Studying in New Brunswick FAQ

In order to apply for a Canadian study permit, prospective international students must first obtain a letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). As each institution may have different admission requirements and application processes, interested applicants may contact the desired institution(s) individually.

For a full list of DLIs by province, click here.

• The University of New Brunswick (UNB) is North America’s oldest public University (founded in 1785). As a comprehensive university with campuses in Fredericton and Saint John, it offers both graduate and undergraduate education across the arts and sciences. It is also well regarded for its research in many innovative fields such as the space sciences, chemistry, and IT. With many external opportunities and extracurricular activities at UNB, the school spirit rivals that of a much larger university.
  • Signature programs: Environment and Natural Resources, Law, Health Sciences and Marine Biology
• Université de Moncton is the largest French-language university outside Quebec. As well as a wide array of arts and sciences, commerce, and engineering programs, the school also has the only exclusively common law program taught in French in Canada. While courses are conducted in French, many students speak English and make the most of the opportunity to develop their language skills. All students are assessed in French during the admissions process, and non-Francophone students take a set French language courses. Université de Moncton offers the lowest international student fees in the province, at $10,470 per year (plus ancillary fees) for 2016/2017.
  • Signature programs: Law, Forestry, Education, Nutrition, Social Work, Business, Applied Computer Science
• Mount Allison University offers a competitive education in a small-town environment. In fact, the town of Sackville, where the university is located, is so small that the population almost doubles during the university semester. The student to teacher ratios are impressive, and the university is known for its hands-on, interdisciplinary approach. In 2014, Maclean’s Magazine ranked “Mount A” in the number one spot in the undergraduate category for the third year in a row.
  • Signature programs: Biology, Religious Studies, Chemistry, Drama, dual programs

• New Brunswick Community College, a decentralized college with six campuses, offers nearly 90 programs in over 15 distinct faculties. This community college is ideal for students looking for internships, co-ops, or practical component that will make them more marketable after graduation.
  • Signature programs: Trades, Business Administration, Civil Engineering, Hotel and Restaurant Management, Information Technology, Mechanical Engineering
• Founded in 1970, the Collège Communautaire de Nouveau-Brunswick is the largest French-language community college in New Brunswick, serving all Francophone and Acadian communities in the province. Its five campuses offer more than 90 programs in 16 training areas. The CCNB has the mandate to train students for future economic development in the region, which includes shipbuilding and the construction of a hydroelectric plant.
  • Signature programs: Textile Design, Photography, Aboriginal Visual Arts, Bachelor of Applied Arts

• New Brunswick has two well-regarded law programs, at the University of New Brunswick and Université de Moncton.
• As is the case across Canada, Engineering and Nursing are popular study programs. Liberal arts programs are also popular at the many small universities dotted around the province.
• In addition to the programs above, institutions across New Brunswick offer a broad range of programs.

Tuition for international students varies widely, depending on the institution and study program. International students in New Brunswick may expect to pay between $11,000 to $15,000 per year at a university, and around $12,000 per year at a college. Tuition may depend on the program of study, and can vary greatly between undergraduate and graduate level.

International students studying in Canada can apply for provincial health coverage after three months of residing in the province. International students will be required to provide proof of residence and full-time enrolment at a New Brunswick post-secondary institution.

In order to apply for a study permit, a potential international student must show that he or she has $10,000 in addition to tuition fees to cover living expenses in New Brunswick. This equates to $833 per month.

For an approximate estimation of living costs in New Brunswick, please see below.

International students in New Brunswick may have access to private loans on the same terms as Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Loans may be offered by banks, student organizations, or other groups. It is important to properly research loan options, and understand the interest and repayment plans, before committing to any contract.

Many organizations and institutions may offer scholarships or bursaries to international students studying in New Brunswick. For more information, students are encouraged to contact the international student services department of their institution.

Graduate programs in particular often have funding options for students pursuing a Master’s or PhD program. It is important to contact the educational institution directly for more information.

