Mount Saint Vincent University
Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU), affectionately known as "The Mount," is a primarily undergraduate university in Halifax, Nova Scotia, with distinctive strengths in education, professional studies, and women-centered research. Founded in 1873 by the Sisters of Charity, MSVU has evolved from a women's college into a co-educational institution while maintaining its commitment to women's advancement and community engagement. Enrolling approximately 4,000 students, MSVU offers an intimate academic environment with average class sizes of 25-30 students. The university is recognized nationally for its education programs, applied human nutrition, public relations, and child and youth study programs. MSVU holds the distinction of housing Canada's only Master of Arts in Women and Gender Studies offered primarily online. The Bedford Basin campus overlooks Halifax Harbour, providing stunning maritime scenery within a supportive community atmosphere. The university's size enables close faculty-student relationships and personalized advising uncommon at larger institutions. International students comprise approximately 15% of enrollment, contributing to campus diversity. MSVU's research profile emphasizes applied scholarship addressing social issues, particularly those affecting women, families, children, and communities. Research centres include the Centre for Women in Business, Centre for Research on Aging, and the Institute for Women, Gender and Social Justice. Faculty involve undergraduate students in research projects, providing valuable mentorship. The university offers flexible programming including evening courses, online options, and accelerated pathways supporting non-traditional students balancing work and family responsibilities. MSVU's continuing education division serves professionals seeking credentials in tourism, public relations, and applied arts.
- Acceptance Rate
- 65.0%
- SAT Range
- 1050–1250
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.25
- Size
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- Tuition (In-State)
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Student Life & Environment
Campus life at the Mount has the character of a small school where social circles overlap. The student center provides gathering space, the dining hall becomes a social hub, and residence buildings house communities that form lasting friendships. With only 4,000 students, the campus never feels crowded or anonymous. Student organizations cover typical interests: academic clubs, cultural groups, volunteer organizations, and athletic teams. The Varsity athletics compete in ACAA against other Maritime universities, with basketball and soccer drawing campus attention. Intramural sports provide participation opportunities for non-varsity athletes. Housing is available on campus for first-year students and others who secure rooms. Residences range from traditional dormitory style to apartment units. Many upper-year students move to apartments in Halifax, where rental costs challenge student budgets. The bus ride downtown takes about 20 minutes, connecting campus to the broader city. The international student community has grown significantly, changing the cultural makeup of campus. Student services have expanded to support adjustment, language development, and connection to Canadian culture. Cultural organizations celebrate traditions from students' home countries. The integration of international and domestic students remains an ongoing process. Halifax itself provides urban amenities within a manageable city. The waterfront, restaurants, and music scene offer entertainment. The Maritime winter requires adjustment for those from warmer climates, but the cozy atmosphere and community events help people through the dark months.
Location & Surroundings
Halifax is the largest city in Atlantic Canada, home to about 400,000 people in the metropolitan area. The city built its identity on the harbour, which remains active with shipping, ferries, and naval operations. The downtown core mixes historic buildings with modern development, all oriented toward the waterfront. Mount Saint Vincent's campus sits in the Bedford area, on the slope above the basin that extends from Halifax harbour. The elevated position provides views but also means hilly walks between buildings. The surrounding neighborhood is residential and suburban in character, different from downtown Halifax's urban density. Getting around Halifax depends on buses for those without cars. The transit system connects major areas but runs less frequently than larger cities. Many students find cars useful, especially for grocery shopping and winter mobility. Cycling works for warmer months on routes that avoid the steepest hills. The climate is Atlantic maritime, meaning mild temperatures moderated by ocean influence. Winters are grey and damp rather than extremely cold, though snow accumulates. Summers are pleasant, rarely hot. Fog rolls in from the ocean, particularly in spring. The weather encourages indoor community-building during long winters. Living costs in Halifax have risen but remain below Toronto or Vancouver levels. Rent consumes the largest budget share, with off-campus apartments ranging widely based on location and quality. Groceries and entertainment are reasonably priced. The smaller city means fewer expenses on transportation and entertainment compared to major urban centers.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Tuition at Mount Saint Vincent runs approximately $9,000 to $10,000 annually for Canadian students and roughly double for international students. These figures place the Mount in the middle range for Canadian universities. Program-specific fees add to base tuition for fields requiring labs or special resources. Living costs in Halifax require budgeting around $12,000 to $15,000 annually for residence, food, and basic expenses. Off-campus living can cost less with shared housing and careful budgeting. International students must demonstrate sufficient funds for study permits, covering tuition plus living expenses. Scholarships and awards support students at entry and throughout their programs. Entrance scholarships recognize high school achievement. In-course awards support continuing students. Bursaries assist those with demonstrated financial need. International student scholarships are limited but available for exceptional applicants. Career outcomes connect closely to program choice. Education graduates find teaching positions in Nova Scotia and other provinces, though job markets fluctuate with enrollment projections. Nursing graduates enter healthcare systems with strong demand for qualified nurses. Business graduates compete for positions in Halifax's corporate and government sectors. The cooperative education option builds professional experience that strengthens resumes. Students complete paid work terms with employers, sometimes leading to post-graduation job offers. Career services assist with job search strategies and connects students with alumni networks in various fields. Graduate school applications from Mount students succeed when prepared carefully. Faculty write recommendation letters and support applications. Students aiming for competitive programs build research experience and strong academic records during undergraduate years.
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