Welcome to PACE
We are pleased to welcome you to the Physician Assessment Centre of Excellence (PACE) and to Nova Scotia. Being accepted into PACE is a significant milestone on your pathway to medical practice in Canada. This welcome package is designed to help you prepare for your arrival in Halifax, understand what to expect during the program, and plan for your finances for the assessment period.
PACE brings together clinical assessment, professional support, and landing supports to help internationally trained physicians successfully transition into the Nova Scotia healthcare system. We recognize that relocating—often from another country—can be complex and stressful. Our goal is to ensure you feel informed, supported, and welcomed from the very beginning.
Image
Why Choose Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia offers more than a pathway to licensure; it offers a place to build your career and your life. Physicians are welcomed into communities where their work has an immediate and meaningful impact, improving access to care for patients and families across the province.
You can expect:
- Supportive, team-based practice environments
- Modern clinics and evolving healthcare infrastructure
- Welcoming, inclusive communities with a high quality of life
For many internationally trained physicians, Nova Scotia has become home—both professionally and personally.
INSERT PHOTO
Understanding the PACE Program
PACE is a workplace-based clinical assessment program that allows you to demonstrate your readiness for independent medical practice in Nova Scotia. You will work directly with patients in a supervised clinical setting while being assessed by experienced physicians who understand the transition to Canadian practice.
What to expect:
- Program orientation upon arrival
- Clinical assessment placement shortly after orientation
- Ongoing feedback and evaluation
- Exposure to Canadian healthcare tools and systems, such as electronic medical records
It is important to understand that participation in PACE does not guarantee licensure. Successful completion of the assessment is required to proceed with licensure through the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia.
Additional information can be found on the PACE website, including an overview of the PACE Assessment Program https://nspace.ca/physicians/
Planning Your Arrival in Halifax
You are encouraged to arrive in Nova Scotia in advance of your scheduled PACE start date. This allows time to settle, adjust to your new environment, and complete any in-person onboarding requirements. The PACE program team will confirm your expected arrival window and notify our landing supports team of your scheduled program start date.
If requested the landing support team will help you with:
- Airport welcome and transportation
- Initial grocery and household essentials support
- Move-in support and property inspection
- Local navigation support
Before arrival, you should:
- Finalize travel arrangements
- Ensure all immigration and identification documents are in place
- Work with the landing support team to help you ensure everything is in place for your arrival.
Landing supports will be available to assist you with your first days in Nova Scotia, including connecting you to essential services and your community.
When to Arrive:
Candidates who have Canadian Citizenship, Permanent Residency or existing work permits can plan to arrive much closer to PACE orientation, though we recommend some time to settle to life in Nova Scotia.
Candidates who are receiving a new work permit upon entry to Canada will need to provide a copy to the Nova Scotia College of Physicians and Surgeons so their clinical assessment license can be finalized ahead of starting the PACE assessment program. We recommend arriving 2-3 weeks ahead of your PACE orientation.
Housing and Cost of Living in Halifax
Housing is typically the largest expense for candidates. Rental costs in Halifax vary by location, type of accommodation, and availability.
Estimated monthly rental costs (Halifax area):
- One-bedroom apartment: approximately $1,800–$2,100
- Two-bedroom apartment: approximately $2,200–$2,550
- Short term rentals (Airbnb): approximately $2,300 - $3,500 per month
Average rents may be lower outside central Halifax or in smaller communities. Rental markets are competitive. You are encouraged to budget conservatively.
You will be in the assessment location only for the duration of the assessment, so we strongly recommend that you travel without your family, use short-term housing, and avoid making permanent relocation decisions during this period. Successful candidates should expect to practise in communities outside the locations where the program is delivered.
Financial Planning and Income During PACE
As you prepare for PACE, it is critical to plan carefully for your financial transition.
While participating in PACE, you will receive a monthly accommodation stipend, paid at the beginning of each month and prorated based on active assessment days, as well as a weekly participation stipend for weeks when you are in orientation, onboarding, or providing patient care (details will be included in the Candidate contract). Candidates are responsible for the cost of their accommodations and living expenses. The stipends may help offset these expenses but likely will not cover all expenses. Candidates should also be financially prepared to cover their living expenses after the assessment and stipends end, as there may be a delay before they begin earning income.
Stipends During the Assessment Period
While participating in the PACE clinical assessment, candidates receive:
- A weekly stipend of $1,824 per week to support living expenses
- A monthly accommodation stipend of:
- Urban Halifax (HRM): $2,100 per month
- Outside Urban Halifax: $1,313 per month
This funding is intended to help offset basic living costs during the assessment period.
Periods Without Stipends
There are important periods where no stipend is provided, and candidates must plan accordingly:
- Before the PACE program begins (after arrival in Canada)
- After completing PACE, while:
- Awaiting licensure decisions: Approximately 4 to 7 weeks
- Preparing to begin practice
During these periods, you are responsible for all living expenses, including housing, food, transportation, utilities, and personal costs.
Please note: As of September 1, 2026, there is a $1000 fee for the Nova Scotia Nominee Immigration Program.
Sample Monthly Budget (Planning Tool)
The following is a planning example only to help you estimate costs. Actual expenses will vary based on personal circumstances.
Estimated monthly expenses:
Rent: $1,800–$2,500
Utilities and internet: $200–$300
Food and groceries: $400–$600
Local transportation: $100–$200
Personal expenses (phone, clothing, incidentals): $200–$300
Candidates are strongly encouraged to arrive with sufficient savings to cover several months of living costs, particularly for periods without income.
Support Available to You
Throughout your PACE journey, you will have access to:
- Clinical supervisors
- Program coordinators and recruitment staff
- Landing and immigration partners
- Local professional and community networks
You are encouraged to ask questions and seek support whenever needed—your success and wellbeing are important to us.
Looking Ahead
Successfully completing PACE is your pathway to licensure and to beginning medical practice in Nova Scotia. Following the program, you will transition into your Return of Service community where your skills are needed most.
We look forward to welcoming you to Nova Scotia and supporting you as you begin this important next chapter in your professional journey.