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University of New Brunswick (UNB): Programs, Fees, and How to Apply

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The University of New Brunswick (UNB) is Canada’s oldest English-language university, with campuses in Fredericton and Saint John. International students can apply through ApplyBoard to bachelor’s and master’s programs, with fall, winter, and spring intakes. UNB is especially popular for Civil Engineering and Computer Science (both with optional co-op), plus career-focused master’s options like the MCSC and MEd. This guide covers 2026-27 tuition, scholarships of up to $40,000, admission and English language requirements, and how to apply step by step, so students and recruitment partners can plan with confidence.

International students studying at the University of New Brunswick, smiling and gathered on campus steps.

Why Choose the University of New Brunswick?

  • Canada's Oldest English-Language University: UNB traces its roots to 1785, with two distinct campuses in Fredericton and Saint John.
  • Strong Engineering and Computer Science Programs: UNB's Civil Engineering and Computer Science programs are consistently among its most popular choices for international students, both with optional co-op.
  • Career-Focused Graduate Programs: UNB's Master of Computer Science by Coursework (MCSC) and MEd Educational Administration and Leadership give graduates a focused path to a Canadian master's degree.
  • A Community of Over 10,000 Students: UNB enrolls students from more than 100 countries, split across its Fredericton and Saint John campuses.

Explore University of New Brunswick Programs

Sign in to your ApplyBoard account or register today to view available programs, requirements, and document checklists for UNB.

University of New Brunswick Fees for International Students

UNB publishes tuition by faculty and program on its official fee schedules. For 2026-27 (effective September 1, 2026), confirmed examples include:

Program Annual Tuition Notes
Bachelor of Engineering (general schedule, includes Civil) ~$25,871 Fredericton; mandatory fees bring the total to about $27,722
Bachelor of Business Administration (for comparison) ~$22,996 Fredericton; mandatory fees bring the total to about $24,847

 Note: UNB publishes exact current tuition for every program on its Fredericton and Saint John Tuition Estimate Calculator. Confirm the exact current rate for Computer Science, Nursing, the MEd, and the MCSC directly on these pages before you budget, since dedicated schedules exist for each program but weren't all independently re-verified for this guide.

Other Student Fees

UNB bundles a mandatory health plan (the UNB Emergency Health Plan) and student union fees into the "total" figure shown on its tuition schedules, typically adding roughly $1,800 to $1,850 a year on top of tuition. You can opt out of the health plan only with a valid New Brunswick Medicare card. A non-refundable tuition deposit and application fee apply; Bachelor of Nursing applicants pay a separate, higher admissions deposit.

 Note: Exact current application fee and deposit amounts were not confirmed on an official current-year page for this guide. Confirm these directly with UNB's Admissions Office before you apply.

International Student Scholarships

UNB's top international entrance award, the Lady Vi Aitken Scholarship, is worth $40,000 over 4 years for an outstanding international entrance student. General international entrance awards range from $500 to $40,000, based mainly on academic achievement.

 Note: You must be admitted first, then apply separately for an entrance scholarship, usually by March 1. See the international scholarships page for the current deadline and full list.

Programs at the University of New Brunswick

UNB offers undergraduate and graduate programs across engineering, computer science, business, nursing, education, and the arts and sciences, split between its Fredericton and Saint John campuses.

 Warning! New Brunswick's 2026-27 provincial budget effectively freezes funding to the province's public universities, including UNB. No UNB-specific program closures have been confirmed, but budget pressure is an active topic at NB universities. Always check that your program and campus are currently accepting applications before you apply.

Bachelor's Degree Programs

Bachelor of Computer Science (Optional Co-op)

Degree, 4 years, Fredericton

Study programming, software design, and computer systems, with an optional co-op work term to gain Canadian work experience before you graduate.

Bachelor of Nursing

Degree, 4 years, Fredericton and Saint John

Combine nursing theory, lab training, and clinical placements, preparing you to write the national licensing exam and work as a Registered Nurse.

Bachelor of Science in Engineering – Civil (Optional Co-op)

Degree, 4 years, Fredericton

Learn structural, environmental, and transportation engineering, with an optional co-op work term and a path toward becoming a licensed professional engineer.

