Acadia University

Established in 1838 and located in a quintessential college town on Nova Scotia's coast, Acadia University is one of the oldest liberal arts universities in Canada and ranks in the top 5 ‘primarily undergraduate' universities in the country (Maclean's University Rankings, 2024).

Students can enroll onto over 200 undergraduate combination degree programs at Acadia University, usually studied over the course of four years. In addition, it offers a compact selection of 19 graduate degree programs which are typically completed within one to two years of study. Also popular are the university's 80 online degrees, enabling a flexible remote learning experience.

Acadia University is a small but diverse institution, with its 3,500 students originating from all over Canada as well as 60 countries globally. As a result of its small size, the university is able to offer an exceptional students to faculty ratio of 15:1, meaning students receive an intimate learning experience in an environment where all voices are heard.

This small size also gives the university a distinct atmosphere of community and fellowship. Students can get involved in over 70 student-run clubs and organizations, or join the competitive varsity athletics program for a real sense of team spirit.

Acadia University sits in the picturesque college town of Wolfville, surrounded by woodland, vineyards, farmland and dramatic coastline. The university provides accommodation across eleven characterful residence buildings, with plenty of nearby options available for students opting to reside in private accommodation.

Despite its rural location and small-town feel, Wolfville is only one hour's drive from the bustling city of Halifax, including its regional transport services and international airport, meaning students remain well-connected to the rest of Canada and beyond throughout their studies.

Acadia University is renowned across Canada for its expertise in teaching the liberal arts. Students can enrol on over 200 combination degrees, with a huge range of options for both majors and minors at undergraduate level.

The university prides itself in exceptional teaching, which puts students at the heart of the curriculum. It employs an innovative faculty with significant expertise in their field, including award-winning teachers. Learners gain a deep understanding and unique perspective of their studies through professors' profound levels of knowledge and personal industry insights.

Students are taught through traditional lectures, seminars and tutorials as well as group work, individual research projects and laboratory and studio work where applicable. Class sizes at Acadia University are small, averaging at around 31 students. As a result, learners are able to immerse themselves in their studies and receive a personalised learning experience.

Personal development is strongly encouraged at every level and in every way, and the university confidently directs students towards community engagement, work placements and research opportunities both as a part of degree programs and as extra-curricular activities.

Faculties

Acadia University is split across four faculties:

• Faculty of Arts
• Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences
• Faculty of Professional Studies
• Faculty of Theology

Within these faculties, students can enrol on over 35 undergraduate degree programs, resulting in the opportunity to study over 200 degree combinations.

The university also offers 19 graduate degree programs.

Research

Acadia University boasts eighteen world-class research facilities across its 250-acre campus. Here, students are able to complete their research with state-of-the-art equipment and resources in a collaborative, interdisciplinary setting.

Through the university's close industry and community connections and partnerships, students are able to work closely with experts in their field, resulting in meaningful contributions to global research.

Students must meet general entry requirements to enrol on a study program at Acadia University. These may vary between courses, so students are advised to check the requirements for their chosen degree prior to application.

In general, to enrol on an undergraduate degree program, Acadia University requires students to have achieved one of the following (or an equivalent qualification):

• Two A-Levels at grade C or above
• IB Diploma (including IB English) with a minimum overall score of 24 points
• Minimum overall grade average of B (US students)

For its graduate programs, Acadia University requires its students to have one of the following (or an equivalent qualification):

• 2^nd class honours degree
• 2.57/4.0 GPA
• 70 percent in the courses taken in the major field in a student's last two undergraduate years

International students may be required to provide evidence of English language proficiency. Undergraduate students at Acadia University must have attained an IELTS score of 6.5, with no band score lower than 6.0 (or an equivalent qualification).

For students who need to improve their English prior to commencing a degree, the university offers its own English for academic purposes course.

Acadia University offers students a full range of exceptional resources designed to enhance the university experience, including hi-tech computer and IT facilities, laboratories, drama studios, a state-of-the-art electroacoustic music studio, an art gallery, and 18 outstanding research facilities.

Library

The extensive Vaughan Memorial Library spans six floors and provides students with access to a vast range of books, journals and multi-media resources in addition to broad archives and an ever-expanding selection of digital information.

The library also offers a comprehensive selection of IT services and a number of zones for quiet, individual study alongside designated areas for group discussion.

Athletics complex

At Acadia University's modern athletics complex, students can access:

• Olympic-sized ice arena
• Gymnasium
• Athletics track and field
• Fitness center
• Six-lane swimming pool
• Aerobics and dance studio
• Indoor walking track

Accommodation and food

Acadia University offers a great selection of on-campus accommodation across 11 student residences, all of which boast a 24/7 security service.

Fully furnished rooms are leased for 8 months, can be shared or individual, and are offered at prices to suit all budgets. Rent includes heating, utility bills, high speed internet, in-house laundry facilities and cleaning of communal areas. Accessible accommodation is available to students with additional needs.

Students can sign up to a range of delicious and nutritional meal plans, cooked and served in the university's expansive communal dining hall.

A range of great residence options are available nearby for students who prefer to live in privately rented accommodation, with the vast majority within one kilometer of the campus.

Acadia University provides its students with a wide range of scholarships and financial aid opportunities to assist with the cost of studying.

Eligible students will be considered for financial aid automatically through their application, based on academic achievements and financial need. However, for more specialized scholarships, students will need to apply directly.

Acadia University currently offers its students eight specialized scholarship options. These scholarships may be received be in the form of a one-off payment or as annual installments, and range in value from a one-off payment of CAD 500 to CAD 60,000 paid over the course of four years.

The university also offers four high-value, renewable scholarships to full-time students who continually exhibit academic excellence. These range in value from CAD 24,000 to CAD 40,000 per year.

Students are advised to carefully check the eligibility requirements for all scholarships and ensure that their scholarship application is submitted in advance of the deadline.

Nursing programs

In September 2023, Acadia University received significant government investment, enabling it to offer a brand new BS Nursing program. This degree course is delivered on-site at the Wolfville campus by partner institution Cape Breton University.

Musculoskeletal research funding

In November 2023, the university signed a collaboration agreement with the Canadian Chiropractic Research Foundation, committing to the development of research and funding opportunities relating to musculoskeletal conditions.

Scholars program

In 2023, the university opened its Evans Teaching and Learning Scholars program, designed to enhance innovation in teaching and learning and to support trail-blazing faculty research.

Olympic curling

Evidencing its exceptional sporting facilities, Acadia University has been selected to host the Canadian Curling Olympic Pre-Trials in October 2025.