Canada remains a perennially popular study destination for international students. With top universities, highly reputable education and a high-quality of life, more than one million international students choose the country. With ten provinces, Canada offers many different locations, each with their own unique character, communities and outlook. One of Canada’s hidden gems, despite being the country’s second smallest province, is Nova Scotia. It is a study destination that more than holds its own, providing an ideal environment for a study abroad adventure. In this guide, we take you through what makes Nova Scotia special, where you can study, how much it costs and some of the things that you can do if you choose to make the province your home.
What makes Nova Scotia a special study destination?
Over 13,000 international students choose Nova Scotia each year, and there are many reasons why the province attracts those seeking a global education:
- Nova Scotia is home to nine universities, including Dalhousie University, which is ranked in the world’s top 350 by both the Times Higher Education World University Rankings (THE) and the QS World University Rankings.
- The province ranks as the fourth safest in Canada in which to live and work (Statistics Canada Crime Severity Index). The provincial capital, Halifax, is rated within the top 30 safest small cities in the country.
- This region of Canada has five UNESCO World Heritage sites, unique landscapes and an outdoor lifestyle in pristine wilderness.
- The international student community is extremely diverse, with students from over 140 countries such as Nepal, Colombia, Ghana, and the Philippines. This offers opportunities for cultural exchange and a global outlook.
- Nova Scotia is known for its welcoming and accommodating environment, where students are catered for. From societies and clubs to festivals and food, students play an important role in local life.
- The province is, on average, more affordable than other regions, sometimes up to 45 per cent cheaper, while still offering modern amenities and dynamic city living.
Added to this are the innovative research and industry-oriented programmes at universities in the province that contribute to strong student outcomes.
Nova Scotia offers a top-quality education
Higher education in Nova Scotia is recognised for its quality and vibrant education landscape. There are a diverse range of institutions in the province to suit the interests and needs of different international students. This includes offering both specialised interdisciplinary programmes. Dalhousie is rated in the world’s top 250 for full-time MBA qualifications, while Nova Scotia College of Art and Design (NSCAD) University has 11 specialist creative undergraduate programmes, including in design and fine art. If you’re searching for variety, then Acadia University is a potential choice, offering over 200 degree combinations across undergraduate and postgraduate levels in science, art, professional studies and even theology.
Students benefit from smaller class sizes in the province, which means more personalised attention and access to faculty. For example, the student-to-staff ratio at Acadia University is 28:1, while at Dalhousie University, this is 17:1, which is one of the lowest in Canada. Universities in the province have facilities and amenities that rival the top institutions globally. For example, Acadia University has 18 research facilities on its campus, while at Dalhousie University, students can enjoy the Killman Memorial Library, with over one million books. Plus, the university has research funding of over CAD 250 million annually.
Some of the institutions where you can study in Nova Scotia include:
- Dalhousie University
- Acadia University
- Nova Scotia College of Art and Design (NSCAD) University
- Cape Breton University
- Mount Saint Vincent University
- Saint Mary’s University
- Nova Scotia Community College
- University of King’s College
- Francis Xavier University
Remember that some of the universities listed have multiple campuses and locations, so check where the degree you’re interested in is offered.
What are the main regions and towns in Nova Scotia?
Nova Scotia is the second smallest province in Canada, covering just over 55,000 square kilometres. It is home to a modest population of 970,000 people that live across its three regional municipalities, including 40 towns.
Halifax
The provincial capital and largest municipality in Atlantic Canada, Halifax has a population of 530,000, with 348,000 living in the urban centre. It is regarded as the economic hub of the region, with major industries, including fishing, mining and energy operating in the area. It is also where you will find Dalhousie University and Saint Mary’s University.
Sydney, Cape Breton
Sydney is the urban hub of Cape Breton Island. Just over 30,000 people live within the area, with the major industries being tourism and customer support centres. The region is well known for its cultural diversity and natural beauty, notably the Cape Breton National Park.
