About the university
Cape Breton University (CBU) is a public university on Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. It grew out of Xavier Junior College (1951), became the College of Cape Breton in 1974, gained university status in 1982 and took its present name in 2005. Today it has nearly 4,000 students from more than 60 countries.
CBU offers liberal arts, science, business, engineering technology, health and hospitality programmes, and a small group of professional master's degrees. It describes itself as a national leader in service learning, and its Shannon School of Business runs the MBA in Community Economic Development.
Indian students look at CBU for its 16-month master's degrees in Artificial Intelligence and Business Analytics, Digital Marketing and Healthcare Leadership, and for bachelor's degrees in business, engineering technology and hospitality with three intakes a year. Fees are lower than at most large Canadian universities.
The campus is near Sydney, a small city on the island's east coast. Living costs are lower than in Halifax or Toronto, but the local job market is small, so plan your finances and part-time work expectations carefully.
- Founded
- 1974 as the College of Cape Breton; university status in 1982; named Cape Breton University in 2005
- Type
- Public university in Nova Scotia
- Students
- Nearly 4,000, from more than 60 countries
- Intakes
- Bachelor's: January, May and September. Master's (AI and Business Analytics, Digital Marketing, Healthcare Leadership): September only
- International tuition (2026-27)
- About CAD 23,800 a year for bachelor's degrees; CAD 35,195 for each 16-month master's
- Campus
- Single main campus near Sydney on Cape Breton Island; also home to the new Cape Breton Medical Campus
Rankings
Popular courses with Indian students
- Postgraduate
Master of Artificial Intelligence and Business Analytics
- Fee / year
- C$26,396
- Duration
- 16 months (36 credits), in person; 420-hour internship or master's project
- Intakes
- September (Fall 2027 applications close 15 May 2027 for international students)
- English
- English test required if English is not your first language; see CBU's English language requirements (linked from the programme page)
- Postgraduate
- Fee / year
- C$26,396
- Duration
- 16 months (36 credits), in person; master's project with external partners
- Intakes
- September (Fall 2027 applications close 15 May 2027 for international students)
- English
- English test required if English is not your first language; see CBU's English language requirements (linked from the programme page)
- Postgraduate
Master of Healthcare Leadership and Innovation
- Fee / year
- C$26,396
- Duration
- 16 months (36 credits), in person; internship or master's project
- Intakes
- September (Fall 2027 applications close 15 May 2027 for international students)
- English
- IELTS Academic 7.0 overall, no band below 6.5
- Postgraduate
MBA in Community Economic Development
- Fee / year
- C$25,955
- Duration
- 2 years (48 credits), on campus; applied research project
- Intakes
- January; July; September
- English
- English test required if English is not your first language; see CBU's English language requirements (linked from the programme page)
- Undergraduate
Bachelor of Business Administration
- Fee / year
- C$23,794
- Duration
- 4 years (120 credits)
- Intakes
- January; May; September
- English
- English test required if English is not your first language; see CBU's English language requirements (linked from the programme page)
- Undergraduate
Bachelor of Engineering Technology
- Fee / year
- C$23,794
- Duration
- 3 or 4 years (a 2-year Diploma of Engineering Technology is also offered); streams include Chemical, Electronics & Controls, Manufacturing and Mechanical
- Intakes
- January; May; September
- English
- English test required if English is not your first language; see CBU's English language requirements (linked from the programme page)
- Undergraduate
Bachelor of Hospitality and Tourism Management
- Fee / year
- C$23,794
- Duration
- 3 years (90 credits), with two paid internships
