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Read the Frequently Asked Questions
CONTACT OUR ADMISSIONS TEAM
admission@ent-nts.ca
514-842-7954, ext. 163
To study with us you need a valid:
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.
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.
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.
Applying from outside Canada
Applying from within Canada
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.
Increased Financial Proof:
To study in Quebec, you must now provide proof of financial support. The required amounts are:
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.
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)
As of November 19, 2025, is officially closed indefinitely.
Programme de sélection des travailleurs qualifiés (PSTQ)
Is now the sole selection pathway for graduates who become skilled workers.
To be eligible for the PSTQ, applicants must accumulate two or more years of professional experience in the targeted occupation. We recognize that this can be complex for many artists, especially given the limited duration of permits. We therefore encourage you to seek information early and plan your professional steps accordingly.
Acting, Production Design & Technical Arts, and Set & Costume Design programs: $13,168.75
Playwriting and Directing programs: $15,230.60
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.
Financial Aid for International Students
Aid is granted based on objective criteria—primarily related to the tuition amount (lower for French and Belgian students, higher for other international students) and whether the applicant has dependents.
Please note that this financial aid is not guaranteed, and final decisions are only made in August. Therefore, this aid cannot be included in your financial planning or in the immigration documents required for your study permit application.
Exception – Refugee students with recognized status in Canada may apply to the NTS NTS Financial Aid for Residence Program and may be eligible for the same financial aid as Canadian residents.
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.
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
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).
Read the Frequently Asked Questions
CONTACT OUR ADMISSIONS TEAM
admission@ent-nts.ca
514-842-7954, ext. 163