International Students: Here's Why You Should Choose Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia is known for its ocean views, a landscape that rivals Scotland’s, and a lively student population. For international students curious about whether the province is the right place to study, here’s everything you need to know about student life.

What Does Living in Nova Scotia Feel Like?

Geography

One of the country’s Maritime Provinces, Nova Scotia is part of Canada’s Appalachian Region with a landscape that includes rock formations, beaches, and valleys.

Weather and Climate

Nova Scotia has a continental climate similar to Scotland and experiences cold Canadian winters and mild to warm summers with frequent rain.

Large Cities

The largest cities in Nova Scotia are:

• Halifax - The capital city of the province and the largest municipality in Atlantic Canada, Halifax is situated in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq People. Halifax has the world’s second-largest natural harbour and is known for its seafood and lively culture.

• Cape Breton - Sydney - The largest centre on Cape Breton Island, Cape Breton - Sydney is in Mi’kma’ki. It is known as the island’s hub and for its proximity to the world-famous Cabot Trail.

• Truro - Located in central Nova Scotia, Truro is located in Mi’kma’ki, and is known for its access to the world-renowned Bay of Fundy.

• New Glasgow - Located in Mi’kma’ki, this commercial centre of Northeastern Nova Scotia is recognized for its rich Scottish culture.

• Glace Bay - Located on Cape Breton Island in Mi’kma’ki, Glace Bay is referred to as Industrial Cape Breton.

What Are Notable Schools in Nova Scotia for International Students?

Maclean’s Top University rankings for 2023, based on factors regarding students, reputation, faculty, student support, and resources, have identified these schools as the top universities in Nova Scotia:

• Dalhousie University - 15th for Best Overall, 12th for Highest Quality, 17th for Most Innovative, and 21st for Leaders of Tomorrow. Dalhousie is Atlantic Canada’s leading research-intensive university focused on innovation and academic excellence and is part of the U15 Group of Canadian Research Universities.
  
  

  

• Acadia University - 33rd for Best Overall, 29th for Highest Quality, 39th for Most Innovative, and 38th for Leaders of Tomorrow. One of Canada’s oldest liberal arts universities with a reputation for its academics.
  
  

  

• St. Francis Xavier University - 34th for Best Overall, 31st for Highest Quality, 41st for Most Innovative, and 40th for Leaders of Tomorrow. Offering intimate, quality academics focused on personal development, global awareness, and social justice.
  
  

  

• Saint Mary's University - 36th for Best Overall, 34th for Highest Quality, 40th for Most Innovative, and 32nd for Leaders of Tomorrow. A former Catholic university, Saint Mary’s is recognized for its business and chemistry programs.
  
  

  

• Mount Saint Vincent University - 45th for Best Overall, 45th for Highest Quality, 46th for Most Innovative, and 49th for Leaders of Tomorrow. Known for its key role in advancing research in healthy ageing, Alzheimer's disease, food security, literacy, and childhood development.
  
  

  

• Cape Breton University- 46th for Best Overall, 47th for Highest Quality, 44th for Most Innovative, and 46th for Leaders of Tomorrow. Known for its economic development and sustainability programs, and Indigenous learning leadership.
  
  

  

Other popular schools and colleges in Nova Scotia for international students include:

• Nova Scotia Community College - With 13 campuses across the province, Nova Scotia Community College offers 140+ programs for practical hands-on training and education through a unified education system focused on career success.

• Nova Scotia College of Art and Design - A public art university dedicated to advancing art, design, and visual culture. It is one of the oldest independent cultural institutions in Canada.

• East Coast Language College/Oxford International - IELTS Venue - Offers small class sizes accommodating any English language skill level and program pathways that support international student learning.
  

How Much Does it Cost International Students to Study in Nova Scotia?

Costs for studying will vary depending on the Nova Scotia university or college you choose, but as of 2022-2023, undergraduate students in Nova Scotia typically pay $9,328 for tuition, which is 36% higher than the Canadian average.

Demographics

Nova Scotia has a population of 969.3K and is Atlantic Canada’s most populous province. Halifax is considered the region’s biggest economic centre and is a multicultural hub with the highest percentage of new immigrants and non-permanent residents compared to other Atlantic provinces and other large Canadian cities like Montreal and Victoria. 80% of new immigrants in Nova Scotia live in Halifax.

There are 93.4K visible minorities in Nova Scotia. The largest visible minority groups are South Asian, Chinese, Black, and Filipino.

