Experience the culture and history of one of Canada’s most beautiful regions, while also attending a top-quality university or college.

Nova Scotia has captivated people since it was first settled, and the province has a long and proud history in the realm of higher education and research. Despite a population of under one million, Nova Scotia boasts no less than 10 degree-granting universities, the highest concentration of universities per capita in Canada.

In addition to a wide range of undergraduate degrees, Nova Scotia institutions also offer graduate degrees in areas of study and research such as medicine, dentistry, business, engineering, education, fine arts, and more.

Population

943,000

International Student Population

9,479 (2014 figures)

Location

Main Study Destinations

Halifax, Wolfville, Antigonish

Studying in Nova Scotia: The Advantages

·         Surrounded by peers

In Nova Scotia, it’s difficult to walk down a street without meeting students — and many of them come here from abroad. Nova Scotia has the highest student per head of population ratio in Canada, bringing a unique energy and vibe to life in the province.

·         Quality institutions

Nova Scotia has some of the top-ranked educational institutions in Canada, particularly when it comes to universities offering primarily undergraduate programs. According to the prestigious Maclean’s university rankings for 2016, three of the top seven universities in Canada offering primarily undergraduate programs are located in Nova Scotia.

·         Many pathways to permanent residence

Perhaps more than any other province in Canada, when you set foot in Nova Scotia as an international student, you know that people there want you to stay. Not only will you be well-positioned to apply for permanent residence through a federal immigration program, but the Nova Scotia Nominee Program is tailor-made for students. Read more below.

Immigrate After Studying in Nova Scotia

·         Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry

Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry, one of the many streams of the Nova Scotia Nominee Program, provides a pathway to permanent residence for skilled applicants who have worked for a Nova Scotia employer for at least one year. Interestingly, this points-based immigration stream awards points for individuals who have completed at least two academic years of full-time study (in a program of at least two years in duration) at a secondary or post-secondary school in Nova Scotia. In addition, points are also awarded if the spouse or common-law partner of the applicant has completed studies in Nova Scotia. The Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry stream is aligned with the federal Express Entry immigration selection system, allowing for expedited processing times.

·         Nova Scotia Nominee Program: International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream

The Nova Scotia Nominee Program: International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream provides an immigration opportunity for international students who have graduated from a Nova Scotia university or community college and have started their own business. This stream is currently the only one of its kind in the country.

·         Atlantic International Graduate Program

The Atlantic International Graduate Program (AIGP) allows international graduates of eligible educational institutions in Atlantic Canada to apply for permanent residence without first having to obtain work experience. The AIGP is part of the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP), a new Canadian immigration venture for 2017 and beyond.

·         Express Entry

Candidates for immigration to Canada through the federal Express Entry immigration selection system who have completed their education at a school in Nova Scotia may be awarded a significant number of points on account of their high level of education. Moreover, international graduates of Canadian educational institutions may have obtained important Canadian work experience, another highly valued factor under the Express Entry system.

Destination Schools in Nova Scotia

These institutions are featured due to their size, proximity to urban centres, and tradition for enrolling international students into their student bodies. Learn more about each school by clicking their titles below, which will take you to the relevant page on School Search.

Dalhousie University

Dalhousie maintains an inclusive, interdisciplinary focus and strong ties to the surrounding community. Students from Canada’s other provinces, as well as thousands of international students, flock here to study every year.

Signature programs: Medicine, Engineering, Law, Management, Sciences, Agriculture, Arts, Social Sciences

Location: Halifax

Saint Mary’s University

St. Mary’s has long been known to be very supportive of international students. Its student services are excellent, and the university provides a designated international centre providing support assistance and advice to international students.

Signature programs: Business, Astronomy, Chemistry, International Development Studies

Location: Halifax

St. Francis Xavier University

The St. Francis Xavier University campus harks to Ivy League style architecture, with limestone halls and a sprawling, pedestrian-friendly design. Ranked by Maclean’s as the number one undergraduate school in Canada no fewer than five times.

Signature programs: Business, Education, Engineering, Information Systems, Music

Location: Antigonish

Acadia University

Acadia is a place of diversity and community. Nearly 15 per cent of its students are international, and almost half of all students live on campus. For a small school, there is no shortage of degree programs: the school has over 200 of them.

Signature programs: Business, Computer Science, Environmental Studies

Location: Wolfville

Other Select Schools in Nova Scotia

Select Schools are those that BICAVS has assessed for quality, value, and competency with international students. These schools are accredited by Colleges and Institutes Canada (formerly the Association of Community Colleges of Canada) or are chosen because of proven pathway programs and exemplary student services.

