Admissions
Applying to Nimbus is easy and straightforward. Our multiple starts dates offer flexibility. Our scholarships and financial aid opportunities make sure students have accessibility to a great education.
We are here to help guide you and answer any questions you may have. Start your career in the music industry today.
What makes a nimbus student?
Students who apply to Nimbus are exceptional people. They are driven by passion for music and a desire to become a leader in the music industry. We invite self-starters to join our community and become immersed in creativity. Are you ready to Channel your musical obsession?
Please reach out if you have any questions or need guidance on our admissions process.
Financial aid and scholarships are available.
Application Process
For Full Time Courses
Our online application is quick and easy. With this in mind, should you have any questions our team is here for you. After all, this is a great opportunity for us to get to know each other.
1
Apply
Submit your application online, along with all the required documents. Please note that there is a non-refundable application fee ($100 CAD for Domestic Students, $250 CAD for International Students).
E-transfer payments are also accepted
2
Interview
Once your application and fee have been processed, one of our Admissions Advisors will contact you to schedule your admissions interview and/or audition.
3
Acceptance
Applicants will typically learn of their acceptance status within 7-10 days. They will be notified by phone and email.
4
study permit
If you are an International Student, you will need to begin your Study Permit application after you have been accepted. For more information on Study Permits and the process, please contact Cat Thomson, Director of Admissions.
Admission Requirements
For Full Time Courses
- High school graduation (or equivalent), or be at least 19 years of age.
- Submit a valid piece of government photo identification.
- Provide the names and contact details of 2 references.
- Attend an interview (in-person or virtual) with an Admissions Advisor.
- Artist Development Certificate applicants are required to attend an audition (in-person or virtual).
International Applicants
Vancouver is a hub for creativity. Throughout the city, you will find new tech start-ups and many film and television productions. Of course, there’s lots of other exciting stuff too, such as video game development, post-production, and several legendary recording studios. Without a doubt, you will be excited to get started with your career in the music industry.
you'll want to be here
A spirited and beautiful place to live, Vancouver also boasts amazing live-music venues, both large and small. As a result, the city plays host to some of the greatest acts, as well as plenty of up-and-coming ones, too. When city life gets hectic, find your peace with a stroll along the beach or a walk in our many parks and forests. On the other hand, if a mountain escape is what you need, there are 3 beautiful summits within our immediate reach. The air is fresh, the clouds hang low, and there’s a sense of euphoria – just like studying at Nimbus.
We warmly welcome international students to apply and join us, in the hope that you too can enjoy this remarkable city of diversity, innovation, and inspiration.
- You must have graduated from high school (or equivalent), or be at least 19 years of age
- Submit a valid piece of government photo identification.
- Attend an interview (in person or virtual) with an Admissions Advisor.
- Provide the names and contact details of 2 references.
If you speak English as a second or additional language, international students will need to provide proof of English language proficiency. You will need to submit either a TOEFL or IELTS score together with your application form.
TOEFL score needs to be a minimum of 65 or higher (on academic test, not general). An IELTS 6.0 or equivalent will be accepted.
In order to get a study permit, you will require:
- Your official Nimbus acceptance letter, along with proof that you have paid your tuition deposit.
- A letter from your bank showing that you have enough financial support to cover your time studying at Nimbus
- Your passport will need to be valid for the entire duration of your time at Nimbus.
- Provide Nimbus’ DLI Number (Designated Learning Institution Number) on your study permit application. Nimbus’ DLI number is DLI#: O19283933722.
International students attending Nimbus are required to have medical insurance in place. Application for coverage must be completed prior to arriving in Canada and must cover you for the first 3 months you’re in British Columbia. Contact our Admissions Team for guidance on how to apply for medical insurance.
Students in Canada under the age of 19 are considered ‘minors’ and must have an appointed custodian. To prevent delays in receiving a study permit, please visit the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada for more information.
Nimbus does not provide on-campus housing. However, we do our best to match prospective students with current students or alumni.
Financial Aid
Access to education is a priority for us. Accordingly, our full-time programs (Music, Production Recording & Business, and Artist Development) are eligible for student aid.
If you would like more information on aid, you can contact the National Student Loans Service Centre, or your provincial loan office.
As always, feel free to contact our Director of Admissions, Cat Thomson. She’ll be glad to give you some tips and advice on Applying to Nimbus.
scholarships
4 currently available
Awarded to an incoming student(s) in each intake date (January, May, September). Students must be accepted and enrolled in a full-time program, i.e: Music Production Recording & Business Diploma, or Artist Development Certificate, or Audio Engineering Fundamentals Certificate. Recipients are eligible to be given up to $5000 towards the cost of their tuition.
submission details
To illustrate their talent, applicants are required to submit one song that they have written and produced (in any genre). Additionally, they must provide a 300-500 word essay detailing why they love music and how they are in need of the financial support. The scholarship must be emailed to the Director of Admissions upon successful admission to your Nimbus program.
