Cape Breton University is a public university in Nova Scotia, Canada, with 1 campus in Sydney on Cape Breton Island and surrounding area. International students can choose from 60+ diploma, post-baccalaureate, and degree programs across 3 intakes per year: September (Fall), January (Winter), and May (Spring/Summer).
Why Choose Cape Breton University?
- A Close-Knit, Diverse Campus: CBU has nearly 1,400 international students from more than 40 countries, with an average student-to-faculty ratio of about 15:1.
- Energy Self-Sufficient Campus: CBU describes itself as North America's first energy self-sufficient campus, set on Cape Breton Island between the Bras d'Or Lakes and the Cabot Trail.
- Career-Focused Master's Programs: CBU's one-year master's degrees in artificial intelligence, digital marketing, and healthcare leadership are built for students who want to move quickly into the workforce.
- Pathways to Dalhousie Engineering: Several CBU engineering technology diplomas and degrees let students transfer into a Dalhousie University Bachelor of Engineering.
Explore Cape Breton University Programs
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Cape Breton University Fees for International Students
For 2026-2027, most CBU bachelor's degrees cost about CAD $23,794 per year for a full course load, including tuition, the international differential, mandatory fees, and the international medical plan. Master's programs are priced as a total program cost rather than a per-year rate. Because exact costs vary by program, check the CBU tuition and fees page before applying.
Note: These are 2026-2027 figures. CBU reviews tuition every year, and its April 2026 budget raised the international differential by 5% for the current year. Always confirm the exact cost for your program and intake.
Other Student Fees
Full-time students also pay per-course fees for the student union, campus renewal, IT, and campus wellness, plus a flat campus activity fee each semester. International students without provincial health coverage pay for CBU's International Medical Plan. Application fees are CAD $80 for undergraduate programs and CAD $100 for master's programs, both non-refundable. See the full breakdown on the international cost breakdown page.
Note: CBU sets your tuition deposit amount and deadline in your personal Notice of Acceptance after you are admitted. Check your acceptance letter for the exact figure.
International Student Scholarships and Bursaries
CBU offers entrance scholarships and several bursaries created specifically for international students.
Note: Award amounts and eligibility can change. Check the CBU scholarships and bursaries page for the current list.
Programs at Cape Breton University
CBU offers more than 65 undergraduate and master's programs across five academic schools, including business, health sciences, engineering technology, arts, and science. Most bachelor's degrees take 3 or 4 years, and CBU's master's programs take 16 months to 2 years.
Warning! CBU's post-baccalaureate diplomas in Business Management, Business Analytics, Supply Chain Management, Health Care Management, and Occupational Health & Safety are closed to new admissions and are no longer PGWP-eligible. Check CBU's current program list before you apply.
Master's Programs
MBA – Community Economic Development
Master's, 2 years
Learn to lead economic development projects in communities and organizations, combining core MBA courses with a focus on community-based enterprise.
Master of Artificial Intelligence and Business Analytics
Master's, 16 months
Build skills in machine learning, data analytics, and AI tools for business decision-making, aimed at graduates of science, business, or engineering degrees.
Master of Healthcare Leadership and Innovation
Master's, 16 months
Prepare for leadership roles in health systems, covering health policy, quality improvement, and innovation management.
Master of Digital Marketing
Master's, 16 months
Study search, social, and content marketing strategy alongside marketing analytics, data, and campaign management tools.
Bachelor's Degree Programs
Bachelor of Business Administration (Optional Co-op)
Degree, 4 years
A broad business degree with majors such as Accounting, Marketing, and Supply Chain Management, plus an optional paid co-op work term.
Bachelor of Science (Honours)
Degree, 4 years
Study biology, chemistry, mathematics, or a related science major, with research opportunities in your final year.
Bachelor of Engineering Technology – Electronics and Controls
Degree, 3 years, optional co-op
Combine hands-on electronics, automation, and controls training with an optional paid work term.
Bachelor of Engineering Technology – Mechanical (Co-op)
Degree, 90 credits
Learn mechanical design, manufacturing, and maintenance skills, with a co-op work term built into the program.
Bachelor of Hospitality and Tourism Management
Degree, 3 years
Prepare for management roles in hotels, tourism, and events, with courses in operations, marketing, and finance for the hospitality sector.
Bachelor of Health Sciences – Public Health (Optional Co-op)
Degree, optional co-op
Study population health, health promotion, and health systems, with an optional work term in a health-related setting.
Bachelor of Arts and Science – Environment
Degree, 4 years
An interdisciplinary degree combining science and social science courses to study environmental issues and sustainability.
Bachelor of Arts – Psychology
Degree, 3 years
Study human behaviour and mental processes, a common first step toward careers in counselling, social services, or graduate study.
