Mount Saint Vincent University

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About University

About Mount Saint Vincent University, Canada
 

Key Facts:

• Founded: 1873 (originally as a women’s college by the Sisters of Charity)

• Type: Public university

• Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

• Campus Setting: Suburban, overlooking the Bedford Basin

• Student Population: Around 4,000 (including part-time and full-time students)

• Motto: *"Without God, nothing" (Latin: "E Corde Scientia")

Academic Highlights:

• Undergraduate and Graduate Programs in:

  • Arts

  • Sciences

  • Business Administration

  • Education

  • Applied Human Nutrition

  • Communication Studies

  • Tourism and Hospitality Management

  • Women’s Studies

• Offers online and distance learning options through MSVU Online.

• Known for small class sizes and a supportive learning environment.

Unique Features:

• One of the few Canadian universities with a program in Public Relations and Communication Studies.

• Strong emphasis on research, especially in areas like family studies, education, aging, and food security.

• Home to the Institute for Women, Gender and Social Justice.

• Offers co-op and internship opportunities across many programs.

Campus Life:

• A scenic campus with residence options, student societies, and recreation facilities.

• Active student life with events, clubs, and a diverse community.

• Support services include academic advising, accessibility services, and mental health resources.

International Students:

• Welcoming environment for international students with dedicated support services.

• Offers English language support and orientation programs.

• Popular among international students for its inclusive, community-oriented campus and smaller class sizes.

Universities in Canada

Course Programs at Mount Saint Vincent University, Canada
 

Undergraduate Programs

Bachelor's Degrees (Most are 3–4 years)

• Arts: Psychology, Sociology/Anthropology, English, History, Political Studies, Women’s Studies

• Science: Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics

• Business Administration: Accounting, Marketing, Management

• Tourism and Hospitality Management

• Applied Human Nutrition

• Public Relations (One of the first in Canada)

• Child and Youth Study

• Education (BEd) – offered in collaboration with Nova Scotia schools

Graduate Programs

Master’s Degrees

• Master of Arts in Child and Youth Study

• Master of Arts in Communication

• Master of Education (MEd) – multiple streams including Inclusive Education, Lifelong Learning, Literacy

• Master of Public Relations

• Master of Science in Applied Human Nutrition

• Master of Education in Educational Psychology

Diploma and Certificate Programs

• Diplomas in Business Administration, Tourism and Hospitality, and Child & Youth Study

• Certificates available in Nonprofit Leadership, Gerontology, and Business Administration

Online and Distance Learning

• Many programs are available partially or fully online, making MSVU a leader in flexible education delivery, especially for working professionals.

Study in Canada

Bachelor Course Programs at Mount Saint Vincent University, Canada
 

Program Name	Duration	Tuition Fees/Year (USD)
Bachelor of Arts (Psychology, Sociology, etc.)	4 years	~$13,000
Bachelor of Science (Biology, Chemistry, etc.)	4 years	~$13,500
Bachelor of Business Administration	4 years	~$13,000
Bachelor of Public Relations	4 years	~$13,000
Bachelor of Applied Human Nutrition	4 years	~$13,500
Bachelor of Education (After-degree)	2 years	~$14,000
Bachelor of Child and Youth Study	4 years	~$13,000
Bachelor of Tourism and Hospitality Management	4 years	~$13,000
Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies	4 years	~$13,00

 

BJ (Bachelor of Journalism) in Canada

Masters Course Programs at Mount Saint Vincent University, Canada
 

Program Name	Duration	Tuition Fees/Year (USD)
Master of Arts in Communication	2 years	~$11,000
Master of Public Relations	2 years	~$11,500
Master of Education (MEd)	2 years	~$10,500
Master of Education in Lifelong Learning	2 years	~$10,500
Master of Education in Inclusive Education	2 years	~$10,500
Master of Education in Literacy Education	2 years	~$10,500
Master of Arts in Child and Youth Study	2 years	~$11,000
Master of Science in Applied Human Nutrition	2 years	~$11,500
Master of Education in Educational Psychology	2 years	~$10,500

Mount Saint Vincent University, Canada for International Students
 

Why MSVU is a Good Choice for International Students:

1. Academic Programs
MSVU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in areas such as:

• Business Administration

• Public Relations

• Applied Human Nutrition

• Communication Studies

• Education

• Tourism and Hospitality

• Child and Youth Study
  Many programs are available with co-op (internship) options and some can be completed partially online.

2. Support Services for International Students

• International Student Centre provides support with immigration, health insurance, cultural adjustment, and more.

• Academic advising and tutoring services are widely accessible.

• Orientation programs help students adjust to life in Canada.

3. Language Support

• While courses are taught in English, MSVU offers help for students whose first language is not English.

