What are the ages accepted into the NSISP?
We consider applications from students in Grade 7 (minimum age 12 at program start date) through to Grade 12 (maximum age 18 at program start date).
What are the best days for arrivals and departures for the 2026-2027 school year?
Arrivals for first semester/academic year are recommended between August 31 - September 2, 2026. Students are not to arrive before August 31. Departures are recommended between January 30 - January 31, 2027 for students departing after first semester. Arrivals for second semester are recommended between January 30 - January 31, 2027. Year end departures are recommended June 26 to June 30, 2027.
All students must depart no later than June 30, 2027. Students are not permitted to stay past this date unless their natural parents are picking them up. At this time, they assume custodianship of their child(ren) and are responsible for ensuring insurance is purchased. Students are no longer the responsibility of the NSISP.
What are the school holidays for the 2026-2027 Academic School Year in Nova Scotia?
Labour Day – September 7
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation - September 30
Thanksgiving Day – October 12
Remembrance Day – November 11
Holiday Break – December 22 to January 1 inclusive
Nova Scotia Heritage Day – February 15
Spring Break – March 8 to March 12 inclusive
Good Friday – March 26
Easter Monday – March 29
Victoria Day – May 24
Which airport should my student fly into?
Students should plan their flights to land at the Halifax Robert L. Stanfield International Airport (YHZ) in Halifax, Nova Scotia. If a student is placed in the Cape Breton-Victoria Regional Centre for Education they should consider flying into the JA Douglas McCurdy Sydney Airport (YQY) in Sydney, Nova Scotia.
Does the NSISP offer EAL support?
Virtual EAL is offered to all NSISP students identified as having low level English and need of additional support. Grammar, reading and writing, listening and speaking skills are covered in EAL classes. Classes are offered twice per week, for an hour each class.
Some regions offer in-person EAL support, while others do not.
Who will meet students when they arrive in Nova Scotia?
In most instances, students will be met by their host families or a program representative who will take them to their new home. The NSISP has staff acting as airport greeters at the airport to meet all students and to be of assistance, if necessary. Some students (especially those who are arriving on very late flights) may have to spend the night at the airport hotel before departing for their host family. There is no charge for the student's room at the hotel. You can confirm with your student’s school board representative if the students requires an overnight at the hotel.
Will students be provided with an orientation when they arrive in Nova Scotia?
New students participating in the NSISP are given a two-day orientation session within one month of the school start date. The orientation is designed for students to meet other international students in their area, to ask questions, and to learn more about the Program and expectations of the students.
What are the requirements for a student to graduate from a Nova Scotian School?
For an NSISP student to graduate from a NS high school, they need to study in a Nova Scotian school for at least one year and meet all graduation requirements. Students who wish to graduate should also complete the intent to graduate form prior to their arrival in Nova Scotia. The region where the student will study will assess the students' transcripts from their home country and determine which credits can be transferred to Nova Scotia. Students must submit a minimum of two years of transcripts.
The provincial Department of Education and Early Childhood Developments set the requirements for graduation. Please visit: https://www.ednet.ns.ca/docs/creditsforgraduationdiplomaen.pdf for details.
Does the insurance provided by NSISP cover pre-existing medical conditions?
The insurance provided by the NSISP is mandatory. If students wish to purchase supplementary information, the can; however, it does not replace the NSISP insurance.
Health insurance is provided by Medavie Blue Cross. Information about the coverage is available at: www.nsispinsurance.ca. Please be advised pre-existing medical conditions and treatment required in Nova Scotia as a result of pre-existing conditions are not covered by Medavie Blue Cross insurance. Please see the section of the website entitled "What Your Insurance Policy Does Not Cover." A sickness or injury that, at the time of departure from their Home Country, might reasonably be expected to require an Insured Person to undergo Medical Treatment, surgery or hospitalization would not be covered.
Can students play school sports in Nova Scotia?
International students are eligible to play in School Sport Nova Scotia (SSNS) sports. International students must try out for the teams and be selected for the team the same as Canadian students. Please note if you are 19 years of age before September 1st, you will not be eligible to compete in School Sport Nova Scotia sports; however, you may still play sports in your local community.
What sports can international students compete in?
NSISP students can compete in 18 SSNS sanctioned sports including:
Badminton
Baseball
Basketball
Competitive Cheerleading
Cross Country
Curling
Football
Golf
Hockey
Rugby
Skiing – Downhill
Snowboarding
Soccer
Softball Slo- Pitch
Team Table Tennis
Track & Field
Volleyball
Wrestling
Can NSISP students change their region? What is the process?
Students who have been in the NSISP one year may request to change their region. A $425 application fee will be assessed to students who request this change. Students must complete the “Change of Region Request Form” for their request to be considered. The form will be evaluated by the NSISP Central Office and, if approved, the student will be placed in the next available region following the placement formula.
Will NSISP staff assist students with their visa and study permit applications?
The NSISP is not able to provide assistance for students to renew their study permits or visas under Bill C-35, a federal law. This Bill makes it illegal for anyone, other than an authorized representative, to conduct business for a fee or other consideration at any stage of an immigration application. The NSISP has carefully selected an accredited local immigration consultant who students can contract to help them apply for these renewals while studying in Canada. There is a fee for this service. You can ask your local coordinator for contact details for the accredited local immigration consultant.