
St. Francis Xavier University (StFX) is a historic Canadian university in Nova Scotia, known for high-quality teaching, small class sizes, and undergraduate research. It offers a strong sense of community and a beautiful campus setting.
St. Francis Xavier University (StFX) is one of Canada's oldest Atlantic universities, located in the scenic town of Antigonish, Nova Scotia. It is recognized for its commitment to high-quality teaching, offering a collaborative learning environment through small class sizes. StFX emphasizes hands-on learning and research opportunities, particularly for undergraduates. Graduates are distinguished by the iconic X-Ring, symbolizing strong community values and a spirit of social justice.
StFX offers a vibrant campus life with various events throughout the year. The university emphasizes community and social engagement. New students receive guidance for course registration. The campus is known for its beautiful setting, contributing to a holistic student experience.
International students should also budget for health insurance and the cost of getting to Nova Scotia. Scholarships can offset tuition significantly.
St. Francis Xavier University is a publicly funded degree-granting university recognised in the province of Nova Scotia and a member of Universities Canada and the Maple League.
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.
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.
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.
Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.

This program focuses on the responsible use and care of animals and plants within a research and teaching environment. St. Francis Xavier University's program is certified by the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) and adheres to Good Animal Practice (GAP). The program involves a dedicated animal care facility and trained staff, including a Senior Animal and Plant Care Technician, an Animal Care Technician, and student assistants. The Animal Care Committee (ACC) oversees animal use protocols, standard operating procedures, and policies, typically meeting three times a year. Key ethical principles such as Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement (the "Three R's") are embedded in the program's conduct, promoting responsible scientific practices.

The Anthropology Department at St. Francis Xavier University offers a program focused on the study of human societies and their development. The department acknowledges its location in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral territory of the Mi'kmaq people, and recognizes the historical connections of people of African descent to Nova Scotia. The program encourages student engagement through activities like weekly study sessions hosted by the Anthropology Society, providing a space for students to connect and study together.

The Applied Forensic Psychology program at St. Francis Xavier University integrates clinical and forensic psychology within a criminal justice context. You will learn how psychological research and practice are applied to legal and social justice issues, exploring topics such as eyewitness testimony, deception detection, criminal behavior, and forensic risk assessment. The program emphasizes the application of academic concepts through practical skills training, including counselling and interviewing, fieldwork in settings like courts and correctional facilities, and community practicum placements.

The Aquatic Resources Program (AQUA) at St. Francis Xavier University (StFX) offers an interdisciplinary approach to understanding water and its role in our environment. Combining perspectives from both natural and social sciences, the program fosters engagement with critical water resource issues, from local to global scales, encompassing both marine and freshwater systems. You will explore how water impacts our lives, from the food we consume to the health of the planet's oceans, and learn about its significance for living organisms and shaping our world. Students can pursue either a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Aquatic Resources. The program is delivered in-person and is housed within the Faculty of Arts and Faculty of Science, with the department dedicated to Aquatic Resources.


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.
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.
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.
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.
full fundingOpen 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.
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.
International undergraduate tuition at StFX typically ranges from CAD 18,000 to CAD 24,000 per year, depending on the program. It's important to also budget for health insurance and living expenses.
Students should budget approximately CAD 12,000 to CAD 16,000 per year for residence, meals, books, and personal expenses in Antigonish. This includes costs associated with living in residence.
Yes, StFX offers scholarships for international students, including the StFX International Entrance Scholarships which are merit-based and can offset tuition costs significantly. There is also the StFX Recognition Award, an automatic entrance award based on admission average.
St. Francis Xavier University is recognized for its commitment to high-quality teaching, offering a collaborative learning environment with small class sizes. It emphasizes hands-on learning and undergraduate research opportunities.
For graduate programs, an IELTS score of 6.5 with no band below 6.0 is typically required. A TOEFL iBT score of 86 or higher is also recommended for most programs, as graduate programs demand very strong English language skills.