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Combining circus arts and general education, our Circus Arts programs are aimed at individuals who aspire to a career as a professional circus artist. It is a three-year, full-time program offered in French and English that leads to a Diploma of Collegial Studies (DEC 561.D0) or Attestation of Studies from the School.

At the NCS, we rely on a teaching philosophy and structure that places the student at the heart of the learning process. This allows us to offer fully personalized training tailored to the needs and interests of the individual. This also allows each student to develop his or her full technical, physical and artistic potential. Our goal is to train highly qualified and versatile circus artists.

The student can choose between two profiles, depending on the number and families of disciplines mastered.

Generalist profile (DEC 561.DA) : training in two main disciplines and in a third complementary discipline from the second year.

Specialist profile (DEC 561.DB) : specialization in one main discipline and training in a complementary discipline from the second year.

Programs Who can register? Particularities
DEC in circus arts Canadian and International Students Eligible for the DEC This program is accredited by the Ministère de l’Enseignement supérieur du Québec.

It is possible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), although the DEC does not guarantee one.

It can lead to permanent residency under the Programme de l’expérience québécoise (PEW), subject to legal change.

Attestation of Studies from the School in circus arts International Students The Attestation is not sanctioned by the Ministère de l’Enseignement supérieur du Québec.

This program offers the same course grid as the DEC program, apart from philosophy and first language classes (French or English).

It is possible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), although the Attestation does not guarantee one.

 

Program structure
Admission
Tuition fees
Student services and Financial aid

School calendar

The schedule includes approximately 38 hours of theoretical and practical classes per week.

Session Dates
Fall August 23 t0 December 17, 2024
Winter January 6 to June 8, 2025

The school calendar is subject to change.

 

Some weekend activities, such as performances, require the presence of students.

In addition to the fall and winter sessions, first-year and Tremplin students must attend the welcome session on the dates indicated below.

Welcome Session August 5 to 16, 2024

Class list

First year Second year Third year
Physical Activity and Efficiency* Floor Acrobatics 3 Anatomy 1 and 2
Health and Physical Activity* Physical Activity and Autonomy* French as a Second Language 1 and 2
Aerial Acrobatics Circus Arts Context and Influences Devising and Producing an Act 2 and 3 (Specialist profile)
Floor Acrobatics 1 and 2 Devising and Producing an Act 1 (Specialist profile) Dance 5
Dance 1 and 2 Dance 3 and 4 Career Management
Balancing 1 and 2 Flexibility 3 and 4** Performing an Act 2 and 3
Flexibility 1 and 2** English 3: Literary themes* Acting 5
English 1: Introduction to college English* English 4: English and Circus Arts* Music and Rhythm 1 and 2
English 2: Literary genres* Performing an Act 1 Psychological Preparation
Introduction to Circus Arts Acting 3 and 4 Physical Conditioning 5
Acting 1 and 2 Research Methodology Show Creation
Juggling and Manipulation Philosophy and Ethics* Show Production
Philosophy and Rationality* Physical Conditioning 3 and 4 Specialized and Complementary Techniques 3 and 4 (Specialist profile)
Philosophy: the Human Being* Specialized and Complementary Techniques 1 and 2 (Specialist profile) Principal and Complementary Techniques 5 and 6 (Generalist profile)
Physical Conditioning 1 and 2 Principal and Complementary Techniques 3 and 4 (Generalist profile) Staging
Health and Security Voice
Specialized Techniques 1 and 2 (Specialist profile)
Principal and Complementary Techniques 1 and 2 (Generalist profile)

* This course is offered exclusively to students in the DEC program.

** This course is offered exclusively to students in the Attestation program.

Please refer to the DEC and Attestation programs’ presentation table to find out which one you are eligible for.

 

Tremplin Program (DEC 081.06)

Candidates with strong potential, but whose skills do not quite meet the eligibility criteria for the Circus Arts program, may be offered our Tremplin program following the auditions. This one-year program offers refresher courses in basic techniques and the various circus disciplines. After conditional admission, the student will have to redo the auditions for Circus Arts program.

 

Disciplines offered

Several circus disciplines are taught in the NCS studios, as shown in the chart below. However, this list is not exhaustive, so candidates who practice a discipline that is not listed below can still apply to our programs.

 Floor Acrobatics Aerial Acrobatics Balancing Juggling and Manipulation Clowning Art 
Russian Bar Aerial Rings Rolling Globe Antipodism Clowning Art
Chinese Hoops Russian Swing Ladder Flowerstick
Acrobatic Chair Aerial Cradle Balancing Cigar Boxes
Contortion Russian Cradle Tight Wire Diabolo
Icarian Games Aerial Hoop Slack Wire Juggling
Hand to Hand Swinging Hoop Unicycle
Chinese Pole Corde lisse German Wheel
Korean Board Cloud Swing Cyr Wheel
Teeterboard Trapeze Duo Acrobatic bike
Floor Acrobatics Research Aerial Straps
Trampoline Aerial Silks
Trampo-pole Swinging Trapeze
Dance Trapeze
Double Trapeze
Static Trapeze
 Washington Trapeze
Pendulum Mast
Aerial Acrobatics Research

 

Eligibility requirements

To be eligible for the program, the individual must:

  • Have successfully completed high school (level equivalent to the Quebec high school diploma)
  • Have a sustained practice in circus arts, dance or any other relevant sport, acrobatic
  • Submit a complete application
  • Pass the Auditions
  • Complete the BRIGHT test
  • Receive confirmation of acceptance into the program, following evaluation of the application file

 

Bright test

If a candidate is accepted, he or she will be asked to take a Bright test to assess his or her level of written and spoken French. The result of this test will be used to determine which French classes the student will be required to take.

