About the university
St. Francis Xavier University (StFX) is a public university in the small town of Antigonish, Nova Scotia. It calls itself one of the oldest universities in Atlantic Canada and is known for teaching quality, small classes and its X-ring, which graduates wear.
StFX is mainly an undergraduate university, with business (Gerald Schwartz School of Business), science, arts, nursing and education faculties. It also runs a small group of graduate programmes, including a two-year Master of Applied Computer Science with an optional eight-month paid co-op.
Indian students mostly look at StFX for its two-year post-baccalaureate diplomas for graduates of any discipline, in Data Science, Enterprise IT Management, Digital Marketing, Business Studies and Accounting Studies, each with an optional co-op term, and for four-year BBA and BSc degrees. Maclean's 2027 placed StFX 2nd in Canada for reputation among small universities.
Antigonish is a small town in Nova Scotia, far from big-city job markets, so expect fewer part-time jobs than in Halifax or Toronto. StFX has a large choice of on-campus residences with meal plans, which makes the first year easier to plan.
- Type
- Public, primarily undergraduate university in Nova Scotia
- Reputation
- 2nd in Canada for reputation, small university category (Maclean's 2027, as quoted by StFX)
- Student satisfaction
- 92% of first-year students satisfied or very satisfied (Canadian University Consortium First Year Survey 2025, as quoted by StFX)
- Intakes
- Undergraduate: September and January (no January entry to competitive programmes). Post-baccalaureate diplomas and graduate: September
- International tuition (2026-27)
- CAD 22,100 a year for most bachelor's degrees and post-baccalaureate diplomas (tuition plus International Student Fee)
- Application fee
- CAD 100; a CAD 2,500 confirmation fee is due on acceptance
Rankings
Maclean's University Rankings (small university category, as quoted by StFX) 2027
2nd in Canada for reputation
Popular courses with Indian students
- Postgraduate
Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Data Science
- Fee / year
- C$22,100
- Duration
- 2 years (60 credits); co-op available
- Intakes
- September (apply by 30 May 2027)
- English
- English test needed if English is not your first language; scores not shown on the programme page
- Postgraduate
Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Enterprise IT Management
- Fee / year
- C$22,100
- Duration
- 2 years; optional 4-month paid co-op
- Intakes
- September (apply by 30 May 2027)
- English
- IELTS 6.5 with no band below 6.0 (stated on the programme page)
- Postgraduate
Master of Applied Computer Science (MACS)
- Fee / year
- C$17,230
- Duration
- 2 years full time (course-based); optional 8-month paid co-op
- Intakes
- September (international deadline 1 May 2027)
- English
- IELTS 6.5 with no band below 6.0 (preferred test)
- Postgraduate
Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Digital Marketing
- Fee / year
- C$22,100
- Duration
- 2 years (48 credits); optional 4-month paid co-op
- Intakes
- September (apply by 30 May 2027)
- English
- IELTS 6.5 with no band below 6.0 (stated on the programme page)
- Postgraduate
Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Business Studies
- Fee / year
- C$22,100
- Duration
- Post-baccalaureate diploma for degree holders; see the programme page for length
- Intakes
- September (apply by 30 May 2027)
- English
- See the programme page
- Postgraduate
Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Accounting Studies
- Fee / year
- C$22,100
- Duration
- Post-baccalaureate diploma for degree holders; see the programme page for length
- Intakes
- September (apply by 30 May 2027)
- English
- See the programme page
- Undergraduate
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
- Fee / year
- C$22,100
- Duration
- Four-year bachelor's (BA or BSc)
- Intakes
- September (apply by 30 May 2027); January
- English
- English test needed if English is not your first language; scores not shown on the programme page, check with Admissions
- Undergraduate
Bachelor of Science in Data Science (Major or Honours)
- Fee / year
- C$22,100
- Duration
- Four-year bachelor's; co-op available
- Intakes
- September (apply by 30 May 2027); January
