Acadia University is a public university located in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Canada. Founded in 1838, it is one of Canada's oldest universities and is known for its strong undergraduate education, personalised learning environment and close student-professor interaction.
The university offers more than 200 degree combinations across Arts, Pure and Applied Sciences, Professional Studies and Theology. Students can also benefit from co-op opportunities, experiential learning, research projects, study-abroad opportunities and a wide range of extracurricular activities.
Acadia's 250-acre campus is situated in the university town of Wolfville, approximately one hour from Halifax and Halifax Stanfield International Airport. The university has around 3,500 students from Canada and more than 50 countries, creating a diverse and welcoming student community.
With an average class size of around 28 students and a student-to-professor ratio of 15:1, Acadia provides students with opportunities to receive individual attention and build strong relationships with faculty. The university also offers a range of scholarships, residence options, student services and campus activities to support students throughout their studies.
Acadia University is recognised as one of Canada's leading primarily undergraduate universities. In the 2026 Maclean's University Rankings, Acadia University is ranked #3 among primarily undergraduate universities in Canada.
Key Rankings & Statistics
- Canada Ranking: #3 among primarily undergraduate universities — Maclean's 2026
- National Reputation Ranking: #27 in Canada
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio: Approximately 15:1
- Average Class Size: Approximately 28 students
- Founded: 1838
- Campus Size: Approximately 250 acres
- Students: 3,500+
- International Students: Students from 50+ countries
- Degree Options: 200+ degree combinations
- Alumni: 46,000+ worldwide
Acadia's relatively small class sizes and strong student-professor interaction provide students with a personalised academic experience. The university is particularly recognised for its undergraduate teaching, student support, research opportunities and campus community.
Rankings and statistics may change annually. Students should check the latest university and ranking publications before making an application decision.
University Courses
Acadia University welcomes applications from students from Canada and around the world. Admission requirements vary depending on the programme and the applicant's educational background.
Undergraduate Admission
For students from India, the general admission requirement is a Higher Secondary Certificate with a minimum overall average of 60%. Some programmes may have additional subject-specific requirements.
English Language Requirements
International students whose first language is not English may need to demonstrate English proficiency. For undergraduate admission, Acadia accepts several tests, including:
- IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall, with no band below 6.0
- TOEFL iBT: 90 for tests taken before January 21, 2026
- Duolingo English Test: 115 overall, with no subscore below 90
- CAEL: 70 overall, with no subscore below 60
- PTE Academic: 61 overall, with no subscore below 60
Students who have completed three years of education in an English-medium institution may qualify for an English-language requirement waiver.
Application Requirements
Applicants generally need to provide:
- Completed online application
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Proof of English language proficiency, where required
- Programme-specific documents, if applicable
- Application processing fee
The current international undergraduate application fee is CAD $40.
Application Deadline
Students can apply to Acadia after September 16. Applicants who want to be considered for entrance scholarships should submit their application by March 1.
Graduate Admission
Graduate admission requirements vary by programme. Applicants generally need an honours degree or a four-year bachelor's degree from an approved university. Acadia's general graduate requirement is a minimum 2.67/4.0 GPA or 70% in the major courses taken during the last two undergraduate years, although individual programmes may have additional requirements.
For graduate applicants, Acadia currently requires IELTS Academic 7.0 overall with no subscore below 6.5 for tests taken after January 21, 2026. Other accepted English tests and programme-specific requirements may apply.
Note: Admission requirements and deadlines can vary by programme and may change each academic year. Students should check the specific programme requirements before applying.
Acadia University offers a range of scholarships, bursaries and awards to help students manage the cost of their education. International students can apply for entrance scholarships and other financial support based on academic achievement, financial need and eligibility criteria.
Scholarships for International Students
Eligible international undergraduate students can receive initial entrance scholarship offers ranging from CAD $2,000 to $10,000 over four years. Acadia also offers other scholarships and scholar-bursaries worth up to CAD $80,000 over four years.
Key Scholarship Information
| Scholarship Type | Award |
|---|---|
| Initial Entrance Scholarships | CAD $2,000–$10,000 over 4 years |
| Other Scholarships & Scholar-Bursaries | Up to CAD $80,000 over 4 years |
| Scholarships, Bursaries & Awards Available | $8+ million annually |
How to Apply
International students who want to be considered for entrance scholarships should submit their admission application and complete the required scholarship forms through their applicant portal by March 1. Scholarship offers are generally communicated after admission, with initial offers made around the admission process.
Other Financial Support
Students can also explore:
- Entrance scholarships
- Academic awards
- Scholar-bursaries
- Need-based bursaries
- Departmental scholarships
- External scholarships
- Awards and prizes
Acadia currently reports more than $8 million in scholarships, bursaries and awards available to students.