The test is taken remotely on an online platform, using either a computer or a mobile phone equipped with a camera and microphone.

Cost: CA$125 or €85 or US$100.

Cost is subject to change

Required documents

All documents submitted in a language other than English or French must be accompanied by a certified translation.

Statut Required documents
Canadian student or permanent resident
  • Proof of provincial health insurance
  • ID photo on white background in JPEG format (portrait)
  • Photocopy of birth certificate with parents’ full names
  • Photocopy of the last report card obtained
  • Photocopy of any document attesting to the practice of a relevant artistic discipline or a competitive sport (optional)
  • Photocopy of both sides of the citizenship certificate for naturalized Canadians or permanent resident card
International student
  • ID photo on white background in JPEG format (portrait)
  • Photocopy of birth certificate with parents’ full names
  • Photocopy of transcript attesting to completion of a Quebec high school diploma (HSD) or equivalent program
  • Photocopy of college and university transcripts (completed or not)
  • Photocopy of any document attesting to the practice of a relevant artistic discipline or a competitive sport (optional)

 

Study permits for international students 

International students who have received proof of acceptance to one of our circus arts programs, for a duration of more than 6 months, will need to apply for a Québec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) as well as a study permit. Since these procedures involve several steps and can take up to six months to be completed, we recommend that you start them early.   

The following websites will be of great help to students in this process:  

Auditions

Registration is closed.

Learn more

A $50 non-refundable fee is payable at the time of application for admission.

2024-2025 School year

File opening fees $50
Annual registration fees $200
Annual related fees* $355
Annual tuition fees for Canadian students and permanent resident students who are  Quebec residents and French citizens* $ 4,865
Annual tuition fees for Canadian students and permanent resident students who are not Quebec residents * $8,425
Annual tuition fees for international students (except French citizens)* $15,000
Annual insurance fees for international students (except French citizens) $990

* Payable in two instalments.

Fees are in Canadian dollars and are subject to change.

Student services

These trainings give access to health services, to our cafeteria, to our specialized Library as well as to various cultural activities.

To learn more about our services, visit the Student Services page.

 

Financial aid

Individuals enrolled in one of our full-time programs and who are Canadian citizens may apply for financial assistance from their respective provincial ministry.

 

We also offer scholarships to students who do not have sufficient financial resources to follow our professional training, regardless of their status. Find out more about the National Circus School Foundation’s scholarship program, thanks to which we support the next generation of circus artists.

Program structure

School calendar

The schedule includes approximately 38 hours of theoretical and practical classes per week.

Session Dates
Fall August 23 t0 December 17, 2024
Winter January 6 to June 8, 2025

The school calendar is subject to change.

 

Some weekend activities, such as performances, require the presence of students.

In addition to the fall and winter sessions, first-year and Tremplin students must attend the welcome session on the dates indicated below.

Welcome Session August 5 to 16, 2024

Class list

First year Second year Third year
Physical Activity and Efficiency* Floor Acrobatics 3 Anatomy 1 and 2
Health and Physical Activity* Physical Activity and Autonomy* French as a Second Language 1 and 2
Aerial Acrobatics Circus Arts Context and Influences Devising and Producing an Act 2 and 3 (Specialist profile)
Floor Acrobatics 1 and 2 Devising and Producing an Act 1 (Specialist profile) Dance 5
Dance 1 and 2 Dance 3 and 4 Career Management
Balancing 1 and 2 Flexibility 3 and 4** Performing an Act 2 and 3
Flexibility 1 and 2** English 3: Literary themes* Acting 5
English 1: Introduction to college English* English 4: English and Circus Arts* Music and Rhythm 1 and 2
English 2: Literary genres* Performing an Act 1 Psychological Preparation
Introduction to Circus Arts Acting 3 and 4 Physical Conditioning 5
Acting 1 and 2 Research Methodology Show Creation
Juggling and Manipulation Philosophy and Ethics* Show Production
Philosophy and Rationality* Physical Conditioning 3 and 4 Specialized and Complementary Techniques 3 and 4 (Specialist profile)
Philosophy: the Human Being* Specialized and Complementary Techniques 1 and 2 (Specialist profile) Principal and Complementary Techniques 5 and 6 (Generalist profile)
Physical Conditioning 1 and 2 Principal and Complementary Techniques 3 and 4 (Generalist profile) Staging
Health and Security Voice
Specialized Techniques 1 and 2 (Specialist profile)
Principal and Complementary Techniques 1 and 2 (Generalist profile)

* This course is offered exclusively to students in the DEC program.

