Cape Breton University CBU offers Entrance Scholarships to incoming undergraduate students—both Canadian and international. Through the generous contributions of donors, $2.6 million in scholarships and bursaries are offered to students entering CBU each year. Students entering directly from high school are considered for Cape Breton University Scholarships based on their academic grades.
Major awards include Chancellor’s ($30,000 total), President’s ($20,000), Fitzgerald’s ($20,000), Schwartz’s ($14,000), W.M. Reid’s ($11,500), and Deans’ ($10,000)—paid over four years. No separate application is needed; admission plus strong grades earn automatic consideration. The deadline for entrance scholarships varies. INTERNATIONAL APPLICATION DEADLINES
University / Institution Overview
- Name: Cape Breton University (CBU)
- Place: Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Ranking: ~20th among primarily undergraduate Canadian universities (MacLean’s 2024)
- Programs: Undergraduate Program
- Duration:
- Undergraduate (BA, BSc, BBA, BEd, BScN, engineering diploma): typically 3–4 years
Study Fields:
- Advertisements
- Science
- Mathematics
- Communications
- Engineering
- Economics
- Environment
- Visual Studies
- Health
- Humanities
- Music
- Various
Cape Breton University Scholarships Benefits
- Chancellor’s scholarship: Total Amount $30,000
- President’s scholarship: Total Amount $20,000
- Dean’s’ scholarship: Total Amount $10,000
- Fitzgerald scholarship: Total Amount $20,000
- Schwartz scholarship: Total Amount $14,000
- W.M. Reid scholarship: Total Amount $11,500
- Orpha Thayer-Scott scholarship: Total Amount $10,000
Other Entrance Scholarships
CBU offers many donor-funded scholarships and bursaries to help students reach their academic goals. Examples include:
- Wanda Robson Scholarships
- Rita MacNeil Music Award
- Irving Shipbuilding Scholarships
- CBU Alumni & Faculty Awards
- Harrison McCain Scholarship/Bursary
- Academic In-Course Scholarships
- Value depends on course load:
- $500 (15 credits)
- $400 (12 credits)
- $300 (9 credits)
- Automatically applied—no application needed
- Value depends on course load:
Awards range from $500 to $5,000 per year.
Benefits Not included:
- Living costs, travel, health insurance, textbooks, or residence fees—these expenses remain the student’s responsibility.
Eligibility for Cape Breton University Scholarships
General Admission Requirements
- Must be at least 16 years old to apply.
- Minimum overall average: 65% in high school for most programs.
- Some programs may have additional requirements.
- Admission is subject to space availability.
- Applications submitted after August 1 may not be processed for September entry.
Admission Paths
- High school graduates who meet program-specific requirements.
- Transfer students in good standing from other post-secondary institutions.
- Non-traditional learners.
- Undecided applicants may register in “No Specific Program.”
Required Documents
- High school transcripts (official)
- English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.) for international students
- Passport copy
- Resume/CV (recommended)
- Optional: letters of recommendation, personal statement
- Official transcripts and other documents must be submitted (usually directly from issuing institutions).
- Approval from a School Dean is needed to take courses at another institution while enrolled at CBU.
Cape Breton University Scholarships Application Process
1: Create Account & Fill Out Application
- Create a Future Student Account on the CBU website.
- Complete all required fields marked with a red asterisk.
2: Submit Application & Pay Fee
- Submit the application online.
- Pay the fee:
- CAD $40 for Canadian applicants/permanent residents
- CAD $80 for international applicants
- Fees are non-refundable.
Step 3: Upload Required Documents
- Go to “My Applications” in your account to check document status.
- Upload documents (transcripts, language scores, etc.) under “Supplemental Items and Documents.”
- Repeat the upload process for each required document.
4: Reference Request (If Applicable)
- Only required for B.Ed., MBA, and BSW programs.
- Other applicants can skip this step.
Step 5: Check for Updates & Get Decision
- Monitor your email and Future Student Account for updates.
- Admission decisions will be sent via your account and email.
Final Step: Accept Offer
- Accept your admission offer to secure your spot.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Plan ahead: Get transcripts and IELTS/TOEFL scores early.
- Aim high: Higher averages unlock larger awards.
- Double-check: Ensure all documents are uploaded before the deadline.
- Clarify ESL: Confirm partner-school attendance if your offer is conditional on English.
- Show community involvement: Even though grades determine awards, extracurricular strengths reflect well on your profile.
Monthly Living Expenses (International Students)
- Rent & utilities (shared): CAD 600–900
- Food & groceries: CAD 200–300
- Public transit: CAD 60–100
- Miscellaneous (phone, personal): CAD 150–200
- Estimated total: ~CAD 1,010–1,500 per month
Why Choose This Opportunity?
- Automatic merit-based awards simplify the process—no essay.
- Strong ROI: Up to $7,500/year reduces tuition significantly.
- Supportive campus: Small classes, experiential learning, and vibrant community of 7,000+ internationals.
- Living costs are lower than Canada’s major cities, offering comfort at reasonable expense.
FAQ
Q1: Can I apply if I’m transferring from another college?
A1: Entrance scholarships target direct-from-high-school students; transfer students may qualify for in-course awards later.
Q2: Do I need an essay?
A2: No; evaluation is automatic based solely on grades. Bursaries (financial need) may require essays.
Q3: Are awards renewable?
A3: Yes—renewal depends on maintaining program requirements and completing at least 24 credits/year
Q4: What if my average is 85%?
A4: You may qualify for smaller entrance scholarships (e.g. Deans’ at CAD 2,500/year)
Q5: Can Master’s students apply?
A5: These entrance scholarships are for undergraduate applicants only.
Q6: When will I learn if I’m awarded?
A6: Decisions typically arrive with your admission letter a few weeks after applying.
Official Link
For complete details and to apply, visit: Cape Breton University Scholarships & Bursaries – Future Students section.
