CANADA · HALIFAX
St. Mary's University
public · Founded 1840 · Languages: English
In short
St. Mary's University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, offers a welcoming environment with globally recognized business programs and strong science, arts, and social science departments. It provides international students with affordable tuition and a vibrant city experience.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1840
- Students
- 7,281
- International students
- 1,800
- Acceptance rate
- 70%
- Tuition (intl)
- €13–18k/yr
- Languages
- ENGLISH
- Location
- Halifax, Canada
Saint Mary's University (SMU) is a public university founded in 1802 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. Its internationally accredited Sobey School of Business draws students globally, while strong departments in science, arts, and social sciences round out a comprehensive undergraduate and graduate offering. SMU's modest size creates a welcoming, accessible learning environment where students build close relationships with faculty and staff.
Why study here
- AACSB-accredited Sobey School of Business ranked among Canada's best.
- Affordable tuition relative to larger Canadian universities.
- Vibrant Halifax location with a thriving job market in finance, tech, and ocean industries.
- Strong co-op and internship links with Atlantic Canadian employers.
- Burke-Gaffney Observatory offers undergraduate astronomy research opportunities.
Student life
Campus life at SMU revolves around the Student Union, varsity Huskies sports teams, and a diverse array of clubs. Halifax's compact size means students can walk or cycle to restaurants, beaches, and cultural events. International student services include dedicated orientation programmes, peer mentoring, and visa support.
Fees
InternationalApprox. CAD 19,000-24,000 per year (approx. EUR 13,000-18,000).
HomeApprox. CAD 8,000-10,000 per year for domestic students.
LivingApprox. CAD 12,000-15,000 per year for accommodation, food, and personal expenses in Halifax.
Tuition varies by programme; business programmes may be higher. Check SMU official fee schedules annually.
Admissions
High School AverageMinimum 70% average in academic courses; competitive programmes require higher.
Official TranscriptsCertified English translations required for non-English documents.
Application FeeCAD 50 non-refundable application fee.
IELTS6.5 overall, no band below 6.0
TOEFL iBT83 overall
University scholarships
International Student Entrance AwardCAD 1,000-4,000 per year
Presidents ScholarshipUp to CAD 6,000
Accreditation
Chartered by the Province of Nova Scotia; Sobey School of Business is AACSB accredited.
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
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 are the estimated annual fees for international students at St. Mary's University?
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International student tuition fees at St. Mary's University are approximately CAD 19,000-24,000 per year, which is about EUR 13,000-18,000. Additional living expenses for accommodation, food, and personal costs in Halifax are estimated at CAD 12,000-15,000 annually.
What are the English language proficiency requirements for international applicants?
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International applicants typically need an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0, or a TOEFL iBT score of 83 overall.
What academic qualifications are needed for admission?
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A minimum of a 70% average in academic courses is generally required for admission, though competitive programs may have higher expectations. Official transcripts with certified English translations are necessary for documents not originally in English.
Does St. Mary's University offer scholarships for international students?
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Yes, St. Mary's University offers scholarships for international students, including the International Student Entrance Award ranging from CAD 1,000-4,000 per year, and the President's Scholarship which can be up to CAD 6,000.
What is the Sobey School of Business known for?
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The Sobey School of Business at St. Mary's University is internationally accredited by AACSB and is recognized as one of Canada's best business schools, attracting students globally.
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