International Students

What is required of you

Required Documents

To study with us you need a valid: 

  1. Letter of Acceptance (LOA)
  2. Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ):
  3. Study Permit:

Note: The CAQ and Study permit applications require numerous documents from you. It’s essential to familiarize yourself with the requirements and start preparing them while you wait for your Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from us. 

Once you receive your LOA, submit your applications to the CAQ immediately, as processing times can be lengthy. The CAQ processing time can take up to 25 business days. Once you receive your CAQ, submit your application for the Study Permit immediately as processing times can take an additional 3-4 months.

Letter of Acceptance (LOA)

Should you receive an offer of admission after the auditions and entrance projects, you will receive your LOA from NTS in late May. This document is crucial as it allows you to apply for the necessary permits.

Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ)
  1. Once you have your LOA, you must apply for a CAQ (Quebec Acceptance Certificate) through the provincial government. Processing this document takes approximately 25 working days. We strongly recommend that you familiarize yourself with the CAQ application requirements in advance and prepare as much as you can before receiving your LOA.
  2.  As of December 6, 2024, a student is now required to study at the institution named on the Certificat acceptation du Québec (CAQ) for studies issued since the enactment of the bill. Therefore, if a student wishes to change institutions, they must obtain a new CAQ for studies.
Study Permit

After obtaining your CAQ, you’ll need to apply for a federal Study Permit from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Processing times for the Study Permit can take up to 3-4 months.

3 THINGS TO CONSIDER

Read Carefully

You cannot begin your studies without a valid study permit. If you’re applying from outside Canada, it’s crucial that you have a valid study permit before entering the country.
 

Note: Regarding the CAQ and Study Permit, we have access to the same information as you, which is available on their respective websites. We cannot influence or expedite provincial or federal processing times. Therefore, it’s vital to begin your applications as early as possible. Once you have your LOA and all necessary documents, you can submit your applications; however, you can work on them and save as you go.  

While this process can be stressful, please remember that only the applicant can address any issues or concerns with immigration authorities at the IRCC.
 

Recent Updates from Canada and Quebec Governments Part A

Increased Financial Proof: 

To study in Quebec, you must now provide proof of financial support. The required amounts are: 

  1. For students under the age of 18: $7,541 CAD per year. 
  1. For students aged 18 and over: $15,078 CAD per year. 

If you are applying for a multi-year permit, you need to show proof of funds for the total number of years you’ll be studying. These amounts do not cover tuition, transportation, settlement fees (approx. $500), or the costs of health and hospital insurance.

Recent Updates from Canada and Quebec Governments Part B

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP):
As of September 1, 2023, NTS is no longer considered a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) for the purposes of applying for a Post-Graduation Work Permit. This means that in most cases, you will need to leave Canada after completing your studies. This change is expected to remain in place for the foreseeable future. 

Québec Experience Program (PEQ) Changes:
As of October 31, 2024, the Gouvernement du Québec will no longer accept new applications for permanent selection under the “Québec Graduate” stream of the Québec Experience Program (PEQ). This suspension is expected to last until at least June 30, 2025.
 

What about fees and insurance?

Tuition Fees

Acting, Production Design & Technical Arts, and Set & Costume Design programs: $12,250.59 
Playwriting and Directing programs: $14,168.62
 
Also, French and Belgian francophone students are eligible for the domestic tuition fee under international agreements between our governments. For those fees, visit the Tuition and Fees page.

Intl Financial Aid

International students on a student visa are not eligible for scholarships from the National Theatre School. An exception is made for refugee students.

However, dedicated funds may be available (without guarantee). In May, you can meet with student services to assess your needs and see if you are eligible for special assistance from the school. 

Other Aid

Graduation Awards 

Two awards are given out every year at the graduation ceremony. They are handed out to one or more graduating students, from any training program. 

The Tullio Cedraschi Award recognizes a graduating student, in any discipline, who best exemplifies the mission and the values of the National Theatre School of Canada. 

The Ada Slaight Prize is awarded to a graduating student, in any discipline, who demonstrates leadership and empathy in working with colleagues in both languages. 

 

Emergency Loans Fund 

Students may access a loan through the School, up to a maximum of $1,000 in a school year, through application to Student Services. 

Loans must be reimbursed within the school year.

Health Insurance

International students studying in Quebec must have valid health and hospitalization insurance for the duration of their stay.

ASEQ
All NTS students are automatically entered into the ASEQ Plan when they pay for their tuition at the beginning of each school year. However, students who already have sufficient health insurance or who do not wish to pay the associated fees associated may opt out of the Plane at the start of the fall term by completing the appropriate withdrawal form before October 3. 

RAMQ Eligibility
Students from countries with reciprocal social security agreements with Quebec (e.g., France, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, and Sweden) may qualify for free health coverage under Quebec’s public health insurance (RAMQ). These students need to provide proof of coverage from their home country and register with RAMQ upon arrival in Quebe

Private Health Insurance

Students can opt for additional private health insurance to cover services not included in RAMQ or ASEQ. 

Required Documents for Registration 

– Proof of full-time enrollment in a Quebec educational institution. 

– Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) and a valid study permit. 

– Proof of social security coverage for those eligible for RAMQ 

Deadlines and Recommendations 

– Register for RAMQ immediately after arriving in Quebec. 

– Purchase temporary travel insurance to cover the period before your group or RAMQ insurance begins. 

– Inform your institution if you qualify for exemptions to avoid duplicate charges  

Important Notes 

– RAMQ coverage is limited to Quebec and does not include prescription drugs for most students, except some exceptions (e.g., France and Belgium). 

NEED ANY HELP?

Read the Frequently Asked Questions

 

CONTACT OUR ADMISSIONS TEAM
admission@ent-nts.ca
514-842-7954, ext. 163

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