Study in Halifax, Canada

About Halifax

Halifax is the capital of Nova Scotia, on Canada's Atlantic coast. Statistics Canada estimates the population of the Halifax census metropolitan area at 544,834 on 1 July 2025. EduNova, the province's international education association, describes the city as the economic centre of Atlantic Canada, with an economy driven by finance, technology, education and health care.

For international students, Halifax combines several English-language universities and a large public college within one compact harbour city. It suits students who want a mid-sized city on the coast rather than one of Canada's large metropolitan areas.

Studying in Halifax

Our directory lists six schools in Halifax. Most are universities, and teaching is in English:

• Dalhousie University was founded in Halifax in 1818. It has 13 faculties and, according to the university, 21,000 students from more than 115 countries.
• Saint Mary's University offers programmes in arts, science, business and graduate studies to more than 5,500 students from over 117 countries, according to the university.
• Mount Saint Vincent University dates back to 1873 and was established by women for the advancement of women. It has more than 4,000 students from close to 70 countries.
• The University of King's College describes itself as Canada's oldest chartered university. It is academically linked with Dalhousie, so its students can choose from more than 2,500 courses.
• NSCAD University teaches fine art, craft, design and film, with master's programmes in Fine Arts and Design.
• Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) offers career-focused training through a network of 14 campuses across the province, three of them in the Halifax area.

Political science, history and philosophy are among the subjects most often listed by the Halifax schools in our directory, alongside language courses and the arts.

Cost of living for students

Halifax Transit charges $3 for a single adult ride and $90 for an adult monthly pass, according to its fare table. Many students pay less through a U-Pass: at NSCC, full-time students at the three metro campuses automatically receive a U-Pass with unlimited access to Halifax Transit, which costs $197 for students starting in the fall term and is included in student fees. Universities run their own U-Pass arrangements, so check the details with your school.

No official figure for typical student rents in Halifax is published. EduNova warns that affordable housing is in short supply in Nova Scotia and advises students to start looking early: for the fall semester, the best time to find housing is between May and July. Universities publish the cost of their residences and meal plans on their own websites.

To study in Canada, most foreign nationals need a study permit for a designated learning institution (DLI); the application fee is CAN$150, according to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). During regular terms, students who meet the conditions can work off campus up to 24 hours per week.

Getting around and daily life

Halifax Transit runs buses and the harbour ferries between Halifax and Dartmouth, and its Regional Express routes link the city with Halifax Stanfield International Airport, the largest airport in Atlantic Canada. Maritime Bus connects Halifax with most towns in the province that have a college or university, which is useful for weekend trips or for students at NSCC's other campuses.

King's shares its neighbourhood with Dalhousie, and the main university campuses are on the Halifax peninsula, so many students walk or take the bus rather than owning a car. Winters on the coast are cold and snowy, so plan for warm clothing and check the weather before travelling.

Frequently asked questions

Which universities are in Halifax?

Our directory lists Dalhousie University, Saint Mary's University, Mount Saint Vincent University, the University of King's College and NSCAD University, as well as Nova Scotia Community College.

Are programmes in Halifax taught in English?

Yes. The universities and the college in our directory teach in English, so international students usually need to show their English level when they apply.

How much does public transport cost for students in Halifax?

An adult monthly pass on Halifax Transit costs $90. Full-time NSCC students at the metro campuses receive a U-Pass instead, which costs $197 for the fall start and is included in their fees.

Can international students work while studying in Halifax?

Students with a study permit who meet IRCC's conditions can work off campus up to 24 hours per week during regular terms.