Brandon University started as Brandon College in 1899, in what is now Manitoba's second-largest city. It's a small public university, and classes stay small well into the upper years. Psychiatric nursing is its most distinctive programme, one of very few in Canada. Music, education, rural development and the sciences are also strong, and Winnipeg is about two and a half hours east.
Brandon, Manitoba, Canada
Official website: brandonu.ca
1899, as Brandon College
Public university in Manitoba
Bachelor of Science in Psychiatric Nursing
CA$15,000 – CA$19,000
International students, undergraduate programmes
CA$11,000 – CA$14,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on brandonu.ca before you apply.
BSc Psychiatric Nursing
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 86
Bachelor of Business Administration
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 80
BSc Computer Science
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 80
Bachelor of Music
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 80
Master of Rural Development
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 86
Psychiatric nursing, a rare degree in Canada.
A respected school of music.
Small classes, even in first year.
Psychiatric nursing graduates work in mental health services across western Canada.
Business and science graduates find jobs in Brandon and Winnipeg.
Eligible graduates can apply for a post-graduation work permit.
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Most programmes
Undergrad
Selected programmes
Postgrad
No PG intake
Brandon is a prairie city on the Assiniboine River, with a compact downtown and walking trails along the riverbank.
Rent is low by Canadian standards. Winters are long and very cold, and the Trans-Canada Highway gets you to Winnipeg in about two and a half hours.
Letter of acceptance from Brandon University
Manitoba provincial attestation letter
Proof of funds for tuition and living
Online IRCC study permit application
Medical exam, if requested
Valid passport and biometrics
Brandon admits international students on a rolling basis, with earlier dates for nursing and music. Apply six to eight months ahead so there's time for the study permit and provincial attestation letter.
Most programmes start in September, and several also admit in January.
A Canadian study permit. Start with the letter of acceptance from Brandon University and, where required, the provincial attestation letter, then apply to IRCC online. Allow a few months, as processing times vary by country.
Psychiatric nursing, business administration, computer science and music are popular. Entry needs secondary school completion with the right subjects and IELTS 6.5. Music applicants audition.
Brandon offers entrance scholarships to international students with strong grades, and more awards open up after first year.