** This course is offered exclusively to students in the Attestation program.

Please refer to the DEC and Attestation programs’ presentation table to find out which one you are eligible for.

 

Tremplin Program (DEC 081.06)

Candidates with strong potential, but whose skills do not quite meet the eligibility criteria for the Circus Arts program, may be offered our Tremplin program following the auditions. This one-year program offers refresher courses in basic techniques and the various circus disciplines. After conditional admission, the student will have to redo the auditions for Circus Arts program.

 

Disciplines offered

Several circus disciplines are taught in the NCS studios, as shown in the chart below. However, this list is not exhaustive, so candidates who practice a discipline that is not listed below can still apply to our programs.

 Floor Acrobatics Aerial Acrobatics Balancing Juggling and Manipulation Clowning Art 
Russian Bar Aerial Rings Rolling Globe Antipodism Clowning Art
Chinese Hoops Russian Swing Ladder Flowerstick
Acrobatic Chair Aerial Cradle Balancing Cigar Boxes
Contortion Russian Cradle Tight Wire Diabolo
Icarian Games Aerial Hoop Slack Wire Juggling
Hand to Hand Swinging Hoop Unicycle
Chinese Pole Corde lisse German Wheel
Korean Board Cloud Swing Cyr Wheel
Teeterboard Trapeze Duo Acrobatic bike
Floor Acrobatics Research Aerial Straps
Trampoline Aerial Silks
Trampo-pole Swinging Trapeze
Dance Trapeze
Double Trapeze
Static Trapeze
 Washington Trapeze
Pendulum Mast
Aerial Acrobatics Research

 

Admission

Eligibility requirements

To be eligible for the program, the individual must:

  • Have successfully completed high school (level equivalent to the Quebec high school diploma)
  • Have a sustained practice in circus arts, dance or any other relevant sport, acrobatic
  • Submit a complete application
  • Pass the Auditions
  • Complete the BRIGHT test
  • Receive confirmation of acceptance into the program, following evaluation of the application file

 

Bright test

If a candidate is accepted, he or she will be asked to take a Bright test to assess his or her level of written and spoken French. The result of this test will be used to determine which French classes the student will be required to take.

The test is taken remotely on an online platform, using either a computer or a mobile phone equipped with a camera and microphone.

Cost: CA$125 or €85 or US$100.

Cost is subject to change

Required documents

All documents submitted in a language other than English or French must be accompanied by a certified translation.

Statut Required documents
Canadian student or permanent resident
  • Proof of provincial health insurance
  • ID photo on white background in JPEG format (portrait)
  • Photocopy of birth certificate with parents’ full names
  • Photocopy of the last report card obtained
  • Photocopy of any document attesting to the practice of a relevant artistic discipline or a competitive sport (optional)
  • Photocopy of both sides of the citizenship certificate for naturalized Canadians or permanent resident card
International student
  • ID photo on white background in JPEG format (portrait)
  • Photocopy of birth certificate with parents’ full names
  • Photocopy of transcript attesting to completion of a Quebec high school diploma (HSD) or equivalent program
  • Photocopy of college and university transcripts (completed or not)
  • Photocopy of any document attesting to the practice of a relevant artistic discipline or a competitive sport (optional)

 

Study permits for international students 

International students who have received proof of acceptance to one of our circus arts programs, for a duration of more than 6 months, will need to apply for a Québec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) as well as a study permit. Since these procedures involve several steps and can take up to six months to be completed, we recommend that you start them early.   

The following websites will be of great help to students in this process:  

Auditions

Registration is closed.

Learn more

A $50 non-refundable fee is payable at the time of application for admission.

Tuition fees

2024-2025 School year

File opening fees $50
Annual registration fees $200
Annual related fees* $355
Annual tuition fees for Canadian students and permanent resident students who are  Quebec residents and French citizens* $ 4,865
Annual tuition fees for Canadian students and permanent resident students who are not Quebec residents * $8,425
Annual tuition fees for international students (except French citizens)* $15,000
Annual insurance fees for international students (except French citizens) $990

* Payable in two instalments.

Fees are in Canadian dollars and are subject to change.

Student services and Financial aid

Student services

These trainings give access to health services, to our cafeteria, to our specialized Library as well as to various cultural activities.

To learn more about our services, visit the Student Services page.

 

Financial aid

Individuals enrolled in one of our full-time programs and who are Canadian citizens may apply for financial assistance from their respective provincial ministry.

 

We also offer scholarships to students who do not have sufficient financial resources to follow our professional training, regardless of their status. Find out more about the National Circus School Foundation’s scholarship program, thanks to which we support the next generation of circus artists.

Find out more about the unique experience, learning environment and training that the National Circus School has been renowned for over 40 years.

Questions?

You can consult our FAQ or contact us by email at [email protected].