Welcome to the Mount!

Starting your journey at Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU) is an exciting step, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Whether you’re arriving for the Fall, Winter, or Summer term, our International Student Orientation is designed to help you feel at home, get settled, and succeed at MSVU.

Our orientation programs combine practical information, essential services, and engaging, social activities to give you a strong start. You’ll connect with other international students, meet MSVU staff, and learn everything you need to know about living and studying in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

 

MSVU Summer 2026 International Student Orientation

We are now preparing the MSVU Summer 2026 International Student Orientation for new international students arriving in Halifax.

Summer 2026 MSVU International Orientation Registration

 

Get a head start on your MSVU adventure!

We designed our Pre-Arrival Webinars and Workshops to instill confidence and preparedness before your arrival in Canada. You’ll get important tips, resources, and answers to your questions about life at MSVU.

Pre-Arrival Webinars: Get Ready for Life at MSVU

 

Become a Volunteer for the International Orientation!

Are you passionate about welcoming new students and helping them feel at home on campus? Join our team of volunteers for International Orientation!

Please let us know if you’re interested in volunteering by emailing international@msvu.ca.

 

Nova Scotia ID

Apply for your NS ID at an office of Access Nova Scotia (the link goes to the website of the NS government).

Required documents:

  1. Your passport (must be original!)
  2. A color copy of your passport information page (the page with your full name and photo)
  3. A second piece of your ID can be any of the following:
    • MSVU student ID
    • Credit or debit card with your full name and your signature
    • Government-issued ID in English with your photo and full name
    • Health Card with name and signature
  4. Print, fill out, and bring with you the Photo Identification Card Form (must be a hard copy!)

Fee: Pay with a credit card or a Canadian debit card on site. No Cash!

Social Insurance Number (SIN)

A Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a must if you need to work in Canada and when you file a tax return. You can apply for it in one of the following ways:

  1. At Service Canada’s booth at the Halifax International Airport when you arrive in Halifax (look for signs in the arrivals area);
  2. Go in person to a Service Canada Centre in the city.
  3. Online

(The links above go to the websites of the Federal Government of Canada).

Required documents:

  1. Your passport (must be original!)
  2. Your MSVU student ID (or your MSVU acceptance letter if at the airport upon your arrival)
  3. Your Study Permit and your Co-op Work Permit (If you have both, bring both, but if you don’t have a Co-op Work Permit, please only bring your Study Permit.)

Fee: No.

Important tasks to complete

We highly recommend taking the following steps.

Courses Registration Support

Undergraduate Students

The Centre for Academic Advising and Student Success is here to assist you with course registration.
Please email advising@msvu.ca and include the following details:

  • Your full name
  • Your MSVU student number
  • Your program of study

Graduate Students

To register for courses, please reach out directly to your program advisor. You can obtain their contact information on your Graduate Data Form, which we emailed to you along with your MSVU Letter of Acceptance. If you’re unable to locate the form, you may contact the administrative assistant of your faculty or academic department. Their contact information can be found on the Mount’s Contact Us page.

Incoming Exchange Students

All exchange students must receive prior approval for the courses they intend to take at MSVU. Please contact our International Partnerships Coordinator, Mr. Mahx Mason, at global@msvu.ca for guidance.

Register For On-Campus Residence Life

Apply to live on campus.

Check out the ultimate residence packing list!

Do you have questions about living on campus? Email residence@msvu.ca

Attend the MSVU General Orientation

No matter where you’re coming from or how you got here, there’s a place for you at MSVU.
Orientation is your opportunity to get to know your new university, meet new people, make friends, and discover what it truly means to be a Mystic!

We’ve teamed up with the Mount Saint Vincent University Students’ Union to bring you a vibrant lineup of social events and info sessions designed to be both fun and informative. It’s a wonderful way to connect with fellow students in your program and across campus.

All new and returning MSVU students are welcome! Most events don’t require registration, but be sure to verify the details for any exceptions.