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International Students

All Applicants Welcome

Applications for September 2024 are open!

We welcome learners from around the world at the New Brunswick College of Craft and Design (NBCCD). With international students making up 17% of our campus community, we know NBCCD will quickly become your second home. Here, you will experience a supportive and creative community, a vibrant arts and culture scene, and the safety our charming city. Our College is in the heart of downtown Fredericton—New Brunswick’s capital city—and steps from large-scale music and art festivals, endless food and shopping options, extensive walking trails, aquatic activities on the beautiful Wolastoq (Saint John River), and abundant green spaces.

At NBCCD, you will experience small class sizes and work with celebrated instructors in fully equipped studios, labs, and classrooms. Our programs provide hands-on experiential learning and business training to set you up for a successful, creative, and sustainable career in your field. You will be part of a community of no more than 300 students, which gives you the opportunity to receive the one-on-one instruction you’re investing in.

Our Recruitment Team is here to answer your questions about NBCCD and life in Fredericton. Reach them at NBCCDRecruiting@gnb.ca.

Explore our programs in art, craft, and design to see what we offer.

All the information you'll need

  • Admission requirements

    All programs begin in September (fall semester). We do not offer Winter or Spring intakes.

    To submit a complete application, please submit your application form, application fee, and supporting documents pertaining to your program requirements. As we have a competitive program with limited seat capacity, you should submit your application as early as possible. We encourage applications by December 15.

    International applicants must meet our regular academic criteria and English proficiency requirements. Please visit this page for details.

    You can apply for your Canadian Study Permit upon receiving your official acceptance letter from the College. The decision to grant your study permit rests with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. For information and questions, visit CIC.gc.ca.

    RESIDENTS OF MAINE

    Residents of the state of Maine are eligible for domestic NBCCD tuition rates while studying at NBCCD.

    Maine applicants may apply to any program open to international applicants, however, applicants to programs that fall under the Maine Community College System and New Brunswick Community College Memorandum of Understanding may apply as a Canadian student and benefit from domestic rates.

    Maine residents must still pay the international student emergency medical insurance (guard.me).

  • How to apply
    1. Upload your portfolio within your applicant portal by clicking “Add Files.”Click on the program you’re applying for below and follow the instructions:
    2. Pay your application fee within your applicant portal as you complete your application form or click this link directly and we’ll match your payment to your online application.

      Please do so by the priority deadline (Foundation Visual Arts: December 15 | Diploma programs: January 15).  Although we accept applications all year, seat capacity is competitive and admission is offered to qualified applicants on a first-come, first-served basis. To ensure your application is competitive, and allow enough time to apply for your Canadian Study Permit, we encourage early applications.

    3. If your language of instruction was not English, then you will need to submit a notarized translated transcript. Your transcript(s) must be sent via email to NBCCD.Admissions@gnb.ca from your current/former school(s) to be considered official.

    4. If your language of instruction was English, your transcripts must be sent via email to NBCCD.Admissions@gnb.ca from your current/former school(s) to be considered official.

    5. Submit proof of ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY. Scroll down to see the acceptable language tests and minimum scores.

    Once your application is complete it will be evaluated. Please contact the Admissions Office if you have any questions.

    NBCCD.Admissions@gnb.ca

  • Language requirements
    NBCCD LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

    If your language of instruction was not English, then you will need to submit original copies of a notarized translated transcript. Scanned and faxed copies of translated transcripts are not acceptable.

