Qidigo Let’s go to the circus
HIGHER EDUCATION

DEC-AEC CIRCUS ARTS

Become a professional circus artist

This Higher Education in Circus Arts program is a three-year training path designed for aspiring professionals who already have experience in the circus arts or a related discipline and who dream of turning that passion into a career.

The diploma of college studies (DEC) is offered by Cégep Limoilou in partnership with the École de cirque de Québec and is intended for residents of Quebec (ages 16 and older) as well as residents of France (ages 17 and older)

The attestation of college studies (AEC) is offered by the École de cirque de Québec and is intended for international students (excluding those from France) aged 18 and older.

  • 1st audition session (international students) → February 15 and 16, 2027
  • 2nd audition session (students from Quebec and France) → March 4 and 5, 2027
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The program

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This higher-education program not only helps students refine their circus skills but also encourages them to deepen their self-awareness. Throughout their time in the program, they’ll learn to make thoughtful choices, as well as identify the environments where they can thrive creatively and professionally.

The curriculum is built to help students develop the key qualities of a professional circus artist such as autonomy, a strong sense of responsibility and the ability to constantly adapt.

It balances the practice of multiple disciplines with a broader understanding of the circus world, approaching it through artistic, entrepreneurial and social lenses.

At the École de cirque de Québec, we’re dedicated to nurturing artists who will engage with their profession with responsibility, maturity and creativity.

Quebec and french students International students

The program

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Finally, the advanced training program offers two paths for development. Students can enroll in either the regular training track or the acrobatics track.

The regular training track focuses on a primary discipline in which candidates have auditioned; this is the discipline they will refine throughout their three-year training program.

The acrobatics track, on the other hand, focuses on developing multidisciplinary acrobats in group acrobatic disciplines such as trampoline, floor acrobatics, trampoline wall, Chinese rings, Korean board, seesaw, Russian bar, banquine, etc.

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Diploma of college studies (DEC)

Quebec and french students

Program offered in partnership with Cégep Limoilou
This program is open to:

  • Residents of Quebec (16 years and up)
  • Residents of France (17 years and up)

The DEC in Circus Arts is a three-year technical college program recognized by Québec’s Ministry of Higher Education. It leads to a diploma of college studies (DEC 561.DA) and includes both specialized circus training and general education courses as part of the Québec school system. It’s important to know that successful completion of the general education courses is a prerequisite for continuing circus training up to the third year.

Students will be enrolled at Cégep Limoilou – Campus Québec and have access to all student services offered by the institution. The Cégep delivers the general education courses, while the École de cirque de Québec provides the specialized circus training, including theory courses related to physical preparation and the profession of circus artist.

Students must pay a registration fee for each semester (two semesters per year for three years) as well as annual program-related fees (for three years).

Schedule
Monday to Friday between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Duration
3 years (6 semesters)
Fall semester: end of August to December
Winter semester: January to early June

COMING SOON

Audition registration
$80 + taxes
One-time payment upon submitting your application to the ÉCQ.

Registration
$241 per semester*
*Subject to change without notice
One-time payment to Cégep Limoilou per semester

Athletic therapy
$650 + taxes per year*
*Subject to change without notice
Payment due once a year to the École de cirque de Québec

  • Applicants must register at Cégep Limoilou through the SRACQ website to be eligible for the DEC program.
  • Applicants must also go through the audition process at the École de cirque de Québec and register for the circus school’s auditions at the same time by clicking the button below.

Applicants must be accepted by the SRACQ and pass the auditions to be admitted to the program.

Sign up for auditions Find out more

Diploma of establishment studies (AEC)

For international students outside of France

Diploma issued by the École de cirque de Québec.

This program is designed for individuals who:

  • Are 18 years or up,
  • Are not from Québec or France
  • Are not eligible for the DEC program.

The AEC is a 3-year program accredited by the Ministry of Higher Education, which awards a college diploma.

Students accepted into the AEC are responsible for obtaining both a Québec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) and a study permit. They must also secure the necessary insurance in order to begin the program. These steps can take several months, so it’s crucial to start the process early. Copies of these documents must be submitted to the school before the school year begins.

Useful government resources:

Schedule
Monday to Friday between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Duration
3 years (6 semesters)
Fall semester: end of August to December
Winter semester: January to early June

COMING SOON

Audition registration
$80 + taxes
One-time payment upon submitting your application to the ÉCQ.

Tuition
$7,650 + taxes per year*
*Subject to change without notice

Athletic therapy
$650 + taxes per year*
*Subject to change without notice
Payment due once a year to the École de cirque de Québec

• Holders of a diploma equivalent to a Quebec high school diploma are eligible for a program leading to a college certificate.
AND
• Applicants must also apply and go through the audition process at the École de cirque de Québ

Sign up for auditions Find out more

Preparatory program

Get ready for the DEC-AEC in Circus Arts

This preparatory program is designed for:

  • Applicants whose current abilities don’t yet meet the requirements for the Higher Education program in the circus arts,
  • Individuals invited to join the program to prepare for higher education.

This one-year program aims to strengthen your physical and artistic foundations for the circus practice while helping you clarify your discipline of choice. You’ll work on core techniques like acrobatics, handstands, flexibility and physical conditioning. You’ll also be introduced to dance and theatre and continue to develop technical and creative skills in your primary discipline, all with the goal of preparing you for the Higher Education program auditions.

Only applicants who have completed the audition process for the Higher Education program and whose level is not yet aligned with that of the rest of the cohort may be invited to take part in the preparatory year, following a conversation with the jury.