Studying in Newfoundland and Labrador 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 Memorial University of Newfoundland is the province’s one university. Often known simply as MUN, the university has a well-known tradition of learning by doing. As the school is located on the edge of the North Atlantic, that often means training and research in cold oceans and other harsh environments. More than 18,500 full and part-time students attend Memorial in both undergraduate and graduate studies, at four campuses including facilities in Essex, England. Memorial employs more than 2,200 faculty and staff and offers more than 100-degree programs through six faculties and six schools.

• Signature programs: Maritime Studies, Marine Management, Engineering, Business Administration

• The College of the North Atlantic is the province’s largest publicly-funded college. With more than 17 campuses across the province — and one campus in the gulf country of Qatar — College of the North Atlantic teaches and trains more than 25,000 students per year in almost 100 programs. Curricula are built around industry standards, and the college boasts some of the lowest tuition and highest graduate employment rates in the Atlantic Provinces.
  • Signature programs: Business Administration and Management, Health Informatics, Engineering Technology, Tourism and Hospitality
• Newfoundland and Labrador also host a number of private career colleges, which operate under the supervision of the Department of Education. A career college is a private institution that offers career-focused study programs, often in skilled trades. Prospective international students should note that certain diplomas at career colleges do not make the holder eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.

• Maritime studies are a specialty in Newfoundland and Labrador, largely due to the province’s geography and industry.
• The Memorial University of Newfoundland hosts the Maritime Training Centre, which is known for its expertise in maritime studies, marine management, and related environmental and engineering programs. It offers graduate programs in marine studies (including fisheries and resources management, and marine spatial planning and management) and maritime management, as well as undergraduate courses in oceanography.
• Other specialized Natural Resources programs are popular, at both the Memorial University of Newfoundland and the College of the North Atlantic.
• In addition to the programs above, institutions across Newfoundland and Labrador offer a broad range of programs.

• International students at the Memorial University of Newfoundland may expect to pay around $8,800 per year, although some study programs are more expensive.
• College tuition may vary according to institution and program, particularly between private and public colleges. International students at the College of the North Atlantic may expect to pay around $6,600 per year.

International students studying in Canada are required to purchase health insurance before landing in Canada. Often, this is organized through the post-secondary institution.

The Memorial University of Newfoundland and the College of the North Atlantic both offer health insurance plans for international students.

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 Newfoundland and Labrador. This equates to $833 per month.

The below is an estimate of living costs for 12 months for an international student in Newfoundland and Labrador. Costs such as health insurance, residence and meal plans are subject to change, and prospective students are advised to consult the desired institution for more information.

International students in Newfoundland and Labrador 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 Newfoundland and Labrador. 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.

• The Memorial University of Newfoundland unites theoretical learning and practical experience in a five-year Engineering undergraduate program. Key offerings include oil and gas engineering electives, which take advantage of Newfoundland and Labrador’s industry connections and geography.
• The College of the North Atlantic offers more than 20 engineering technology programs.

• The Memorial University of Newfoundland offers graduate and undergraduate Computer Engineering programs, with options for co-op work placements. Students may also pursue Computer Science and Software Engineering programs, with many interdisciplinary options.
• The College of the North Atlantic offers diplomas related to computer systems and networking.

Memorial University of Newfoundland and the College of the North Atlantic both offer nursing programs – a Bachelor of Nursing program and a Diploma in Practical Nursing program, respectively.

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 Newfoundland and Labrador college or university. Prospective students are encouraged to research programs in their particular area of interest. 

• As is the case across much of Canada, the Healthcare and Social Assistance sector is a major employer in the province, and job growth in this sector was significant between September 2015 and September 2016.
• Agriculture and natural resources management are traditionally strong industries in Newfoundland and Labrador, and many graduates enter this sector after pursuing specialized study programs in the province.
• Accommodation and food services is also a growing sector in the province.

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

The Newfoundland and Labrador International Graduate Category of the Newfoundland And Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) accepts applications from recent graduates of an eligible Canadian post-secondary institution who remain in Canada on a Post-Graduate Work Permit. Applicants must also have either a current job or job offer from a Newfoundland and Labrador employer and must be working in their field of study at the time of application.

International graduates may 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 Newfoundland and Labrador 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.

Due to its marine climate, Newfoundland and Labrador has mild temperatures year-round. Summers can reach the low 20s Celsius, with winter temperatures hovering around zero degrees Celsius.

Newfoundland and Labrador’s post-secondary institutions boast some of the lowest international student tuition fees in Canada.

For prospective students interested in trades, maritime, and natural resource professions, the specialized programs and local economy of Newfoundland and Labrador could be a good fit.

• Almost all of the province’s population lives on the island of Newfoundland. The capital city, St. John’s (not to be confused with the city of Saint John, New Brunswick) is the largest city, with roughly 215,000 inhabitants. Memorial University of Newfoundland‘s main campus and Marine Institute are both in St John’s.
• The province has two other cities, Corner Brook and Mount Pearl — although the island’s biggest town, Conception Bay South, has a greater population than both these cities. One of College of the North Atlantic’s campuses is located in Corner Brook.