Nova International College is an accredited, independent Grade 7–12 STEM-based school in Calgary, Alberta. We also offer an International Foundation Year (IFY) through Alvis Pathway’s partnership with NCUK, serving students from more than 40 countries.
Nova’s core offerings include the Standard Alberta High School Diploma and the International Foundation Year (IFY) offered through our partner Alvis Pathway/NCUK.
The International Foundation Year is designed to prepare international students academically, linguistically and culturally for success in the Alberta/Canadian education system. It helps bridge the gap between a student’s home-country credentials and Canadian high-school or post-secondary entry requirements.
Nova International College offers two delivery models for the IFY program:
Students complete the entire IFY program in person at our Calgary campus. This model is ideal for students who are able to travel to Canada before the program begins and prefer a fully immersive, face-to-face learning experience from day one.
Students begin their studies online from their home country and transition to on-campus learning at our Calgary campus partway through the program. This model offers greater flexibility and allows students to start their academic journey while completing travel, visa, and other arrangements.
Both models lead to the same qualification and progression opportunities.
The choice depends on your personal circumstances and preferences.
The Standard (On-Campus) Model is best suited for students who are ready to travel to Canada before the program starts, prefer face-to-face interaction from the beginning, and want a fully immersive on-campus experience.
The Hybrid (Online-to-On-Campus) Model is ideal for students who need additional time to secure their study permit or make travel arrangements, or who prefer the flexibility of starting their studies from home before transitioning to Canada.
Both models provide the same high-quality education, support, and progression pathways. Our admissions team can help you determine which option best fits your situation.
Guaranteed admission to more than 60 universities across five countries is contingent upon meeting all requirements defined under the NCUK/Alvis Pathway partnership.
A free consultation with our International Admissions Officer is available to all interested students. Applications are submitted online by completing the application form and providing the required documents. Submit your Online Application Form here.
Applicants typically need to provide academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency, a passport copy and previous credential documentation. A complete list of required documents will be provided at the time of applicatio
Yes. A non-refundable application fee of CAD $250 applies.
For Grades 7–12, Nova conducts an internal English-language assessment.
For the IFY, accepted English-language qualifications include: IELTS 6.0 with no skill below 4.5; NCUK EAP D; Password 43; TOEFL iBT 35; Skills for English B1 Pass; LanguageCert Academic 54; Cambridge English Scale 154; PTE Academic 41; OTE 100; WAEC C6; and GCSE/IGCSE English C/4.
The typical processing time from submission of the application to issuance of an offer letter is approximately two weeks.
Some international students may need to complete bridging coursework to meet specific Alberta Education diploma requirements, such as Physical Education or CALM.
Nova provides a complimentary credential evaluation for prospective students to determine what support may be required during the school year.
Study-permit requirements depend on the length of the program and the student’s citizenship.
Yes. As an accredited secondary institution, Nova International College is a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
Requirements depend on your country of citizenship. Some travellers may be eTA-exempt or visa-exempt for short stays, while different requirements can apply to longer study programs.
Yes. Accepted students receive a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) to support their study permit or visa application.
NOVA may allow students to defer their studies based on study-permit delay timelines. If a study permit is denied, the student may request a full refund.
Tuition fees are currently:
Grades 7-10: CAD $15,500
Grades 11-12 + IFY: CAD $16,500
Fast Track IFY (6-Months): CAD $9,500
Hybrid IFY (9-Months): CAD $9,500
Students and families should budget for possible additional costs including the application fee, deposit, health insurance, housing, learning materials, activity fees, transportation and uniform.
Students are required to pay 70% of the tuition fee before receiving the Letter of Acceptance. The remaining balance is due before arrival in Canada.
NOVA currently offers scholarships of up to CAD $1,000 based on merit.
Nova is committed to managing fees and refunds in a transparent and equitable manner. Refunds are issued in accordance with NOVA’s refund policy, applicable laws and contractual agreements.
NOVA has partnered with Canada Homestay Network (CHN) to provide homestay options for students.
Calgary is one of Canada’s more affordable major cities for international students, notably cheaper than Toronto or Vancouver. A realistic monthly budget is approximately CAD $1,400–$2,000 for accommodation, food, transportation, and other essentials, with shared housing typically running CAD $700–$1,200/month and dorm-style housing CAD $800–$1,500/month. Mandatory health insurance adds roughly CAD $600–$900 per year.
Calgary is widely regarded as one of Canada’s more liveable and safer major cities and has a large, diverse international community. As in any city, safety varies by neighbourhood, and students should follow standard urban-safety practices and use available orientation and support resources.
Yes. International students in Alberta typically require private health insurance, as they are not automatically eligible for provincial healthcare in the same way as residents.
The International Student Coordinator is available to assist, guide and address issues affecting international students and to support students as they adapt to life in Canada. These services are provided free of cost.
Custodianship or guardianship requirements may apply to students under 18 and can be arranged through the Canada Homestay Network.
Parents can monitor progress through Google Classroom, report cards and regular email updates from teachers, and may contact the school at any time with questions or concerns.
Prospective partners can apply through Nova International College’s Recruitment Partner Application Process.
Recruitment partners receive marketing materials, commission support and a dedicated liaison.
Please contact our Admissions Office by email at admissions@novaic.ca, call +1 825-583-6755, or visit us at:
222-1338B 36 Ave NE
Calgary, AB T2E 6T6
Please contact our dedicated team at admissions@novaic.ca to arrange a campus tour or virtual consultation.
The current International Student Handbook will be available online once published.
