Nova Scotia Community College is a public college system offering career training across Nova Scotia and online.
Nova Scotia's first technical and vocational school opened in 1872. The Province of Nova Scotia created a community college system in 1988 that brought together 19 specialized, technical training institutions. Nova Scotia Community College in its modern form was officially created in 1996. The NSCC Foundation was incorporated in 2001 and brought together eight separate campus-based charitable organizations.
The NSCC mission is building Nova Scotia's economy and quality of life through education and innovation. Its vision is transforming Nova Scotia one learner at a time. The NSCC promise is to empower those who strive to know more, do more, be more. In 2007, NSCC Executive pledged to become a leader in sustainability.
NSCC specializes in four applied research areas: energy, engineered technologies, geomatics, and environment and agriculture technology. Its Applied Research division, established in 2000, allows students, researchers and instructors to support external collaborators by developing practical solutions to industry's real-world challenges. The College is considered one of Canada's top 50 research colleges. Today, 99% of students complete some form of work-integrated learning, such as work teams, practicums, co-ops and sea time.
NSCC operates a network of 14 campuses and offers hands-on career training in 17 communities across Nova Scotia and online. Facilities include a fine-dining restaurant, trades and apprenticeship facilities, and a Centre for the Built Environment at the Akerley and Ivany campuses. Other facilities include a living lab at Annapolis Valley Campus, a spa, nail and hair salon at Burridge Campus, an educational winery and vineyard at Kingstec Campus, and the Dr. Hamm Trades and Innovation Centre at Pictou Campus. Several campuses also offer student housing.
Admission information is provided separately for Canadian and permanent resident applicants and for international students.