Information for International Applicants:
Disclaimer: Please note that Cape Breton University (CBU) cannot guarantee that students will be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) upon graduation. Eligibility for a PGWP is determined by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), and their regulations are subject to change. We strongly encourage all students to stay informed and regularly monitor the latest updates and policies provided by IRCC. For the most current information, please visit the IRCC website: IRCC Official Website.
Information on how to Defer to a Future Term
Please contact the Office of the Registrar and Admissions for more information:
email: Admissions@cbu.ca Or tel:(902) 563-1330
Studying in Canada as a minor (International Students) Age 16 and under
Mandatory:
Cape Breton University unfortunately does not act as a custodian for any international students.
If you do not have any relatives or close friends in Canada who could act as your custodian, it is best to arrange for a homestay.
Ages 17-18
Discretionary:
Custodian Requirement:
As of September 15, 2011, the custodianship requirement became discretionary for students between 17 years of age and the age of majority in the Canadian province or territory where they intend to study. In Nova Scotia, the age of majority is 19 years of age.
Important Links
Important information on Post-Baccalaureate Diploma Admissions
Applications for the Post-Baccalaureate Diplomas in Business Analytics, Business Management, Healthcare Management and Supply Chain Management are now closed for high-volume regions (India & Nigeria). Please email admissions@cbu.ca with any questions or concerns.
Program Change and Eligibility: Shannon School of Business Programs:
Post-Baccalaureate
Students are required to complete a minimum nine credits of study in their current program of acceptance in the Shannon School of Business, Post Baccalaureate Program before they can apply for a program change:
Program Change will only be approved when:
- Student meets all admission criteria
- There is seat availability
- Student is in good academic standing
- Student is in good financial standing
- Students are only eligible for one program change per academic year
- Students will need to be re-advised in their new program of study before they can register for classes
- No applications will be considered after:
- Oct 31 for the Winter Term (January Start)
- March 31 for Spring/Summer Session (May Start)
- July 31 for Fall Term (September Start)
Applications for new students will be given priority seats over students wishing to change programs.
Even if students meet students these requirements, there’s no guarantee that the program change request will be accepted.
Cape Breton University reserves the right, without liability or penalty and without notice, to make changes to its policies and offered services and programs, including alteration of fees, cancellation of particular courses and changes to financial policies including the Refund Policy. Every student accepted for registration in Cape Breton University shall be deemed to have agreed to any such changes, whether made before or after said acceptance. Please see Cape Breton University Academic Calendar
Country Based Requirements
UNITED STATES AND US BASED SYSTEMS
United States (US) and US Based Systems students who have successfully completed a high school university entrance program delivered in English, will be considered for admission. Such students must have completed five grade twelve subjects, including English, with an overall average of at least 65% for most programs. CBU program requirements for specific subjects and requirements for higher overall averages or specific course grades must also be met.
In addition, students must submit SAT results with a minimum score of 570 for Mathematics. Minimum scores required for Reading and Writing (combined) will be 610. Students whose first language is not English and who meet the standard outlined above, will not be required to provide further proof of English proficiency.
BRITISH BASED SYSTEMS (GCE AND GCSE)
Graduates from senior secondary school are required to have five GCE or GCSE subjects including English, with at least two subjects at the advanced level. A grade of C or higher is required in each course. Where CBU program admission regulations require specific subjects, these must be included among the five.
OTHER COUNTRIES
For most countries, CBU considers the same academic requirements that are required for university entrance in that country – that is, successful graduation from an academic secondary school program or equivalent.
English Language Proficiency
English is the primary language of instruction at Cape Breton University. It is essential that all students have an adequate knowledge in the areas of reading, writing, listening and speaking in the English language in order for them to be successful in their studies. While this policy outlines CBU’s English language proficiency requirements for the purposes of admission, it remains the responsibility of all students to ensure that their English is at a level of accomplishment necessary for their particular programs and specific requirements.
Applicants who meet Cape Breton University’s academic requirements, but who are not able to demonstrate English language proficiency at the time of application, may be offered a conditional admission. With an offer of conditional admission applicants can apply for a study permit (visa). However, until applicants have met the English language proficiency requirements they may not begin their university level studies.
Applicants whose first language is not English must provide documentation to show that CBU’s English language proficiency requirements have been met. Proof of proficiency may be provided by one of the following:
Previous Education in English:
- Successful completion of at least two years of academic instruction at a secondary institution, as recognized by Cape Breton University, where English is the primary language of instruction, or
- Successful completion of at least 30 credit hours (or equivalent) at a post-secondary institution, as recognized by Cape Breton University, where English is the primary language of instruction.
Official Testing Scores:
- TOEFL score of 550 (paper test), 213 (computer test), or 80 (internet test). www.ets.org
- IELTS score of 6.5 with no band below 6.0. www.ielts.org
- CAEL score of 60, www.cael.ca
- MELAB score of 85, www.melab.ca
- Pearson PTE (Academic) – score of 59, www.pearsonpte.com
- CanTEST score of 4.5 (reading & listening), 4.0 (writing) http://www.cantest.uottawa.ca/index.php.
- Duolingo English Test score of 115 for undergraduate programs, diplomas and certificates. Score of 120 for Master of Business Administration, Bachelor of Education and post-baccalaureate diplomas: https://englishtest.duolingo.com/home
*Scores can be uploaded to the CBU application portal directly from the testing language body.
English Language Training
Cape Breton University has partnerships with English language training institutions. Students who successfully complete one of these programs are deemed to have met CBU’s English language proficiency requirements without further testing required. Please visit our web site at www.cbu.ca/admissions for further information.
International Student Advisors
The International Advisors at Cape Breton University provide information and referral services in response to questions or problems international student may encounter during their adjustment to a new country and university. The advisors organize orientation and social programs for international students and encourage students to direct all questions related to immigration or visa concerns to their attention. The International Advisors’ offices are in the Learning Commons & Student Life Centre (B-110) located in the Marvin Harvey Building.
International Student Advisors :
Donalda Johnston-Roper,
tel: 902-563-1278 or
Email: Donalda_Johnston@cbu.ca
