Cape Breton University: Tuition, Programs & How to Apply (2027/28)

Cape Breton University (CBU) publishes total program costs for international students. For 2026/27, a 4-year BA, BBA or BSc costs CAD 95,177.60 in total, which is about CAD 23,800 a year. A 3-year degree costs CAD 71,383.20. Accommodation, meals and some fees such as application, graduation and lab fees are extra.

CBU, in Sydney, Nova Scotia, says it has over 7,000 international students, and it admits undergraduates three times a year. Here is what you pay, what you can study, the 2027/28 deadlines and the honest downsides.

Why CBU is good value

Nova Scotia's average international undergraduate tuition was CAD 31,057 in 2026/27 (Statistics Canada). CBU's bachelor's degrees work out well below that. Its 16-month master's programs are also among the cheapest routes to a Canadian master's degree on this list, because you pay one fixed program total.

• Published program totals, so you can plan your whole degree budget.
• Three intakes for most bachelor's programs: January, May and September.
• Accessible entry: a 65% average for most programs, and CBU accepts all candidates who meet the minimum if space permits.
• English pathways through the Cape Breton Language Centre (EAP, PreMaster and PreMBA).
• Low application fee: CAD 80 for undergraduates, CAD 100 for graduate programs.

Tuition for international students

Totals exclude accommodation, residence, meal plans and fees such as application, graduation and lab fees. Some programs (BEd, BScN direct entry, BSW) are not open to international students. Online-only MEd programs do not lead to a study permit. Check the CBU tuition page for the per-year breakdown.

English-taught programs

Our data lists 43 bachelor's and 7 master's programs. Examples:

• BBA with majors in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources and Marketing
• BA with majors such as Economics, Psychology, Political Science, Legal Studies and Communication
• Bachelor of Arts and Science in Environment (BASE), BSc, Bachelor of Hospitality and Tourism
• Bachelor of Health Sciences (Public Health) and BET
• Master of AI and Business Analytics, Master of Digital Marketing, Master of Healthcare Leadership and Innovation, MBA in Community Economic Development

Note: the Bachelor of Engineering at CBU is a 2-year transfer program to Dalhousie University, so it is not a full engineering degree at CBU.

Deadlines for 2026/27 and 2027/28

Every window may close early when seats fill or enrolment targets are met, so do not wait for the last day. CBU also warns that applications completed after 1 August may not be processed for September.

Admission requirements

Bachelor's

• An overall high school average of 65% for most programs (or your country's equivalent qualification). Some programs have extra prerequisites.
• English: IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0), TOEFL iBT 80 or 4.5 on the new scale, Duolingo 120, PTE 59, CAEL 60 or MET 58. Nursing needs IELTS 7.0.
• Minimum age 16; CBU does not act as a custodian.

Master's

You need a four-year bachelor's, typically with a GPA of 3.0 (B, 73–76%) in the final 60 credits, a CV, transcripts and an English score. MAIBA requires a degree in science, math, computer science, business, economics or engineering and a statistics course with at least 70%. The GMAT may be considered if you miss the academic criteria. Healthcare Leadership needs IELTS 7.0.

Scholarships

CBU runs scholarship and bursary programs based on merit, financial need or other criteria. We could not confirm specific amounts for international students, so check the CBU scholarships page and our Canada scholarships guide.

Budget, work and life after graduation

IRCC asks you to prove first-year tuition, CAD 23,448 for living costs (one person, applications from 1 September 2026) and return travel. Full-time degree students may work off campus up to 24 hours per week during classes. Master's graduates of programs of at least eight months can get a Post-Graduation Work Permit of up to three years. See our work and stay in Canada guide.

Honest pros and cons

Mistakes to avoid

• Waiting for the closing date. CBU windows can close early when seats fill, so apply soon after a window opens.
• Choosing an online MEd for a study permit. Online-only programs do not lead to a study permit.
• Expecting a full engineering degree. Engineering at CBU is a 2-year transfer to Dalhousie.
• Budgeting with tuition only. The program totals exclude accommodation, meal plans and some fees; add the IRCC living-cost amount on top.

How to apply step by step

1. 1

   Choose a program and intake

   Browse CBU programs and confirm the intake is open to international students.

2. 2

   Check country requirements

   Read the international admission requirements.

3. 3

   Apply early

   Apply at cbu.ca/apply-now and pay CAD 80 (undergraduate) or CAD 100 (graduate).

4. 4

   Send transcripts and English scores

   Complete your file well before 1 August for a September start.

5. 5

   Accept, get your PAL and apply for the study permit

   Follow our how to apply guide.

Compare with Algoma University and Memorial University, or see the Canada hub.