• Some students may be required to show proof of English proficiency (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL).

4. Safe and Friendly Campus

• Located in Halifax, a small, student-friendly city with a strong multicultural community.

• MSVU's campus is compact, safe, and easy to navigate.

5. Scholarships and Financial Aid

• MSVU offers entrance scholarships for high-achieving international students.

• Graduate students may also be eligible for research assistantships or funded projects.

6. Affordable Living

• Compared to major cities like Toronto or Vancouver, Halifax offers a lower cost of living.

• On-campus housing and meal plans are available.

Admission Process of Mount Saint Vincent University, Canada
 

Step 1: Choose a Program

• Explore available undergraduate or graduate programs at MSVU.

• Confirm program-specific requirements (especially for graduate programs).

Step 2: Prepare Required Documents

For Undergraduate Applicants:

• Official high school transcripts (translated to English if necessary)

• Proof of English language proficiency (e.g., IELTS 6.5+, TOEFL 86+)

• Passport copy

• Application fee (approx. CAD $50)

For Graduate Applicants:

• Official university transcripts

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent

• Two or more academic references (depending on program)

• Statement of intent or research proposal

• Resume/CV

• Proof of English proficiency (if applicable)

• Application fee (approx. CAD $50–$75 depending on program)

Step 3: Apply Online

• Submit your application through the MSVU online application portal:
  www.msvu.ca/apply

Step 4: Pay Application Fee

• Pay the non-refundable application fee using a credit card or international payment method.

Step 5: Submit Supporting Documents

• Upload or email your documents as instructed after completing the application.

• Some programs may require hard copies to be sent by post.

Step 6: Wait for an Admission Decision

• You’ll receive a confirmation email and, within a few weeks, an admission decision.

• Graduate program decisions may take longer due to faculty reviews.

Step 7: Accept Offer & Apply for Study Permit

• Once accepted, you’ll receive an official Letter of Acceptance.

• Use this letter to apply for a Canadian study permit (student visa).

Step 8: Prepare for Arrival

• Arrange housing (on-campus or off-campus)

• Register for orientation programs

• Purchase health insurance (required for international students)

Intake And Eligibility of Mount Saint Vincent University, Canada
 

Intake Periods at MSVU

Semester	Start Month	Application Deadline (Recommended for International Students)
Fall Intake	September	March–June (for visa processing)
Winter Intake	January	September–November
Summer Intake	May	January–March (limited programs)

 

Most programs offer Fall intake, while some are available for Winter or Summer. Graduate program intakes may vary by department.

General Eligibility Criteria

For Undergraduate Programs

Academic:

• Completion of high school diploma or equivalent with competitive grades.

• Subjects and grade requirements may vary by program (e.g., Math required for Business).

Language Proficiency (if applicable):

• IELTS: Minimum 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0)

• TOEFL iBT: Minimum 86

• Duolingo: Accepted (typically 115+)

• Exemptions apply if previous education was in English.

For Graduate Programs

Academic:

• A recognized undergraduate degree (usually a four-year degree) with a minimum GPA (often 3.0/4.0 or equivalent).

• Some programs may require specific undergraduate majors (e.g., nutrition for MSc Applied Human Nutrition).

Additional Requirements:

• Letters of reference

• Statement of Intent or Research Proposal

• Resume/CV (in many cases)

• Interview (in some programs)

Language Proficiency:

• Same as undergraduate; higher scores may be expected for some graduate programs.

Scholarship Available at Mount Saint Vincent University, Canada
 

Scholarship Name	Eligibility	Value (USD)	Notes
Entrance Scholarships (Automatic)	High school average of 80%+ (for new undergraduates)	$2,000 – $6,000	No separate application required; awarded upon admission.
Graduate Entrance Scholarships	New international graduate students with strong academic record	$2,000 – $4,000	Available for select graduate programs.
MSVU International Student Scholarship	Full-time undergraduate international students with strong GPA	$1,000 – $3,000	Must apply separately after first year; renewable based on performance.
Board of Governors’ Scholarship	Top academic performance (usually 90%+ average)	Up to $6,000	Highly competitive; limited number of awards.
Faculty-Specific Scholarships	Students enrolled in specific faculties (e.g., Business, Nutrition)	N/A	Based on academic excellence and departmental recommendation.

