CANADA · SACKVILLE
Mount Allison University
public · Founded 1839 · Languages: en
In short
Mount Allison University is Canada's top-ranked primarily undergraduate liberal arts and sciences institution, offering a close-knit residential community and small class sizes. It provides a strong academic foundation with extensive scholarship opportunities for international students.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1839
- Students
- 2,300
- International students
- 80
- Acceptance rate
- 76%
- Tuition (intl)
- €14–14k/yr
- Languages
- EN
- Location
- Sackville, Canada
Mount Allison University is Canada's premier primarily undergraduate liberal arts and sciences institution, founded in 1839 in Sackville, New Brunswick. Ranked #1 among primarily undergraduate universities in Canada by Maclean's 26 times, it offers more than 50 programs with average upper-year class sizes of just 14 students. Over 85% of first-year students live on campus, creating one of the country's most cohesive residential university communities.
Why study here
- Ranked Canada's #1 primarily undergraduate university by Maclean's — 26 times and counting.
- Exceptional student-to-faculty ratio of 16:1 with average upper-year class sizes of only 14.
- More than $5.5 million in scholarships, bursaries, and awards distributed annually.
- 85% of first-year students live on campus, creating a close-knit residential community.
- Liberal arts education across 50+ programs fosters critical thinking, writing, and versatile career readiness.
Student life
Mount Allison is a true residential campus where 12 distinct residences house the majority of students. Over 100 clubs and societies span academics, arts, athletics, and community service. The university fields varsity teams in the Atlantic University Sport (AUS) conference and offers extensive intramural programs. A small-town setting creates genuine community bonds rarely found at larger institutions.
Fees
InternationalEstimated total for international students: ~CAD $44,070/year (tuition ~$22,890 + residence + meals + intl fees).
HomeEstimated total for Canadian students: ~CAD $31,745/year (tuition ~$11,350 + residence + meals + fees).
LivingSackville is a small, affordable university town. Off-campus living typically costs CAD $700-$1,100/month including utilities.
Tuition and fees due at semester start. Aviation program has separate flight training fees from year 2 onward. Deposit of $1,975 CAD required for English Pathway Program.
Admissions
High school graduationRequired with strong academic standing
Scholarship deadlineMarch 1 for entrance scholarships
English Pathway depositCAD $1,975 to reserve spot
IELTS6.5 (all bands 6.0) for direct admission
TOEFL90 iBT for direct admission
Duolingo110 for direct admission
IELTS (Pathway entry)5.5 (all bands 5.0)
Rankings
Maclean's (primarily undergraduate universities)1
University scholarships
Entrance ScholarshipCAD $4,000-$20,000 (auto-considered for avg 80%+)
Major ScholarshipUp to CAD $70,000 over 4 years
International Student BursaryVaries based on financial need
Accreditation
Mount Allison University is a recognized post-secondary institution in New Brunswick, Canada, with degree-granting authority under provincial legislation.
For international students
CanadaStudent visa & funds
International students must obtain a study permit from IRCC before arriving. Most college and undergraduate applicants must also include a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) confirming a space under the annual cap; from January 2026, master’s and doctoral students at public institutions are exempt from this requirement. Applicants must show living funds of CAD 22,895 (effective September 2025, for a single student, excluding tuition and travel), and Student Direct Stream applicants hold this amount as a GIC.
Working while you study
Full-time students at designated learning institutions whose permits include work authorization may work up to 24 hours per week off campus during academic terms — a cap in effect since November 2024 that replaced the former 20-hour rule and a temporary 40-hour exception. Students may work unlimited hours during scheduled breaks such as summer and winter holidays. From April 2026, eligible students no longer need a separate co-op work permit for mandatory placements.
After you graduate
Graduates of eligible programs may apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) within 180 days of confirmed completion. The PGWP matches program length up to a maximum of three years, and master’s graduates receive a three-year permit regardless of program length. Since November 2024 most applicants must show a recent language test at CLB 7 (university graduates) or CLB 5 (college graduates); degree graduates are exempt from the field-of-study alignment rule that applies to other applicants.
English tests
- IELTS Academic6.0–6.5 with no band below 6.0; research-intensive universities 6.5–7.0
- TOEFL iBT80–100; top universities (e.g. University of Toronto) 100+
Main intakes
SeptemberJanuaryMay
Typical living cost
€1,250/month
Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.
