12 Cheapest Universities in Nova Scotia for International Students

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In Nova Scotia, there are a lot of affordable universities that you can find. Enrolling in these schools will help you fulfill your dream of studying in Canada without paying a lot. These institutions also provide well-rounded academic programs and curriculums, allowing students to earn a degree with less burden on their pockets.

Now, if you’re planning to study in Nova Scotia, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 12 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Nova Scotia, make sure to read more!

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Cheap Bachelor's Colleges and Universities in Nova Scotia for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Nova Scotia ordered by their tuition fee for international bachelor's students.

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Saint Francis Xavier University 9,938 CAD - 10,400 CAD 45%
St. Francis Xavier University 10,200 CAD - 10,600 CAD 44%
Université Sainte-Anne 10,200 CAD 43%
Dalhousie University 16,900 CAD 6%
Cape Breton University 17,100 CAD 5%
Acadia University 19,000 CAD -6%
Mount Saint Vincent University 19,600 CAD - 20,000 CAD -9%
Saint Mary’s University 19,700 CAD - 21,200 CAD -10%
NSCAD University 20,900 CAD -16%
Saint Mary’s University, Halifax 20,900 CAD - 25,100 CAD -17%
Nova Scotia College of Art and Design University 23,900 CAD -33%
University of King’s College 25,800 CAD - 28,100 CAD -44%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 17,900 CAD for universities in Nova Scotia.

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1. Saint Francis Xavier University

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.

2. St. Francis Xavier University

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.

3. Université Sainte-Anne

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.

4. Dalhousie University

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.

5. Cape Breton University

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.

6. Acadia University

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.

7. Mount Saint Vincent University

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.

8. Saint Mary’s University

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.

9. NSCAD University

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.

10. Saint Mary’s University, Halifax

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.

11. Nova Scotia College of Art and Design University

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.

12. University of King’s College

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.

Cheap Master's Colleges and Universities in Nova Scotia for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Nova Scotia ordered by their tuition fee for international master's students.

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Saint Francis Xavier University 1,063 CAD - 7,882 CAD 93%
St. Francis Xavier University 6,567 CAD - 8,120 CAD 55%
Cape Breton University 9,602 CAD - 12,500 CAD 34%
Saint Mary’s University, Halifax 12,300 CAD - 45,800 CAD 16%
Mount Saint Vincent University 13,400 CAD 9%
Acadia University 13,400 CAD - 19,200 CAD 8%
Saint Mary’s University 14,700 CAD - 19,200 CAD -1%
Dalhousie University 16,900 CAD -16%
NSCAD University 21,100 CAD -45%
Nova Scotia College of Art and Design University 24,100 CAD -65%
University of King’s College 26,600 CAD - 29,800 CAD -83%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 14,500 CAD for universities in Nova Scotia.

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1. Saint Francis Xavier University

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.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, Saint Francis Xavier University should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 1,063 CAD to 7,882 CAD annually for their master's degree.

2. St. Francis Xavier University

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is St. Francis Xavier University. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at St. Francis Xavier University is 6,567 CAD to 8,120 CAD.

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.

3. Cape Breton University

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.

The tuition fee at Cape Breton University for incoming international master’s students is 9,602 CAD to 12,465 CAD. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. Saint Mary’s University, Halifax

Another affordable university to consider in Nova Scotia is Saint Mary’s University, Halifax.

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.

The tuition fee in Saint Mary’s University, Halifax for master’s program for foreign students starts from 12,284 CAD.

5. Mount Saint Vincent University

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, Mount Saint Vincent University has some of the lowest tuition fee prices for foreign students who are planning to take a master's degree here. International master's students only pay as low as 13,304 CAD yearly.

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.

6. Acadia University

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.

7. Saint Mary’s University

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.

8. Dalhousie University

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.

9. NSCAD University

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.

10. Nova Scotia College of Art and Design University

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.

11. University of King’s College

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get admission to affordable universities in Nova Scotia?

Applying to cheap universities in Nova Scotia requires you to complete different requirements depending on your degree and chosen university. These usually include admission forms, language proficiency scores, and a visa. Check out our full guide to studying in Canada for a more comprehensive guide!

2. What can I study at Best affordable universities in Nova Scotia?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Nova Scotia. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Nova Scotia is the Acadia University, which offers Canadian Studies, Economics, and Environmental Science to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Acadia University offers Biology, Mathematics and Statistics, and Psychology.

It's important to take a look at all your options when selecting where to attend post-secondary school. With so many different types of schools, degrees, and universities in Nova Scotia, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

So, make sure to explore the best public universities in Nova Scotia as well if you're looking for affordable education!

We hope that this article on affordable institutions in Nova Scotia for international students was helpful!