7 Best Public Universities in Halifax for International Students
Halifax is one of the cities in Canada you should look into if you want to study in a public university. Besides providing a path towards your academic goals, studying in Halifax can give you valuable insights into its people and the local culture. You can also enjoy various activities here to make your studies abroad all worth it.
All 7 universities you can find in Halifax, Nova Scotia are all public universities. This makes it a great location for international students. You can pick any university in Halifax and know that you’ll be choosing an institution run by the government.
In this article, you’ll find out the public universities in Halifax, with some added information on programs, tuition, and how many international students you’ll be studying with. Let’s get started!
| Rank | University | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dalhousie University | Halifax, Canada |
| 2 | Saint Mary’s University | Halifax, Canada |
| 3 | Saint Mary’s University, Halifax | Halifax, Canada |
| 4 | Mount Saint Vincent University | Halifax, Canada |
| 5 | University of King’s College | Halifax, Canada |
| 6 | NSCAD University | Halifax, Canada |
| 7 | Nova Scotia College of Art and Design University | Halifax, Canada |
Public Universities in Halifax
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can International Students Study in Public Universities in Halifax?
Absolutely! International students in public universities in Halifax can pursue different program levels, but the most popular ones are bachelor’s and master’s programs.
As for tuition fees, note that these vary across specific disciplines and program levels, with some charging significantly more than others. Specifically, public universities in Halifax, Nova Scotia charge up to 28,100 CAD for bachelor’s and 45,800 CAD for master’s studies.
I hope this article can help you in your search for public universities in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Feel free to check out the Available Programs for International Students to learn more about studying abroad.