Colleges and Universities in Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia is home to some of the oldest universities and colleges in Canada. Renowned universities such as Dalhousie University, Saint Mary’s University, Mount Saint Vincent University and St. Francis Xavier University offer the best quality education in the country.

Nova Scotia Universities

Dalhousie University

Established in 1818, Dalhousie University has over 13,000 students in undergraduate programs and over 3,000 students in graduate programs. This is a publicly-funded university with campuses in Halifax Harbour, Bible Hill, Downtown Halifax and Northwest Arm.

As one of the oldest universities in Canada, this coeducational school offers more than 3,700 courses and 190 degree programs. Diplomas, graduate and undergraduate degree programs offered in this university include the following fields of study.

• Faculty of Agriculture
• Faculty of Architecture and Planning
• Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
• Computer Science
• Faculty of Dentistry
• Faculty of Engineering
• Faculty of Law
• Faculty of Management
• Faculty of Medicine
• Faculty of Science
• Health Schools
  • School of Nursing
  • School of Occupational Therapy
  • College of Pharmacy
  • School of Physiotherapy
  • School of Social Work

Along with the high quality education the university brings, Dalhousie also offers non-academic activities including recreational clubs, intramural leagues, competitive clubs, fitness classes and a rock climbing club. The university is also known for its contributions to research in engineering, technology, chemistry and science. It also offers academic support for students in Halifax and Truro.

Saint Mary’s University

Situated in Halifax, Saint Mary’s University was established in 1802. It is the first Roman Catholic and second English-speaking university in Canada. The university is known for its programs in astronomy, business and international development studies.

Faculties at this university include faculty in arts, business, science and graduate studies and research. Undergraduate degree programs include anthropology, criminology, philosophy, entrepreneurship, linguistics, film studies, geography and history.

The university also provides non-academic activities in sports. It is known for its quality training in football and hockey. The school’s hockey team won the 2001 and 2002 Canadian University Football Championships.

St. Francis Xavier University

Located in Antigonish, this is a public university established in 1853. Although it is primarily an undergraduate university, It also offers graduate programs in different fields. Undergraduate and graduate programs are offered in the following areas.

• Arts
• Science
• Business and Information Systems
• Education

This university also has a good reputation on the athletic field. Students participate in basketball, football, hockey, rugby, cross country and track and field. It is the training ground for some of the best athletes in Canada.

Mount Saint Vincent University

Established by the Sisters of Charity of Saint Vincent in 1873, this university is situated in Halifax. Locally called The Mount, this university offers undergraduate and applied professional programs in the following areas.

• Liberal Arts and Sciences
• Applied Human Nutrition
• Business Administration
• Child and Youth Studies
• Public Relations
• Science Communication
• Tourism and Hospitality Management

Acadia University

Established in 1838, this is a non-denominational institution located in Wolfville. Undergraduate programs and diplomas offered at this university are divided into four faculties.

• Arts
• Pure and Applied Science
• Professional Studies
• Theology

Cape Breton University

Located in Sydney, this post secondary university was established in 1951. This non-denominational university offers degrees in arts, science, business, technology and professional studies. Students participate in various non-academic activities like sports, a radio station, a news paper and student clubs.  The student union includes the following societies.

• Chinese Students’ Association
• Christian Student Society
• Debating Society
• Gaming Society
• International Students Society
• Nursing Society
• Petroleum Society
• Political Science Society
• Pre-Law Society
• Save The Children
• Scuba Diving Society
• Track and Field Society
• Volunteer Society

University of King’s College

This is a small liberal arts university that offers post secondary undergraduate and graduate programs in arts and social sciences, technology, journalism and contemporary and early modern studies. Established in 1789, this is the oldest chartered university in Canada.

Universite’ Sainte-Anne

Founded on 1 September, this francophone university is located in Pointe-de-l’Eglise. It offers undergraduate and diploma programs.

Nova Scotia College of Art & Design University

Located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, this is a post secondary art school that offers programs in the fallowing faculties.

• Craft
• Design
• Fine Arts
• Historical and Critical Studies
• Media Arts

Atlantic School of Theology

As one of the only theological training institutions in Atlantic Canada, this university provides undergraduate and graduate degrees as well as diploma programs in theological studies.

Nova Scotia Colleges

Nova Scotia Community College

Nova Scotia Community College is a public community college located in Halifax, Darmouth, Springhill, Kentville, Bridgewater, Sydney, Pictou, Shelburne, Port Hawkesbury, Truro, Middleton, Lawrencetown and Yarmouth. The institution has also partnered with other schools in the Project Hero program where they offer scholarships for the families of deceased Canadian Forces.

The school offers a wide range of degrees and diploma programs in different areas of study. The programs are divided from five different schools.

• School of Access
• School of Applied Arts and New Media
• School of Business
• School of Health and Human Sciences
• School of Trade and Technology

Nova Scotia Agricultural College

Merged with Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia Agricultural College is situated in Bible Hill.  This is the only institution in Atlantic Canada that offers undergraduate and graduate agricultural programs in the following fields of study.

• Agricultural Mechanization
• Engineering
• Animal Science
• Plant Science
• Soil Science
• Environmental Biology
• Agricultural Economics
• Aquaculture

Acadia Divinity College

Situated in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Acadia Divinity College is a seminary that offers the following programs.

• Master of Divinity
• Master of Arts in Theology
• Bachelor of Theology
• Doctor of Ministry
• Graduate Diploma in Christian Studies
• Prison Ministry Diploma
• Christian Foundation Diploma
• Online courses
• Continuing education

Canadian Coast Guard College

Located in Sydney, this institute provides career training in marine navigation, engineering and communications.