Cape Breton University: A Haven For International Students?

Cape Breton University (CBU) is a public university located in Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada. It has a current enrolment of about 6,000 full-time and part-time students, of which around three-quarters are international, representing over 70 countries. CBU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including liberal arts, science, business, health, and professional courses. The university has a strong focus on experiential learning, providing internships, work placements, and research opportunities for its students. While CBU has received positive reviews for its academic programs, campus life, and student satisfaction, there have also been criticisms regarding its high proportion of international students, with concerns over academic integrity, housing infrastructure, and increased incidents of racism.

International student numbers: 7,000+ from 70+ countries

Cape Breton University (CBU) is a public university located in Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada. It was established in 1951 and currently has about 6,000 full-time and part-time students, with around three-quarters of them being international. CBU has a diverse and inclusive environment, with students from more than 70 countries worldwide. The university has consistently ranked high in student satisfaction, offering a range of courses in fields such as liberal arts, science, business, health, and professional studies.

CBU's international student population has grown significantly over the years, with a focus on international enrollment that has doubled the number of students since 2017. In 2023, total enrollment increased by 53.6% compared to the previous year, with 80% of students being international. This extreme shift towards international students has led to some challenges, including a rise in reported incidents of racism and criticism regarding a lack of housing and infrastructure.

Despite these issues, CBU remains a popular choice for international students due to its diverse program offerings, small batch sizes, state-of-the-art facilities, vibrant campus life, and picturesque setting. The university is committed to excellence in teaching and learning, providing undergraduate and graduate research opportunities, and excellent academic support. CBU offers more than 20 academic programs and 60 areas of study, including both undergraduate and graduate options.

The university also provides unmatched student support services to ensure students' success, with the largest investment in student services in Canada. CBU offers a range of scholarships and bursaries for international students, including entrance scholarships worth between CAD $2,500 and $10,000 based on academic merit. The campus offers safe and secure residence options, with a variety of accommodation choices to suit different needs and preferences.

CBU's international students benefit from a hassle-free visa process and affordable tuition fees, making Canada a sought-after study-abroad destination. The university's location on Cape Breton Island provides a spellbinding backdrop, adding to the enthusiasm of students pursuing their career dreams in a supportive and inclusive learning environment.

Student satisfaction: CBU ranks highly for happiness and academic achievement

Cape Breton University (CBU) is known for its student satisfaction and graduate employability. The university has consistently ranked high in student satisfaction, with some of Canada's happiest students and top academic achievers. CBU's ranking is 65th in Canada and #2578 in the world, according to EduRank. The university also ranked 1475 globally according to QS World University Rankings in 2022 and 208th in the US News & World Report Ranking for the same year.

CBU offers a comprehensive set of liberal arts, science, business, health, and professional courses to international students. The university has a strong emphasis on experiential learning and provides excellent student support services. CBU is also renowned for its strong community engagement and commitment to innovative education. The university has a diverse student body, with more than 7,000 students from over 70 countries, making the campus an exciting place to learn and fostering a vibrant campus life.

The university offers various degree programs across diverse disciplines, including undergraduate, graduate, and diploma degree courses. CBU provides unmatched student support to ensure students are set up for success, with the largest investment in student services in Canada. CBU's career job fair makes the career search easy and convenient for students. The university also has three safe and secure residence options on campus, offering a variety of accommodation options to suit different needs and preferences.

However, it is important to note that there have been some concerns raised by students regarding academic integrity and the conduct of a small number of international students. Some students have reported incidents of cheating and aggressive behaviour, which have impacted their overall experience at CBU. Nevertheless, CBU remains committed to excellence in teaching and learning, offering students key advantages such as a focus on meaningful, experiential learning, undergraduate research opportunities, and excellent academic support.

Course options: 20+ academic programs and 60+ areas of study

Cape Breton University (CBU) offers a wide range of academic programs and areas of study to cater to the diverse interests and career aspirations of its students, including international students. With over 20 academic programs and 60 areas of study, CBU provides a comprehensive education that prepares students for their future endeavours.

The university's academic programs are designed to offer a well-rounded curriculum that combines theoretical knowledge with practical, hands-on experiences. CBU is known for its emphasis on experiential learning, providing students with opportunities to apply their skills and gain real-world perspective. This approach enhances the overall educational experience and better prepares students for their future careers.

