Cape Breton University is on the edge of Sydney, on the island of Cape Breton at the far eastern end of Nova Scotia. In the last decade its international enrolment has grown faster than almost any university in Canada, mostly through post-baccalaureate diplomas in business, supply chain and health. The Shannon School of Business also runs an MBA in community economic development.
Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada
Official website: cbu.ca
Public university in Nova Scotia
1974 in Sydney, Nova Scotia
MBA in Community Economic Development
CA$18,000 – CA$22,000
International students, diplomas, degrees and MBA
CA$12,000 – CA$15,000
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 cbu.ca before you apply.
Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Business Analytics
Postgraduate CertificateDuration
24 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan, May
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 80
Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Supply Chain Management
Postgraduate CertificateDuration
24 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan, May
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 80
MBA in Community Economic Development
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 80
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 80
Post-baccalaureate diplomas built for graduates changing field.
A large international community on a small campus.
The Cabot Trail and Cape Breton Highlands are a short drive away.
Graduates work in business, health and logistics across Atlantic Canada.
Degree and diploma graduates may qualify for a post-graduation work permit; check the field-of-study list for your programme.
The Atlantic Immigration Program is a common next step for graduates who find a job offer in the region.
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Rolling
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Rolling
Undergrad
Limited programmes
Postgrad
Rolling
The campus is a compact site between Sydney and Glace Bay, with residences and a new health sciences building. A bus into Sydney takes about 15 minutes.
Cape Breton is rural, friendly and very scenic, with a strong Celtic music tradition. Housing got tight as enrolment grew, so sort accommodation before you arrive. Halifax is about four and a half hours by road.
Letter of acceptance from Cape Breton University
Nova Scotia provincial attestation letter
Proof of funds for tuition and living
Online IRCC study permit application
Medical exam, if requested
Valid passport and biometrics
CBU reviews applications on a rolling basis. Popular diplomas can close early, so apply at least six months before the term you want.
Most programmes take students in September and January, and several post-baccalaureate diplomas also start in May.
Study permit, applied for through IRCC. You'll upload the acceptance letter from Cape Breton University, an attestation letter if your programme needs one, proof you can pay tuition and living costs, and then give biometrics.
Business analytics, supply chain management, the MBA and nursing are the most requested. The post-baccalaureate diplomas need a recognised bachelor's degree and IELTS 6.5.
CBU offers some entrance awards for international students, though they're limited. Ask admissions which ones apply to your programme.
