NSCAD University offers Master of Fine Arts (Studio), a master's degree in Visual Arts programme in Halifax, Canada. The programme runs for 24 months, delivered on campus. It carries 60.0 credits. Tuition for international students is CAD 834 per credit (CAD 355 per credit for local students).
At a glance
Degree:Master's Degree
Field:Visual Arts
Duration: 24 months
Delivery: On Campus
Credits: 60.0
Local tuition: CAD 355 / credit
International tuition: CAD 834 / credit
Information for the 2027/28 academic year · Last reviewed September 2026 ·
Program details
Overview
This Master of Fine Arts is a twenty-to-twenty-three month, sixty-credit studio-based graduate program delivered full-time across NSCAD's Academy, Fountain, and Port campuses. At least half the program's credits are studio-based research, combined with coursework in pedagogical strategy and arts-based research methods, and students work one-on-one with faculty advisors to shape an individualized research direction. The program recognizes a wide range of studio practices, including ceramics, jewellery and metalsmithing, textiles and fashion, drawing, sound, video, digital media, film, installation, painting, performance, photography, printmaking, and sculpture. A thesis is a required part of the degree, supported by dedicated thesis-preparation coursework. It suits applicants who already have core training and a background in at least one studio discipline and are ready for independent, advisor-guided research. The degree is recognized internationally as the standard qualification for teaching visual arts at the post-secondary level, and graduates also work as artists, curators, administrators, gallerists, and designers across the cultural sector.
Requirements
Admission Requirements: The Master of Fine Arts admission process is program-specific: applicants need a BFA degree or the equivalent qualifications from a four-year university or college program, with an overall B average in relevant academic coursework, and typically bring core training in at least one of ceramics, jewellery/metalsmithing, textiles/fashion, drawing, sound, video, digital media, film, installation, painting, performance, photography, printmaking, or sculpture. The portfolio consists of 20 image files and/or media links, with any time-based material not exceeding 15 minutes in total, and admission includes an application review and interview with area faculty and students, assessing artistic and critical capabilities. Applicants whose prior schooling was not in English must meet NSCAD's graduate-level proficiency scale: TOEFL iBT 94 (no section below 22), IELTS Academic 7.0 (no band below 6.0), PTE Academic 70 (no score below 65), CAEL 69 (no part below 60), Duolingo English Test 130 (no sub-score below 110), or Oxford ELLT 8 (no band below 7).
Application Details
Start Date:September
Application Deadline:Applications open 1 October 2026; final application deadline is 15 January 2027 for Fall 2027 (September) entry.