Truro
Located in central Nova Scotia, Truro is known as the transport hub of the province, connecting it to other parts of Canada. The town is also known for its African Nova Scotian heritage, which is celebrated in the town. Truro also hosts a campus of Nova Scotia Community College and the agricultural college of Dalhousie University, where you can see six large sections of the original Berlin Wall.
New Glasgow
New Glasgow is a small town of under 10,000 people located alongside the East River in Northeastern Nova Scotia. With a strong Scottish heritage and history of industrial coal mining and steel production, the town is now well known for its services and retail industries. There are also numerous museums and a renowned theatre located along the waterfront.
Glace Bay
Glace Bay is a small community of 20,000 people on the island of Cape Breton. The area was known for being part of Nova Scotia’s industrial heartland with a strong maritime and mining history. In the 21st century, it has become known for its fauna and flora, landscapes, cultural life and seaside activities.
How much does it cost to study in Nova Scotia?
In general, Nova Scotia is considered to offer a more reasonable cost for higher education than other regions in Canada, notably Ontario and British Columbia. The average cost of living is estimated to be between CAD 15,000 and CAD 20,000 per year, which compares favourably with the Canadian average of CAD 16,000 per year. Depending on where you study in Nova Scotia, some of your costs, such as accommodation, may be 40 per cent lower than those charged in larger metropolitan centres like Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver.
Some of the average costs you can expect in Nova Scotia include:
- On-campus accommodation for CAD 1,000 to CAD 1,400 per month
- Off-campus 1-bedroom accommodation for CAD 1,500 to CAD 2,200 per month
- Total cost of living between CAD 1,200 and CAD 1,800 per month
- Transport costs around CAD 50 to CAD 100. There are significant student discounts on transport, for example, the U-Pass in Halifax.
Tuition fees do vary between institutions, so it is useful to consult your prospective university's website or prospectus for additional information. However, for some of the popular universities in Nova Scotia, the average tuition fees are:
- Dalhousie University
- Undergraduate = CAD 35,000 per year
- Postgraduate = CAD 19,000 per year
- Cape Breton University
- Undergraduate = CAD 20,000 per year
- Postgraduate = CAD 23,500 per year
- Acadia University
- Undergraduate = CAD 23,000 per year
- Nova Scotia College of Art and Design (NSCAD) University
- Undergraduate = CAD 21,500 per year
- Postgraduate = CAD 21,000 per year
What activities are there for students in Nova Scotia?
There is no shortage of activities and attractions for students in Nova Scotia. Much depends on your interests and preferences, but some that you may want to try include:
- Travelling the renowned Cabot Trail to take in the exquisite coastal views of Cape Breton and Atlantic Canada.
- Visit the Cape Breton Highlands National Park, where you can spot native wildlife and take in views of the natural landscapes and the Atlantic Ocean.
- Hike one of the many picturesque trails in Nova Scotia, from mountains to the beach.
- Take one of the many boat or kayaking tours along the coast.
- Attend one of the many food and cultural festivals held in the province, such as the Nova Scotia Lobster Crawl, the Halifax Ribfest, the Celtic Colours International Festival or the Atlantic International Film Festival.
- Drop in to one of the many museums and galleries in the province, for example, the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic or the Natural History Museum.
- Visit one of the five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Old Town Lunenburg.
- Take a lighthouse tour around the famous coves and peninsulas of the island.
- Go fossil hunting in West Central Nova Scotia, where you can unearth animals and plants from millions of years ago.
If you want to start smaller, why not join one of the many student societies and groups on and off campus? This can help you settle in and make friends.
As you can tell, Nova Scotia has much to offer international students. The combination of world-class education in a community environment at an affordable cost makes the province a good option. There are also the experiences and activities that will make your study experience memorable. While you may not have thought about Nova Scotia before, it may be time. Why not speak with one of our experienced and knowledgeable counsellors to get you started on your Canadian study journey?
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