What do people say about Cape Breton?
Cape Breton is ‘One of the world’s most beautiful islands’ and named one of the ‘Best Trip’ and ‘Must See Places’ by National Geographic. The place is rich with outdoor adventure, dramatic coastal views, scenic sites and drives, and breathtaking views, friendly locals, and the freshest seafood imaginable. Activities in Cape Breton include:
- Beaches and watersports
- Music & dance
- Local & international food
- Hiking and trekking
- Whale & bird watching
- Skiing in winter (downhill & cross-country)
- Ice skating
Important historic sites
How is the weather in Cape Breton?
Nova Scotia is Canada’s Warmest Province, with Four Distinct Seasons. Average High Temperatures and Weather Conditions are as below:
Spring 13⁰ C cool transition from winter to summer
Summer 23⁰ C warm and breezy, reaching highs of 30⁰+ C
Fall 18⁰ C mild and brilliantly vivid as the leaves change color
Winter -2⁰ C snowy from January to April but less-so than most of Canada
What are some unique features of Cape Breton University (CBU)?
- Approximately 5400 full-time students
- Over 2300 are international students, from more than 56 different countries
- Relatively some of the smallest class sizes in the country (student: teacher ratio)
- One of the highest student satisfaction rates in Canada
- Highly ranked in “Teaching Instruction” and “Entire Education Experience”
- The largest investment in student services of any Canadian university
- First energy self-sufficient campus in North America
- A degree-granting institution since 1974
Also, CBU has the following on-campus facilities:
- Academic advising and tutoring services
- Writing center, as well as Math and Science academic support
- Health center with a doctor, nurse, and physiotherapist on staff
- Support for students with disabilities
- Women’s center
- Counseling services
- Prayer & meditation room
Finally, CBU offers a vibrant campus life to its international students with:
- Active Student Union with over 70 clubs and societies
- Student lounge for entertainment and relaxation
- Regular cultural observances and community events blend local and international traditions
What are the Study Options at CBU?
- Undergraduate Degrees (3 or 4 years, and 2+2 articulation agreements)
- Post-Diplomas, Post-Degree, & Post-Baccalaureate options
- Transfer of Credits
How can an international student retain a valid study permit?
To maintain a study permit, an international student requires registering every semester in a minimum of three (3) subjects per semester, excluding labs.
Is an international student eligible to work, where and for how many hours?
- All full-time international students with valid Canadian Study Permits are eligible to work 20 hours per week, either on or off-campus.
- On-campus work opportunities are available for students as research assistants, tutors, at campus shops, and through the Student Union.
- Off-campus employment is available in Sydney and the surrounding areas.
- Co-op placements provide paid work opportunities while forging connections with local businesses.
- International students can work 40 hours a week while the university is not in session.
- Three years Post Graduate Work Permit is available for students enrolled in a program that is for two-years or longer.
How does CBU go to the extra miles for its international students?
CBU is one of the largest homes in Canadian institutions, catering to over 2300 international students from 56 countries around the globe. Below are some of the important services that CBU offers to its international students:
- Free Visa/Immigration advising is available through a Registered Canadian Immigration Consultant on staff
- Orientation and information sessions
- General assistance and access to services for students, both on and off-campus
- Free airport pick-up for arriving students
- Student Peer Success Coaches mentor fellow students and provide friendly assistance
How much does it cost to study at CBU?
A student’s tuition cost is determined by the study programs and the number of courses/subjects taken per semester. The tuition fee is not based on the semester, but the program and subjects registered for each semester. Different programs have different costs per course/subject.
– One (1) semester course/subject = Three (3) Credits
– Two (2) semester course/Subject = Six (6) Credits
– Some courses/subjects require a lab, which is additional time and cost
Please find below some info on study costs in different programs:
SHANON SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
4-Year Degree majors in Marketing, Supply Chain Management and Accounting (4-year)
Concentrations in Economics, Finance, Legal studies, Human Resources or Tourism Marketing & Management
1 course (3 credits) $1,670.87
5 courses (15 credits) $9,168.35
10 courses (30 credits) + 1-year medical plan $17,522.70
Bachelor of Hospitality and Tourism Management (BHTM)
3-Year Degree combines coursework with two 540 hour paid internships to prepare students for the modern tourism industry
1 course (3 credits) $1,761.87
5 courses (15 credits) $ 9,168.35
10 courses (30 credits) + 2 labs + 1-year medical plan $17,704.70
Post-Baccalaureate
2-Year diploma (3 semesters in class/1 semester work term or research project) to prepare students in the fields of Supply Chain Management, Business Management and Business Analytics
1 course (3 credits) $1,872.87
4 courses (12 credits) $8,215.48
8 courses (24 credits) + 1-year medical plan $15,796.96
12 courses (39 credits): + 2-year medical plan $25,975.31
CO-OP Work Opportunities
Students who have at least a 70% average overall in year one and two are eligible to qualify for a 3-4 month paid Co-op work opportunity, either on-campus or off-campus.
SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Bachelor of Engineering Technology (BET)
2-year Diploma, 3-year Degree, Post-Diploma / Post-Degree
BET Electronics & Controls program first and only BET instrumentation degree in Canada
BET Petroleum program first and only one of two in Canada
BET major Environmental Studies
1 course (3 credits) + 1 lab $1,737.87
5 courses (15 credits) + 5 labs $ 9,503.35
10 courses (30 credits) + 10 labs + 1-year medical plan $18,192.70
2-YearPost-Degree
14 courses (42 credits) + 14 labs + 2-year medical plan: $25,958.18 (Post Degree)
Bachelor of Engineering (Transfer 2+2)
Students study first 2 years at CBU then transfer to Dalhousie University in Halifax, Canada, to complete their degree
1 course (3 credits) + 1 lab $1,737.87
5 courses (15 credits) + 5 labs $ 9,503.35
10 courses (30 credits) + 10 labs + 1-year medical plan $18,192.70
24 courses (72 credits) + 21 labs + 2-year medical plan $ 43,135.88
Bachelor of Science (BSc)
3-year Degree and 4-year Degree
Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Psychology
SCHOOL OF ARTS AND SOCIAL SCIENCE
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
3-year Degree and 4-year Degree
Options available in many disciplines, including:
Languages History Political Science
Philosophy Sociology Communication
Music Folklore Psychology and more!
Also available 2-year Diploma in Public Administration and Management
Bachelor of Arts Community Studies (BACS)
The BACS is a unique program at CBU, which consists of small group interaction, problem-solving, and experiential learning methods. The BACS can be combined with majors in Arts, Sciences and Business studies.
Also available, Bachelor of Arts and Science in the Environment.
SCHOOL OF EDUCATION AND HEALTH
Bachelor of Health Sciences (Public health)
4-year Degree, 2-year Post-Degree
Designed to train the next generation of public health professionals: Health Inspectors, Policy Makers, Safety Specialists, Epidemiologists, etc.
One of only six Public Health degree programs in Canada, CBU graduates consistently score among the highest on governmental certification exams.
4-year degree (per year courses)
1 course (3 credits) + 1 lab $1,737.87
5 courses (15 credits) + 3 labs: $ 9,369.35
10 courses (30 credits) + 4 labs + 1-year medical plan $17,790.70
2-year Post Degree (Total)
1 course (3 credits) + 1 lab $1,737.87
5 courses (15 credits) + 5 labs $ 9,503.35
10 courses (30 credits) + 10 labs + 1-year medical plan $18,192.70
24 courses (72 credits) + 21 labs + 2-year medical plan $ 43,135.88
Other Mandatory Fees
Fees (in addition to program/course fees) | CAD$ |
| Registration Fee | $250 |
| Credit Transfer Assessment and Processing Fee | $300 |
| General Levels | $2,980 /level |
| Bridging Programs | $3,900 |
| Business Background courses | $3,900 |
| CBU MBA Entrance Test Prep | 3,900 |
| Additional Fees | |
| Student Service Fee | $230 |
| Student Union Fee | $200 |
| Mid-route Airport Pickup Fee (if applicable) | $250 |
| Residence or Homestay Registration Fee | $25 |
| CBU Residence (not guaranteed) | $4,700 |
| Homestay Deposit | $700 |
| Book Deposit | $600 |
| Student Insurance | $650 |
*All fees are in Canadian Dollars (CAD). Some fees are non-refundable.
*All fees are subject to change without notice – fees on the website are most current.
Accommodation Options and Costs
- 3 separate residence buildings on-campus, ranging from dormitory to apartment-style to private rooms
- Costs from $2,895.00 to $3,450.00 per term
- On-campus meal plans are mandatory for all residence students, and range from $300.00 to $2,317.50 per term
What is the English Proficiency Requirements at CBU?
Applicants whose first language is not English must provide documentation for one of the following as proof of English language proficiency:
IELTS Overall Score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0
TOEFL Paper-based 550
Computer-based 213
Internet-based 80
CAEL 60
MELAB 85
Other Alternate testing methods http://www.cbu.ca/come-to-cbu/english-language-training/english-proficiency-requirements/
Note: Applicants who have studied at least two years in a recognized English-medium secondary school or one year in a recognized English-medium post-secondary institution may be exempted from the English Proficiency Requirement by CBU’s Admissions Department.
ICEAP Nova Scotia- Exclusive on Campus-Language Partner of CBU
- Undergraduate and graduate English language pathways lead students to CBU diplomas and degrees
- Students conditionally accepted to CBU and fully accepted to ICEAP Nova Scotia
- ICEAP Nova Scotia graduates enter CBU with no further language testing required. However, other admission conditions must be met.