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Admission guidelines for international students

How to apply for admission

Applications for admission may be made on application forms and sent by fax or regular mail, or they may be submitted online at: https://central.acadiau.ca/apply/application

  • All applications must be supported by official copies of all high school transcripts and other records of academic work.

  • Transcripts should be certified by the school and should either be sent to Acadia directly from the school or sealed in an envelope and given to the student to send. Certified transcripts acceptable to Acadia will be used as a basis of admission.

  • Admission requirements differ depending on the student's educational system. We review all applications from international students individually.

  • Applicants for admission from another university or college must have an official transcript sent directly from that institution for evaluation.

  • Transfer credits may be given for individual courses that are applicable to the intended undergraduate degree program of study. Course descriptions must be included with the transcripts.

  • In order to obtain a Study Permit, application materials must be evaluated and an offer of admission must be made. When the offer of admission has been made, a letter will be issued, which is required to obtain a Study Permit.

To view a list of admission requirements for specific International countries (A-Z) click here.

Specific program admission guidelines

  • Applied Science (Engineering) – Precalculus Mathematics. Chemistry is required for the certificate program (applicants without Chemistry will be considered on an individual basis). Physics recommended.

  • Biology – Academic or Precalculus Mathematics and Chemistry (applicants without Chemistry will be considered on an individual basis).

  • Business Administration – Academic or Precalculus Mathematics.

  • Chemistry – Precalculus Mathematics and Chemistry (applicants without Chemistry will be considered on an individual basis).

  • Computer Science – Precalculus Mathematics.

  • Economics – Academic or Precalculus Mathematics.

  • Environmental Geoscience – Academic or Precalculus Mathematics and Chemistry (applicants without Chemistry will be considered on an individual basis).

  • Environmental Science – Academic or Precalculus Mathematics and Chemistry (applicants without Chemistry will be considered on an individual basis).

  • Geology – Academic or Precalculus Mathematics and Chemistry (applicants without Chemistry will be considered on an individual basis).

  • Kinesiology - Academic or Precalculus Mathematics.

  • Mathematics – Precalculus Mathematics.

  • Music – Grade VI level for all programs other than performance; Grade VIII for instrumental and vocal performance. Students are admitted directly to Music based on an audition.

  • Nutrition – Academic or Precalculus Mathematics and Chemistry (applicants without Chemistry will be considered on an individual basis).

  • Physics – Precalculus Mathematics. Physics recommended.

  • Psychology (BSc program only) – Academic or Precalculus Mathematics

Other Admission Guidelines

  • Minimum overall average of 70%.

  • Auditions are required for the Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Music Therapy programs.

English requirements

English is the language of instruction at Acadia. If a student's first language is not English, he or she must supply results of an English language proficiency test to be considered for admission to a degree program. The minimum scores required are:

  • IELTS - 6.5

  • MELAB - 80

  • Cambridge First certificate in English - aggregate grade of C or better

  • TOEFL* - 580 in paper-based testing or 237 in computer-based testing or 90 in Internet-based testing (for undergraduate applications). Only TOEFL scores sent directly from the Educational Testing Service to Acadia will be accepted. Acadia's number for submission is 0901.

If a student has studied in an English medium of instruction for three years, the language proficiency requirement may be waived.

Student in high school in Canada whose first language is other than English may have to submit a language proficiency test.

Students who do not meet our English requirements but are academically admissible, may receive an offer of admission allowing them to begin academic studies upon successful completion of our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program. For more information visit Open Acadia.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

A limited number of entrance scholarships are available; to be eligible, students need a minimum overall average of 85% or an A standing. The application for admission, complete with supporting documents must be received before March 1. Scholarships will cover only a portion of the total fees. Other types of financial assistance, including scholarship support based on financial need, are not available. Students must be able to demonstrate adequate financial resources (at least $23,000 per year at Acadia) before a Study Permit will be issued by Immigration Canada. Entrance scholarships are normally awarded for the fall semester only.

An international community

Recognized as one of the best undergraduate universities in Canada, Acadia University is home to more than 600 international students from over 60 different countries each year. With the support of a full-time international student advisor, an orientation program, a host family program, a buddy program, English as a second language tutoring and international student clubs, students soon feel comfortable in their new surroundings. The Wong International Centre provides a place for international and Canadian students to meet, to promote communication and to plan cultural activities. Visit the International Centre on the web!