Early Childhood Education Diploma (ECE)

The scholarship is applicable only for Canadian citizens and permanent residents that reside in Canada, on proof of Canadian citizenship/residency. 

Scholarships will be automatically applied to the total program tuition amount once students pass the program refund date. The OICC scholarship is offered in addition to the possible bursary of up to $5,000 CAD through the Government of Nova Scotia for eligible students. Depending on the total amount secured through the Government bursary, students could receive up to $8,000 CAD off their total Early Childhood Education Diploma program tuition.

The Government of Nova Scotia is currently offering bursaries of up to $5,000 CAD for domestic students* that are enrolled in full-time studies at approved Nova Scotia post-secondary institutions in 2024-2025.

In order to apply for this bursary, students must be:

• Studying full-time and remain in good academic standing.

• A Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Nova Scotia* (temporary foreign workers, international students, or any other person in Canada on a temporary resident visa do not qualify).

In order to apply, please contact Oxford International Career College, Halifax campus to obtain the bursary terms and conditions and learn more. Once you are enrolled as a student in the Early Childhood Education Diploma program, you can apply directly through Oxford International Career College, Halifax campus.

Additional to note:

• Payments will be issued to the training institution (Oxford International Career College, Halifax campus) on behalf of successful applicants in the fall and winter semesters. Training institutions will apply the bursary to each successful student's account.

• Priority for funding will be given to students from equity-deserving groups.

• The following students are not eligible to apply:

- Students currently enrolled in an ECE Diploma already funded by EECD

- Students who are currently receiving EECD funding (e.g., staff receiving continuing education funding for part-time studies).

In 2021-2022 EECD offered one-time bursaries of up to 300 students studying full-time in an ECE diploma or degree program in Nova Scotia. To support Nova Scotia's focus on the development of a diverse and inclusive workforce, students belonging to an underrepresented group received additional funds. 

In addition to the Early Childhood Education Diploma program, we also offer a 26-week, full-time Continuing Care Assistant (CCA) certificate program for students interested in entering into healthcare. 

Please fill out the form at the bottom of the page and one of our Admissions Advisors will get in touch shortly to help you begin the process. 

The Oxford International Career Colleges (OICC) Tuition Fee Guarantee for the Early Childhood Education (ECE) & Early Childhood Education Hybrid (ECE) Diploma programs is applicable to all students. Note that an offer of employment does not guarantee approval for the Nova Scotia Nominee program, Graduates in Demand program, or any other Nova Scotia Immigration stream – it’s just one of the conditions that must be met. Some of the other conditions include sufficient settlement funds and a salary that will support your family. You can review all conditions on the Graduates in Demand website. Acceptance to the Nova Scotia Nominee program does not guarantee that a work permit will be issued by IRCC or that you will be approved for Permanent Residency.   

To remain eligible for the Tuition Fee Guarantee, participants must meet the following conditions within six (6) months of graduating from the ECE program:  

1. Attendance & Academic Performance [1]

• Attendance: Maintain a minimum 90% attendance throughout the program, including all practicum placements. [2] 

• Academic Performance: Achieve passing grades of 70% or higher in all written and practical components of the program.  

2. Receive satisfactory evaluations from all practicum placement providers. 

3. Demonstrate respectful and professional conduct with senior residents from diverse ethnic, gender, and sexual backgrounds. 

4. Actively participate in Career Services throughout the 6-month post-graduation period, including at least one (1) workshop and at least three (3) one-on-one sessions, or until a job offer is received [3]. 

5. Participate in all assigned check-ins initiated by the school’s Career Services team. 

6. Attend a minimum of three (3) in-person job interviews [4], including at least: 

• One with a rural employer, and  

• Two others, with one being from a practicum placement provider [5]. 

7. Understand that if you receive a job offer within the 6-month period, you are no longer eligible for the Tuition Fee Guarantee. 

Please see the Tuition Fee Guarantee policy for full details and a list of non-refundable fees. 

[1] If a student has at least 2 warnings (for example, either one from attendance and one (1) from academic performance; two (2) from attendance or two (2) from academic performance) they are not eligible for the tuition fee guarantee. The warnings are for both in-school or in placement components of the program.  

[2] Missed attendance due to medical reasons is excluded; however, participants must have provided proper documentation.  

[3] Oxford International Career Colleges – Career Services is not responsible to set up interviews on the student’s behalf. This includes sending resumes or directly contacting employers. All interviews must be secured by the student.  

[4] On-the-spot interview(s) at a Job Fair does not qualify as a job interview.

[5] Evidence of the interview taking place (i.e., confirmation email from the employer that the interview took place, email follow up email from the interviewee thanking them for the interview, etc.) must be submitted.

Domestic Students
Yes. Domestic students can complete the academic portion of the ECE program 100% online from anywhere in Nova Scotia. All workplace placements must still be completed in person.

International Students
International students follow a blended format. Students study 6 hours asynchronously (learn at your own pace online) every Monday. From Tuesday to Friday, students attend live online evening classes.