Cape Breton University

Mount Saint Vincent University

Nova Scotia College of Art and Design

Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC)

Université Sainte-Anne

University of King’s College

Studying in Nova Scotia FAQ

How can a potential international student apply to study in Nova Scotia?

To apply for a Canadian study permit, prospective international students must first obtain a letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). As each institution may have different admission requirements and application processes, interested applicants may contact the desired institution(s) individually.

What are the designated learning institutions in Nova Scotia?

For the complete list of designated learning institutions, please visit this page.

What are the top universities in Nova Scotia?

• Dalhousie University, located in the capital city, Halifax, is the province’s best-known university. Dalhousie maintains an inclusive, interdisciplinary focus and strong ties to the surrounding community. Both research and teaching are strong here, as well as school spirit and athletics.
  • Signature programs: Medicine, Engineering, Law, Management, Architecture, Science, Agricultural Business, Arts and Social Sciences
• Acadia University in Wolfville is a place of diversity and community. Nearly 15 per cent of its students are international, and almost half of all students live on campus. For a small school, there is no shortage of degree programs: the school has more than 200 of them. The population of this small town doubles during the semester when students are in classes.
  • Signature programs: Business Administration, Computer Science, Environmental Science, Music
• St. Francis Xavier – also known as “St. FX” – was recently ranked second in Canada on Maclean’s Student’s Favourite Schools, in the “Primarily Undergraduate” category. The university excels in research and plays an important part in the surrounding community.
  • Signature programs: Business Administration, Education, Engineering, Information Systems, Music and Jazz Studies

What are the top colleges in Nova Scotia?

• The Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) is a big provider of technical and apprenticeship training. The college has 13 campuses and six learning centres located throughout the province. The college has more than 25,000 students, who are attracted by nationally recognized institutes, such as the Nova Scotia Nautical Institute, the School of Fisheries, the Aviation Institute, and the Center of Geographical Sciences.
  • Signature programs: Geomatics Engineering Technology, Information Technology, Radio & Television Arts, Graphic Design
• The Nova Scotia College of Art and Design (NSCAD) is a tight-knit, largely studio-based institution, with a total strength of fewer than 1,000 students. NSCAD is now a fully-fledged university, offering Bachelor and Master programs in Fine Art, Design, and Art History.
  • Signature programs: Interdisciplinary Design, Fine Arts, Art History and Critical Studies, Textiles and Fashion

Which areas of study are particularly popular in Nova Scotia?

• Engineering and Information Technology programs are popular here as they both may lead to employment in the province’s main industries.
• Arts programs are also popular — the region has a strong history of arts and crafts, and Nova Scotia College of Art and Design is a major draw for artistic students.
• In addition to the programs above, institutions across Nova Scotia offer a broad range of programs.

What is the cost of tuition for international students in Nova Scotia?

Tuition for international students varies widely, depending on the institution and study program. As a rough estimate, international students in Nova Scotia may expect to pay around $10,000 per year at a college. International students may expect to pay between $13,000 and $25,000 per year for Bachelor programs at a university. Language school and graduate school tuition may differ significantly.

What are the health care and insurance options in Nova Scotia?

International students in Canada must purchase healthcare coverage before landing in Canada. In Nova Scotia, students are usually covered by health insurance plans at their college or university. It is a good idea to consult the intended institution’s website for more information.

What is the average monthly cost of living for a student in Nova Scotia?

To apply for a study permit, a potential international student must show that he or she has $10,000 in addition to tuition fees to cover living expenses in Nova Scotia. This equates to $833 per month.

Bearing in mind that expenses may vary greatly across the province, particularly between Halifax and small towns, here is an approximate estimate of the cost of living in Nova Scotia.

Factor	Per month (approx.)	Per year (approx.)
Accommodation (shared, off-campus)	$570	$6,840
Food	$250	$3,000
Clothing, miscellaneous	$150	$1,800
Recreation and entertainment	$150	$1,800
Transportation (Halifax price)	$70	$840
Phone bill	$60	$720
Internet	$50	$600
Utilities	$100	$1,200
Cost of living total	$1,400	$16,800

 

What are the options for financial aid in Nova Scotia?

International students in Nova Scotia may have access to private loans on the same terms as Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Loans may be offered by banks, student organizations, or other groups. It is important to properly research loan options and understand the interest and repayment plans, before committing to any contract.

Many organizations and institutions may offer scholarships or bursaries to international students studying in Nova Scotia. For more information, students are encouraged to contact the international student services department of their institution.

Graduate programs in particular often have funding options for students pursuing a Master’s or PhD program. It is important to contact the educational institution directly for more information.

Which colleges and universities in Nova Scotia offer engineering study programs?

