Money should not be an obstacle to talent.
If you have talent, drive and a dream of making it as an artist, don’t let money hold you back from applying to the National Theatre School! We will find a way for you to study at Canada’s oldest and most prestigious theatre school.
Our student financial aid program makes it easier for anyone who wants to attend the National Theatre School to pursue their passion, regardless of their income.
In 2022, we completely redesigned our financial aid criteria to better meet the needs of students and increase accessibility to theatre training.
The annual amount of financial aid allocated to students and distributed based on an assessment of their needs is approximately $650,000 per year.
Try out our financial aid simulator.
TUITION FEES - 2026-2027
Canadian citizens and permanent residents
Tuition is the same for students from all provinces and territories and Refugee status and International students that fall under Exemptions from differential tuition fees under international agreements (like France, Belgium etc.)
- Acting, Production Design & Technical Arts, and Set & Costume Design programs: $6,584.38
- Playwriting and Directing programs: $7,615.63
Learn more about the admission process
International Students
- Acting, Production Design & Technical Arts, and Set & Costume Design programs: $13,168.75
- Playwriting and Directing programs: $15,230.60
Learn more about the admission process for international students
FINANCIAL AID
PEACE OF MIND
Thanks to the financial support they receive, students can focus on their studies and develop their talent with peace of mind.
STABILITY
We support students financially for the full 3 years of their education.
MADE FOR YOU
We assess financial aid applications on a case-by-case basis to provide a solution that’s tailored to each student’s situation.
HOW DOES THE SCHOOL'S FINANCIAL AID PROGRAM WORK?
Step 1
Upon admission to one of our programs, you become eligible for the School’s financial aid.*
*Our financial aid program is not available to international students. However, a dedicated financial aid is available for foreign students. See our FAQ.
Step 2
Within a determined 3-week period in JUNE 2026 (dates forthcoming), you will need to fill out a request for Financial Aid for 2026-2027. You may refer to last year’s form HERE as an example: Student Financial Aid 2025-2026
The financial aid application form permits us to assess your personal and family financial situation. You may also offer additional information to the evaluators in order to help us assess your case with even more precision.
Step 3
In early August, you will be notified of the School’s decision and, if applicable, the amount of financial aid for the upcoming year of study at the National Theatre School.
This process must be repeated for each school year.
FINANCIAL AID SIMULATOR
My estimated scholarship amount:
$7,708
My estimated scholarship amount:
$7,280
“I live in Montreal (income $50,000) with my spouse, who earns $60,000, and one dependent child. I’m quitting my job to start the Directing program.”
My estimated scholarship amount:
$2,025
FAQ
Financial aid amounts are calculated based on:
- Status in Canada (citizen, resident, refugee, international student)
- Place of residence (whether you need to relocate to Montreal)
- Parental income
- Student’s income
- Dependent children
- Savings accounts
- Family situation
- Once you are admitted to the School, you have a three-week period in June (dates forthcoming for 2026) to apply for financial aid.
- You will receive confirmation of your scholarship amount in August.
- The scholarship will be paid in two installments: one in September and one in January.
The scholarship is renewable for each year of study at the School and is re-evaluated each year according to the student’s situation.
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.
Also, French and Belgian francophone students are eligible for the domestic tuition fee under international agreements between our governments.
International students can contact immigration services to find out about loans and bursaries offered by the Quebec government.
Contact us at admission@ent-nts.ca for the documentation explaining these services.
Scholarship Awards
Michael Eagan Scholarship
The Michael Eagan Scholarship is designed to support students in the NTS’s Set & Costume Design program who demonstrate exceptional talent and commitment during their second year. Made possible through the bequest of Michael Eagan, a renowned Canadian set designer and former director of the School’s Set & Costume Design program, this scholarship continues his support for training the next generation of designers.
IODE Scholarship
The IODE Canada Scholarship aims to support NTS students who stand out for their commitment and progress, while facing financial difficulties that could hinder their ability to continue their studies. Made possible thanks to the support of IODE Canada, a partner of the school since 1986, this program awards two scholarships each year to students from various theatrical disciplines. These scholarships help alleviate the financial burden associated with their studies and promote more equitable access to high-level arts education.
Saint Vincent de Paul Society Scholarship
As part of its “Opération Bonne Mine” program, the Saint Vincent de Paul Society offers two academic perseverance scholarships to recognize the commitment, perseverance, and academic success of two first-year students at the National Theatre School of Canada. Each scholarship is worth $500 and is awarded annually to one francophone student and one anglophone student.
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.
