Address all application materials and inquiries concerning admissions to:
Admissions Office
Mount Saint Vincent University
166 Bedford Highway
Halifax, Nova Scotia
B3M 2J6
Phone: 902-457-6117
Fax: 902-457-6498
E-mail: admissions@msvu.ca
Applications are completed online –
A non-refundable application fee must accompany the application and only applications accompanied by the fee will be processed.
Current fees are listed on the Undergraduate Application Form.
For September 2023 Entrance
Education program – January 27, 2023
Entrance scholarship candidates – March 1, 2023
International undergraduate applicants – June 16, 2023
Domestic undergraduate applicants – August 8, 2023
For January 2024 Entrance
International undergraduate applicants – August 1, 2023
Domestic undergraduate applicants – December 1, 2023
For May 2024 Entrance
International undergraduate applicants – December 1, 2023
Domestic undergraduate applicants – April 1, 2024
For September 2024 Entrance
Education program – January 26, 2024
Entrance scholarship candidates – March 15, 2024
International undergraduate applicants – May 1, 2024
Domestic undergraduate applicants – August 1, 2024
Note: All application dossiers must be complete (transcripts, supporting documents, and the application fee) and received in the Admissions Office by the deadline dates listed above. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the dossier materials are sent in support of the application.
All documentation must be submitted in English. If the original document is not available in English, the document must be translated by a certified or approved translator prior to submission. The translated document and the original or certified copy of the original document must be submitted to the Admissions Office.
High School Applicants
Applicants for admission from high school must submit a completed application, the application fee, and have an official transcript of the high school record forwarded directly from the high school to the Admissions Office.
Previous Post-secondary Study
Applicants who have previously attended another post-secondary college or university and those attending while making an application to the Mount may be eligible for transfer credits. Applicants must submit official documents of all previous academic work regardless of whether they are seeking recognition of transfer credits for a particular program. Students who fail to declare prior study or to supply such documentation may be denied admission to the University or be dismissed upon subsequent discovery.
Mature Admission
Students who have been out of the high school system for a period of time may be considered for admission on an individual basis. Please refer to section 2.1.4.3 Mature Admissions Policy for the complete policy.
Possession of the minimum entrance requirements listed below does not guarantee admission to the University. In addition, admission to a specific program does not guarantee admission to all programs offered. Additional program requirements are given after basic entrance requirements are described.
The University may consider, on an individual basis, any applicants who do not possess the formal requirements but who may be otherwise qualified for admission.
Degree programs are described in terms of the number of units required. A traditional full-time study pattern is to complete 5.0 units per academic year, thus a 15.0 unit program could be described as “three year”; a 20.0 unit program as “four year” and so forth.
When grade XI and XII are used below, they refer to Nova Scotia high school grade-level courses or to their equivalencies as determined by the Admissions Office.
Students admitted from high school or CEGEP may transfer a maximum of 5.0 units from the Advanced Placement Program (AP), the International Baccalaureate program (IB), or from CEGEP.
Applicants from Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland, Ontario, Western Canada and the Territories
Students with acceptable high school completion may be admitted to a 15.0 unit (three year) degree in arts or science, or to a 20.0 (or more) unit (four year) degree in arts, science, applied human nutrition, business administration, child and youth study, public relations, or tourism and hospitality management.
Acceptable high school completion for entrance to Mount Saint Vincent University is defined as high school graduation with the following:
In the case of students applying from Ontario, a combination of U Level and M Level courses will be considered as “university preparation” courses.
In addition to the general admission requirements, individual programs have specific requirements, as listed below.
Students who are interested in pursuing programs which require mathematics components and/or statistics are recommended to complete Grade XI and XII academic or advanced mathematics. Please consult individual program and degree descriptions for specific mathematics requirements.
High School Applicants from Quebec
Quebec students will be accepted for basic entrance upon completion of at least one year (12 credits) at CEGEP. Students with at least 24 CEGEP credits will be admitted with the possibility of up to 5.0 units of transfer credit. Students from private schools in Quebec can be admitted following the successful completion of their grade XII year.