The application deadline is one month prior to the start of a new intake. For more information, please contact admissions.
This year marks the second annual Jaime Yates Music Scholarship. Jaime was taken from us too soon, but he achieved many of his dreams in his brief time here. He lived a life filled with music, art, travel, DJ’ing, producing, and developing music for clubs, radio, festivals, parties and video games. Jaime was a wonderful son, an exceptional friend, and a beautiful human. He will always be greatly loved and dearly missed.
About The Scholarship
This scholarship will be awarded to a current Nimbus student whose entry focuses on the theme “Friendship”, utilizing music, video, writing, or any expressive arts project they choose to submit for selection to the scholarship committee.
Submission Details
Scholarship submission deadline is May 1st, and the winner will be announced on Jaime’s birthday, May 18th. For video submissions: (2) minute maximum. For written submissions: 1000 word maximum. For music submissions: (3) minute maximum. Other submissions: (2) minute maximum. All scholarship entries must be emailed to the Director of Admissions.
Support and Listen
You can find Jaime’s music; he’s known in the music world as DJ Critical, on many online radio sites, including Pandora, Spotify, iTunes, Soundcloud, Beatport, and YouTube. You can also support this fundraiser by purchasing DJ Critical’s latest release, Never Letting Go, which features some of his best electronic hits. You can purchase Never Letting Go through this link to Jaime’s music: https://tinyurl.com/DJCritical 100% of all proceeds are donated to this scholarship.
Honouring a Talented Individual
DJ Critical has been featured in Beatport’s Top 100 Dubstep, Breaks, and Glitch Hop charts. His remix of MELT made it to #1 on the TrackItDown Dubstep top 100. Early vinyl work led to radio play from BBC Radio One on the legendary Annie Nightingale’s show (UK), radio play and a tour in Spain, and a guest mix for The Crystal Method on the weekly “Community Service” show Sirius Satellite Radio. In addition, Critical has done remix work for Playma and had his music remixed by artists such as Calvertron and Nom De Strip. Support from The Crystal Method, Downlink, Afghan Headspin, Reso, Hellfire Machina, Nom De Strip, Reid speed, Peo De Pitte, Kairo Kingdom, Annie Nightingale, Featurecast, Kid Panel, and more.
The Peter F. Walker Memorial Bursary is a joint partnership between the family of Peter Walker and Roland Canada. It is awarded once per year to an incoming January (2023) student.
submission details
Incoming January students who have been accepted into a Nimbus full-time program (i.e: MPRB, ADEV, AEF), must submit a one-page essay describing why they are passionate about music and technology. There’s a bonus if you can attach a link to where we can find your music. The deadline to apply is one month prior to the start of the January intake (December 5th). Please send your scholarships application by email to our Admissions Director.
For more information, or to apply, please contact our Admissions team.
About Peter
Peter Walker loved playing guitar. He was entertaining people in coffee houses and busking in Montreal by the time he was 16. Over the years, he played with a score of bands. After heading West, Walker worked for John Larrivée, building acoustic and electric guitars. Once Peter married and had children on the way, he returned to school to study Electronic Technology. These studies led to his employment at Roland Canada where he had a long career as the National Service Manager.
Walker was always a session man with his guitar, focusing on the original Blues of the deep south. Singing and playing traditional Blues established him a great reputation in the Vancouver Blues scene. He was the host of the Cottage Bistro Blues Jam for many years.
Sadly, Peter died suddenly on February 11, 2016 at 61 years of age due to complications following routine surgery. We are offering this bursary to honour Peter’s life and music, with the hopes of encouraging others with the same drive to pursue their passion and talents.
This scholarship is generously awarded through the family of Olivia Quan and Music BC, and not through Nimbus. However, potential students are welcome to apply through the Music BC website listed below:
Olivia’s family and friends wanted to honor Olivia by carrying on the work she started and allow future generations of young entrepreneurs pursuing a career in audio to learn from and be inspired by Olivia. The family has started this fund and has now raised over $50k in honour of Olivia. If you are interested in learning more about the fund or donating, you can do so here.
Olivia’s family and friends will review all submissions and select (1) applicant to be awarded $5000/year. The successful applicant will be notified through email.
Please read through the memorial award and all criteria required by visiting the Olivia Quan Award for Audio Excellence. To Apply, click HERE
artists need a safe space to create
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We must all step up, take accountability, and provide better support, something we do daily at Nimbus. Our school provides a safe, drug-free environment to explore creativity and work with like-minded individuals. Learn from the past. Don't imitate it."
Nimbus has partnered with Rhodes Wellness College to provide Counselling support for our students. If you, or anyone you know, would like to book a counselling session
nimbus students learn practical and life skills
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The community spirit at Nimbus, coupled with the spectacular knowledge of my lecturers, was invigorating…Week-by-week, I witnessed a positive difference in my work, and opened my mind to a new perspective on music.”
programs start dates
JANUARY | MAY | SEPTEMBER
flexible start dates
per intake