Nova Scotia has over 12,000 international students from more than 140 different countries.

What Can Tourists Do in Nova Scotia?

If you decide to study in Nova Scotia, don’t miss these top places to visit:

1. Halifax Citadel National Historic Site - Consisting of four fortifications, the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site offers a beautiful, scenic view of the Halifax Harbour.

2. Halifax Public Gardens - 16 acres in size, Halifax Public Gardens is considered one of the finest surviving Victorian gardens in North America.

3. Maritime Museum of the Atlantic - The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic is the biggest and oldest maritime museum in Canada and houses over 30,000 artifacts.

4. Cape Breton Highlands National Park - Boasting breathtaking cliff views and rolling highlands, this national park is the place to take in ocean scenery akin to Scotland.

5. Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 - This museum showcases a crucial part of Canadian history, offering a glimpse of what life was like for the nearly 1 million immigrants that arrived in Canada via Halifax’s seaport.

What is Nova Scotia’s Job Market and Local Economy Like?

Nova Scotia saw a 5.2% increase in job growth from January 2022 to January 2023, equating to an additional 24,800 jobs. As of March 2023, the province’s labour market is the largest it’s been, with unemployment falling from 6.8% to 5%. The national unemployment average is 5.2%.

Here is an overview of the Nova Scotia job market and local economy:

Regions With Largest Employment and Job Opportunities

• Halifax

• Primary industries: Agriculture, mining, and natural gas extraction.

• Cape Breton

• Primary industries: Agri-food and aquaculture, tourism, energy, transportation, and arts and culture sectors.

Top 5 Industries Offering Employment in Nova Scotia

The industries in Nova Scotia with the highest job opportunities are:

1. Sales and services - 6,100 jobs

2. Trades and transportation - 4,300 jobs

3. Business, finances, and administration - 4,200 jobs

4. Education, law, government, social and community services - 4,100 jobs

5. Management - 3,200 jobs

Top Job Skills Sought by Employers in Nova Scotia

Image Source: https://explorecareers.novascotia.ca/sites/default/files/2021-03/CareersinNS-English-WEB%20FINAL-ua.pdf

How Do International Students Apply for Permanent Residence After Studying in Nova Scotia?

An average of 6,400 people become permanent residents in Nova Scotia (2015-2022), with 11,900 people receiving permanent residency in 2022.

If you’d like to immigrate to Nova Scotia, there are several streams you can qualify for through the Nova Scotia PNP (Provincial Nominee Program):

• International Graduate Entrepreneur - For recent university or college graduates who own a business that has been in operation for at least a year.

• International Graduates In Demand - For recent graduates with skills and education that satisfy in-demand occupations as identified by the province.

• Skilled Worker - For foreign workers or recent graduates with in-demand skills.

• Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities - For applicants that meet provincial labour market needs.

• Labour Market Priorities for Physicians - For physicians who have received an approved offer from the Nova Scotia Health Authority or the IWK Health Centre and a letter of interest from Labour, Skills and Immigration.

• Physician - For general practitioners, family physicians, and specialist physicians to assist market demand for public health authorities.

• Entrepreneur - For business and senior business managers who own a new business or buy an existing business and are responsible for its day-to-day management.

• Occupations in Demand - For individuals with a full-time job offer from province-identified industries with high labour demand.

• Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry - For highly-skilled individuals who have been working in a province-identified industry for at least one year.

Study and Stay Nova Scotia: For International Postsecondary Students

Study and Stay Nova Scotia is a 10-month program for international postsecondary students in their final year who wish to stay in the province. Its mandate is to improve access to the tools, resources, and connections that help create a strong foundation for life in Nova Scotia.

It’s operated by EduNova, a cooperative education industry association with members such as Dalhousie University and Nova Scotia Community College.

It offers these career development opportunities and resources:

• Intercultural/Professional Communication

• Career Supports

• Networking

• Employer Connection Development

• Community Integration

• Mentorship

• Access to Immigration Supports

• Entrepreneurship

Immigration Fraud

Take advantage of your International Student Centre’s resources and educate yourself on immigration fraud. Remember, if you receive urgent demands for money or private information, don’t act immediately. Contact Immigration Services at once.

Study in Nova Scotia as an International Student

We hope this guide has been helpful in solidifying whether this province is a good fit for international students.

If you are looking for more guidance and information on studying in Canada as an international student, IDP Education Canada’s counsellors are here to help (and it’s free)! From fine-tuning your application to choosing the right courses, get your questions answered. Book a chat here.

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