- English
- English test needed if English is not your first language; scores not shown on the programme page, check with Admissions
Fees for international students
| Course | Duration | Fee / year (CAD) | Approx. in rupees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Data Science | 2 years (60 credits); co-op available | C$22,100 | ≈ ₹14.8 lakh |
| Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Enterprise IT Management | 2 years; optional 4-month paid co-op | C$22,100 | ≈ ₹14.8 lakh |
| Master of Applied Computer Science (MACS) | 2 years full time (course-based); optional 8-month paid co-op | C$17,230 | ≈ ₹11.5 lakh |
| Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Digital Marketing | 2 years (48 credits); optional 4-month paid co-op | C$22,100 | ≈ ₹14.8 lakh |
| Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Business Studies | Post-baccalaureate diploma for degree holders; see the programme page for length | C$22,100 | ≈ ₹14.8 lakh |
| Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Accounting Studies | Post-baccalaureate diploma for degree holders; see the programme page for length | C$22,100 | ≈ ₹14.8 lakh |
| Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | Four-year bachelor's (BA or BSc) | C$22,100 | ≈ ₹14.8 lakh |
| Bachelor of Science in Data Science (Major or Honours) | Four-year bachelor's; co-op available | C$22,100 | ≈ ₹14.8 lakh |
Fees are for international students for the entry year shown on each course page and can rise each year. Approximate exchange rates (based on ECB reference rates, March 2026). Actual rates on your payment date will differ.
Want a course shortlist with fees?Our counsellor will compare courses at St. Francis Xavier University with similar universities in Canada.
Scholarships
- First-year undergraduate
National Entrance Scholarships
Value: CAD 5,000 (85–89.9%), CAD 7,000 (90–95.9%) or CAD 12,000 (96%+), paid over four years
Eligibility: Automatic consideration for full-time first-year students with a final average of 85% or more. Listed as open to all students; confirm with StFX that this includes your board.
Official page (opens in a new tab) - First-year BBA
Schwartz National Scholars
Value: CAD 80,000 (CAD 20,000 a year for four years)
Eligibility: Open to all nationalities. Full-time first-year BBA students with at least 90%, leadership and service. Separate application.
Official page (opens in a new tab) - First-year undergraduate
Faye and David Huestis Family Foundation Scholarship
Value: CAD 5,000, one year
Eligibility: Open to all nationalities. Full-time first-year students with at least 85%, leadership and service.
Official page (opens in a new tab) - First-year undergraduate
StFX Alumni Association Scholarship
Value: CAD 2,000, one year
Eligibility: Open to all nationalities, minimum 80% average.
Official page (opens in a new tab)
Admission requirements
Undergraduate
- StFX accepts CBSE, CISCE (ICSE/ISC) and state board Secondary and Senior Secondary certificates.
- Minimum overall Class 12 average of 70%, with no required subject below 65%. Limited-enrolment programmes such as Nursing need more.
- BBA needs English and Maths; BSc (including Computer Science and Data Science) needs English, Maths (pre-calculus or calculus) and two sciences; Nursing needs English, Maths, Chemistry and Biology.
- International deadline for September 2027 is 30 May 2027; for January 2028 it is 30 September 2027.
Postgraduate
- Post-baccalaureate diplomas: a recognised bachelor's degree with a cumulative average of 70% or more; no business or IT background needed for Enterprise IT Management or Digital Marketing. Deadline 30 May 2027.
- Master of Applied Computer Science: a four-year degree in computer science (or equivalent courses, usually at least 12 CS courses) with a 70% average. A three-year Indian degree may not meet the four-year rule. Deadline 1 May 2027.
- Applicants to MACS must include an English test with the application.
Documents
- Valid passport
- Class 10 and Class 12 mark sheets
- Bachelor's transcripts and degree certificate (diplomas and master's)
- English test score if English is not your first language
- Application fee of CAD 100
Check if you are eligibleShare your marks and test scores and our counsellor will tell you which courses you can apply for.
