Cape Breton University

Founded 1974 | Sydney, NS

Cape Breton University is dedicated to supporting local communities and the region’s emerging industries, focusing on community involvement and entrepreneurship. The university has a strong relationship with the island’s Indigenous communities—the school was the first in Canada to offer a Mi’kmaq studies program. In 2021, CBU announced the establishment of $500,000 in scholarships for students of African Nova Scotian descent. CBU is strengthening its online course options and offering a select number of courses for credit, certificate or curiosity.

“Cape Breton University is an innovative and community-oriented university,” says president David Dingwall. “We strive to create graduates who are solution-oriented problem solvers. Our purpose is to support our students and shape successful graduates both domestically and globally.”

CBU helps supply the oil and gas industry of Atlantic Canada with skilled workers, creating programs in petroleum technology and petroleum engineering that attract students from as far away as Kuwait. CBU’s art gallery includes works by the Group of Seven and Picasso. Meanwhile, CBU continuously upgrades its facilities; it has renovated the Pit Lounge and Sullivan Fieldhouse, and improved the outdoor soccer pitch and track. Full-time students also have access to the fitness centre at the Cape Breton Health Recreation Complex, which includes an eight-lane synthetic track.

Standout Programs

• Nursing: This program integrates theory and practice, preparing grads to provide competent, ethical and compassionate nursing care in a variety of settings.

• Community Studies: This flexible program focuses on community-based research, problem-solving and work placements. Students can choose from a range of disciplines or pursue career-focused specializations.

• Arts and Science in Environment: Learn about environmental issues and sustainable practices in this interdisciplinary program that draws on the region’s natural resources while incorporating Indigenous perspectives.

Tuition (includes compulsory ancillary fees)

$8,529 ($9,812 out-of-province students)

Minimum Entering Grades

Arts: 65% · Science: 65% · Commerce: 65% · Engineering: 65%

Student Body

Undergraduates: Full-time: 3,343 | Part-time: 692

Graduates: Full-time: 213 | Part-time: 200

International Students: First-year: 16.3% |

Graduate: 71.4%

Male-Female Ratio: 47 to 53

Housing Facts

Residence Spaces: 424 (approx. 200 reserved for first-year students) Residence Costs: Double room with meals: $10,150 to $10,800 | Single room with meals: $12,570 to $14,020 | Apartment-style: $6,660

Cool Courses

• Indigenous Canadian Drama: Explore plays by Indigenous authors while considering issues such as casting and cultural representation.

• History Goes to the Movies: Examine how history as depicted on screen shapes shared perceptions and national mythologies.

Student Life on Campus

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