    If your language of instruction was not English, or you have not attended an English-medium institution, you will also need proof of English-language competency. We can accept any of the following tests:

      • International English Language Testing System (IELTS) – Academic test: Minimum overall score of 6.0 with no subject test score less than 5.5.
      • Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced, or C2 Proficiency: Minimum overall score of 169 with no subject test score less than 162
      • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): Internet-based test: minimum score of 80 with no subject test less than 18. NBCCD’s ETS designated institution code is C993.  Please use this code when writing the TOEFL so your scores will be sent directly to NBCCD’s Admissions Office.
      • Duolingo English Test: 110 out of 160 with a minimum score of 90 on each band
      • Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL): Minimum score of 60
      • The Canadian Test of English for Scholars and Trainees (CanTEST): Minimum score of 4.5 with no subtest less than 4.0
      • PTE Pearson Test of English (Academic): Minimum score of 65 with no subject test less than 60
    ENGLISH FOR ACADEMIC PURPOSES PROGRAM

    Applicants who do not meet the English language proficiency requirements can consider completing the English for Academic Purposes at the University of New Brunswick – Fredericton campus, or an equivalent Academic English Language Training program.

    In this pathway program, you will develop the necessary academic English skills in order to succeed in full-time studies in your chosen NBCCD program.

    The pathway is as follows:

    The duration of the pathway is relative to the proficiency level upon entry. Students below IELTS 5.5 (or equivalent) typically require more than one term of study.

    To successfully complete English for Academic Purposes and move on to your full-time NBCCD program of choice, you must maintain a B average in each English term course until completion.

    With an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) focus, these options offer maximum benefit to participants wishing to increase their English proficiency for university study. The Intensive English Term Format and the Intensive English Term Segment can equip you with the English language skills you need. The learning targets will improve your ability to write, read, problem solve, study independently, give presentations, and improve note-taking and critical thinking skills.

    Learn more here.

  • Tuition and fees
    APPLICATION AND TUITION FEES
    Fee Amount
    Application Fee $100 (Canadian Dollars; non-refundable)
    Full-Time Tuition $9,641.04 per year
    Part-Time Tuition N/A
    Emergency Medical Insurance (guard.me) $600 – Paid within 30 days after you receive an acceptance letter from the College to hold your seat in the program. Emergency medical insurance is required to live in Canada.
    GENERAL FEES
    General Fees Amount
    Student Association (SA) $240
    FVA Kit* $500
    Building Access Card $15
    Graduate Services Fee $50
    NBCCDSA Health Insurance $265 per year
    NBCCDSA Dental Insurance $153 per year
    Technology Fee $300 per year

    *Only a required payment for Foundation Visual Arts students.

    STUDIO FEES**
    Studio Fees  Amount Amount
    Programs Year 1 Year 2
    Foundation Visual Arts $100 n/a
    Diploma – 3D Digital Design $150 $150
    Diploma – Fashion Design $150 $150
    Diploma – Fine Craft: Ceramics $1200 $1200
    Diploma – Graphic Design $255 $255
    Diploma – Jewellery/Metal Arts $450 $450
    Diploma – Photography/Videography $250 $250
    Diploma – Textile Design $250 $250
    Diploma – Wabanaki Visual Arts $200 $200

    *Advanced Studio Practice: Apply studio fee of specialization
    *Part-time students: Consumable fee varies by course

    **Please note: Students who started their diploma program in the 2022/23 academic year will continue on the 2022/23 fee plan as laid out in the 2022/23 Student Handbook. See below for the exact numbers.

    Studio Fees (Second-year diploma students) Amount Amount
    Programs Year 1 (2022/23) Year 2 (2023/24)
    Diploma – 3D Digital Design $60 $60
    Diploma – Fashion Design $100 $100
    Diploma – Fine Craft: Ceramics $900 $900
    Diploma – Graphic Design $85 $170
    Diploma – Jewellery/Metal Arts $350 $350
    Diploma – Photography/Videography $140 $50
    Diploma – Textile Design $200 $200
    Diploma – Wabanaki Visual Arts $55 $55

    When you receive your official acceptance letter from the College, you are required to pay a $700 confirmation fee, a non-refundable payment to hold your seat in the program. This fee is part of your full-time tuition.

    RESIDENTS OF MAINE

    Residents of the state of Maine are eligible for domestic tuition rates while studying at NBCCD.

