Antigonish is a small town on Nova Scotia's north shore, about two hours from Halifax, and St. Francis Xavier University shapes much of its life. The Gerald Schwartz School of Business is StFX's business school, named after Onex founder Gerald Schwartz. It teaches a four-year BBA with majors such as accounting, finance, marketing and enterprise systems, in classes that stay small by Canadian standards.
Antigonish, Nova Scotia, Canada
Official website: business.stfx.ca
St. Francis Xavier University (StFX)
Four-year BBA with majors and honours
Antigonish, Nova Scotia
CA$20,000 – CA$25,000
International undergraduate tuition and fees
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 business.stfx.ca before you apply.
BBA Accounting
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 80
BBA Finance
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 80
BBA Marketing
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 80
BBA Enterprise Systems
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 80
Small business classes taught by professors rather than teaching assistants.
The StFX X-Ring, one of the best-known class rings in Canada.
A residential campus where most students know each other.
Accounting graduates often work toward the CPA designation with firms in Halifax, Toronto and Calgary.
StFX alumni networks are strong in Canadian business and finance.
Eligible graduates can apply for a post-graduation work permit, and Nova Scotia has nominee streams.
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
No PG intake
Undergrad
Limited places
Postgrad
No PG intake
Antigonish is a town of a few thousand people, and StFX students make up a big share of it. Main Street has a handful of pubs and cafes, and most first-years live in residence.
Northumberland Strait beaches and Cape Breton's Cabot Trail are within driving distance, and each July the town hosts its Highland Games. Winters are snowy and living costs are low.
Letter of acceptance from St. Francis Xavier 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
StFX accepts applications on a rolling basis, and popular programmes can fill by spring. International students should apply by around March for September to leave time for the study permit.
Most students start in September. A January start may be possible for some students, so check with admissions.
You'll need a study permit. St. Francis Xavier University sends a letter of acceptance, and most students also need a provincial attestation letter. The permit application goes online to IRCC with proof of funds and biometrics.
Accounting, finance, marketing and enterprise systems are popular BBA majors. You need secondary school results that include maths and English, plus IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.
StFX offers entrance scholarships to international students with strong grades, and some are renewable. Check the StFX scholarships page for current values.
