Close up of a student drawing in their sketch book.
Before you begin

Admission Requirements

All Applicants Welcome

Whether you’re an international student, adult learner, or fresh out of high school, we welcome your applications at NBCCD. As a small college, our attentive admissions team is ready to assist you with your application. Explore the following information to learn about the application process to NBCCD.

If you have questions or wish to check on the status of your application, please contact:

NBCCD.Admissions@gnb.ca

Location: 408 Queen Street, George Fry Gallery, Fredericton, NB

Admission Requirements

  • Student Eligibility
    Applicant Type Description
    High School Applicant If you are in Grade 12 or a high school graduate, or have a GED, adult high school transcript, or equivalent, you may apply for the certificate in Foundation Visual Arts (FVA) or diploma in Wabanaki Visual Arts (WVA).

    If you are an international student, please go to International Students to learn how to apply.

    Former/Current University/College Student If you are a former/current university/college student, you may apply for the certificate in Foundation Visual Arts (FVA). If you have FVA training or equivalent, you may apply to any diploma program.

    If you are a former student of NBCCD, you may apply for a diploma program or certificate in the Advanced Studio Practice program.

    Adult Learner If you are 21 years or older at the time of applying you might be considered an Adult Learner. You may apply for the certificate in Foundation Visual Arts (FVA).

    If you have FVA training or equivalent, you may apply to any diploma program. You may be contacted for an interview to demonstrate your qualifications.

    Special Admissions If your official transcript of marks has a modified English and/or History, and you are in Grade 12 or a high school graduate, you may apply for the certificate in Foundation Visual Arts (FVA) or diploma in Wabanaki Visual Arts (WVA). After submitting your application, you will be contacted for an interview.

    Special Admissions applications must be received no later than January 1.

    Bachelor of Applied Arts
    Bachelor of Applied Arts students complete two years at NBCCD and two years at the University of New Brunswick (UNB).
    Studio Studies Please note that seat availability for this program is not determined until March 31. Studio Studies applicants must be Adult Learners with a completed Foundation Visual Arts (FVA) certificate or have one year of equivalent post-secondary education.
  • Program Admission Requirements
    Program Requirements Checklist
    Foundation Visual Arts certificate

    International applicants must meet regular admission requirements and provide proof of English language proficiency. Please refer to this page for complete admission requirements for international students.

    Diploma

    Wabanaki Visual Arts

    • Application fee*
    • High school transcript, GED, adult high school transcript, OR equivalent experience**
    • Interview
    Diplomas

     

    3D Digital Design

    Fashion Design

    Ceramics

    Graphic Design

    Jewellery/Metal Arts

    Photography/Videography

    Textile Design

    Requirements:

    NBCCD FVA students: If you are completing the NBCCD Foundation of Visual Arts program, or have completed it, you may apply for one of our diploma programs.

    • Application fee*
    • Official FVA transcript (you do not need to provide this if currently enrolled in FVA as we will automatically attach to your application)

    Non-NBCCD applicants: Students must have equivalent experience to our one-year Foundation Visual Arts (FVA) certificate to be considered for direct-entry into our diploma programs. Students who wish to apply direct-entry need to demonstrate this experience in their application.

    Direct-entry application deadline: January 15

    Advanced Studio Practice
    Bachelor of Applied Arts The BAA is an articulated agreement with the University of New Brunswick.  Refer to UNB.ca for admission requirements. Applicants to the BAA program must apply directly to the University of New Brunswick.
    Studio Studies
    • Application fee*
    • An official FVA transcript from NBCCD, OR an official transcript indicating at least one year of successful, ​and FVA-equivalent, post-secondary education, OR equivalent experience**
    • Potential interview
    • Portfolio
    • A letter of intent outlining the intended goal of your studies, to be submitted as part of the application package
    Notes *All fees are in CAD.

    **We accept a Grade 11 or 12 interim transcript until your final Grade 12 transcript is available.

    We require an English course (equivalent to New Brunswick ENGLISH 121 or 122) in addition to Modern History 11 or an equivalent History course.

    Equivalent experience is determined by the College assessing your combination of learning and experience through recognition of prior learning.

    Upload your portfolio by clicking “Add Files” in your application portal after completing the application form.

  • Language Requirements

    Proficiency in English is a requirement to study at NBCCD.

    If your first language is not English, or you have studied outside of Canada, you might be required to submit an English proficiency test.

    Our English proficiency requirements are as follows:

      • International English Language Testing System (IELTS) – Academic test: Minimum 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
      • Duolingo English Test: Minimum score of 110 out of 160
      • 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

    For applicants who are international students, see International Students for more information.

    ENGLISH FOR ACADEMIC PURPOSES PROGRAM

    Any applicants who do not meet the English language competency requirements are required to successfully complete English for Academic Purposes at the University of New Brunswick – Fredericton campus, or equivalent.

    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 5.5 IELTS (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.

  • Prior Learning Recognition (PLR) and Credit Transfer

    Prior Learning Recognition (PLR): Applicants may request an assessment of prior work and life experience in lieu of a high school diploma, GED, or Adult High School diploma. There is a fee for this assessment.

    Credit Transfer: If you have completed similar courses at another post-secondary institution, you may be eligible for credit transfer. Copies of official transcripts and corresponding course outlines for requested credits are required.

    For more information on Prior Learning Recognition, please contact the Registrar’s Office toll free at 1-877-400-1107 or email, NBCCDRegistrar@gnb.ca.