Quick links Student fees Student enrolment Programs and degrees Student facilities and services University research International education Web site: www.nsac.ca

Nova Scotia Agricultural College

PO Box 550
Truro, Nova Scotia  B2N 5E3
Telephone: 902-893-6600

President: Dr. Leslie MacLaren (acting)

Profile

Nova Scotia Agricultural College (NSAC) is a specialized university where learning, research and industry converge to create a unique environment for students. Our programs are driven by real-world challenges to which science holds the key. Imagine learning from active researchers who spend time solving industry problems, or learning complicated concepts and analyses with only 11 other students in the class. Small classes mean individualized support and customized teaching.

Consistently ranked as one of the most research intensive universities in Atlantic Canada, NSAC offers students a rich environment where hands-on learning is the norm. On-campus greenhouses, laboratories, aquaculture facilities and a modern farm complex give students a hands-on environment where they can test theories and ideas right away.

At NSAC, we understand that university isn’t just about academics. That’s why we support our varsity teams and student-led initiatives. We don’t limit the number of extra-curricular activities a student can participate in and we do whatever we can to help them succeed in both academics and extra activities.

We also understand that postsecondary education is expensive. That’s why we’ve given scholarships and bursaries to 35 percent of our students. 

We’re also here to facilitate discussion. Visit embraceyourworld.ca to find out what we mean.

For more on our programs, professors and researchers, visit nsac.ca.

History
Year of foundation: 1905
Former names of the institution: The School of Agriculture (1885-1905) in Truro and The School of Horticulture (1893-1905) in Wolfville were merged into the Nova Scotia Agricultural College located on the provincial Demonstration Farm in Bible Hill.

Student fees

Canadian student fees  2008 - 2009 *
Undergraduate ** tuition fees: $5,000 - $5,500
Graduate tuition fees: $1,986 - $7,254

International student fees  2008 - 2009 *
Undergraduate ** tuition fees: $11,000
Graduate tuition fees: $7,176– $12,444

* Source: Nova Scotia Agricultural College
** Fees for general programs in agriculture.

Note: In addition to tuition fees, universities generally charge fees for goods and services supplied to students. This includes areas such as student associations, sports and health. These additional fees vary widely per university and per student and can run from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars. Check with the university for details.

Student enrolment

2009 rounded preliminary fall enrolment *
Full-time (undergraduates): 740
Full-time (graduates): 70
Part-time (undergraduates): 80
Part-time (graduates): 10

* Source: Association of Atlantic Universities

Programs and degrees

Note: The program information is compiled by AUCC staff in cooperation with staff at member institutions. The programs are classified according to the Classification of Instructional Programs 2000. To search for the programs offered by this institution, please consult the Directory of Canadian Universities’ programs database online at http://www.aucc.ca/can_uni/search/index_e.html.

Student facilities and services

Personal support services
The following campus services are available to our students: career services, counselling, daycare, health services, residence programming, services for students with disabilities, residence communication bundles, leadership training, student clubs, student ambassador program, recreation and fitness areas, international student support (cultural, social, housing, etc.).

Academic support services
The following academic services are available to our students: academic advisors, writing centre, library, information commons, peer tutoring, services for students with disabilities (course management), international student academic supports.

First-year student programs
Orientation, academic advisers assigned, workshops on academic computing, peer education and lifestyle programs. Sessions offered through the year for first time university students include time management, budgeting and stress management.

Housing
On-campus: NSAC can accommodate up to 350 students in three co-ed residences. Of these, 175 are in private rooms and the balance are two people per room. A large percentage of new students can obtain residence accommodation if they request it within the time specified in the letter of acceptance. Between 200 to 250 first-year students live in residence. Annual cost: room and board, $7,088 - $8,154 (depending on the type of room and meal plan). A mature housing section is also available and costs $606 - $641 per month depending on the type of room. This service provides a “community kitchen” for an apartment style lifestyle.

Off-campus: Off-campus housing is available at reasonable rates. Price range for single and double apartments: $500 - $750/month (utilities included).

Student assistance
Numerous scholarships and bursaries are available from private organizations, businesses or provincial departments of agriculture. Any eligible technical, undergraduate or graduate student is able to apply. About one-third of the student body are awarded scholarships or bursaries. Students are also provided assistance with the student loan process.

University research

The mission of the Nova Scotia Agricultural College’s research and graduate programs is to support the creation of new knowledge through innovation. Our strengths are in agriculture and its related sciences. We work in partnership with industry, government and other research institutions nationally and internationally to carry out meaningful research. Our graduate and research programs address current and emerging issues in environmental resource management, molecular biology, crop and livestock production technologies, rural issues, organic production methods and aquaculture. We have state-of-the-art infrastructure in both laboratories and field systems that aid researchers and graduate students in pursuing their research goals. Our MSc program in Agriculture (in partnership with Dalhousie University) is unique in Atlantic Canada.  

Our research capacity is expanding in many areas through our highly successful Industry Chairs Program, the development of relevant research centres including the Atlantic Bio-Venture Centre and the Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada and also through increased partnerships such as those with Agriculture and Agri-food Canada.

As a small and vibrant postsecondary institution, we are continually identifying and pursuing new funding opportunities to support our world-class graduate students. This, combined with our close-knit campus community, makes NSAC an ideal institution for the next generation of the agricultural economy.

International education

Student mobility programs and specific student exchange programs are maintained with universities and colleges around the world. Degree programs allow students to spend one semester at a partner institution; and students are able to receive academic credit for short-term study abroad. Faculty deliver degree courses in central Europe and the Caribbean. NSAC has an articulation agreement with the Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, China.

NSAC is involved in a number of international development projects in Africa and Asia whereby students have the opportunity to participate in these and other international internships. An international and exchange student advisor assists both international students and domestic students interested in international opportunities.

Contact
NSAC International
Telephone: 902-893-6514
Website: www.nsac.ca/international