can be purchased from the NSCAD Supply Store. However, in some cases, due to the nature of the materials and the economy of bulk purchasing, materials will be purchased by the University and made available to students from the department or instructor. Students registered in courses for which such bulk purchasing is done will be required to pay a Materials Fee. In such cases, the amount of the Materials Fee will be published in the course outline distributed at the first class meeting, and the amount will be automatically charged to the student’s account.

Additional Fees & Charges
Late Registration Fee: $50.00
To be levied upon returning students who register for the next term following each Credit Priority Period. Credit Priority dates will be available on the NSCAD website under Current Students, and through the Office of Student and Academic Services. The fee is applicable in both Fall and Winter semesters.
The fee will be levied immediately following the last working day of the month in which the semester starts: September 30 / January 31

Late Payment Fee: $50.00
To be levied upon students for late payment of outstanding fees immediately following the tuition due dates: September 30 / January 31 / May 31 / July 31.

Re-Entry Fee: $30.00
Charge to be levied upon students re-entering after an absence of two or more semesters. The fee will be activated upon submission of a Re-Entry form (available on the NSCAD website) requesting return to active status.

Transcripts:
Unofficial $5.00
Official: $10.00
Rush (official or unofficial) $20.00 (Less than 24 hours, staff availability permitting)

Other Charges and Fees

Courier Fee: Charge of courier plus $5.00 administrative fee
Duplicate Tax Receipt: $5.00
Replacement ID card: $10.00
NSF cheques returned by bank: $15.00
PLAR Assessment: $75 per 3 credits
Senior Citizen Discount
The university offers a 40% discount to senior citizens (60+) enrolled in undergraduate courses.

FACILITIES & RESOURCES

NSCAD Environment
In 1973, an Art in America article suggested NSCAD just might be “the best art school in North America.” Three decades later, our reputation still holds strong. Maclean’s magazine lauds us as “a big reason Halifax is seen as one of the hippest cities in the land,” in its national guide to universities. Our creative, thought-provoking environment spills out into the city, with dozens of galleries, pubs and eateries within a very close radius of the school. When it comes to our actual studies, NSCAD has several major advantages over other art schools. Our modest class sizes foster intimate, in-depth discussion, and a high teacher-student ratio means you’ll benefit from more individual attention. Students here have access to much more studio space, and much of it is open around the clock, seven days a week. The size of the school also helps break down the borders between fine art, craft and design. Many students opt for interdisciplinary studies, using a variety of media and approaches in their work.

There are no boring institutional walls here – our Victorian-era campus surrounds you with arched windows and harbour views, hardwood floors, brick walls and high ceilings. Our four-storey library, one of Canada’s finest art libraries, offers many nooks and crannies for quiet study. Our student lounge is a comfortable gathering spot, with couches and tables, vending machines, and a snack bar offering hearty lunches, including vegetarian options. Adjacent is the SUNSCAD office – every student is a member of our student union, an active lobbying and advocacy organization for post-secondary education issues.

Student exhibitions are a highlight, with opening receptions each Monday evening at our Anna Leonowens Gallery and twice a month on alternating Tuesday evenings at the Port Loggia Gallery. You can also test your artwork in the marketplace through the Seeds Gallery, a shop for student and alumni work, as well as testing your creative talents and gaining practical experience with a variety of community projects, including the Wearable Art Show. Organized by textiles and fashion students, the Wearable Art Show is an alternative fashion show fundraiser for the AIDS Coalition of Nova Scotia.

If you want to explore other parts of the world, NSCAD offers exchanges with 70 art institutions in 15 countries as far as Mexico and Korea, and our World Travel Program offers affordable school trips to key historical and cultural sites.

HOUSING FACILITIES

NSCAD University does not maintain a residence and students are therefore responsible for making their own accommodation arrangements in the Halifax/Dartmouth area. An arrangement with Saint Mary's University gives equal priority to NSCAD students for residence spaces at SMU. Many students rent furnished rooms from private owners or share an apartment, flat or house with other students. As new students get to know other students at the university, opportunities for less expensive shared rentals begin to occur.

Since there is a large student population in Halifax during the school year, students entering NSCAD in September or January may experience more difficulty in finding acceptable accommodation than students entering the university for the summer session. Students entering NSCAD in September or January should therefore investigate housing options early (approximately two months before arrival) and plan to arrive in Halifax at least two weeks prior to the beginning of classes in order to confirm the necessary residence arrangements. Students entering the university in the May semester should arrive in the city a week or two before classes begin.

To help students locate acceptable accommodation, the Office of Student and Academic Services maintains a searchable Off Campus Housing Database. General orientation information for students new to Halifax is also available by contacting Student Services which is on the 2nd floor of the Administration Building, 5163 Duke Street. If you have any questions please visit Student Services or e-mail us at admissions@nscad.ca.

NSCAD University bears no responsibility for arranging, inspecting or guaranteeing housing. This is the responsibility of the tenant.