Overview
Acadia University is a public, primarily undergraduate liberal arts university in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, about an hour's drive from Halifax.
Founded in 1838, it is one of Canada's oldest universities, and its 250-acre campus overlooks the Annapolis Valley near the Bay of Fundy. Academic work is organized in four faculties - Arts, Pure and Applied Science, Professional Studies, and Theology - offering more than 200 degree combinations, with popular majors in biology, marketing, English, psychology, environmental studies, and kinesiology.
Teaching emphasizes small classes and close faculty contact: full-time enrolment in 2022 was 3,612 undergraduates and 176 graduate students, the faculty-to-student ratio is 1:15, and the average class size is 31. First-year students come mostly from Eastern Canada, with about 6% arriving from outside the country.
The university fields nine varsity teams in U SPORTS and Atlantic University Sport, supports more than 70 student clubs and organizations, and houses students in eleven residences; the Vaughan Memorial Library holds over one million titles.
Each year the Scholarships and Financial Aid Office awards more than $8 million in scholarships, scholar-bursaries, awards, and prizes. General admission requires Grade 12 English plus four additional Grade 12 academic courses with a minimum 70% average; the average entering grade is 86%.
Location & Contact
Where to find Acadia University, plus its phone, email, website, and social media links.
Academic Details
A snapshot of Acadia University's academic profile — enrolment, staffing, and recognition.
Academic Structures
The academic units of Acadia University are listed below.
Unit 3 items
- Faculty of Arts
- Faculty of Professional Studies and Theology
- Faculty of Pure and Applied Science
Programs Offered
All active programmes at Acadia University are listed by degree level.
58 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Canada
Bachelor's Degree 34 programmes
Showing 10 of 34.
Master's Degree 20 programmes
Showing 10 of 20.
Certificate 2 programmes
Postgraduate Diploma 1 programme
Scholarships in Canada
Scholarships open to students attending universities in Canada are listed below.
How to apply to Acadia University
Five steps that capture how applications to Acadia University flow.
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1
Browse the programme catalogue
Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. Acadia University offers 58 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.
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2
Check eligibility for your chosen programme
Each programme at Acadia University has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.
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3
Get your documents ready
Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.
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4
Apply through the official channel
Apply directly via Acadia University's online portal at www2.acadiau.ca. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.
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5
Reach out and track your application
After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (902) 542 1016. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Acadia University
Quick answers to common questions about Acadia University.
When did Acadia University open?
Acadia University traces its founding to 1838 (approximately 188 years ago).
Where can I find Acadia University?
The institution is located in Wolfville, Canada.
Is Acadia University a public or private institution?
Acadia University is a public institution.
How many students does Acadia University have?
The institution has a student body of 3,788.
How many faculties does Acadia University have?
Acadia University is organised into 3 academic units across its disciplines.
Is Acadia University officially recognised?
Acadia University is accredited by Department of Advanced Education of Nova Scotia.
What is Acadia University's official website?
The institution's website is www2.acadiau.ca.
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