12 Best Universities In Nova Scotia For International Students 2025

Nova Scotia is surely one of the places you should be considering if you’re looking to study in Canada. This location has a lot to offer for international students, including world-class universities and exciting student experiences. With more than 12 universities and colleges in Nova Scotia, you’ll surely have a wide range of choices.

Out of 12 universities in Nova Scotia, Dalhousie University and Saint Mary’s University are the top-performing schools in Nova Scotia. This list covers public institutions in Nova Scotia.

To help you narrow down your school options, we’ve compiled the best universities in Nova Scotia. We based our rankings on academic reputations from reputable sources and the number of international students. By doing this, you’ll have an efficient way of comparing your target universities and choose your host university in Nova Scotia.

How do I get admission to the best universities in Nova Scotia?

Applying to the universities in Nova Scotia involves submitting requirements and following specific admissions procedures set by your chosen university. The requirements often include a student visa, application packages, and language scores. Check out our guide for international students who want to study in Nova Scotia to learn more about applying for admission in this country’s universities!

How much are the tuition fees at the best universities in Nova Scotia?

Tuition fees at Nova Scotia’s universities can vary depending on which university, degree, and program you will be enrolling in. Generally, tuition fees for the bachelor’s level range from 9,938 CAD to 28,100 CAD , while tuition fees for the master’s level range from 1,063 CAD to 45,800 CAD. If you are interested, check out the affordable universities in Nova Scotia!

As we cover the best universities in Nova Scotia for international students, feel free to check out the university’s information on Admission, Tuition, Courses, and Language Requirements by looking at the individual university pages.

Top Universities in Nova Scotia for International Students

Dalhousie University (Dal) is a public research university with four campuses spread across multiple locations in Nova Scotia. The university has vastly distinguished itself in research and innovation and is a member of the U15, a group of top research-intensive universities in Canada. In terms of its mission, Dalhousie University aims to provide a conducive, engaging, and collaborative environment where researchers, instructors, and students can achieve excellence.

Saint Mary’s University (SMU) is a public university in Halifax, Canada. It was formerly a Catholic university but became a public institution due to its rapid growth and the government’s interest in the university. The university has developed into a highly inclusive institution excelling in athletics and special education. It aims to produce individuals who all have leadership, teamwork, critical inquiry, and global awareness soft skills. SMU believes these skills help students succeed in contemporary society.

Cape Breton University (CBU) is a public university in Sydney, Nova Scotia, aiming to provide high-quality and accessible education to individuals from diverse backgrounds. The university promotes a multicultural learning environment and welcomes indigenous, local, and international students to study on its campuses. Surrounded by scenic landscapes and mesmerizing beaches, its campus is a place of beauty and possesses an academic community full of engaging learning and research.

Acadia University is a public university in the idyllic town of Wolfville, Nova Scotia. It is famous for its serene and picturesque campus, surrounded by rich natural environments comprising tides, vineyards, woodland trails, and farmlands. Located close to the campus are the world’s highest tides, attracting surfers and tourists alike. The university aims to expand the boundaries of knowledge by providing experiential teaching and engaged research that considers the community’s needs.

Saint Francis Xavier University (StFX) is a public university in Antigonish, Canada. The university invests much of its efforts and resources in providing excellent undergraduate education but still offers quality education in select high-demand graduate programs. Its mission is to provide top-notch undergraduate education to students of all backgrounds.

In line with its goal of uplifting undergraduate education in Canada, StFX networks with countless thought leaders, institutions and industry experts to provide education that is both engaging and relevant. As a result, StFX is a member of the Maple League, a group of four universities in eastern Canada dedicated to transforming the undergraduate educational experience in the country.

Located in Antigonish, St. Francis Xavier University is a public university primarily offering undergraduate courses. It is a member of U4, a league of universities in Eastern Canada focused on undergraduate programs. The university is immensely proud of its campus, which it feels is the most beautiful campus in Canada. It has invested over 250 million Canadian dollars in campus infrastructure to make its campus one of the best in Canada. The university welcomes students from all backgrounds to come and be inspired by the charming learning environment it has created.

Founded in 1802, Saint Mary’s University is the oldest university founded by the Roman Catholic Church in Canada. Its rich history and excellent research tradition make it one of the most prestigious universities in the Nova Scotia province. Over the years, the university has cultivated a strong research culture among its faculty and students, growing to become the second-biggest university in Nova Scotia by research income. Saint Mary’s University is also known in Canada for its research contributions in Chemistry and its leading business programs.

Mount Saint Vincent University, colloquially referred to as the Mount, is a public university in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Established by the Sisters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul for the advancement of women’s education in Canada, the Mount has been nurturing and training impactful women since 1873. Founded when women were not even allowed to vote, the university has retained its position as one of the top global champions for women’s rights and social justice. In particular, the university has made significant advancements in food security, healthy aging, literacy, and disability management and is exceedingly committed to solving various social issues.

Established in 1789 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, the University of King’s College is the oldest chartered university in Canada. The university strongly believes in quality over quantity and intentionally keeps its student population small to provide them with the best education possible. With its interdisciplinary approach to education, students are better prepared for the global society where there are now increasing intersectionalities between disparate fields.

NSCAD University is a public university in Halifax, Nova Scotia specializing in art and design. The university employs a unique approach to education, integrating arts, culture, and community to provide an inclusive and comprehensive arts education. NSCAD believes that students who are more active in their community and frequently engage with their culture will go further in their careers and create art that resonates with people. As a result, the university promotes multiculturalism, diversity, and equity in all its operations and initiatives.

Specialising in art and design, the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design University (NSCAD) is a small but prestigious institution in Halifax. The university has produced numerous respected artists and performers since its establishment in 1887. It achieved great acclaim in the art sphere by continually honing previous expertise and swiftly testing or adopting new ideas. What distinguishes NSCAD from other art schools in Canada is its emphasis on craftsmanship and creation. As a result, the university offers numerous crafts programs like ceramics making, jewellery design and fashion.

Université Sainte-Anne is the only French-language university in Nova Scotia. Founded in 1890 by Gustave Blanche, a Eudist Father, to provide higher education for French-speaking Canadians, the university has grown into a bastion of education for French speakers all over Canada. It was named to honour Saint Anne, who is believed to be the mother of the Virgin Mary. The university aims to become the best Francophone university in North America by utilizing engaging learning methods and investing heavily in impactful research.