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International Students

All Applicants Welcome

We welcome learners from around the world at New Brunswick College of Craft & Design (NBCCD). With international students making up a significant portion 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 the December 15 priority application deadline, and if room allows, June 1 at the latest.

    International applicants must meet our regular academic criteria and English language proficiency requirements. Visit Admissions Requirements for details.

    You can apply for your Canadian Study Permit upon receiving your official acceptance letter and a provincial attestation letter (PAL) from NBCCD. 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. Submit an application for your program of choice. Be sure to select “International Student.”
    2. Upload your portfolio within your applicant portal by clicking “Add Files.” Click on the path you’re applying for below and follow the portfolio instructions:
    3. 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 deadlines (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. You may be asked to join us online for an interview. 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
      • 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.  

    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
  • 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 required to purchase an FVA Kit at the beginning of the year, which includes most of the materials needed 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. Explore our Fredericton City Guide 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 study 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 to NBCCD 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.

    Note: We don’t issue PALs for part-time and/or online students.

    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

     

    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!

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