Master's Programs

MEd Educational Administration and Leadership

Master's

Build leadership skills for educators and education professionals, covering school and system-level administration.

Master of Computer Science by Coursework (MCSC)

Master's, coursework-based

A non-thesis master's covering advanced computer science topics, for graduates of a computer science or related degree who want a focused, career-ready graduate program.

 Note: UNB offers many more programs beyond those shown here. Intakes and availability change often. 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 meeting UNB's general admission requirements for your country of study. Nursing has its own, higher academic and English requirements.
  • Master's programs: A relevant bachelor's degree, with program-specific academic requirements set at the department level. Check directly with UNB's Faculty of Education for the MEd and the Faculty of Computer Science for the MCSC.
  • 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, confirmed directly from UNB's international admissions page.

Test Standard Minimum Higher Bar (Nursing, Education, Arts)
IELTS Academic 6.5 overall 7.0 overall
TOEFL iBT (before Jan 2026) 85 100
Duolingo 115 130
PTE Academic 59 68

Check the English language requirements page for the full list of accepted tests, including Cambridge and CAEL, and for the TOEFL iBT's new scoring scale used from January 2026. Nursing (both campuses), Education, and Arts (Fredericton), and Nursing and Health Sciences (Saint John), require the higher bar. Exemptions exist for applicants with several years of English-medium schooling.

Check Eligibility and Start Applying

Ready to take the next step? Access your dashboard to review your eligibility and manage your application documents for UNB.

How to Apply to the University of New Brunswick Through ApplyBoard

You apply to UNB through the ApplyBoard platform. UNB offers Fall, Winter, and Summer intakes for most programs, though Education (Fredericton), Kinesiology, and Nursing admit in the fall only. A general undergraduate international deadline guideline exists, but check with your ApplyBoard expert for the exact current date for your program, since some programs close earlier.

Step 1: Gather your documents

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 bachelor's degree transcript and any program-specific documents
Step 2: Submit your application on ApplyBoard

Submit your application through the ApplyBoard platform. Choose your program, campus, and intake. Popular programs, especially Computer Science and the MCSC, can fill quickly, so apply as early as possible.

Step 3: Receive your Letter of Acceptance

If you meet the requirements, UNB will send your Letter of Acceptance (LOA). Review it carefully, including your deposit deadline.

Step 4: Pay your tuition deposit

Pay your tuition deposit by the deadline in your LOA to confirm your seat. Confirm the current deposit amount directly with UNB's Admissions Office.

Step 5: Receive your Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)

After your deposit is confirmed, UNB arranges your Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL). Undergraduate applicants need a PAL.

Step 6: Apply for your study permit

Use your LOA, PAL (if required), and payment receipt to apply for a Canadian study permit.

Step 7: Arrange housing and arrive

UNB offers residence at both its Fredericton and Saint John campuses, including traditional dorm, suite-style, and family housing. Apply early for a room, and confirm current fees directly with UNB's residence office for your campus.

Frequently Asked Questions: University of New Brunswick

Where is the University of New Brunswick located?

UNB has two campuses: Fredericton and Saint John, both in New Brunswick.

How much does it cost to study at UNB?

UNB publishes exact tuition by program on its official fee schedules. Engineering at Fredericton runs about $25,871 a year in tuition (about $27,722 with mandatory fees) for 2026-27. Confirm the exact rate for your specific program directly on UNB's tuition pages.

Are UNB programs eligible for a PGWP?

UNB is a public, degree-granting university, so its bachelor's and master's programs are generally exempt from the Post-Graduation Work Permit field-of-study rule that applies to non-degree programs. Confirm your specific program against IRCC's current rules before you apply.

Does UNB have student housing?

Yes. UNB offers residence at both its Fredericton and Saint John campuses, including traditional dorm rooms, suite-style housing, and family housing options.

Can international students work while studying at UNB?

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.

The University of New Brunswick combines Canada's longest academic history with strong engineering, computer science, and nursing programs across two Atlantic Canada campuses. If you are ready to explore programs and apply, your ApplyBoard expert can guide you through every step.

Explore University of New Brunswick Programs

Browse all available UNB programs on the ApplyBoard platform and apply today.