• As a popular program across Canada, it is possible to study Engineering in many Nova Scotia universities and colleges.
• Dalhousie University offers ten Engineering programs, with specializations including Metallurgical and Mining Engineering.
• Acadia University, St. Francis Xavier, Cape Breton University, and other universities also offer Engineering programs.
• Nova Scotia Community College has fourteen Engineering Technology programs in specialized areas such as Environmental, Architectural, Geomatics, and Electrical Engineering.

Which colleges and universities in Nova Scotia offer computer technology programs?

• As a popular program across Canada, it is possible to study Computer Technology and related programs in many Nova Scotia universities and colleges.
• Nova Scotia Community College’s Computer Electronics Technician program is well-regarded.
• Dalhousie University offers four programs related to computer sciences and engineering, as well as informatics. St Francis Xavier’s Computer Science department frequently develops new courses, such as “Social Issues in the Information Age”, starting in 2017. Acadia University‘s undergraduate and graduate Computer Science programs offer specializations in areas such as Mobile and Ubiquitous Computing, Gaming Development, and Software Development.

Which colleges and universities in Nova Scotia offer nursing study programs?

• As a popular program across Canada, it is possible to study Nursing and related health programs in many Nova Scotia universities and colleges.
• Nova Scotia Community College has a popular Practical Nursing program, as well as a one-year re-entry program aimed at updating students’ skills to obtain a Licensed Practical Nurse qualification.
• Dalhousie University‘s Nursing program, available at its Halifax and Yarmouth campuses, is well-regarded in the industry. Starting in January 2017, St Francis Xavier will offer an accelerated two-year Nursing program in addition to its four-year Bachelor program and part-time Registered Nurse program.

Where in Nova Scotia offers STEM degrees?

STEM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. While careers in STEM fields are popular, there is no specific program entitled “STEM” in a Nova Scotia college or university. Prospective students are encouraged to research programs in their particular area of interest.

What are the employment prospects for international students after graduation in Nova Scotia?

• Across the province, the tourism industry provides opportunities across a range of hospitality and recreation occupations.
• Major industries in Nova Scotia include Agriculture, Forestry, Natural Gas Extraction, Mining, and Fishing.
• Halifax is an important base for the financial sector, as well as the aerospace industry — engine manufacturer Pratt and Whitney Canada, and the Halifax International Airport, are both important to the economy.
• As is the case across Canada, the healthcare and social services sector is a major employer in Nova Scotia.

How can an international graduate work in Nova Scotia?

Graduates from a DLI in Nova Scotia may apply for the Post-Graduation Work Permit after graduating from an eligible study program.

Does studying in Nova Scotia provide options for permanent immigration to Canada for international students?

Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry provides a pathway to permanent residence for skilled applicants who have worked for a Nova Scotia employer for at least one year. The Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry stream is aligned with the federal Express Entry immigration selection system, allowing for expedited processing times.

The Nova Scotia Nominee Program: International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream provides an immigration opportunity for international students who have graduated from a Nova Scotia university or community college and have started their own business. This stream is currently the only one of its kind in the country.

International graduates may also pursue an application for permanent residence through the federal Express Entry immigration system. Candidates for immigration to Canada who has completed their education at a school in Nova Scotia may be awarded points on account of their high level of education. Moreover, international graduates of Canadian educational institutions may have obtained important Canadian work experience, another highly valued factor under the Express Entry system.

What is the climate like in Nova Scotia?

Nova Scotia has a mild climate, with less extreme temperatures than other parts of Canada. Winter temperatures frequently drop just below freezing, and summer temperatures remain in the mid-twenties Celsius. The province can also be subject to sudden changes in weather and temperature, and some areas see frequent fog. The climate is affected by the ocean that almost surrounds the province.

What advantages are there to studying in Nova Scotia?

Nova Scotia has the highest number of universities per capita in Canada, therefore student life is vibrant in the province. Even small towns such as Wolfville (where Acadia University is located) and Antigonish (home to St. Francis Xavier) offer many activities and services for students.

Nova Scotia universities dominate the rankings for student satisfaction. According to Maclean’s Magazine’s ranking of primarily undergraduate universities in 2016, Cape Breton University came 15^th, St Mary’s University came 9^th, Mount Saint Vincent came 5^th, Acadia University came 4^th, and St Francis Xavier came 2^nd for overall student satisfaction.

What are the largest cities and towns in Nova Scotia?

• Nova Scotia is a province of small towns and communities. With a population of just over 390,000 people, Halifax is the province’s largest city and main urban centre. The next biggest towns and regions are Cape Breton, with 97,000 people, and Truro, with 12,000 people.

Many universities and colleges are located in small towns of three to five thousand people, and the population of these towns can double during the semester when students are in classes.