Note: CBU offers more than 65 programs in total, including other Bachelor of Arts majors, engineering transfer programs to Dalhousie University, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Advanced Standing). Check the ApplyBoard platform for the full, current list and available intakes.
Admission Requirements
Entry requirements vary by program. The general requirements below are a guide. Always confirm the specific requirements for your program and country before applying.
- Bachelor's degrees: High school completion with a 65% average for most programs, 70% for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and 75% for the Bachelor of Arts and Science – Environment, plus any program-specific course requirements.
- MBA in Community Economic Development: A bachelor's degree with a B+ (75%) average, a GMAT score of 500 or higher (or GRE 304 or higher), a résumé, a 500 to 800-word statement, and three references.
- Master of AI and Business Analytics, Digital Marketing, and Healthcare Leadership and Innovation: A 4-year bachelor's degree with a GPA of at least 3.0 (B) in your last 60 credits. Program-specific requirements apply, such as a statistics course for the AI and Business Analytics program.
- Transcripts and passport: Official transcripts from all previously attended institutions and a valid passport are required for every program.
English Language Requirements
Most international applicants must show proof of English language proficiency, and these minimums apply to both undergraduate and master's programs. CBU accepts IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Duolingo, CAEL, the Michigan English Test, and Oxford ELLT, and scores must be less than two years old. Most programs require IELTS 6.5 with no band below 6.0, TOEFL iBT 80, PTE 59, or Duolingo 120. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing and the Master of Healthcare Leadership and Innovation require higher scores: IELTS 7.0, TOEFL iBT 91, PTE 66, or Duolingo 130. Some students may qualify for an exemption based on prior education in English. Check the language requirements page for your program.
Tip! If you do not meet the English requirement, CBU's Cape Breton Language Centre offers English for Academic Purposes (EAP), PreMaster, and PreMBA pathway programs.
Check Eligibility and Start Applying
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How to Apply to Cape Breton University Through ApplyBoard
You apply to Cape Breton University through the ApplyBoard platform. The application fee is CAD $80 for bachelor's programs and CAD $100 for master's programs, both non-refundable. CBU's intakes can close early once seats fill, so apply as soon as you are ready.
Note: Submission processing timelines are optimized for rapid turnaround. ApplyBoard typically completes the submission pipeline within 12 hours of receipt. Once successfully submitted to the institution, standard college evaluation steps apply.
Before you apply, prepare the following documents:
- Valid passport (biographical page)
- Official academic transcripts from all previously attended institutions
- English language test results (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo)
- For master's programs: your résumé, statement of intent, and references, plus a GMAT or GRE score for the MBA
Submit your application through the ApplyBoard platform. Choose your program and intake. Popular programs, especially CBU's master's degrees, can fill quickly, so apply as early as possible.
If you meet the requirements, CBU will send your Notice of Acceptance (NOA). It includes your tuition deposit amount and payment deadline, so review it carefully.
Pay your deposit by the deadline in your Notice of Acceptance to confirm your seat. The deposit is applied to your tuition.
Warning! If your visa is refused, CBU refunds your deposit minus a $500 fee, provided you submit your refusal letter. Once your study permit is issued, the deposit is not refundable.
CBU checks your Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) eligibility automatically once you confirm your seat. You will need both your NOA and your PAL to apply for a Canadian study permit.
Use your NOA, PAL , and payment receipt to apply for a Canadian study permit. Update CBU with your study permit decision by the deadline for your intake.
Apply early for a room in one of CBU's four residences (Cabot, Alumni Hall, Harriss Hall, or MacDonald Residence), or plan for off-campus housing. The CBU payment options page lists accepted payment methods for your tuition and fees.
Frequently Asked Questions: Cape Breton University
Cape Breton University's main campus is at 1250 Grand Lake Road in Sydney, Nova Scotia, on Cape Breton Island.
Most 2026-2027 bachelor's degrees cost about CAD $23,794 per year, including tuition, the international differential, mandatory fees, and the international medical plan. CBU's master's programs cost $35,195 to $50,930 for the full program.
CBU says all full-time, in-person bachelor's and master's degrees are generally eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit, though eligibility is never guaranteed.
Yes. CBU has four residences: Cabot, Alumni Hall, Harriss Hall, and MacDonald Residence. Rates for 2026-2027 range from about $2,380 to $4,300 per semester, plus a meal plan.
Yes. International students with a valid Canadian study permit are generally permitted to work up to 24 hours per week off campus during term time and full-time during scheduled breaks, subject to their permit conditions.
Cape Breton University combines a close, supportive campus with career-focused bachelor's and master's programs. If you are ready to explore programs and apply, your ApplyBoard expert can guide you through every step.
Explore Cape Breton University Programs
Browse all available Cape Breton University programs on the ApplyBoard platform and apply today.