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International Students

Study Permits

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Study permit

Before starting your NSCC program, you must apply for a study permit.

If you plan to study in Canada for more than 6 months, or your program is more than six months long, you need a study permit. You must apply for it before arriving in Canada. For details, view Initial Study Permit (PDF 376KB).

To prove on your study permit application that you can support yourself financially while studying in Canada, view Demonstrating Financial Support in Your Application (PDF 158KB).

To study in Canada for less than 6 months, you must apply to Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for a visitor visa or electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Please check the CIC website to see what is required to enter Canada from your home country: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/check-visa-eta.html

Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)

You're required to submit a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) with your study permit application. If you require a PAL, it will be issued to you after you confirm your seat and provide us with consent to apply for a PAL on your behalf.

Writing a study plan

Study plans are not always requested but it is a good idea to include key information in a letter of intent that will accompany your study permit application. In partnership with Dalhousie University and Mount Saint Vincent University, NSCC has created Guidance for Study Plans and Letters of Intent to support you.

Changing your designated learning institution (DLI)

Changing your school or program - new process for study permit holders
Starting November 8, 2024, you must be enrolled in the designated learning institution (DLI) named on your study permit. This means you can no longer change DLIs through your online IRCC account. To change DLIs, you need to get a new study permit by applying to extend your current one. Find more information on the IRCC website: Changing your school or program and use our Changing Institutions Guide.

Study permit refused

If your study permit is refused, please contact us to discuss your admission status.

Study permit renewal

If your study permit will expire before you’re due to complete your studies, you can apply to extend your study permit from within Canada. View Renew Your Study Permit (PDF 325KB).

Medical exam requirement

  • If you’re enrolled in a health-related program or Early Childhood Education, you may be required to complete a medical exam to participate in the work integrated learning components of your program. For more information view Requirement for Medical Exam (PDF 282KB).

Custodial Services

NSCC does not provide custodial services to students under the age of majority in the province of Nova Scotia, which is 19. 

Canada Homestay Network (CHN) provides an option for domestic and international students who are looking to live with local, participating families in the Halifax and Dartmouth areas.

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