Established in 1951 as Xavier Junior College under St. Francis Xavier University and renamed Cape Breton University (CBU) in 2005, CBU is a public university located in Sydney, Nova Scotia. It is the only post-secondary degree-granting institution on Cape Breton Island and within the Cape Breton Regional Municipality. International students planning to study at Cape Breton University will join a vibrant community of nearly 7,000 students from over 70 countries. The university offers a welcoming and inclusive academic environment, with six academic schools: the School of Arts and Social Sciences, the School of Education and Health, the School of Nursing, the School of Science and Technology, and the Shannon School of Business.
Programs are offered across a wide range of disciplines, including Arts, Social Sciences, Business, Community Economic Development, Education, Engineering and Technology, Health and Well-being, Nursing, and Sciences. CBU’s Office of Research and Graduate Studies supports faculty and student research, fostering innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration. Cape Breton is best known for its focus on experiential learning, student-faculty engagement, and a commitment to values such as courage, cooperation, and quality. The university holds academic accreditations and affiliations with respected bodies such as Universities Canada (UC), the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE), Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan), and the Association of Atlantic Universities (AAU).
Cape Breton University intakes align with the typical academic calendar followed by most Canadian universities, offering three entry points throughout the year—Winter, Spring, and Fall. Students are advised to check the university website to see which programs are available in their preferred Cape Breton University intake and apply at least six months in advance to avoid missing deadlines.
This intake includes a limited set of programs: 1 postgraduate, 4 postgraduate diplomas, and 41 undergraduate courses. Applications for this intake usually close by mid-August of the previous year.
The May intake features 1 postgraduate course, 5 PG diplomas, and 46 undergraduate programs, with applications closing in January.
Being one of the most popular among international students, it offers the same range—1 postgraduate program, 5 postgraduate diplomas, and 46 undergraduate options, with applications typically closing in April.
Cape Breton University offers a wide variety of programs designed to match international students’ interests and career goals. With 46 undergraduate programs, 1 graduate program, 5 post graduate diplomas and a choice of 25 majors and 26 minors, students have plenty of academic options to explore. Known for its focus on quality teaching and hands-on learning, the university provides a supportive environment that emphasizes real-world experience, student-faculty interaction, and undergraduate research opportunities.
Whether students are interested in Business, Health, Science, Liberal Arts, or Professional fields, Cape Breton University courses are designed to prepare students for success, both academically and professionally.
Note: The listed courses are among the popular choices; however, universities may offer a wider range of programs. It is recommended to check the university’s official website for the complete list of available courses.
Cape Breton University offers a wide range of academic programs, and tuition fees vary depending on factors such as the number of credit hours taken, the chosen program, and whether the student is domestic or international. Along with Cape Breton tuition fees, students should also account for additional charges—some mandatory and others optional—that support campus services and student life. These may include application fees, lab fees, graduation fees, health and dental plans, and more. Students should also budget for textbooks and learning materials, typically around $150 per 3-credit course. For international students, it is also important to plan for living expenses such as accommodation, food, and transportation, which may vary based on individual lifestyle choices.
| Types of Expenses | Annual Expenses in INR |
|---|---|
| Annual PG Tuition fee | 12.9 Lakhs |
| Annual UG Tuition fee | 12.3 Lakhs |
| Accommodation & food expenses | 7.1 Lakhs |
| Other | 2 Lakhs |
Note: The tuition fees mentioned are approximate and may vary. It is recommended to check the university’s official website for the most up-to-date fee structure.
Each year, Cape Breton University scholarships and bursaries worth over $2.6 million are awarded to incoming students. International students entering directly from high school are automatically considered for entrance scholarships based on their academic performance. These scholarships come under various categories—Chancellor’s, President’s, Deans’, and donor-funded awards, each offering different annual amounts ranging from $500 to $5,000.x
The university also offers Academic In-Course scholarships, granted after each Fall and Winter semester. The value of these awards depends on the number of credits a student is enrolled in during the semester the scholarship is applied. These scholarships are credited directly to the student's account, so no separate application is required. Additionally, bursaries and external scholarships are encouraged, with guidance available through the Student Finance Office.
Cape Breton University admission is open to eligible candidates who meet the program-specific criteria. Applicants should be at least 16 years of age. Cape Brenton University does not provide custodianship services for international students, and entry is subject to availability and verification of minimum academic requirements, which can vary based on nationality and the selected program. Some programs may also have different language proficiency standards, so it is advisable to review the respective program page.
Admission requirements for Indian students to study in Canada are listed below.
✅ A bachelor’s degree with at least 70% is required.
✅ IELTS: Overall 6.5 with no band below 6.0
✅ PTE: Overall 59 with no section below 50
✅ TOEFL iBT: 80 with no section below 20
✅ DET: Score of 125
✅ Completion of Grade 12 with a minimum of 55% or higher with no subject score less than 50% from a recognized education board is required.
✅ IELTS: Overall 6.5 with no band below 6.0
✅ PTE: Overall 59 with no section below 50
✅ TOEFL iBT: 80 with no section below 20
✅ DET: Score of 120.
Note: Admission requirements may vary, it is advisable to check the official university website for the most up-to-date and specific eligibility criteria.
Cape Breton University supports students in building successful career paths through a dedicated Career Services Team. From career development workshops and one-on-one sessions to job fairs and employer recruitment events, students have multiple opportunities to explore the professional world. Many programs at the university also include co-op options, offering valuable hands-on experience.
The university’s MYCareer portal serves as a one-stop platform where students can browse Cape Breton University jobs, register for events, and access a wide range of career resources. Additionally, the university focuses on experiential learning—integrating real-world problem-solving into the curriculum through case studies, simulations, projects, and more.
Cape Breton campus offers students a well-rounded university experience with strong academic support, vibrant student life, excellent accommodation options, and a focus on health and wellness.
Students can access personalized academic guidance through The Advising Centre, located in the Marvin Harvey Building. Academic advisors help create and review individual academic plans to ensure students stay on track and make the most of their journey at CBU.
With 34 active clubs and societies—ranging from academic and cultural to recreational—students can explore their interests or start their own groups. The Students’ Union hosts a society fair each semester, encouraging involvement and connection.
The Sports 4 All program features sports like soccer, basketball, cricket, badminton, and more. Students can join individually or as a team. The Cape Breton Health and Recreation Complex includes indoor/outdoor soccer fields, an eight-lane track, fitness centres, game courts, and academic wellness facilities, supporting both recreation and research.
The university provides three secure and comfortable on-campus residence options: Cabot Residence (apartment-style), Alumni Hall (two-bed dorms and five-bedroom units), and Harriss Hall (private dorm rooms). Students can apply for Cape Breton University accommodation once they receive their official CBU email ID. The Department of Housing and Ancillary Services also supports students in finding suitable off-campus accommodation.
Cape Breton University prioritizes student well-being through the Nancy Dingwall Health and Counselling Centre, offering physical and mental health services. Through a partnership with GuardMe, students also have access to emergency care and 24/7 mental health support via the GuardMe Support Services Program.
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