Sydney, Nova Scotia

Cape Breton University

An island university with one of Canada's largest international cohorts

Next intake: Spring 2027Apply by 15 February 2027

TypeUniversity
LanguageEnglish
StudentsMore than 7,000 international students, from 70 countries

Overview

CBU teaches across five schools and has become one of the most internationally weighted universities in Canada, with students from 70 countries. It describes itself as a national leader in service learning, and has recently added the Cape Breton Medical Campus.

Academics

Faculties and schools

Shannon School of Business
School of Nursing
School of Science and Technology
School of Education and Health
School of Arts and Social Sciences
Cape Breton Medical Campus

Signature programmes

MBA in Community Economic Development
Master of Artificial Intelligence and Business Analytics
Bachelor of Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Degrees by level

Undergraduate12

Bachelor of Engineering
Bachelor of Engineering Technology
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Bachelor of Science in Nutrition
Bachelor of Business Administration
Bachelor of Hospitality and Tourism Management
Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Arts Community Studies
Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of Education
Bachelor of Emergency Management
Bachelor of Health Sciences

Master's6

Master of Business Administration
MBA in Community Economic Development
Master of Artificial Intelligence and Business Analytics
Master of Education in Sustainability, Creativity and Innovation
Master of Emergency Management
Master of Nursing

Diplomas and certificates3

Post-baccalaureate diploma in business
Certificate in Public Administration
Pre-professional and online course pathways

Reputation and highlights

Students from over 70 countries, one of the highest international shares in Canada
National leader in service learning experiences
New Cape Breton Medical Campus
Post-baccalaureate diplomas aimed at graduates converting into a Canadian credential
Published per programme cost breakdown, so the annual figure is knowable before applying

Student life

Sydney sits on Cape Breton Island, with the Cabot Trail and the highlands within driving distance.
The island has a distinctive Gaelic and Acadian music culture, and the university is closely tied to the local community.
The very large international cohort means societies and support services are built around newly arrived students.

Costs and entry

International tuition

CAD 23,794.40 a yearChecked 2026-09-13

2026 to 2027 rate for three year and four year undergraduate degrees, and for the Bachelor of Engineering transfer route. Includes tuition, differential fees, mandatory health insurance under International Medical Plan A, and institutional fees.

Cost of living

From CAD 1,000 a month for housingChecked 2026-09-13

CBU tells students to budget CAD 1,000 a month for housing and associated costs, and warns that housing on Cape Breton Island is limited so the search should start early. Food, transport and personal costs are on top of this.

Study permit funds

CAD 22,895 a yearabout CAD 1,900 a month, checked 2026-09-13

Set on 1 September 2025 for applicants outside Quebec, and raised each September in line with Statistics Canada's Low Income Cut Off. It covers living costs only, on top of tuition and travel.

Language requirement

IELTS 6.5 overall; Nursing requires 7.0 with no band below 6.5Checked 2026-09-13

The higher score applies to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Intakes

September, January and MayChecked 2026-09-13

Fall, Winter and Spring entry. International applications can close early once programme seats are filled, so applying near the opening date matters more than the posted deadline.

Check if you qualify

Compiled from Cape Breton University's own published information. Tuition and entry requirements change between intakes, so confirm them on the institution's website before applying. EdVoyager supports the application; admission decisions rest with the institution.

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