Offered by National Circus School in Montréal, Canada, Cert in Initiator in Circus Arts is a certificate in Circus programme. The programme is delivered on campus. Tuition for international students is CAD 1,965 per total (CAD 1,185 per total for local students).
At a glance
Degree:Certificate
Field:Circus
Delivery: On Campus
Local tuition: CAD 1,185 / total
International tuition: CAD 1,965 / total
Last reviewed September 2026 ·
Program details
Overview
Initiator in Circus Arts is an in-person program leading to an Attestation of College Studies, delivered over 180 hours: 120 hours of classes plus a 60-hour internship that students arrange themselves. It runs as a single fall session and combines initial training in circus techniques with instruction in class management, culminating in the workplace internship. The program is designed for people who want to lead circus activities and share their interest in the discipline while working alongside instructors and trainers already established in the field. Admission requires either a Diploma of College Studies or university degree, or completion of secondary school together with at least one of the following: two consecutive terms of post-secondary study, or relevant teaching or practical experience in circus arts, theatre, dance, gymnastics, parkour, or a similar discipline. Applicants must also demonstrate strong communication skills and a good knowledge of French. The program suits those with some existing background in circus or a related performance or athletic discipline who want a first, focused credential in leading circus activities rather than a multi-year training path.
Requirements
Admission Requirements: Admission requires either a Diploma of College Studies (DEC), a university degree, or another credential the National Circus School judges relevant; alternatively, applicants holding only the Quebec Secondary School Diploma or its equivalent qualify if they have interrupted or pursued full-time post-secondary studies for at least two consecutive terms (or one term of each), or if they have practical or teaching experience in circus arts, theatre, dance, or sports such as gymnastics, parkour, trampoline or cheerleading, or otherwise demonstrate excellent communication skills. All applicants must have a good knowledge of French, sufficient to earn the programme's Attestation of College Studies. Required documents include a passport-style photo, birth certificate, secondary diploma or transcript, a CV, and citizenship or health-card documentation, with certified translation required for documents not in French or English.
Application Details
Start Date:Fall
Application Deadline:Registration for the 2026-2027 fall session (17 August-12 December 2026) is closed; the school has not yet published application dates for the next intake.
