Upon completion of the Initiator in Circus Arts program, students will have acquired the necessary skills to assist instructors or trainers in circus arts who lead circus activities, in settings such as municipal recreation, day camps and resorts. This expertise opens the way to a wide range of opportunities, both in the community and in the recreational industry.
This French-language, in-person program leads to an Attestation of College Studies (AEC NRC.OV).
| Programs | Who can register? | Particularities |
| AEC – Initiator in Circus Arts | Canadian and international students eligible for the AEC program | This program is accredited by the Ministère de l’Enseignement supérieur du Québec.
In order to obtain an AEC, international students must demonstrate a sufficient level of skills in French. |
The Initiator in Circus Arts program is offered in-person. It provides 180 hours of training, comprising of 120 hours of classes and 60 hours of internship. Students are responsible for finding an internship in the workplace.
2025-2026 school year
| Mode | Start date | End date | To note |
| In-person | August 11, 2025 | December 13, 2025 | This program is only offered in French |
| Initial training in circus techniques |
| Class management |
| Internship in the workplace |
To recognize the experience and training of candidates, the School has put in place a process for recognizing prior knowledge and skills. Upon approval of their application for recognition of acquired training or experience, the student may be exempted from part of or from an entire class.
To be eligible for the program, the individual must:
OR
All documents submitted in a language other than English or French must be accompanied by a translation.
| Status | Required documents |
| Canadian student or permanent resident |
|
|
International student |
|
2025-2026 school year
| File opening | $50 |
| Registration fees | $200 |
| Related fees* | $260 |
| Tuition fees for Canadian students and permanent residents students who are Quebec residents* | $1 150 |
| Tuition fees for Canadian students and permanent resident students not residing in Quebec* | $1 575 |
| Tuition fees for international students* | $1 890 |
| Insurance fees for international students | $755 |
* Payable in one instalment.
Fees are in Canadian dollars and are subject to change.
The training gives access to health services (only for in-person training), to our specialized Library as well as to the scholarship program of the National Circus School Foundation.
To learn more about our services, visit the Student Services page.
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.
The Initiator in Circus Arts program is offered in-person. It provides 180 hours of training, comprising of 120 hours of classes and 60 hours of internship. Students are responsible for finding an internship in the workplace.
2025-2026 school year
| Mode | Start date | End date | To note |
| In-person | August 11, 2025 | December 13, 2025 | This program is only offered in French |
| Initial training in circus techniques |
| Class management |
| Internship in the workplace |
To recognize the experience and training of candidates, the School has put in place a process for recognizing prior knowledge and skills. Upon approval of their application for recognition of acquired training or experience, the student may be exempted from part of or from an entire class.
To be eligible for the program, the individual must:
OR
All documents submitted in a language other than English or French must be accompanied by a translation.
| Status | Required documents |
| Canadian student or permanent resident |
|
|
International student |
|
2025-2026 school year
| File opening | $50 |
| Registration fees | $200 |
| Related fees* | $260 |
| Tuition fees for Canadian students and permanent residents students who are Quebec residents* | $1 150 |
| Tuition fees for Canadian students and permanent resident students not residing in Quebec* | $1 575 |
| Tuition fees for international students* | $1 890 |
| Insurance fees for international students | $755 |
* Payable in one instalment.
Fees are in Canadian dollars and are subject to change.
The training gives access to health services (only for in-person training), to our specialized Library as well as to the scholarship program of the National Circus School Foundation.
To learn more about our services, visit the Student Services page.
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.
You can consult our FAQ or contact us by email at [email protected].
