The Nova Scotia International Student Program offers high school education to students around the world. Single semester and/or full year programs are available in over 75 junior and senior high schools.
The Nova Scotia school year starts in September and runs for ten months ending in June. Students are accepted from grades 7-12 (12-18 years old). International students can start their program in either September or February. Major school breaks are in December, March, and the summer holidays (late June to early September).
High schools located in all seven English-speaking Regional Centres for Education and our francophone School Board (Conseil scolaire acadien provincial) accept international students. These schools are located throughout the province in both small and large communities. Students are matched with local families at their new schools. This is an ideal way to “live the lifestyle” firsthand. Each student is made to feel a part of the host family and is included in all celebrations, outings and activities.
Students enjoy a wide variety of activities focusing on the arts and sciences, languages, and computers. Students’ studies and experiences prepare them to enter a Canadian or American university and succeed in the program of their choice. Courses are taught under the careful supervision of qualified teachers. All are certified professionals and many have graduate degrees in education.
Students can choose from any number of extracurricular activities. Athletic pursuits include soccer, track and field, skiing, volleyball, and badminton. There are drama and music programs, student government, art and yearbook clubs.
Program Established: 1997
Programs Offered: Full Year, 1 Semester, Short Term
Specialized Programs: French Immersion, International Baccalaureate
Language(s) of Study: English and French
Total number of schools: 372
High schools for international students: 75
Total Students: 118,962
Total International Students: 1500
International Students Accepted for Grades: 7-12
Nearest Airport: Halifax Stanfield International Airport
Located along Canada’s Atlantic coast, Nova Scotia is a quiet, industrious community of modern cities, bustling towns, and coastal and rural villages.
Geographically, we’re centrally located: next to the northeastern United States, less than two hours’ flight from Boston and New York, or from Toronto and Montreal. Halifax, the capital, offers an international airport with connections to all points in the world.
Serene. Scenic. Safe. These are the most common words used to describe Nova Scotia by the many visitors who enjoy our beaches, parks and resorts. Nova Scotia offers a perfect ocean playground for a wealth of activities: from sailing, wind surfing, and swimming; to hiking, biking, and golfing; to skiing, skating, and hockey. Our temperate climate allows a wide range of outdoor activities in all four seasons throughout the year.
Recognized by the United Nations for our quality of life, Nova Scotians enjoy state-of-the-art medical facilities, varied cultural and sports activities and a safe, clean environment.
Nova Scotia is an ideal place in which to live and the perfect location to learn and grow.
At the heart of the Nova Scotia International Student Program is the homestay program. Living with a Canadian family is the best way to learn English and experience Canadian culture.
When seeking host families for our program, our goal is to create relationships. We keep this in mind throughout our recruitment and screening process. We want to go above and beyond simply providing a place for the student to stay. We want to provide a Canadian home that will offer guidance and understanding and will be a home away from home for the student. All host families undergo a Criminal Records Check and Child Abuse Registry.
Host families welcome students into their homes and treat them as part of the family. This is the ideal way to integrate into Canadian communities. Students have the same responsibilities as every other member of the family. This includes contributing to the completion of household chores and respecting the rules of the host family. Host families enjoy the enriching experience hosting an international student brings. They become an important part of a student’s daily life.
Many families enjoy participating in activities together. In fall they travel, hike, bicycle, and have social times together. In winter many families ski, skate, watch movies, or attend various concerts and sports events. Students should be prepared to be part of a Nova Scotian family.
Students are encouraged to participate in sports in their schools and communities. There are over 18 school sports to choose from including: badminton, basketball, curling, football, golf, hockey, rugby, soccer, track and field, skiing, and volleyball. In addition to sports, students can join a variety of clubs and extra-curricular activities such as band, choir, dance, drama, photography, and student council.
Entrance Dates: September & February
Application Deadlines: November 30 & March 15
Application Fee: $425 new student/$300 returning
Orientation Fee: $200 new student
Full Year Tuition Fee: $10,000 (NOTE: An additional fee of $3,000 will be added to any student who applies or returns to the NSISP without an agent)
Homestay Monthly Fee: $950
Health Insurance Fee: $90/month
All funds are in Canadian dollars
General Inquiries Email: nsisp@nsisp.ca
Website: nsisp.ca/
Mailing Address: 18 Willow Street, Suite 101
City: Truro
Province: Nova Scotia
Postal Code: B2N 4Z4
Phone: 902-896-5546
Fax: 902-896-5547
Please complete the form below to request more information