SourcesIRCC — Study permit: get the right documents · CIC News — Increased fund requirements for study permits (Sept 2025) · CIC News — Off-campus work rules update (May 2026) · IRCC — Post-graduation work permit: who can apply · ETS — Minimum TOEFL score requirements for the USA, UK and Canada · Mastersportal — Living costs & tuition in Canada
Programs
a selectionMount Allison University · Canada
Bachelor of Science (BSc)
The Bachelor of Science (BSc) at Mount Allison University provides a hands-on and engaging scientific education. You will develop strong research and technical skills, alongside the interpersonal abilities crucial for success in any science-related career. The program emphasizes practical experience through lab work, research projects, and academic conferences. Students have the flexibility to design independent research projects, complete research-based honours theses, undertake special topic courses, or collaborate directly with faculty on advanced research. To graduate, students must complete 120 credits and fulfill specific degree requirements, such as a major and minor, a double or joint major, a general degree with three minors, or a specialized honours degree.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
48 mo
Duration
Mount Allison University · Canada
Commerce
The Commerce program at Mount Allison University provides a comprehensive foundation in essential business disciplines, including accounting, finance, marketing, and management. It is designed to be flexible, preparing students for the diverse business landscape they will enter after graduation. The program emphasizes a strong liberal arts foundation, equipping students with the knowledge and skills to view the business world from multiple perspectives. Students engage in practical learning experiences such as developing business plans, analyzing case studies, and comparing marketing strategies across different cultures.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
48 mo
Duration
Mount Allison University · Canada
Fine Arts
The Fine Arts program at Mount Allison University focuses on developing your artistic and creative abilities alongside critical thinking, writing, and communication skills related to art. With a history dating back to 1854, Mount Allison was the first university in Canada to offer a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree in the visual arts in 1941. The program offers a unique blend of intensive studio work and instruction within the framework of a liberal arts education. This approach allows you to explore various media and develop your artistic judgment and ability to discuss works of art.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
48 mo
Duration
Mount Allison University · Canada
Music Programs at Mount Allison University
Mount Allison University's Department of Music offers a comprehensive and supportive environment for aspiring musicians on Canada's east coast. With a history dating back to 1874, the department is housed in the vibrant Marjorie Young Bell Conservatory of Music. Students benefit from small class sizes and personalized attention from dedicated faculty, fostering development as well-rounded musicians with a strong foundation in performance, theory, history, education, and the liberal arts. The department encourages students to tailor their studies to their unique interests and career aspirations.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
48 mo
Duration
Mount Allison University · Canada
Undergraduate Programs
Mount Allison University offers a range of undergraduate degrees, including Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Commerce (BComm), Bachelor of Music (BMus), and Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA). A bachelor's degree typically requires the completion of 120 credits of coursework. The university emphasizes a liberal arts and sciences education, encouraging students to explore various disciplines through distribution requirements, which foster academic breadth and depth. Students can pursue majors, minors, or honours programs within their chosen field. For BA and BSc degrees, students can complete a major and a minor, a double major, or a general degree (three minors). Honours programs are also available. The BComm program includes core requirements, electives, and a minor in a non-Commerce discipline, with options for a major in a non-Commerce field or honours in economics. BMus and BFA students may also complete a minor. Undergraduate certificates are available and can be pursued concurrently with a degree program, highlighting specific competencies. The Academic Calendar is the definitive source for all program and degree requirements, and academic advisors are available to assist students with planning their academic path.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
48 mo
Duration
Scholarships
for Canada
full fundingUniversity of Toronto
Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarship
For international students beginning undergraduate study at the University of Toronto who are first-time entrants from outside Canada. Students must be nominated by their school, then complete the U of T application and scholarship process. Selection recognises exceptional academic achievement and creativity, with a record of leadership and impact at school.
full
Funding
€200k
Max
Nov 30, 2026
Deadline
full fundingUniversity of British Columbia
International Leader of Tomorrow (ILOT) Award
For international students entering their first undergraduate degree at the University of British Columbia (UBC) who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and financial need. Students must be nominated by their school and require financial support to study at UBC; the award is need-based, covering costs the student and family cannot meet.
full
Funding
€70k
Max
Nov 15, 2026
Deadline
full fundingWestern University
Western University National Scholarship Program (Canada)
Open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents entering full-time undergraduate study at Western University's main campus, with a minimum academic average of 90% in Grade 12 U/M courses (or equivalent), a school nomination, a reference letter, a transcript and an essay.
full
Funding
€47k
Max
Feb 14, 2027
Deadline
partial fundingUniversity of Ottawa
University of Ottawa International English Scholarships
Open to international undergraduate students who hold a valid Canadian study permit and are newly admitted to an English-language undergraduate programme in Arts, Engineering, Health Sciences, Science, Social Sciences, or the Telfer School of Management. A minimum admission average of 80 percent is needed for the Admission Scholarship and 90 percent for the Academic Excellence Scholarship. Students in the French immersion or French-language streams are not eligible.
partial
Funding
€46k
Max
Apr 1, 2027
Deadline
full fundingCanadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
Open to Canadian and international students pursuing a doctoral (PhD) degree at a Canadian university. Candidates must be nominated by the Canadian institution, not yet have started the doctoral program beyond defined limits, and demonstrate academic excellence, research potential, and leadership.
full
Funding
€34k
Max
Nov 4, 2026
Deadline
full fundingCIHR / NSERC / SSHRC (Tri-Agency), Government of Canada
Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Doctoral (CGRS-D)
For doctoral students undertaking a PhD at a Canadian institution, with an outstanding academic record. Awards are made by Canada's tri-agency (CIHR, NSERC, SSHRC); applicants apply through their university, and eligibility (including for international students) follows the current Canada Graduate Scholarships rules.
full
Funding
€27k
Max
Nov 1, 2026
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What is Mount Allison University's ranking?
+
Mount Allison University has been ranked #1 among primarily undergraduate universities in Canada by Maclean's 26 times. This consistent recognition highlights its strength as a leading liberal arts and sciences institution.
What are the estimated annual fees for international students?
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The estimated total annual cost for international students is approximately CAD $44,070. This includes tuition, residence, meals, and international student fees.
What are the English proficiency requirements for international students?
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For direct admission, international students typically need an IELTS score of 6.5 (with all bands at 6.0) or a TOEFL score of 90 iBT. A Duolingo score of 110 is also accepted.
Does Mount Allison offer support for international students needing to improve their English?
+
Yes, Mount Allison offers an English Pathway Program for international students. Successful completion of this program can lead to unconditional admission.
What is the student-to-faculty ratio and average class size?
+
Mount Allison boasts an exceptional student-to-faculty ratio of 16:1. Furthermore, average upper-year class sizes are a small 14 students, fostering a close learning environment.
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