- Intakes
- January; May; September
- English
- English test required if English is not your first language; see CBU's English language requirements (linked from the programme page)
- Undergraduate
Bachelor of Health Sciences – Public Health (Accelerated)
- Fee / year
- C$28,278
- Duration
- 2 years (72 credits) for applicants with a previous science degree or diploma; 4-year direct entry also offered
- Intakes
- January; September
- English
- English test required if English is not your first language; see CBU's English language requirements (linked from the programme page)
Fees for international students
| Course | Duration | Fee / year (CAD) | Approx. in rupees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Artificial Intelligence and Business Analytics | 16 months (36 credits), in person; 420-hour internship or master's project | C$26,396 | ≈ ₹17.7 lakh |
| Master of Digital Marketing | 16 months (36 credits), in person; master's project with external partners | C$26,396 | ≈ ₹17.7 lakh |
| Master of Healthcare Leadership and Innovation | 16 months (36 credits), in person; internship or master's project | C$26,396 | ≈ ₹17.7 lakh |
| MBA in Community Economic Development | 2 years (48 credits), on campus; applied research project | C$25,955 | ≈ ₹17.4 lakh |
| Bachelor of Business Administration | 4 years (120 credits) | C$23,794 | ≈ ₹15.9 lakh |
| Bachelor of Engineering Technology | 3 or 4 years (a 2-year Diploma of Engineering Technology is also offered); streams include Chemical, Electronics & Controls, Manufacturing and Mechanical | C$23,794 | ≈ ₹15.9 lakh |
| Bachelor of Hospitality and Tourism Management | 3 years (90 credits), with two paid internships | C$23,794 | ≈ ₹15.9 lakh |
| Bachelor of Health Sciences – Public Health (Accelerated) | 2 years (72 credits) for applicants with a previous science degree or diploma; 4-year direct entry also offered | C$28,278 | ≈ ₹18.9 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 Cape Breton University with similar universities in Canada.
Scholarships
- Undergraduate, entering from high school
Major Entrance Scholarships (Chancellor's, President's, Deans')
Value: Chancellor's CAD 30,000 (CAD 7,500 a year); President's CAD 20,000 (CAD 5,000 a year); Deans' CAD 10,000 (CAD 2,500 a year)
Eligibility: Open to Canadian and international students on academic grades; a limited number are offered. CBU calculates the average for international students. Apply after acceptance, by 1 March.
Official page (opens in a new tab) - Undergraduate
Other entrance scholarships
Value: CAD 500 to CAD 5,000 a year
Eligibility: Named awards assessed after review of applicants; check each award's criteria on the scholarships page.
Official page (opens in a new tab) - Undergraduate (not MBA)
Academic In-Course Scholarships
Value: CAD 300–500 per semester, depending on credits taken
Eligibility: Automatic for students with an overall average of at least 80% who take at least 9 credits and do not hold a renewable scholarship.
Official page (opens in a new tab)
Admission requirements
Undergraduate
- Class 12 with English, maths and three other academic subjects (engineering technology also needs two Grade 12 sciences). CBU asks for an overall average of 65% for most programmes.
- Three intakes a year. For Fall 2027, international applications open on 1 October 2026 and close on 15 May 2027; seats may fill earlier.
- The international undergraduate application fee is CAD 80.
Postgraduate
- The 16-month master's degrees need a four-year bachelor's degree (or equivalent) with a GPA of 3.0 (73–76%) or a B in the final 60 credits. Indian applicants with a 3-year degree should confirm eligibility with CBU first.
- The Master of AI and Business Analytics needs a degree in science, maths, computer science, business, economics or engineering, and a statistics course passed with at least 70%.
- The MBA in Community Economic Development needs a bachelor's degree with a 75% (B+) average, GMAT 500 or GRE 304, a statement, resume and three references.
- The graduate application fee is CAD 100.