Note: Scholarship amounts, eligibility criteria and deadlines can change each academic year. Students should check the latest Acadia University scholarship information before applying.
Studying at Acadia University involves tuition, university fees, accommodation, food, health insurance, books and other personal expenses. International students should plan their finances carefully before starting their studies.
Tuition & University Fees
For the 2026–27 academic year, international undergraduate students taking a full course load of 24–33 credit hours pay approximately CAD $28,466.86 per year, including tuition and the listed university and student fees.
For international graduate students, fees vary by programme. For 2026–27, the university lists approximately:
- One-year graduate programme: CAD $27,625.50 total
- Two-year graduate programme: CAD $19,906.82 per year
- Graduate programme per 3-credit course: CAD $5,273.22 including listed fees and health/dental costs
Accommodation & Food
Students living on campus should budget separately for residence and meal plans. Acadia's 2026–27 meal plans start at approximately CAD $6,338 per academic year. Accommodation costs vary depending on the residence and room type.
Other Living Expenses
International students should also plan for:
- Books and study materials
- Transportation
- Mobile phone and internet
- Clothing and personal expenses
- Health and dental expenses
- Entertainment and other day-to-day costs
The total cost of living will depend on the student's accommodation choice and personal spending habits.
Working While Studying
Eligible international students may be able to work while studying in Canada, subject to the conditions of their study permit and current Canadian immigration rules. Students should not rely on part-time employment as their primary source of funding for tuition and living expenses.
Payment Schedule
For the 2026–27 academic year, Acadia lists the following payment deadlines:
- Fall Term: September 9, 2026
- Winter Term: January 11, 2027
The university states that fees are divided between the Fall and Winter terms, while medical and dental fees are payable in September.
Financial Planning
Before enrolling, international students should prepare enough funds to cover:
- Tuition and university fees
- Accommodation
- Food and meal plans
- Health insurance
- Books and supplies
- Travel and transportation
- Personal expenses
- Emergency funds
Acadia also provides financial-aid resources and guidance for students exploring funding options.
Note: Tuition, accommodation and other university fees can change each academic year. Students should check Acadia University's latest fee schedule before making financial plans.
Acadia University offers on-campus accommodation for students in a variety of residence buildings and room types. The university has 11 residences, with options ranging from traditional residence halls to newer accommodation styles. Residences are located close to classrooms, laboratories, the library, gym and dining facilities.
On-Campus Accommodation
Acadia residence accommodation generally includes:
- Furnished rooms
- High-speed internet
- Heat, electricity and water
- Laundry facilities
- Access to common areas
- Resident Assistant support
- 24-hour on-call security
- Convenient access to campus facilities
Residence contracts generally cover the academic year, and students can choose from different room types depending on availability.
Room Options
Students can choose from several accommodation types, including:
- Single Room
- Deluxe Single Room
- Double Room
- Single Room in a Suite
- Super Single Room
Rooms typically include a bed, desk, chair, storage space and other basic furniture. Suite-style accommodation provides private bedrooms with shared living or bathroom facilities.
Residence Fees 2026–27
For the September 2026–April 2027 academic year, selected residence fees include:
| Residence | Room Type | Annual Fee (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Chase Court | Single Room | $8,980 |
| Chase Court | Deluxe Single | $10,085 |
| Chase Court | Single in Suite | $10,545 |
| Chipman House | Single Room | $8,980 |
| Chipman House | Deluxe Single | $10,085 |
Residence fees vary according to the building and room type. Acadia states that residence prices are subject to change.
Meal Plans
A meal plan is required for students living in residence. For 2026–27, meal plans start at approximately CAD $6,338 per academic year, depending on the selected plan.
Accommodation for International Students
Acadia provides additional support for international students. Students starting in Fall 2026 receive a CAD $2,000 residence discount per year for up to four years, subject to the university's conditions. The discount applies only to on-campus residence accommodation.
Acadia also states that international students are guaranteed a place in on-campus residence for the duration of their studies.
How to Apply for Residence
Students who have been offered admission should apply for residence as early as possible. For the 2026–27 academic year, students complete the residence application through the Acadia Student Residence Portal.
The application requires:
- A one-time CAD $50 non-refundable application fee
- A CAD $500 non-refundable room deposit
- Selection of a meal plan
- Completion of the residence agreement
The $500 room deposit is applied towards the student's residence fees. Room selection takes place in May, with selection times generally assigned according to when completed applications and deposits are received.
Off-Campus Accommodation
Students who prefer to live outside university residences can explore private accommodation in Wolfville and surrounding communities. However, on-campus residence is a convenient option for students who want to stay close to classes, campus facilities and student activities.
Overall: Acadia University provides a range of furnished on-campus accommodation options, convenient campus access and dedicated residence support. For international students beginning in Fall 2026, the residence discount and accommodation guarantee can make on-campus living a particularly attractive option.
