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F A S T   F A C T S
Location | Sydney
Population | 95,538
Enrollment | 7,200
Language | English
Calendar | Semester
Canada | Home & Host

Term Dates
Fall | 09/06-12/18
Spring | 01/08-04/19

Cape Breton University

Sydney, NS

       
We have an immensely diverse student population.
Our community is like none other- they will welcome you with open arms & hearts.
Discover centuries-old legends in one of five First Nations communities.

About This Campus

Cape Breton University is an Atlantic Canadian post-secondary leader, with a growing national and international reputation. Currently home to over 7200 students, CBU’s vision of post-secondary education allows students to pursue dynamic fields of study that are ideally suited for success in liberal arts, business, health, education, science and technology. Students from more than 50 countries study at CBU and benefit from the university’s unique commitment to community, economic development, Indigenous learning, and research into many aspects of environment and culture. Located on Canada's stunning East Coast, CBU makes its home in the CBRM, the largest urban centre on Cape Breton Island. With a population of more than 100,000 residents, the municipality boasts the amenities of a larger centre, with the welcoming, supportive atmosphere of a small town. Journey to one of North America’s first multi-cultural societies, where ancestry is treasured and our run roots deep.

Location Information

Cape Breton University is located in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaw People.

Helpful Information

COSTS: Costs are given in Canadian dollars.
2024-2025 Chance of Placement
Home Payment |Closed
Campus Availability & Deadlines
2025-2026 Chance of Placement
Home Payment |Open
Understand Chances of Placement

Academics

RegistrationClosed Programs
Nursing

Notable Academic Programs

  • Ethnomusicology - Studio on campus. Students can perform during the many local music festivals with their professors and classmates.
  • Bachelor of Arts and Science in Environment - Help contribute to a future we can all be proud of with a Bachelor of Arts and Science in Environment (BASE). CBU’s first fully interdisciplinary degree, the BASE program takes advantage of the natural resources available among the breathtaking scenery on Cape Breton Island. The BASE program reflects a university-wide commitment to teaching and research in environment and sustainability, and is enriched by Indigenous perspectives.
  • Bachelor of Arts Community Studies - Students from around the globe come to CBU to partake in a participatory and experiential curriculum. This pursuit enables students to truly engage with their communities and familiarize themselves with a diverse and changing workplace.
  • Bachelor of Hospitality and Tourism Management - Hospitality is an important part of our Cape Breton culture. At CBU, our Bachelor of Hospitality and Tourism Management (BHTM) degree is a three-year program that combines tourism and hospitality, business education and the opportunity to augment a specialty area with elective courses. This blended approach to the program, in conjunction with two paid internships, prepares students for a position in this multifaceted industry.

Unique Academic Programs

  • Gaelic Foundations: Living Cultures at Beinn Mhàbu - Cape Breton University and Colaisde na Gàidhlig | the Gaelic College have partnered to offer a broad-based interdisciplinary Gaelic Foundations Program for students looking to gain a deeper understanding of the history, literature, music and dance of Gaelic culture of Nova Scotia. Delivered in English at the Gaelic College Mabou campus (Beinn Mhàbu), students will dive deeply into key aspects of Gaelic culture from the ancient past to present day.
  • Mi’kmaq Studies- Major Withing Bachelor of Arts - The rich culture and long history of the Mi’kmaq thrives today on Cape Breton Island and at CBU. From the ancient Mi’kmaw language to modern Mi’kmaw current events, you’ll become immersed in a program that focuses on teaching the true ways of Canada’s First Nations people. The various Mi’kmaq Studies courses teach students how to read and write in Mi’kmaq, how the Canadian Indian Act works, details of First Nation governance and much more. This comprehensive area of study examines multiple aspects of the Mi’kmaq, discussed within a framework of the current First Nations reality – not only within Canada, but on a broader scale, globally. At CBU, the Mi’kmaq Studies courses focus on two major themes of study: Mi’kmaw language and culture; and Mi’kmaw politics, history and governance. These courses are designed to provide a solid foundation for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students alike.
  • Sport and Physical Activity Leadership - Experience the very best education while studying sport and physical activity leadership with active, well-being focused courses within the Bachelor of Arts Community Studies (BACS) degree. The Sport and Physical Activity Leadership (SPAL) program provides students with cutting edge information, skills and capacities to be future and current leaders in sport and physical activity programs and systems across Canada and worldwide. With a focus on community and experiential learning, students deepen their insights into issues around leadership of sport and physical activity. Students graduate with a deep understanding of how their field affects individuals and communities alike, gaining skills and experience in sport management, health & wellness, outdoor leadership and coaching.

Undergraduate Majors Open to NSE Students

Accounting, Anthropology, Biology/Life Science... ++ show all

Conditions

GPA and Other Academic Requirements Exchange Preferences
  • Full-year exchange Accepted
  • Single term exchange Accepted
Non-Native English Speakers
  • TOEFL: must have a score of 550.00 paper, 213.00 computer or 80.00 Internet
  • IELTS: must have a score of 6.50
Summer Exchange
  • Host/Home Pay
International Students (Visa Students)
  • Will not accept
Canadian Students - learn more
  • Will accept Home/Host Pay

Tuition / Finances

Figures per Semester are current as of 10/10/23

Finances Tuition and Fees - Home Payment Students
  • Pay regular tuition to your home campus. No tuition/fees are paid to your host campus.
Maximum Credit Hours Per Semester
  • Home Payment: 15

Financial Aid for NSE Students
Regardless of Payment Plan, financial aid is awarded by and disbursed from your home campus.

Miscellaneous Fees - Per Semester

Purpose Amount Period Plan Status
Housing Deposit $700.00 Year Host & Home Mandatory
Parking Fee $57.50 Year Host & Home Optional
Course Fees / MaterialsVariesSemesterHost & HomeMandatory

Important Notes: If you are a Canadian Citizen/Permanent Residence, your tuition & fees will be different than what is showed here. As a Canadian Citizen/Permanent Residence holder you will pay $4522.50 + $537.15 per term for tuition & fees. Residence & meal plan costs stay the same.

Room / Meals

Figures are current as of 10/10/23

On-Campus Housing Per Semester Off-Campus Housing
  • Off-Campus Housing
  • Approximate monthly cost: $800
  • Proximity to campus: 10
  • Local Public Transportation Available to Campus
Notes About Housing
Apartment-style Residences are the most popular & cost effective, so apply soon after receiving the Letter of Acceptance if that is your preferred choice.

Meal Plans

  • Campus Meal Plans
  • Meal purchase is required for on campus living.
  • $300 declining balance plan.
Notes About Meal Plans
Full Meal Plan is mandatory for any student living in dorm-style residence and it costs $2985. This includes $150 of flex dollars. Apartment Style- Declining Balance Meal Plan is $400. Apartment Style Plus- Declining Balance Meal Plan is $750. This includes $800 flex dollars. "Flex Dollars" can be used at Chartwell’s operated food service outlets on-campus including Harriss Hall and Tim Hortons.

Health

Figures per Semester are current as of 10/10/23

Purpose Amount Period Plan Status
Health Insurance $1283 Year Host & Home Mandatory

Important Notes about Health Insurance
The annual health insurance fee is charged upon registration, and students spending one semester on campus can apply to have $641.5 refunded after showing proof of exit from Canada (travel booking, usually).

Exchange with Canada - Health Insurance
Students must purchase campus health insurance at $1,238 per year.

Requirements

    All data in this document is the responsibility of the campus and has been provided by the campus NSE coordinator.
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