Documents
- Valid passport
- Class 10 and Class 12 mark sheets; degree transcripts for master's programmes
- English test score (if English is not your first language)
- Resume, statement and reference letters (MBA)
- Provincial Attestation Letter and proof of funds for the study permit
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 |
|---|---|
| English tests | Required if English is not your first language. CBU lists accepted tests and scores on its English Language Requirements page, linked from each programme page |
| Master of Healthcare Leadership and Innovation | IELTS Academic 7.0 overall with no band below 6.5 |
| Conditional offers | Applicants below the requirement may receive an ESL conditional offer through a CBU English language partner school |
Accommodation and living costs
CBU has four residences on campus: Alumni Hall, Cabot Residence, Harriss Hall and MacDonald Residence, with apartments and single or double dorm rooms. Fees are charged per semester, and a meal plan is compulsory (its type depends on the residence). Most international students rent shared housing in Sydney.
| Item | In CAD | Approx. in rupees |
|---|---|---|
| Double dormitory room (Alumni Hall or MacDonald)Plus a compulsory meal plan | C$2,380–2,500per semester | ≈ ₹1.6 lakh – ₹1.7 lakh |
| Apartment (Alumni Hall or Cabot)Plus a CAD 500 declining-balance meal plan | C$3,610per semester | ≈ ₹2.4 lakh |
| Harriss Hall private dorm roomPlus the CAD 3,625 full meal plan | C$4,300per semester | ≈ ₹2.9 lakh |
| Full meal plan | C$3,625per semester | ≈ ₹2.4 lakh |
| Residence confirmation feeNon-refundable; plus a CAD 25 application fee | C$700one-off | ≈ ₹46,900 |
Campus and location
CBU's single main campus near Sydney holds teaching buildings, labs, residences and student services. The Cape Breton Medical Campus welcomed its second cohort of medical students in September 2026.
- Four on-campus residences with apartments and dorm rooms.
- Shannon School of Business, home of the MBA in Community Economic Development.
- Engineering technology labs for chemical, electronics, manufacturing and mechanical streams.
- International students must join the University International Health Plan when they register.
Careers and graduate outcomes
Several CBU programmes include internships: two paid internships in hospitality, and a 420-hour internship option in the Master of AI and Business Analytics. Post-study work rights depend on IRCC rules; see our Canada guide.
| What | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Internship in the Master of AI and Business Analytics | 420 hours (or a master's project) | CBU programme page |
| Internships in the Bachelor of Hospitality and Tourism Management | Two paid internships | CBU programme page |
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
How much are CBU's fees for Indian students?
For 2026-27 CBU estimates CAD 95,177.60 for a four-year bachelor's degree (about CAD 23,800 a year) and CAD 35,195.16 for each 16-month master's degree, excluding lab fees and accommodation.
When can I start at CBU?
Bachelor's degrees start in January, May and September. The 16-month master's degrees start in September only; for Fall 2027, international applications close on 15 May 2027.
Can I join a CBU master's with a 3-year Indian degree?
CBU asks for a four-year bachelor's degree or equivalent for its master's programmes. Check with CBU admissions whether your degree is accepted before you apply.
Does CBU give scholarships to international students?
Yes, for undergraduates. Major entrance scholarships such as the Chancellor's (CAD 30,000 over four years) are open to Canadian and international students based on grades. Apply after acceptance, by 1 March.
What does residence cost at CBU?
A double dorm room costs CAD 2,380–2,500 per semester and an apartment CAD 3,610 per semester, plus a compulsory meal plan.
Sources
- CBU: Tuition and fees (opens in a new tab)
- CBU: International application deadlines (opens in a new tab)
- CBU: Master of Artificial Intelligence and Business Analytics (opens in a new tab)
- CBU: Master of Healthcare Leadership and Innovation (opens in a new tab)
- CBU: MBA in Community Economic Development (opens in a new tab)
- CBU: Bachelor of Engineering Technology (opens in a new tab)
- CBU: Scholarships and bursaries (opens in a new tab)
- CBU: Residence and dining fees (opens in a new tab)
- CBU: Future students tuition and fees (opens in a new tab)
- CBU: About (opens in a new tab)
- CBU: History (opens in a new tab)
Official website: www.cbu.ca (opens in a new tab)
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