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Cape Breton University
Established in 1951 as Xavier Junior College under St. Francis Xavier University and renamed Cape Breton University (CBU) in 2005, CBU is a public university located in Sydney,…
About Cape Breton University
Established in 1951 as Xavier Junior College under St. Francis Xavier University and renamed Cape Breton University (CBU) in 2005, CBU is a public university located in Sydney, Nova Scotia. It is the only post-secondary degree-granting institution on Cape Breton Island and within the Cape Breton Regional Municipality. International students planning to study at Cape Breton University will join a vibrant community of nearly 7,000 students from over 70 countries. The university offers a welcoming and inclusive academic environment, with six academic schools: the School of Arts and Social Sciences, the School of Education and Health, the School of Nursing, the School of Science and Technology, and the Shannon School of Business. Programs are offered across a wide range of disciplines, including Arts, Social Sciences, Business, Community Economic Development, Education, Engineering and Technology, Health and Well-being, Nursing, and Sciences. CBU’s Office of Research and Graduate Studies supports faculty and student research, fostering innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration. Cape Breton is best known for its focus on experiential learning, student-faculty engagement, and a commitment to values such as courage, cooperation, and quality. The university holds academic accreditations and affiliations with respected bodies such as Universities Canada (UC), the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE), Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan), and the Association of Atlantic Universities (AAU).
QS Ranking
Top ranked
Acceptance Rate
Varies
Tuition Fees
Contact for fees
Courses & Programmes
Bachelors of Business Administration in Accounting
Apply Now →Bachelors of Business Administration in Marketing
Apply Now →Bachelors of Engineering Technology in Chemical
Apply Now →Bachelors of Engineering Technology in Electronics & Controls
Apply Now →Bachelors of Engineering Technology in Environmental Studies
Apply Now →Bachelors of Engineering Technology in Petroleum
Apply Now →Bachelors of Science in Biology
Apply Now →Bachelors of Science in Psychology
Apply Now →Masters of Business Administration (MBA) in Community Economic Development
Apply Now →Scholarships
Chancellor’s Scholarship
Type : Merit Based Level : Bachelors Value : Can$ 30,000
President’s Scholarship
Type : Merit Based Level : Bachelors Value : Can$ 20,000
Frequently Asked Questions
Winters in Sydney, Nova Scotia can reach as low as -15°C (5°F), and wind chill may make it feel colder. However, buildings and residences are well-heated, and the snow-covered landscapes are beautiful. Affordable winter gear is available locally, and a warm pair of boots and a good parka are highly recommended.
Yes, Cape Breton University is known for its cultural inclusivity. Student societies and campus groups organize events for a wide range of cultural celebrations, including Diwali, Christmas, Chinese New Year, African Heritage Month, Ramadan iftars, Indigenous ceremonies, and traditional drumming sessions.
CBU offers free airport pickup from JA Douglas McCurdy Sydney Airport during major intake periods. Students must register in advance and submit their flight details. The CBU welcome team will be present at arrivals to greet incoming students.
Orientation week at CBU features campus tours, student fairs, fun icebreaker activities, and competitions. There are also helpful sessions on Canadian culture, healthcare, and immigration. Students can enjoy free food, music, and giveaways, making it a lively introduction to campus life.
Yes, many local businesses, restaurants, and transit services in Sydney offer student discounts. Showing a valid CBU student ID card is usually all that’s required to access these offers.
All full-time students at CBU are automatically enrolled in a comprehensive health insurance plan, which includes coverage for prescriptions, dental care, vision, and more. Students who already have private coverage can opt out within a specified deadline.
CBU students can borrow various tech items from the campus library, including laptops, tablets, chargers, and even cameras. This service supports students who need temporary access to digital tools for academic purposes.
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