Who can apply?
Certificate/Diploma programs
The minimum admission requirement for Certificate and Diploma programs is a high school graduation diploma. We accept an International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma with an overall score of 24 or better as a credential for admission, provided you also meet the specific course requirements for your program of choice.
If you don't have a high school graduation diploma, NSCC offers a number of bridging programs. We also recognize the Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) and the General Educational Development (GED).
The CAEC has replaced the GED, for information about the CAEC, contact the Nova Scotia Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration.
For Advanced Diploma programs the minimum admission requirement is generally a post-secondary credential (a university degree or college diploma).
Equity-deserving communities
We're committed to creating pathways and opportunities for all students to participate in our programs. To help increase access to programs for those from equity-deserving communities, we have designated seats. Each program section has a designated seat for a Nova Scotia resident from the following equity-deserving communities:- African Nova Scotian
- Indigenous
- Person with a disability
Options and Opportunities students
We partner with the Nova Scotia Department of Education's Options and Opportunities (O2) Program. O2 students must meet the regular admission requirements and submit official in-progress grade 12 transcripts and all other required documentation by September 30 in order to receive priority status. Priority status is only available for the year after high school and does not guarantee admission to the first program/campus choice. NSCC reserves the right to limit access to a program section.
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.
Adult Learning Program students
Students enrolled in Adult Learning Program (ALP), who plan to move into another NSCC certificate or diploma program, are encouraged to apply early and be sure to self-identify as an ALP student. As long as the new application is complete at the time of submission, it will be prioritized for admission based on the original ALP application completion date. (An applicant who withdraws from the ALP program forfeits this prioritized date.)
Mature applicants
Applicants who have not completed a high school diploma or equivalent, have been out of high school for at least one year, and are at least 19 years of age*, may apply as mature applicants. Mature applicant assessment is based on established equivalencies and may involve additional testing and/or fees. Mature applicants must provide an official high school transcript, as well as any subsequent post-secondary transcripts, at time of application.
Specific academic course prerequisites, such as English, math, biology, chemistry, and physics, cannot be waived via the mature applicant process. NSCC's Academic and Career Connections program offers many of these courses throughout the year, with many available to be completed online.
*Age requirements may vary - check program requirements.
Advanced standing
Applicants holding a sufficient number of equivalent credits from a post-secondary institution to meet all program learning outcomes for the first academic year of a 2-year program, may be eligible for advanced standing. Applicants should include all relevant post-secondary transcripts in their application.
If you don't have enough post-secondary credits to qualify for advanced standing, but would still like to be considered for transfer credits at NSCC, learn more about credit for prior learning.
International applicants
NSCC welcomes students from all countries and looks forward to providing them with a unique learning and living experience in Nova Scotia. Discover why you should choose NSCC and find out how to apply.
Applicants with individual program plans
If you have an individual program plan (IPP) in your grade 12 English or in your highest level math course, your application will require additional assessment. Additionally, specific admission requirements such as English, math, biology, chemistry, and physics, or portfolio requirements, cannot be waived.