Print
Add to Quick List
Who Can Apply?
High School Graduates
The minimum admission requirement for Certificate and Diploma programs is a high school graduation diploma.
If you do not have a high school graduation diploma, NSCC offers a number of bridging programs through the School of Access. NSCC also recognizes the General Educational Diploma (GED). For further information on the GED, contact the Nova Scotia Department of Education at (902) 424-4227.
First Nations/African Canadian Applicants
The College is committed to promoting and fostering a diverse learning environment. As part of this commitment, 1 seat is available in each program section for the first qualified First Nations applicant and one for the first qualified African Canadian applicant (Nova Scotia residency applies). If you are a member of either of these diversity groups, you are encouraged to self-identify on your NSCC application. In order to manage our enrolment effectively, the availability of these seats for 2012-2013 can only be guaranteed until May 1, 2012. After that, qualified applicants will be admitted on a first-received, first-qualified basis for those programs where vacancies exist.
Options and Opportunities (O2) Students
NSCC is a partner with the Nova Scotia Department of Education's Options and Opportunities (O2) Program. This initiative provides high school students who choose the O2 option, with an opportunity to link their career interests with NSCC programs. O2 students and parents should contact their high school O2 coordinator or guidance counsellor to learn more about the requirements and obligations O2 students have under this partnership.
Grade 11 Students
High school students can apply anytime during their Grade 11 year. If you apply in Grade 11, you must submit your official in-progress transcript and all other required documentation by September 30th of your Grade 12 year.
Mature Applicants
If you have not completed the general admission requirement (high school diploma or equivalent), but possess the education and experience to be successful in your chosen program, you should apply as a mature applicant.
Mature applicants must be at least 21 years of age at the time of application, and must be out of high school for one year or more. Applicants who meet the admission requirements for a program are not considered to be mature applicants.
There may be an additional fee associated with the assessment of a mature applicant. Applying: Mature applicants submit a regular NSCC application form and provide the following supporting documents:
- An official transcript of high school courses taken, and all subsequent post-secondary transcripts
- A current résumé detailing education and work experience
- A cover letter explaining how your education and work experience will help you succeed in your specific program of interest
Specific Academic Prerequisites: Some NSCC programs require specific courses for admission such as English, Math, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Work experience is not accepted as an equivalent for these prerequisite courses. Mature Applicants may be offered conditional admission with a requirement to complete the specific academic prerequisites no later than one month before your program starts.
NSCC's Academic & Career Connections program offers many of these courses throughout the year and many are also available to be completed online.
Students with Advanced Standing
You may have education credits from a post-secondary institution and wish to have this recognized as meeting all or part of the requirement for your first term or your first academic year. To seek advanced standing, applicants should indicate this request on their application and include all relevant post-secondary transcripts.
If you have post-secondary credits you would like considered for transfer to NSCC, learn more about the Recognizing Prior Learning (RPL) process »
International Applicants
NSCC welcomes students from all countries and looks forward to providing them with a unique learning and living experience in Nova Scotia. More details »
Was this page helpful?