• As a popular program across Canada, it is possible to study Engineering in several New Brunswick universities and colleges.
• The University of New Brunswick was the first Canadian university to introduce an Engineering program, in 1854. There are now seven undergraduate Engineering options available – Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Geological, Geomatics, Mechanical, and Software. It also has six graduate programs (Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Forest, Geomatics and Mechanical).
• New Brunswick Community College is also known for its Engineering programs — it offers eight full-time study programs with specializations within Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, and Power Engineering Technology
• Collège Communautaire de Nouveau-Brunswick offers Building and Civil Engineering programs in French, as well as several related programs and specializations.

• As a popular program across Canada, it is possible to study Computer Technology and related programs in several New Brunswick universities and colleges.
• The University of New Brunswick, Mount Allison, and Université de Moncton all offer Computer Science programs.
• New Brunswick Community College offers nine Information Technology programs, with specializations such as Gaming, Business Analysis, and Quality Assurance Testing.

• As a popular program across Canada, it is possible to study Nursing and related health programs in many New Brunswick universities and colleges.
• The University of New Brunswick offers a popular Bachelor of Nursing and Advanced Standing Bachelor of Nursing program. Courses are framed in the perspective of philosophical approaches to nursing techniques, as well as practical experience.
• Université de Moncton offers undergraduate and graduates nursing programs in French.
• Collège Communautaire de Nouveau-Brunswick offers 13 French-language programs in nursing and healthcare. New Brunswick Community College offers eight healthcare-related programs, including Practical Nursing.

STEM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. While careers in STEM fields are popular, there is no specific program entitled “STEM” in a New Brunswick college or university. Prospective students are encouraged to research programs in their particular area of interest.

Employment in the finance, insurance, real estate, rental and leasing, wholesale and retail trade, and manufacturing sectors grew between June 2015 and September 2016. The healthcare and social assistance sector is also a major employer in the province. New Brunswick has committed to increasing immigration due to a shortage of skilled workers in the province. International students with a degree or diploma from a New Brunswick institution may be increasingly desirable to local businesses after graduation.

Graduates from a DLI in New Brunswick may apply for the Post-Graduation Work Permit after graduating from an eligible study program.

The New Brunswick Express Entry Labour Market Stream is a direct route to Canadian permanent residence. Candidates who have at least 12 months full-time (or an equal amount in part-time) paid skilled work experience in New Brunswick in the three years before the application is submitted are considered priority candidates. One of the best ways to access the professional labour market in New Brunswick is to graduate from a college or university in the province and then obtain a Post-Graduation Work Permit.

International graduates with a job offer may also be eligible for the Skilled Worker with Employer Support stream of the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program. New Brunswick accepts applications under this category from individuals who have received a full-time, permanent job offer from a New Brunswick employer.

International graduates may also pursue an application for permanent residence through the federal Express Entry immigration system. Candidates for immigration to Canada who has completed their education at a school in New Brunswick may be awarded points on account of their high level of education. Moreover, international graduates of Canadian educational institutions may have obtained important Canadian work experience, another highly valued factor under the Express Entry system.

Like much of Canada, New Brunswick has warm summers and cold winters. Summer temperatures usually do not rise has high as elsewhere in the country, and coastal locations have milder climates.

Though English speakers outnumber French speakers, New Brunswick has a sizable francophone minority and is an officially bilingual province. This gives prospective international students opportunities to study in either or both of Canada’s official languages. Moreover, universities in the province retain an international focus, with partnerships with other institutions throughout the world.

New Brunswick presents an urban living environment without the hustle and bustle — not to mention living costs — of a sprawling metropolis. Fredericton, Saint John, Moncton and Dieppe are all renowned centres of higher education.

With the province’s recent commitment to bringing in more economic immigrants, international graduates may find a smooth path to permanent residence through New Brunswick.

• Fredericton, the province’s capital, is a hub for government services, educational institutions, and the military.
• Moncton is the largest city in New Brunswick by area. Its air and rail connections have helped to establish the city as a significant commercial, trade, and distribution centre.
• Saint John, a port town with some heavy industry, is the most populous city in New Brunswick. Since the closure of the shipbuilding industry in 2003, the city has begun developing the tourism, education services, and information technology sectors.