Université Sainte-Anne

Founded 1890 | Church Point, NS

Sainte-Anne offers a range of degree, diploma and certificate programs and is profiled in both the Maclean’s Universities Guidebook and the Maclean’s Colleges Guide. To learn more about the school’s diploma programs, see the Colleges Guide profile

Université Sainte-Anne has served Nova Scotia’s Acadian and francophone populations for more than a century, developing an international reputation as a leader in French and French-immersion studies. Today, it educates students from across Canada and around the world. French is the official language of instruction, but Sainte-Anne also works to instill bilingualism, helping its students stand out among other Canadian university graduates. “Our students feel like they become part of a family, which results in an excellent rate of retention, and the rate of employment for our students after graduation is over 90 per cent,” says Allister Surette, who is wrapping up 13 years as rector.

Sainte-Anne has five campuses throughout Nova Scotia, as well as research centres including the Marine Research Centre, which is dedicated to the sustainability of marine sector industries in the region. The Acadian Centre holds important archival material, some of which dates back to the establishment of Acadians in the province. The main campus in Church Point (Pointe-de-l’Église) is located in the heart of the francophone region of Clare, near the scenic shoreline of St. Marys Bay. Hiking trails run through the woods and along the shore. Students can choose between 10 residences, each with its own style and traditions. Meanwhile, with two biomass furnaces, two 50-kW wind turbines, 275 solar panels and a free electric-vehicle charging station, Sainte-Anne claims to be the greenest campus in Canada.

Campus Buzz

Thanks to a new agreement with Acadia University, students can take language courses in Spanish and German at Acadia, while Acadia students can gain exposure to the French language, literature, and culture by taking courses at Sainte-Anne. 

Standout Programs

• Integrated French Immersion: Students in most programs can pursue their degrees while earning credits taking courses in French as a second language.

• Education: The employment rate for students in this program is nearly 100 per cent. Specializations are available in elementary and high school teaching, as well as French as a first and second language.

• Health Sciences Preparatory Diploma: This two-year program prepares students for a career in the medical field, providing a background in biological sciences, chemistry, math and physics. Grads can apply to medical school or continue their studies in many bachelor of science programs.

Tuition (includes compulsory ancillary fees)

$8,627 ($9,910 out-of-province students)

Minimum Entering Grades

Arts: 73.9% | Science: 78.7% | Commerce: 76.3%

Student Body

Undergraduates: Full-time: 525 | Part-time: 72

Graduates: Full-time: 7 | Part-time: 28

International Students: First-year: 25%

Housing Facts

Residence Spaces: 260 (first come, first served)

Residence Costs: Double room with meals: $10,613 | Single room with meals: $11,139 | Apartment-style: $6,119 to $6,584

Cool Courses

• Introduction to Viticulture and Oenology: Students learn about grape growing and winemaking with an emphasis on wine production in cold climates.

• Comics: Students explore the genre, particularly French works aimed primarily at an adult audience.

Student Life on Campus

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