International Students

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. Visit Admissions Requirements 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).

  Students with US citizenship must apply for a study permit to study in Canada. 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.

• 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:
     • • Foundation Visual Arts Portfolio Requirements
       • Direct Entry Portfolio Requirements
       • Advanced Studio Practice Portfolio Requirements
     • Important Note: Unless you can demonstrate equivalent visual arts training, you must enter the College through our Foundation Visual Arts program to continue into a studio diploma.
  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 first language is 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
      • • Applicants must send test scores via the Cambridge Remote Verification Service.
    • 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 proficiency test exemptions 

  If your medium of instruction was English and you wish to be exempt from the English test requirement, please notify the admissions office and submit supporting documents. Requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.  

  ENGLISH FOR ACADEMIC PURPOSES PROGRAM

   

  Applicants who do not meet the English language competency requirements may be granted a conditional acceptance based on the successful completion of the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program at the University of New Brunswick – Fredericton campus.

  In order to qualify for this pathway applicants must submit a complete application, including English proficiency test results, by the program priority deadline. Upon a preliminary review of the application the admissions team will contact qualified applicants with more information about this pathway option.

  In the EAP pathway program, applicants will develop the necessary academic English skills in order to succeed in full-time studies in their chosen NBCCD program.

  Please note that this pathway program may not be applicable for all programs and all applicants. The admissions team will review applications and let students know if they qualify for this option.

  Detailed information about the EAP program is available here: English for Academic Purposes.

  Questions? Please contact nbccd.admissions@gnb.ca.

• Tuition and Fees

  APPLICATION AND TUITION FEES

  Fee	Amount
  Application Fee	$100 (Canadian Dollars; non-refundable)
  Full-Time Tuition	$9,767 per year
  Part-Time Tuition	N/A
  Confirmation Fee	$2,000 (Canadian Dollars; non-refundable)
  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*	$600
  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 Fredericton students

  STUDIO FEES**

  Program	Amount
  Certificate — Foundation Visual Arts	$200
  Diploma – 3D Digital Design	$250
  Diploma – Fashion Design	$250
  Diploma – Fine Craft: Ceramics	$1,400
  Diploma – Graphic Design	$350
  Diploma – Jewellery/Metal Arts	$600
  Diploma – Photography/Videography	$350
  Diploma – Textile Design	$350
  Diploma – Wabanaki Visual Arts	$300

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

  When you receive your official acceptance letter from the College, you are required to pay a $2,000 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).

   

  Refund Policy

  New international students who are issued a Provincial Attestation Letter for NBCCD who decide not to attend NBCCD are not eligible for a refund of the first semester tuition or the confirmation fee.

  Students who are refused a study permit from IRCC are eligible to receive a tuition refund and $1,500 CAD of the confirmation fee, plus the $600 health insurance deposit (and tuition if applicable). Refunds must be requested by emailing the Admissions Office within 10 calendar days of receiving a study permit refusal by IRCC. A copy of the official visa refusal letter from the Canadian immigration office (IRCC) must accompany the request for the refund.

   

• Payment Schedule

  Payment Schedule – International Students

  1. All applicants are required to pay a $100 non-refundable application fee when submitting an application.
  2. Both confirmation ($2,000 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. For more information, please review the Academic Calendar.

  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. 

• 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. 

• Housing Options

  Housing and Accommodation Resources

  Although NBCCD doesn’t provide on-campus housing, our downtown Fredericton location offers easy access to vibrant living. Enjoy a variety of housing choices close to shops, galleries, parks, and restaurants. Additionally, through our partnership with Saint Thomas University, NBCCD students can access on-campus residence. Explore our Fredericton City Guide website for detailed housing information.

  If you’re seeking the full residence life experience with dorm living and a meal plan, students can benefit from our agreement to reside in student housing at St. Thomas University (STU), conveniently located a 20-minute walk or 5-minute bus ride from our campus.

   

  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)

   

  If you’re planning a trip to Fredericton, or if you have a parent, guardian, or friend visiting the city, explore Fredericton accommodations for more information.

  For any questions about housing options in Fredericton, please reach out to the Student Life Coordinator.

   

• Study Permit

  To apply for a study permit, individuals must possess a valid passport. Please ensure that your passport meets all validity requirements before initiating the application process.

  International students must obtain information regarding their student permit applications directly from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

  Provincial Attestation Letters (PAL) can be issued to international students whose application has been accepted and who have paid the $2600 confirmation fee in full. International students will also be required to pay the full amount for their first semester tuition by August 1, 2025.

  If you have any questions about Provincial Attestation Letters, please email nbccd.admissions@gnb.ca.

• Additional Resources

  Counselling Services 

  NBCCD students have access to a college counsellor, who provides confidential support services and often acts as a student advocate for students with disabilities and/or mental health, sexual health, and relationship issues.

  Additional Mental Health Resources

  For further assistance, we encourage NBCCD students in Fredericton to visit our Mental Health and Community Support Resources website. Here, you can discover more about the supplementary resources available.

  New Brunswick Community, Government and Social Services 

  211 is the information and referral service that connects New Brunswickers to critical human, social, community and government support.

  International Student Advisors

  • Student Services Manager: Camila Vásquez
  • Counsellor: Kristi Clarke
  • Student Life Coordinator

   

  Public Legal Education and Information Service New Brunswick

  PLEIS-NB is a non-profit organization and a registered charity. Their goal is to assist the public in identifying and understanding their legal rights and responsibilities, and attaining self-help skills where appropriate, to improve their ability to deal with legal issues.

   

  Multicultural Associations

  Multicultural Association of Fredericton

  New Brunswick Multicultural Council 

   

   

   

• 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!