Advanced Placement Program (AP)
Mount Saint Vincent University participates in the Advanced Placement Program administered by the College Board (Princeton, New Jersey).
Upon presentation of Advanced Placement credentials, students may receive up to a maximum of 5.0 units of transfer credits for Advanced Placement Examinations provided that they have achieved grades of 4 or 5.
Please review full listing of courses acceptable for transfer.
International Baccalaureate (IB)
Mount Saint Vincent University welcomes applicants holding the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma. Students enrolled in the IB program may receive transfer credits for a maximum of 5.0 units for a combination of the following:
International Baccalaureate (IB) transfer credits table (PDF)
Students receiving transfer credit for IB courses are advised to contact the departments or academic advising to determine the effect of those credits on their plans for future study and their career goals.
Please review full listing of courses acceptable for transfer.
International applicants are expected to have completed a preparatory program that leads to university entrance in their own country. Applications are considered on an individual basis. Applicants should have achieved considerably better than minimum passing standards in their university preparatory work. Possession of minimum entrance requirements does not guarantee admission to the University. Applicants can review country specific admissions requirements here.
Language Requirements
If an applicant’s first language is not English, official reports with acceptable scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Training Systems (IELTS), the CanTest, the Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB), or the Canadian Academic English Language Test (CAEL) must be submitted. Applicants who do not verify their ability to undertake studies in English by submitting such test scores will not be offered admission.
Applicants who meet our admission requirements but whose English skills do not meet language requirements are referred to one of the several language schools in Halifax for assessment.
The following table indicates the English language requirements for international student admission to Mount Saint Vincent University:
English language requirements for international student admission table (PDF)
University Bridging Program
This program allows students with near proficient English to begin their university studies while completing their academic preparatory language training. Students will attend 180 hours of English for Academic Purposes (EAP) instruction while taking one Mount Saint Vincent University course. Successful completion of the program allows students to go on to full-time university studies in the following term. View further information on the Bridging Program.
Under the Mature Student Category, admission may be granted to students who have not completed the formal requirements for their program of choice.
All students accepted to the University under the Mature Admissions Policy will be required to consult with an academic advisor prior to registering for courses.
Application to the University may be made under the following options:
With High School Diploma
Students who have graduated from high school but lack the required grade average and/or course requirements may apply for admission three years after graduation. The following documentation is required:
• High school transcript;
• Detailed résumé outlining previous education and work experience.
Note: Courses may be prescribed as a condition of admission.
Without High School Diploma
Students who did not graduate from high school may apply for admission five years after their last year in school. The following documentation is required:
• High school transcript or GED scores;
Note: Upgrading courses may be prescribed as a condition of admission.
Mature students lacking the specific admissions requirements or specific program prerequisites for their preferred program, will be admitted either:
• to the program of choice conditionally by permission of the department; or
• to the Bachelor of Arts General Studies program by alternate offer.
Conditional Admission
Students admitted conditionally must complete assigned program prerequisites within the first academic year (12 months from start of courses).
Bachelor of Arts General Studies – General Admission
Students admitted to the Bachelor of Arts General Studies program, upon successful completion of the courses required for admission purposes, may apply to the Registrar’s Office for a change of program to the program of their choice.
Note: Students admitted under the Mature Student category are not eligible for transfer credits. Students wishing to be considered for transfer credits must apply through the Transfer Student Admission category.
Seniors’ Policy
The University does have a seniors’ policy that provides for a fee discount to seniors who qualify under the policy. The permission of the instructor is required during the regular session and in some cases, prerequisites may also be waived. For more information, please contact the Admissions Office.
General University Entrance Requirements for Applicants Transferring from Other Institutions
Failure to disclose all previous post-secondary study at the time of application may result in dismissal from the University.
Admission to some programs may require specific prerequisites and/or academic average levels. See 2.1.6 Additional Admission Requirements for further details.
Non-degree status is intended for students who wish to take courses without being enrolled in a degree program. Students entering the University under this status are not admitted formally to the University and are not registered as degree students.