One of the standout features of CBU is its diverse program offerings. International students can choose from a range of disciplines, including liberal arts, science, business, health, and professional studies. Within these broad areas, students can specialise in fields such as psychology, development studies, mechanical engineering, and more. This variety ensures that students can pursue their academic passions and customise their educational journey according to their unique interests and career goals.

The School of Arts and Social Sciences, for instance, offers a rich array of options within the Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Arts Community Studies (BACS) programs. Students can select from 15 BA options, 12 BACS options, a diploma option, and 9 certificate options. Additionally, both the BA and BACS programs include an Honours option for those seeking advanced study. The School of Arts and Social Sciences also offers a minor in Gaelic, providing a unique opportunity to explore this distinctive language and culture.

CBU also offers undergraduate, graduate, and diploma degree courses, as well as online education, to accommodate different educational backgrounds and goals. The university's commitment to academic excellence is evident in its ranking as 65th in Canada and #2578 in the world, according to various sources. Furthermore, CBU's focus on student satisfaction and graduate employability makes it a desirable choice for those seeking a holistic education that prepares them for their future endeavours.

Campus safety: some female students have reported feeling unsafe

Campus safety is a critical aspect of the university experience, and it is concerning to hear that some female students at Cape Breton University (CBU) have reported feeling unsafe. CBU, located in Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada, has a large international student population, with around 1,000 students from over 40 countries, and approximately 7,000 students in total.

Some female students at CBU have shared their experiences of feeling unsafe on campus, fearing they may be followed or harassed. There have been reports of aggressive pursuit, stalking, groping, and harassment, which are completely unacceptable behaviours. These incidents have raised concerns about the well-being and security of female students on campus.

To address these issues, CBU should take proactive measures to enhance campus safety and security. This can include increasing security personnel and surveillance, improving lighting in parking lots and walkways, and conducting regular safety audits to identify potential risks. Additionally, the university should encourage an open dialogue about safety concerns and provide multiple channels for students to report incidents, ensuring that their voices are heard and their fears are taken seriously.

It is essential to foster a culture of respect and accountability, where all students, regardless of their background, feel safe and supported. The university should consider implementing educational programmes and awareness campaigns to promote gender equality, consent, and bystander intervention. Empowering students to look out for one another and report suspicious behaviour can create a safer campus environment.

Furthermore, CBU should offer support services specifically tailored to female students, including counselling, self-defence classes, and safety escorts. By providing additional resources and showing a commitment to their well-being, the university can help alleviate fears and empower female students to take an active role in their safety.

In summary, while CBU offers a diverse and inclusive environment with a wide range of academic programs, addressing campus safety concerns is crucial to ensuring that all students feel secure and supported during their time at the university.

Entry requirements: proof of English proficiency and academic transcripts

Cape Breton University (CBU) is located in Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada, and is known for its inclusive environment, diverse program offerings, and strong emphasis on experiential learning. The university offers a vibrant campus life and excellent student support services, making it a great choice for international students seeking a holistic education abroad.

When it comes to entry requirements, CBU has specific standards that applicants must meet, especially regarding proof of English proficiency and academic transcripts. Here are the detailed instructions for these requirements:

Proof of English Proficiency:

CBU requires international students whose first language is not English to provide documentation of their English language proficiency. The university has established minimum scores for various English language tests, and applicants must arrange to have their official test results sent directly to the university by the testing language body or uploaded to their CBU Future Student account. Here are the accepted tests and their corresponding minimum scores:

• TOEFL iBT (including iBT Home Edition): minimum overall score of 80 with no score below 20.
• IELTS Academic (including IELTS Indicator): minimum overall score of 6.5 with no band below 6.0.
• CAEL: minimum score of 60.
• MELAB: minimum score of 85.
• Pearson PTE (Academic): minimum overall score of 59 with no score below 50.

Academic Transcripts:

CBU requires applicants to submit official copies of their academic transcripts from all previously attended secondary and post-secondary institutions. If applicants are currently enrolled in secondary school, they must provide a transcript listing all completed courses and courses in progress. If they have completed their secondary studies, a final official transcript with senior-level courses and grades is necessary. For post-secondary education, official transcripts listing all completed courses and courses in progress, if applicable, are required from each institution attended. If the original language of the transcripts is not English, CBU mandates a notarized English translation to accompany the official document.

It is important to note that Cape Breton University reserves the right to require additional proof of language proficiency before granting permission to register for academic courses. Applicants are advised to submit their applications through the online portal at least three months before the desired course start date.

Frequently asked questions