Nova Scotia combines coastal scenery, cultural opportunities, and a range of university programs. Costs vary widely by institution, program, course load, and student status. This article looks at universities in Nova Scotia that prospective international students may wish to compare, with links to the official fee pages for the latest figures.
Affordable Schools in Nova Scotia for International Students
1. Acadia University
Acadia University, founded in 1838, is one of Canada’s oldest liberal arts universities. Located in Wolfville, it overlooks the Annapolis Valley and the Bay of Fundy. In the 2026 Maclean’s rankings, Acadia placed third among Canada’s primarily undergraduate universities and first among Nova Scotian institutions in that category. The university also maintains a range of research centers and institutes. Its official fee schedule lists different amounts for Canadian and international students.
2. Cape Breton University
Cape Breton University offers liberal arts, science, business, health, and professional programs. Its official site highlights experiential learning and undergraduate research opportunities, including co-op courses and other hands-on options. CBU is home to nearly 7,000 students from more than 70 countries. Graduate fees vary by program, so prospective students should check the current cost breakdown.
3. Dalhousie University
Dalhousie University is a research-intensive university based in Halifax, with an Agricultural Campus in Truro/Bible Hill. International students make up 30% of Dalhousie’s community and come from nearly 100 countries. Dalhousie is a member of U15 Canada, an association of 15 leading research universities. Tuition varies substantially by program and level of study, so applicants should review the current fee schedules.
4. Mount Saint Vincent University
- Admissions | Tuition Fees | Scholarships
- Tuition and listed fees: CA$23,215–CA$23,667/year for a new international undergraduate taking 10 courses (2026–27) | around CA$15,789/year for a new international graduate student taking 6 courses (2026–27)
Mount Saint Vincent University offers undergraduate and graduate programs in Halifax. MSVU reports an average class size of 24 and a faculty-to-student ratio of 1:20. For 2026–27, international visa students pay an international differential of CA$1,166 per course in addition to regular tuition. Its published cost scenarios separate tuition and fees from room and board, which is useful when comparing living arrangements.
5. Saint Mary’s University
Saint Mary’s University is located in Halifax and has a notably international student body: the university reports that 28% of its students are international students representing 117 countries. Saint Mary’s also offers co-op opportunities in every major. Tuition varies by faculty, entry year, and graduate program, so students should consult the current fee pages for their intended program.
6. St. Francis Xavier University
- Admissions | Tuition Fees | Scholarships
- Tuition and listed fees: around CA$24,958.10/year for a full-time international undergraduate program other than nursing (2026–27) | graduate fees vary by program
St. Francis Xavier University offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs in Antigonish. Its official 2026–27 schedule shows an additional international student fee for international students, so international charges are not the same as Canadian charges. Graduate fees vary by program; for example, the university lists CA$16,790.10 for one year of the MEd and for one year of its MA and MSc programs for international students.
7. NSCAD University
- Admissions | Tuition Fees | Scholarships
- Published fee example: around CA$13,083.66/semester for a new international undergraduate taking 15 credits in Winter 2026 | around CA$13,190.86/semester for a new international MDes or MFA student taking 15 credits in Winter 2026
NSCAD University has shaped visual and material culture in Canada since 1887. Its creative community focuses on craft, art, and design. NSCAD operates across three Halifax campuses: Fountain, Port, and Academy. The university publishes semester-specific fees by credit load and program and advises students to check their accounts for exact charges.
Nova Scotia universities offer undergraduate and graduate programs across a range of fields. Because tuition, mandatory fees, health coverage, and living costs vary by institution and program, students should review each university’s official fee page before applying.
We hope this article on cheap universities in Nova Scotia was helpful and insightful. Also, make sure to check out our Canada Page and the Open Courses to learn more about studying in this country!