Individuals who are accepted as non-degree students may complete up to five (5.0) units of undergraduate coursework without applying for formal admission to the University.
Admission Process
Conditions, Rules and Policies
Formal Admission to the University
Holders of University Degrees, Diplomas and Certificates (including previous credentials from the Mount)
A student who wishes to obtain a second undergraduate degree must fulfill the same conditions as a transfer student. See section 2.1.4.4 Admission Requirements for Transfer Applicants. If applicable, the student must also complete a major different from that of the first degree and a minor according to the regulations of the particular degree program.
A student who holds a Mount Saint Vincent University degree must complete a minimum of 50 percent of the requirements for a certificate or diploma above and beyond the credits counted toward degree requirements in order to receive the second credential. A student may progress from certificate to diploma to degree by fulfilling the stated requirements of the next higher credential. Previously earned credits will be applied as appropriate when such a sequence is followed.
In all cases, the student must apply for and receive the appropriate credential as soon as credential requirements are completed. University credentials are sequential. Therefore, a credential will not be awarded retroactively after another higher credential within the same program has been awarded.
In addition to the General Admissions Requirements, individual programs have specific requirements, as listed below.
Certificate in Accounting
This program is not open to students entering directly from high school. It is intended for persons only in business or allied fields or those with at least 5.0 units of university credit.
Certificate and Diploma in Business Administration
Entrance requirements for the Certificate and the Diploma in Business Administration programs are the same as for the Bachelor of Business Administration degree. Due to the sequencing of course prerequisites, it may not be possible to complete the certificate in one academic year or the diploma in two.
Certificate in Marketing
Entrance requirements for the Certificate in Marketing program are the same as for the Bachelor of Business Administration degree. Due to the sequencing of course prerequisites, it may not be possible to complete the certificate in one academic year.
Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership
Entrance requirements for the Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership program are the same as for the Bachelor of Business Administration degree. Due to the sequencing of course prerequisites, it may not be possible to complete the certificate in one academic year.
Certificate and Diploma in Tourism and Hospitality Management
Entrance requirements for the Certificate and the Diploma in Tourism and Hospitality Management are the same as for the Bachelor of Tourism and Hospitality Management degree. Due to the sequencing of course prerequisites, it may not be possible to complete the certificate in one academic year or the diploma in two.
Bachelor of Arts
Entrance requirements are as noted above with preference given to students with strong and well-rounded high school programs. See 2.1.4 Admission Requirements.
Students who are interested in pursuing a major in Psychology are required to complete grade XI or XII academic or advanced mathematics.
Students who are interested in pursuing majors in economics, mathematics or public policy studies are required to complete grade XI and XII academic or advanced mathematics.
Students interested in these programs but lack the required mathematics background may register in the Bachelor of Arts program and complete MATH 0027 to acquire the appropriate mathematics background for these majors.
Bachelor of Arts (Child and Youth Study)
In addition to the General Admissions Requirements, grade XI or XII academic or advanced mathematics is required. Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible to this program, as there are limits to the number of students who can be accepted in any one year. Qualified candidates will be accepted until the program is full. Child Abuse Register checks and Criminal Records checks will be made prior to the first practicum placement.
Bachelor of Business Administration
In addition to the General Admissions Requirements, grade XI and XII academic or advanced mathematics are required.
Bachelor of Education
This is a limited enrolment program and admission is highly competitive. Superior grades in a first undergraduate degree are a minimum requirement.
See further details here.
Bachelor of Public Relations
In addition to the General Admissions Requirements, applicants require a minimum grade of 75% in grade XII academic English. Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible to this program, as there are limits to the number of students who can be accepted in any one year. Qualified candidates will be accepted until the program is full. Applicants should have keyboarding skills to meet program requirements. This program requires three compulsory co-operative education terms in addition to 20.0 units of academic coursework.
Bachelor of Science
In addition to the General Admissions Requirements, grade XI and XII academic or advanced mathematics plus a minimum of one natural science are required. An additional science may be required, depending on choice of major. Students interested in a Bachelor of Science program but lack the required mathematics and science background may register in a Bachelor of Arts program and complete either MATH 1102 and 1103 or MATH 1113 to qualify for admission to the Bachelor of Science programs in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, or Psychology.
