NSCAD Academic Calendar

The Nova Scotia College of Art and Design (NSCAD University), located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, operates on a semester-based academic calendar typical of many Canadian universities. The academic year is divided into two main semesters: Fall and Winter, with an optional Summer term for select programs or intensive courses. The Fall semester generally begins in early September and concludes in mid-December, while the Winter semester runs from early January to late April. This structure includes standard breaks for holidays and reading weeks, allowing students time for rest and independent study. NSCAD’s calendar is tailored to support its focus on art and design, often incorporating studio-intensive periods and exhibition schedules unique to creative disciplines.

• Fall Semester Start: September 3, 2025 (first week of September, subject to confirmation), marking the beginning of classes and orientation for new and returning students.
• Thanksgiving Break: October 13, 2025, aligning with the Canadian Thanksgiving holiday, providing a long weekend for students.
• Fall Semester End/Exams: December 8–19, 2025 (approximate), including final assessments and project critiques.
• Winter Break: December 20, 2025–January 4, 2026 (approximate), covering the holiday season.
• Winter Semester Start: January 5, 2026 (first week of January, subject to confirmation), with classes resuming.
• Reading Week: February 16–20, 2026 (mid-February, approximate), a break for study and reflection.
• Winter Semester End/Exams: April 6–17, 2026 (approximate), concluding with final projects and exhibitions.
• Commencement: Late May 2026 (date to be confirmed), celebrating graduating students.

• Early Application Deadline: November 1, 2024 (approximate, for Fall 2025 entry), recommended for priority consideration and scholarship eligibility.
• Regular Decision Deadline: March 1, 2025 (approximate), the standard deadline for most undergraduate programs, including portfolio submission for art and design majors.
• International Student Deadline: February 1, 2025 (approximate), to allow time for visa processing and additional documentation.
• Decision Notification: Rolling basis, with most decisions released between March and May 2025, depending on application timing.
• Financial Aid Deadline: April 15, 2025 (approximate), for submitting scholarship and bursary applications alongside admission materials.
• Enrollment Deposit Deadline: May 1, 2025 (approximate), to secure a spot in the incoming class.

NSCAD’s academic calendar aligns closely with other Canadian universities, particularly in the Atlantic region, with semesters and breaks mirroring national holidays like Thanksgiving and statutory observances in Nova Scotia. The scheduling offers flexibility for international students, with clear deadlines and extended processing times for admissions. Additionally, the emphasis on studio work and exhibitions during the academic year reflects NSCAD’s commitment to hands-on learning, which may require students to plan for intensive periods outside traditional class hours. While specific dates for 2025–2026 are estimates based on typical university cycles and past NSCAD calendars, prospective students are encouraged to check official announcements for confirmed schedules.