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At the end of this training program, students will have acquired the necessary skills to professionally train apprentice circus artists. Employment prospects are varied, ranging from preparatory and higher education circus arts training to continuing education for professional circus artists.

This program, which is offered in English remotely or in French in-person or remotely, leads to an Attestation of Collegial Studies (AEC NRC.09) or an Attestation of School Studies (AEE). 

Programs Who can register? Particularities
AEC – Trainer in Circus Arts Canadian and international students eligible for the AEC 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.

Attestation of Studies from the School – Trainer 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 AEC – Trainer in Circus Arts.

Program structure
Admission
Tuition fees
Student services and Financial aid

The English Trainer in Circus Arts program is only offered remotely. It provides for 765 hours of training, i.e. 55 hours of classes and 210 hours of internship. The student must find an internship in the workplace.

2024-2025 school year

Mode Start date End date To note
Remote August 17, 2024 May 31, 2025
  • One week of mandatory full-time in-person training takes place from August 17 to 24, 2024, in Montreal.
  • Remote training is also offered in French.

 

Classes

Class management
Initial training in circus techniques
Supervising the creation and realization of a performance
Setup and teardown of acrobatic apparatus
Animation of social circus activities
Movement analysis
Physical and psychological development
Advanced training in circus techniques
High-level training in circus techniques
Internship in the workplace

Prior learning recognition

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.

Eligibility requirements

To be eligible for the program, the individual must:

  • Have a diploma of college studies (DEC), a university degree or any other diploma deemed relevant by the NCS

OR

  • Have a Quebec High School Diploma (HSD) or an equivalent education and meet one of the following conditions:
    • Have interrupted full-time studies OR pursued full-time post-secondary studies for at least 2 consecutive semesters or one academic year
    • Have interrupted full-time studies for one term AND have pursued full-time post-secondary studies for one term
  • Have experience in circus arts, sports, gymnastics, dance, theater or any other relevant discipline
  • Demonstrate excellent communication skills
  • Have a good knowledge of the English language
  • Have accumulated at least 300 hours of circus teaching with a clientele who trains 5 hours a week or more
  • Have completed the Circus Arts Instructor training (an asset)

Required documents

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
  • 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 and diploma obtained
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Photocopy of both sides of the citizenship certificate for naturalized Canadians or of the permanent resident card
  • Photocopy of any document attesting to the practice of a relevant artistic discipline or a competitive sport (optional)
 

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)
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Photocopy of any document attesting to the practice of a relevant artistic discipline or a competitive sport (optional)

2025-2026 school year

Remote training

File opening $50
Registration fees $200
Related fees* $150
Tuition fees for Canadian students and permanent residents students who are Quebec residents*  $5,050
Tuition fees for French citizens* $4,685
Tuition fees for Canadian students and permanent resident students who are not Quebec residents* $5,775
Tuition fees for international students* $7,825

* Payable in three instalments.
Fees are in Canadian dollars and are subject to change.

Student services

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.

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.

Program structure

The English Trainer in Circus Arts program is only offered remotely. It provides for 765 hours of training, i.e. 55 hours of classes and 210 hours of internship. The student must find an internship in the workplace.

2024-2025 school year

Mode Start date End date To note
Remote August 17, 2024 May 31, 2025
  • One week of mandatory full-time in-person training takes place from August 17 to 24, 2024, in Montreal.
  • Remote training is also offered in French.

 

Classes

Class management
Initial training in circus techniques
Supervising the creation and realization of a performance
Setup and teardown of acrobatic apparatus
Animation of social circus activities
Movement analysis
Physical and psychological development
Advanced training in circus techniques
High-level training in circus techniques
Internship in the workplace

Prior learning recognition

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.

Admission

Eligibility requirements

To be eligible for the program, the individual must:

  • Have a diploma of college studies (DEC), a university degree or any other diploma deemed relevant by the NCS

OR

  • Have a Quebec High School Diploma (HSD) or an equivalent education and meet one of the following conditions:
    • Have interrupted full-time studies OR pursued full-time post-secondary studies for at least 2 consecutive semesters or one academic year
    • Have interrupted full-time studies for one term AND have pursued full-time post-secondary studies for one term
  • Have experience in circus arts, sports, gymnastics, dance, theater or any other relevant discipline
  • Demonstrate excellent communication skills
  • Have a good knowledge of the English language
  • Have accumulated at least 300 hours of circus teaching with a clientele who trains 5 hours a week or more
  • Have completed the Circus Arts Instructor training (an asset)

Required documents

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
  • 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 and diploma obtained
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Photocopy of both sides of the citizenship certificate for naturalized Canadians or of the permanent resident card
  • Photocopy of any document attesting to the practice of a relevant artistic discipline or a competitive sport (optional)
 

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)
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Photocopy of any document attesting to the practice of a relevant artistic discipline or a competitive sport (optional)

Tuition fees

2025-2026 school year

Remote training

File opening $50
Registration fees $200
Related fees* $150
Tuition fees for Canadian students and permanent residents students who are Quebec residents*  $5,050
Tuition fees for French citizens* $4,685
Tuition fees for Canadian students and permanent resident students who are not Quebec residents* $5,775
Tuition fees for international students* $7,825

* Payable in three instalments.
Fees are in Canadian dollars and are subject to change.

Student services and Financial aid

Student services

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.

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.

Questions?

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

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