Bachelor of Science in Applied Human Nutrition
In addition to the General Admissions Requirements, grade XII chemistry, and one other science (Biology preferred); and grade XI and XII academic or advanced mathematics are required.
Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible to this program, as there are limits to the number of students who can be accepted in any one year. Qualified candidates will be accepted until the program is full. Health screening and immunizations are required prior to the first placement in a health facility.
Bachelor of Tourism and Hospitality Management
In addition to the General Admissions Requirements, grade XI and XII academic or advanced mathematics are required. This program requires three compulsory co-operative education terms or two work experience terms in addition to 20.0 units of academic coursework.
Mathematics
Please note that university-administered mathematics placement tests must be taken by all students intending to register for any 1000-level mathematics courses at the Mount. Completion of university-preparatory mathematics does not, by itself, satisfy specific course prerequisites.
Students wishing to make arrangements for accommodations should contact Accessibility Services, normally, within one month of acceptance to the University. Students registered with and who have provided to Accessibility Services (AS) the appropriate documentation will work with AS staff to identify and make arrangements for any required academic accommodations.
For more information, please visit Accessibility Services.
Audit students have been admitted to the University and may attend all lectures but are not required to write tests and examinations. The experience can be useful to introduce those who are not yet committed to credit studies, or who wish to acquire information without course credit. Audit fees are one-half of the credit fees. Formal application/registration as an auditor must be completed prior to attending any course. Complete the Registration/Application Form for Auditing Students. Please see Important Dates in the University Year for precise dates. Audited courses may not be transferred for credit upon admission to a program of study.
Students who intend to study at a professional school for degrees in such fields as architecture, dentistry, education, law, medicine, physiotherapy, social work, theology or veterinary medicine can take many preparatory courses at the Mount.
Students should read the calendars of the institutions that offer the programs to learn about admission standards, policies and specific prerequisites. The Student Academic Advisor can advise on which Mount Saint Vincent University courses are most appropriate.
Students must declare their major or general studies program as well as, concentrations and minors before they register for their sixth unit of coursework. Refer to section 2.2.5 Declaring a Major for the information on how to officially declare a major. Students may later change their major or general studies status, with the approval of the appropriate department. Not declaring a major or concentration may affect graduation.
(Certificates, Diplomas and Degrees)
Subject to the exclusions listed below, these principles shall govern the credentials awarded to graduating students who request to claim multiple credentials at the same convocation.
1. If a diploma or degree automatically satisfies all requirements for a lesser credential, only the highest credential is awarded at the time of graduation.
Principle (1) will apply to the following series of credentials:
Note: Students who chose to move from certificate to diploma to degree must claim the credential as soon as they complete the course requirements. In such cases, students must claim the certificate as soon as course requirements have been completed and then progress to the diploma. Likewise, students must claim the diploma as soon as course requirements have been completed and then progress to the degree.
2. If the requirements for a lesser credential can be satisfied within a higher credential by suitable choices of electives, the following rules shall apply:
2A. If the subject of the lesser credential can be recognized within the higher credential (as a concentration, major or option), only the higher of the credentials or the degree will be awarded. Students wishing to claim both credentials will be governed by the regulations for pursuing a second undergraduate credential and will be required to complete a minimum of 50 percent of the units required for the second credential in addition to the units required for the higher credential or degree.
Principle (2A) will provide for the following awards:
2B. When the higher credential or degree structure does not permit recognition of the subject of the lesser credential (as a concentration, major or option), both credentials can be awarded.
Principle (2B) will provide for the following awards:
Exclusions to the Principles Governing the Awarding of Multiple Credentials
The Certificate and the Advanced Certificate of Proficiency in French are intended to be completed in conjunction with a degree. In addition to the specific course requirements, these certificates include comprehensive examinations.
Academic Note: This web-based calendar information is applicable for the 2023-2024 academic year which runs from September 01, 2023 to August 31, 2024.
For information on previous years, please consult the University Academic Calendars web page.
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