    Maine applicants may apply to any program open to international applicants, however, applicants to programs that fall under the Maine Community College System and New Brunswick Community College Memorandum of Understanding may apply as a Canadian student and benefit from domestic rates.

    Maine residents must still purchase the international student emergency medical insurance (guard.me).

  • Payment Schedule
    TIME FRAMES FOR PAYMENT
    1. All applicants are required to pay a $100 non-refundable application fee when submitting an application.
    2. Both confirmation ($700 CAD) and emergency health insurance fees ($600 CAD guard.me, specific to international applicants) must be paid within 30 days of receiving an acceptance letter from NBCCD. Payment of these fees confirms your acceptance and seat at the College. Confirmation fees are non-refundable.
    3. General and studio fees are required no later than the first week of classes.

    Fees are subject to change without notice.

     

    Payment Schedule – International Students
    1. The enrolment confirmation fee ($700 CAD) and emergency health insurance fee ($600 CAD) must be paid within 30 days of receiving your acceptance letter from NBCCD. Payment of these fees confirms your acceptance and seat at the College. Confirmation fees are non-refundable.
    2. General and studio fees are due no later than September 11. Fees for the winter semester are due no later than January 15. These dates can also be viewed in the Academic Calendar here. Contact the Registrar’s Office if you have questions: nbccdregistrar@gnb.ca.Fees are subject to change without notice.

     

    METHODS OF PAYMENT — ALL STUDENTS

    Tuition and fee payments can be made online here. NOTE: If you have not yet received your Student ID number, please enter “0” (zero) in this field to continue through the payment page. For those who need to pay in-person, cheques and money orders are to be made payable to: Minister of Finance. 

    All requests for Confirmation of Enrolment will be processed three to five days after registration.

  • Supplies and materials

    Supplies and materials cost approximately CAD $2,000 annually and vary depending on the program. Many of these supplies are available in the College store.

    Foundation Visual Arts students are able to purchase an FVA starter kit with most of the materials they’ll need for their studies.

    Laptop Programs

    Students in the Graphic Design and Photography/Videography diploma programs are required to purchase their own laptops. Visit each program page to view the specific technology requirements for each diploma program. 

  • Estimated living expenses

    Living expenses will depend upon individual preference, but here are some annual estimated costs:

    • Accommodations & Utilities  — $13,200 (CAD, based on solo accommodations) to $8,400 (CAD, based on shared accommodations)
    • Food and incidentals — $6,000 (CAD, or more depending on lifestyle)

    Housing and Accommodation Resources

    NBCCD does not offer on-campus housing. However, we are located in the heart of downtown Fredericton, making it very convenient to find housing and giving you access to many shops, galleries, parks, restaurants, and other amenities. Here are some sites and tips to help you secure living arrangements:

    • Kijiji.ca: Try searching “Apartments for rent” in Fredericton. You can make your search more specific by adding in key words like “one bedroom” or “two bedroom.” There are also often ads from other students in Fredericton who are looking for a roommate. If that interests you, try looking for “Room for rent.”
    • Facebook Marketplace: You can search the same suggestions as above, just make sure you set your location to Fredericton, otherwise it will base it on where you’re currently located.

    If you’re looking for the residence life experience and wish to live in a dorm with a meal plan, students can take advantage of our agreement to live in student housing at St. Thomas University (STU), a 20-minute walk from our campus or 5-minute bus ride. Learn more here.

    If you’re coming to visit Fredericton, or you have a parent, guardian, or friend coming to down, check out the links below for places to stay:

  • Interested in finding out more?

    Our Student Services team offers programming and events to help make the transition to college as smooth as possible and help you discover Canadian culture throughout the year. Please contact NBCCDRecruiting@gnb.ca if you have any questions. We can’t wait to welcome you to NBCCD!

Stay informed about recent changes to enrolment caps for international students, including how they affect NBCCD applicants.