English language requirements
| Test or route | Typical requirement |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0 for the Master of Applied Computer Science and the post-baccalaureate diplomas we checked |
| Undergraduate | An English test is needed if English is not your first language. StFX's programme pages do not list the scores, so confirm with Admissions. |
| English for Academic Purposes | StFX runs an EAP programme for students who need to improve their English. |
Accommodation and living costs
StFX has many residence halls on campus. Rates below are 2026-27 room costs for the whole academic year; residents must also buy a meal plan, and tenant insurance (CAD 85) is extra.
| Item | In CAD | Approx. in rupees |
|---|---|---|
| Double room (FX, MacIsaac, MacKinnon halls)2026-27, room only | C$6,635per year | ≈ ₹4.4 lakh |
| Single room (Cameron, FX, Bishops, Mount Saint Bernard halls)2026-27, room only | C$8,065–8,395per year | ≈ ₹5.4 lakh – ₹5.6 lakh |
| Single or double room in Governors, O'Regan or Riley Hall2026-27, room only | C$9,575–9,995per year | ≈ ₹6.4 lakh – ₹6.7 lakh |
| On-campus apartment (Power or Somers Hall)2026-27 | C$8,850per year | ≈ ₹5.9 lakh |
| Meal plan for residents350 meals, 415 meals or unlimited, each with CAD 400 dining credit | C$6,484–7,055per year | ≈ ₹4.3 lakh – ₹4.7 lakh |
Campus and location
StFX has a single residential campus in Antigonish, a small town in northern Nova Scotia.
- Small classes and a close campus community; graduates receive the StFX X-ring.
- Gerald Schwartz School of Business, with BBA majors and post-baccalaureate diplomas.
- Co-operative education options in many business, data and computing programmes.
- Immersion service learning trips abroad for interested students.
Careers and graduate outcomes
Several programmes Indian students choose, including MACS and the post-baccalaureate diplomas, have optional paid co-op terms. Check the PGWP rules in our Canada guide before choosing a programme.
| What | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| First-year students who would recommend StFX | 89% | Canadian University Consortium First Year Survey 2025, as quoted by StFX |
Studying in Canada
Visa rules, work rights and living costs apply to every university in Canada. Our country guide covers them in detail:
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FAQs
What does StFX cost for international students?
For 2026-27, most bachelor's degrees and post-baccalaureate diplomas cost CAD 22,100 a year in tuition and International Student Fee, or about CAD 24,958 with mandatory fees. MACS is CAD 17,230 a year (about CAD 20,088 with fees). 2027-28 fees were not yet published.
Can I join in January?
Yes for many undergraduate programmes: the international deadline for January 2028 is 30 September 2027. Competitive programmes do not take January entrants.
Which programme suits a graduate from India?
The two-year post-baccalaureate diplomas (Data Science, Enterprise IT Management, Digital Marketing, Business Studies, Accounting Studies) accept graduates with a 70% average from any background. MACS needs a four-year computer science degree.
Are there scholarships for Indian students?
Entrance scholarships of CAD 5,000 to 12,000 go to first-year students with 85% or more, and several application-based awards, such as the Schwartz National Scholars (CAD 80,000), are open to all nationalities.
What IELTS score do I need?
MACS and the diplomas we checked ask for IELTS 6.5 with no band below 6.0.
Sources
- StFX: home page (By the numbers, Maclean's 2027) (opens in a new tab)
- StFX: About (opens in a new tab)
- StFX: Programs (opens in a new tab)
- StFX: Tuition and fees 2026-27 (opens in a new tab)
- StFX: Master of Applied Computer Science (opens in a new tab)
- StFX: Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Enterprise IT Management (opens in a new tab)
- StFX: Data Science (opens in a new tab)
- StFX: Key dates and deadlines (opens in a new tab)
- StFX: High school admission requirements (opens in a new tab)
- StFX: Scholarships (opens in a new tab)
- StFX: University housing rates and fees (opens in a new tab)
- StFX: International agent resources (application and confirmation fees) (opens in a new tab)
Official website: www.stfx.ca (opens in a new tab)
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