Cape Breton University (CBU) is a unique place where students who believe that they can actually have an effect in the world discover what that effect is going to be. We’re one of Canada’s youngest and most ambitious universities with a comprehensive set of liberal arts, science and professional programs and a unique commitment to community, economic development, aboriginal learning and research into many aspects of environment and culture. Currently home to approximately 3500 students, CBU’s vision of higher education allows students to pursue diverse fields of study in programs with national reputations in final year student satisfaction, faculty-student interaction and employability.

CBU prides itself on providing a personalized undergraduate education that focuses on academic and research excellence, student services, a vibrant campus life and cutting-edge technological tools. The university offers outstanding applied research opportunities to students, and technical assistance to business, industry and community organizations. Home to Canada’s only Master of Business Administration in Community Economic Development, CBU is also known as Atlantic Canada’s leader in Aboriginal post-secondary education.

CBU traces its roots to 1951 when the “St. Francis Xavier University Sydney Campus”, also referred to as “Xavier Junior College” (XJC), was opened in downtown Sydney as a satellite campus of St. Francis Xavier University. Growth during the 1950s saw several buildings opened on this site.
 

Full-time undergraduate and postgraduate international students can work anywhere on and off campus for up to 20 hours per week without a work permit. On average, a part-time student would earn anywhere from $800-$1500 a month (e.g. 20 hours/week x $11/hour x 4 week = $880). After applying for a work permit, international students become eligible to work as a co-op student or an intern.

In 1968 the “Nova Scotia Eastern Institute of Technology” (NSEIT) opened in 1968 on the Sydney-Glace Bay Highway, immediately east of Sydney. This institution focused on business technology and trades and its development was largely enabled by federal and provincial funding at a time when the coal and steel industries in Industrial Cape Breton were facing serious challenges.

In 1974, the first university college in Canada was established on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia through an amalgamation of the Nova Scotia Eastern Institute of Technology and Xavier Junior College. The Xavier Junior College was affiliated previously with St Francis Xavier University. The University College of Cape Breton became a public degree-granting institution, and retained technical and vocational programs from the former Nova Scotia Eastern Institute of Technology. Cape Breton University was established by the Cape Breton University Act.


 Cape Breton University is nestled in the heart of Cape Breton Island in Sydney, Nova Scotia. As the second-largest city in Nova Scotia, it is said that Sydney is the best of both worlds, offering the amenities of a medium-sized, urban area with the safe and friendly atmosphere of a small town.

Along with our great location, CBU is home to many of Canada’s most content students, which is why we’ve consistently rated among the country’s highest for student satisfaction. We also have some of the highest academic achievers, with Nova Scotia’s highest percentage of students with high school averages of 95+.
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More than $1.8 million is put into student scholarships every year to help make sure our students get the support they need to succeed. At CBU, we provide international students a university experience of diversity and excellence and the promise of a future filled with opportunity.

The university’s distinctive blend of degree and diploma programs allows students to design an education ideally suited for success in the liberal arts, business, science and technology. Complimenting its leading academic programs, CBU offers a variety of activities to shape a well-rounded education.Whether you plan to study business, science, technology or the arts or, if you are determined to become a notable CEO, an innovative engineer or a famous novelist, CBU is your first step toward success. From nationally recognized sports teams, award-winning literary publications to world-renowned musicians, and unique theatre productions, you’ll find it all on this campus.

Life at Cape Breton University is one of opportunity, diversity and academic excellence. Receive a world-class education, while embracing adventure in a safe and academically challenging location. CBU is home to nearly 1,000 international students from more than 40 countries, including China, Saudi Arabia, Bermuda, Egypt, Russia, the Bahamas, Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, the United Kingdom, Germany, India and Bangladesh. CBU fosters an inclusive and diverse learning environment, where you will experience the best of Canada while making friends with people from around the globe.