Study abroad at Cape Breton University

Learn more about studying at Cape Breton University as an international student.

Cape Breton University campus view
Cape Breton University logo

Key facts

  • Type
    Public
  • International students
    3500
  • Nationalities
    50
  • Total programs
    126
  • University ranking
    Not ranked

Study abroad at Cape Breton University

Cape Breton University (CBU) is an innovative Canadian institution situated in Sydney, a city in Canada’s breathtaking Nova Scotia province. The University is home to over 5,500 students.

CBU offers a comprehensive set of dynamic undergraduate and postgraduate programs across popular disciplines including liberal arts, science, business, and health - there’s something for every interest.

The University is surrounded by a breathtaking natural landscape, vibrant culture, and welcoming communities. The campus houses awesome facilities like a great library, fantastic learning spaces, and a host of brilliant student services.

Illustration depicting a student navigating the journey of higher education. Elements include a diploma, graduation cap, magnifying glass with a puzzle piece, books, a "Hi!" speech bubble, and a university building in the background.

Why study at Cape Breton University

  • Small classes

    Benefit from a personalized learning experience

  • Affordability

    Tuition and cost-of-living are lower than the Canadian average

  • Work experience

    There are plenty of placements available through CBU

Location

Cape Breton University

1250 Grand Lake Rd, Sydney, NS B1P 6L2, Canada

Sydney is a lovely place for international students to live and study. The city is bursting with excellent restaurants, nightlife spots, entertainment venues, green spaces, attractions, and shopping outlets to name a few.

Illustration of famous landmarks like a tower, a classical building, and a modern skyscraper; a location marker, interconnected on a map-like layout with trees and clouds.

Scholarships at Cape Breton University

  • Major Entrance Scholarships

    Official page

    Cape Breton University offers a limited number of major entrance scholarships to entering students, with listed awards such as Chancellor’s, President’s and Deans’ scholarships. International undergraduate applicants should submit required admission materials and review the official scholarship page for current criteria.

  • Other Entrance Scholarships

    Official page

    CBU also offers other entrance scholarships after review of applicants, with awards in varying annual amounts. These are intended to support students pursuing studies at CBU and may be considered through the entrance scholarship process.

All scholarship information on Studee is provided for guidance only. Always check the university's official scholarship page for the latest information on eligibility, award amounts, deadlines, and application requirements.

Fees

Fee information

  • Undergraduate tuition

    CAD$21,933 per year

  • Graduate tuition

    CAD$24,645 per year

Illustration of education and financial elements including a graduation cap, trophy, diploma, books, a piggy bank, stacks of cash notes, and coins, representing fees and funding.

What is the cost of living near Cape Breton University?

Category Cost  (in Canadian Dollar)
Rent, 1-bed apartment in city centre$2,064Range: $1,700 to $2,500
Rent, 1-bed apartment outside centre$1,771Range: $1,200 to $2,650
Utilities (electricity, heating, water, refuse)$220Range: $150 to $322
Internet (60 Mbps unlimited)$96Range: $68 to $130
Mobile phone plan (data + calls)$59Range: $39 to $75
Monthly public transport pass$90Range: $90 to $104
Monthly grocery basket$277Range: $156 to $400
Coffee shop drink$6Range: $5 to $7
Cinema or cultural event ticket$16Range: $15 to $20
Gym membership$56Range: $20 to $115

Indicative monthly costs per person.

Data sourced from numbeo.com (Crowdsourced).

Visa requirements for Cape Breton University

Many international students will require a visa to study in Canada, and this is a vital step in your study abroad journey. Make sure you understand the requirements you may need to meet before applying.

Life at Cape Breton University

CBU attracts international students from all around the world - the student community is amazingly diverse. More than 50% of CBU's student population is from overseas and over 55 nationalities are represented on campus.

The University has a great team of international student advisors. They help students with visa applications, health insurance, and every aspect of integrating into life in Canada - there’s always someone to help you with anything you need.

There’s a wealth of activities and events available for international students to enjoy at CBU including sports tournaments, creative performances, discussion groups, wellbeing workshops, and so much more.

Illustration showing aspects of student life, including a student with a book and pencil, various books, a laptop, fast food, and iconic educational symbols like a graduation cap and a university building.

Facilities

  • Healthcare & Medical
    • Child Development Assessment & Immunization
    • Maternity Care
    • Campus Pharmacy
    • Counselling & Mental Health Services
    • Campus Doctor
    • Antenatal Clinic
  • Tutoring Support
    • Student Tutoring & Support
    • Academic Tutoring & Support
    • Peer & Buddy Program
  • Library
    • Museum
    • Computer labs
    • Group Study Rooms
    • Individual Study Rooms
    • Quiet Areas
  • Fitness Centre
    • Fitness Classes
    • Machines
    • Free Weights
  • Sports Facilities
    • Natural Turf Soccer Pitches
    • Sport facilities
  • All Weather Sports Pitches
    • Athletics Track
    • Basketball Courts
  • Food & Restaurants
    • Cafe’s
    • Restaurants
    • Bars
  • IT Support
    • Campus Wireless Connectivity

Student reviews for Cape Breton University

Overall rating

0
0 reviews
There are currently no reviews for this university

What Cape Breton University says

  • Headshot of Joel Inglis
    Joel Inglis
    Joel Inglis says:

    Cape Breton, also known as the land of one hundred thousand welcomes, is known around the world as being a place that will welcome you with open arms. At CBU we embody that welcoming attitude with our small class sizes and friendly faculty and staff.

    Students become a part of the community while learning from experts in their fields. Half of our student population is international and students find that they are able to feel welcome in a new place while also feeling at home at CBU.

    CBU is the first university in North America to operate a completely carbon-neutral campus. This is also reflected in our programming and ethical approach to program delivery with majors and concentrations in environmental studies.

    We provide excellent services for our international students completely free of charge. Our international student advisors help our students with their visa processing, PGWP applications, health insurance, and much much more. We provide excellent services for all our students with our math and science tutoring center, accessibility center, our health services center, and more. Because all of our programs at Cape Breton University offer experiential learning opportunities (co-ops, work placements, and applied research opportunities) students are able to transition into their industry quickly by transitioning their placements into industry connections and careers quite quickly.