Mount Saint Vincent University, Canada Campus & Accommodation Facilities
 

Facility/Option	Description	Approx. Cost/Year (USD)
Campus Residences	Three residence buildings: Assisi Hall, Birches, and Westwood Apartments	$5,000 – $7,500
Room Types	Single, double, and apartment-style units	N/A
Meal Plans	Optional meal plans available (5-day and 7-day options)	$3,500 – $4,800
Room Amenities	Furnished rooms, Wi-Fi, laundry, study spaces	Included in residence fees
Safety & Security	24/7 campus security, keycard access to residences	Included
Off-Campus Housing Support	University provides guidance for students seeking housing in Halifax	($500–$900/month)
International Student Support	Orientation, airport pickup (select dates), and housing assistance	Included in services

Students Life at Mount Saint Vincent University, Canada
 

Student life at Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU), Canada, is inclusive, community-focused, and academically supportive. As a smaller university located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, MSVU offers a close-knit campus environment with strong student-faculty relationships, diverse activities, and services tailored to support both domestic and international students.

Academics and Class Experience
MSVU is known for small class sizes, personalized attention from professors, and a strong emphasis on teaching and applied learning. Students benefit from interactive classes, hands-on projects, and opportunities for research and co-op placements, particularly in programs like Public Relations, Nutrition, and Business.

Clubs and Student Organizations
There are a variety of student-run clubs and societies covering interests such as cultural communities, social justice, wellness, academics, and recreation. Students can also start their own clubs. The MSVU Students’ Union (MSVUSU) organizes campus events, advocacy campaigns, and student services.

Events and Campus Activities
Throughout the year, MSVU hosts social, cultural, and academic events including orientation week, international student celebrations, guest lectures, workshops, and wellness fairs. Halifax’s vibrant music, food, and cultural scene also adds to the student experience outside of campus.

Residence Life
Students who live on campus in residence halls enjoy a strong sense of community. There are residence advisors, social events, study groups, and support services available. On-campus housing is safe and conveniently located near classes, the library, dining, and recreational facilities.

International Student Experience
International students are welcomed through orientation programs, cultural events, and dedicated services like immigration advising, academic support, and English language help. The campus has a growing international student population and fosters cross-cultural engagement.

Health and Wellness
MSVU offers mental health support, counselling services, fitness programs, and access to an on-campus health centre. The McCain Centre includes a gym, fitness classes, and spaces for wellness and recreation.

Career and Co-op Services
The Co-operative Education program and Career Services help students gain real-world experience, prepare resumes, and find internships or part-time jobs. Career development workshops and employer networking events are available throughout the year.

Overall, MSVU offers a friendly and supportive student experience with strong academic opportunities and a welcoming atmosphere for both Canadian and international students.

Placements in Mount Saint Vincent University, Canada
 

Career Support and Placement Opportunities at MSVU

Co-operative Education Programs (Co-op):

• Available in several programs such as Business Administration, Public Relations, and Tourism & Hospitality.

• Students alternate between academic study and paid work terms related to their field.

• Co-op placements are arranged with Canadian employers in government, NGOs, media, and private companies.

Career Services:

• Resume and cover letter workshops

• Job interview coaching

• Career fairs and employer networking events

• Job board for part-time, summer, and full-time positions

• Support with LinkedIn and online job applications

Internship and Practicum Opportunities:

• Programs like Child and Youth Study, Education, and Nutrition include field placements or internships as part of the curriculum.

Post-Graduation Opportunities:

• MSVU graduates work in diverse sectors including public relations, education, non-profit organizations, healthcare, nutrition consulting, and business management.

• International students may be eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) after completing their program, allowing them to work in Canada for up to 3 years.

Acceptance Rate of Mount Saint Vincent University, Canada
 

Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU), Canada has a moderately high acceptance rate, especially compared to larger, research-intensive universities. While the university does not publish an exact percentage, estimates based on admissions data suggest an acceptance rate of approximately 70–80%.

Key Points About MSVU’s Acceptance Rate:

• Accessible Admissions: MSVU is known for its inclusive and supportive approach to education, welcoming both domestic and international students.

• Program-Specific Selectivity: While most undergraduate programs have relatively open admission standards, some programs—like Applied Human Nutrition, Public Relations, and Education—may be more competitive and require higher grades or additional documentation.

• Graduate Programs: Master’s programs typically have more specific academic and professional requirements, and are more selective, especially those with limited seats.

What Influences Acceptance?

• Academic performance (GPA or average percentage)

• English language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.)

• Completeness and quality of application documents

• Program capacity and number of applicants

Campus Location of Mount Saint Vincent University, Canada
 

Campus Location Details

• Address:
  Mount Saint Vincent University
  166 Bedford Highway
  Halifax, Nova Scotia
  B3M 2J6, Canada

• Setting:
  The campus is situated on a scenic hilltop overlooking the Bedford Basin, part of Halifax Harbour. It's about 15 minutes from downtown Halifax by car or public transit.

• Campus Size:
  The MSVU campus is compact and walkable, featuring academic buildings, residences, a library, labs, sports facilities, and the McCain Centre for teaching and learning.