Think Globally, Learn Locally at MSVU

 

Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU) is dedicated to being a leader in innovative teaching and impactful research, fostering the development of socially responsible global citizens. With a distinctive blend of passion, individuality, and purpose, MSVU creates a learning environment that drives meaningful social impact—locally, nationally, and globally.

Guide for Incoming Exchange Students

Admission Requirements

  • Average 73% on the numerical scale, or
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0
  • Completion of at least 2 semesters at home institution

If English is not your first language or the instruction language at your institution, please submit one of the following documents as your proof of English proficiency:

  • TOEFL iBT: 86 with no score below 21, or
  • IELTS 6.5 with no score below 6.0, or
  • CAEL 70 with no score below 60, or
  • other official documents may be considered upon request

Nomination

MSVU does not accept applications directly from applicants. Applicants must apply through the coordinating department responsible for exchange programs at their home institution. Your coordinator will email the following information to us at global@msvu.ca:

  • Nominee’s Full Name (Given Name and Family Name)
  • Nominee’s Date of Birth
  • Nominee’s Email
  • Nominee’s Program at Home Institution
  • Nominee’s Intended Term(s) at MSVU

Nomination Deadlines:

  • May 20 for Fall Semester (September – December)
  • Sep 20 for Winter Semester (January – April)
  • Jan 31 for the ELAP and SC scholarships (details down below on this page)

Application

Application Deadlines:

  • June 20 for Fall Semester (September – December)
  • October 20 for Winter Semester (January – April)
  • Feb 15 for the ELAP and SC scholarships (details down below on this page)

Tip: The sooner you submit your application, the better because the classes and campus residence become full very quickly. If you submit your application late, there will be very limited or no class and residence options for you.

Application Steps:

    1. the completed Application Form
    2. a scanned copy of your passport identification page
    3. a professional headshot (such as an ID photo)
    4. original transcript (in English)
    5. proof of English proficiency
    6. course descriptions (in English) of all the courses you will have completed in your home institution before your exchange at MSVU

Additional Requirements

All exchange students must register for a full-time course load, which ranges from 3 to 5 courses.

* Note that 5 courses would be the number of courses that a student would complete per semester if they plan to complete their degree on time. This means that 5 courses can be seen as equivalent to 30 ECTS.

*All course requests submitted are pending approval based on the following criteria:

  • Space in the class
  • Completion of any necessary prerequisites as evaluated by the course professor considering the request

Medical Insurance

Incoming exchange students are required to purchase the International Student Health Plan through MSVU upon their arrival.

The cost of the International Student Health Plan:

  • For a full academic year, please find the cost of the International Student Health Plan here (in “Non-refundable Fees”).
  • For one semester, the cost will be prorated.

Residence and Meal Plans

Students who would like to live on campus need to apply online: http://www.msvu.ca/residence.

The cost of room and board can be seen here.

When and How to Pay Your Fees

To find how much you need to pay, please log in to your myMount and check your balance after you have registered for classes.

Fees must be paid before the deadline in each semester. Usually, the deadline is the 7th day after classes begin. Please find the deadlines here.

International students are encouraged to pay fees via Convera or Wire Transfer if Convera doesn’t work for you. Or, if you study at MSVU for 1 academic year, you can open a bank account here and pay your fees via online banking. The International Education Centre will help you open a bank account after you arrive at the campus.

Course Selection and Registration

Instructions on Course Selection and Registration:

  1. Do not select course levels above your year of study. For instance, if you are in your 3rd year, please select courses at Level 3000 or below.
  2. Avoid online sections (unless there are no on-campus options).
  3. Avoid sections with some people on the waitlist.
  4. Do not choose sections for specific cohorts, such as the Bermudan Cohort or the JC Cohort.
  5. Do not select courses in the following programs:
    • Education
    • Graduate Studies (unless your institution has an agreement with MSVU)
    • Child Youth Studies (unless your institution has an agreement with MSVU)

Click here to Search for Courses (Please select “Advanced Search”)

Guide to Course Selection and Registration (PDF)

Grading Scheme and Transcript of Academic Record

Grading Scheme

The grading system is alphabetic, and the GPA points are given for each grade. Please find the details on the Grading Scheme in the Academic Calendar.

Transcript of Academic Record

Once you have received your final grades, you can request an official copy of your transcript. Please read the instructions on how to request an official copy of the transcript.

Services for Incoming Exchange Students

MSVU has a team of dedicated professionals who are ready to help when you need it. From the orientation for new international students, academic advising, physical and mental well-being, to counselling, our services are free of charge and available to incoming exchange students.

 

Study Permit, Visa or eTA

Study Permit Required or Not: If you study in Canada for less than 6 months, you will be eligible to study without a study permit. Otherwise, you will need to apply for a study permit. Click here to check (the link goes to the Canadian government’s website).

Visa (or eTA) Required or Not: It depends on what your nationality is. Click here to check (the link goes to the Canadian government’s website).

Processing Times of Application for Study Permit or Visa (eTA): Click here to check (the link goes to the Canadian government’s website).

Preparation for Your Travel to Canada:

If a Study Permit is NOT required for you to study in Canada, please visit https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid (the link goes to the Canadian government’s website). Otherwise, please also visit Arriving in Canada.

University Calendar

Please check the important days in the university year.

Arriving in Halifax

Halifax is the provincial capital of Nova Scotia. It is a major port city on the Atlantic Ocean and is one of the finest harbours in the world. It is closer to Europe than any other east coast port of call, while Toronto and New York are just two hours away from Halifax. With 8 post-secondary institutions in the Halifax Regional Municipality, we are home to 50,000 students each year. Halifax is considered Canada’s smart city! Learn more.

Connect with Us

Questions regarding nomination, application, and admissions for exchange students, please contact:

Mahx Mason
International Partnerships Coordinator
global@msvu.ca
+1 (902) 457-6199
Mount Saint Vincent University
International Education Center (SA101C)
166 Bedford Highway, Halifax, NS, B3M2J6
Canada

Questions regarding exchange agreements and policies, please contact:

Amy Braye
Manager, International Education Centre
amy.braye@msvu.ca
+1 (902) 457-6130

Instagram: msvu_global

Scholarships

Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP) Scholarships

EduCanada

The Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP) scholarships, granted by the Government of Canada via EduCanada, provide students from post-secondary institutions located in Latin America and the Caribbean with short-term exchange opportunities for study or research in Canadian post-secondary institutions at the college, undergraduate, and graduate levels.

Please visit EduCanada’s official website for detailed information on eligibility, Scholarship Value and Duration, Application Process, and Scholarship Conditions.

Note: Application for the 2025-2026 academic year is now open. Nomination deadline is Jan 31. Candidates are required to submit to global@msvu.ca all the Application Package and Forms listed above and the supporting documents required on the EduCanada’s official website by Feb 15, 2025.

Study in Canada (SC) Scholarships

EduCanada

The Study in Canada Scholarships is a Short-term Exchange Program under Global Affairs Canada’s International Scholarships Program. It aims to increase opportunities for Canadian post-secondary institutions to welcome international students from a wide range of countries and territories on short-term exchanges for study or research.

Please visit EduCanada’s official website for detailed information on eligibility, Scholarship Value and Duration, Application Process, and Scholarship Conditions.

Note: Application for the 2025-2026 academic year is now open. Nomination deadline is Jan 31. Candidates are required to submit to global@msvu.ca all the Application Package and Forms listed above and the supporting documents required on the EduCanada’s official website by Feb 15, 2025.