By the end of the Initiator in Circus Arts program, the student will have developed the skills to lead circus activities in settings such as municipal recreation, day camps, and resort programs. This expertise opens doors to diverse opportunities across the community sector and the recreation industry.
This French-language, in-person program leads to an Attestation of College Studies (AEC NRC.OV).
| Programs | Particularities |
| AEC – Initiator in Circus Arts | This program is recognized and accredited by Québec’s Ministère de l’Enseignement supérieur. To receive an Attestation of College Studies (ACS), international students must demonstrate a sufficient level of French proficiency. |
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.
2026-2027 school year
| Session | Start date | End date |
| Fall | August 17, 2026 | December 12, 2026 |
| Initial training in circus techniques |
| Class management |
| Internship in the workplace |
Admission requirements
To be eligible for the program, applicants must:
hold a Diploma of College Studies (DEC), a university degree, or any other credential deemed relevant by NCS;
OR
have completed and passed secondary studies (equivalent to a Québec Secondary School Diploma) and meet one of the following conditions:
Required documents
All documents submitted in a language other than French or English must be accompanied by a certified translation.
2026-2027 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, 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.
2026-2027 school year
| Session | Start date | End date |
| Fall | August 17, 2026 | December 12, 2026 |
| Initial training in circus techniques |
| Class management |
| Internship in the workplace |
Admission requirements
To be eligible for the program, applicants must:
hold a Diploma of College Studies (DEC), a university degree, or any other credential deemed relevant by NCS;
OR
have completed and passed secondary studies (equivalent to a Québec Secondary School Diploma) and meet one of the following conditions:
Required documents
All documents submitted in a language other than French or English must be accompanied by a certified translation.
2026-2027 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, 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 registrariat@enc.qc.ca.
