Acadia University
Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Canada
Est. 1838
Liberal Arts
Wolfville, NS
Atlantic Canada
Small Class
Undergraduate Focus
Overview
About Acadia University
Acadia University is a historic liberal arts and sciences university in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, founded in 1838. Known for close faculty–student engagement, strong undergraduate teaching, and a beautiful Annapolis Valley campus, Acadia offers programmes in arts, science, business, computer science, kinesiology, and education. International students benefit from a close-knit community, entrance scholarships, and English-language support pathways.
Why Choose
Why This University?
- One of Canada’s oldest universities with a strong undergraduate teaching reputation
- Small class sizes and personalised academic support in Wolfville, NS
- Competitive entrance scholarships for high-achieving international students
- Programmes in arts, sciences, business, CS, kinesiology, and community development
- Safe, welcoming Atlantic Canada lifestyle with lower living costs than big metro cities
- Clear study-permit pathway through a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
1838
Founded — historic Canadian university
Financial Aid
Scholarships & Awards
Entrance Scholarships
Automatic and competitive entrance awards based on secondary school grades for international undergraduate applicants.
International Merit Awards
Additional merit-based bursaries for continuing students with strong academic performance.
Graduate Funding
Limited scholarships and research assistantships for selected master’s programmes — confirm availability by faculty.
What You Need
Entry Requirements
Undergraduate
- Higher Secondary / A-Level equivalent with competitive overall average (often 60%+ minimum)
- Programme-specific subject prerequisites for sciences and professional programmes
- Official transcripts; some applicants may need credential assessment
Graduate
- Recognised bachelor’s degree with competitive GPA
- Letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, and programme-specific materials
- Rolling or fixed deadlines depending on faculty (e.g. Fall priority deadlines)
Application
- Online application with CAD $40 (UG) / ~$50 (grad) fee (confirm current rates)
- Passport copy and English test results
- Study permit after Letter of Acceptance + PAL (if required for Nova Scotia)
Language
English Proficiency Requirements
Undergraduate
- IELTS Academic 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0)
- TOEFL iBT 90 (no subset below 20) or PTE Academic 61+
- CAEL / Cambridge C1 Advanced accepted at published minima
Pathway Options
- Conditional admission with English upgrading may be available
- Test results typically valid within two years of application
- Programme-specific higher scores may apply (e.g. education)
Costs
Tuition Fees
International Undergraduate
- Approx. CAD $25,000–$27,000 per year for many arts/science programmes
- Fees vary by faculty and course load — confirm official fee schedule
- Ancillary fees, health insurance, and books are extra
Living Costs (Wolfville)
- Lower cost of living than Toronto/Vancouver — budget carefully for residence or off-campus
- Residence and meal plans available for first-year and continuing students
- IRCC proof-of-funds living-cost requirement applies for study permit
Programmes
Available Courses
Explore a selection of programmes available at this university for international students.
Ready to Apply to Acadia University?
Our counselors will guide you through course selection, application documents, and visa preparation — completely free.