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Mount Saint Vincent University

Halifax, Canada • Founded 1873

Updated Sep 2026 · Source: msvu.ca

Overview

Acronyms: MSVU
Founded: 1873
Institution Type: University
Control Type: Public
Entity Type: Non-profit
Rankings:
SCImago 2026 #4456
Motto: Veritas ad Deum ducit
Mascot: Monty the Mountain Lion
Mount Saint Vincent University principal campus
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Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU, 'the Mount') is a public, primarily undergraduate university on the Bedford Highway in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Founded in 1873 by the Sisters of Charity as an academy for women, it remains dedicated to the advancement of women and girls while enrolling students of all genders. Academic work is organized in the Faculty of Arts and Science, the Faculty of Professional Studies and the Faculty of Education, which together offer 34 graduate degrees alongside undergraduate degrees and 8 certificate and diploma prograMs. The university is best known for professional programs that are rare in Atlantic Canada: Canada's flagship Bachelor of Public Relations, the Bachelor of Tourism and Hospitality Management, the Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Study, and an Applied Human Nutrition program accredited by EQual (Accreditation Canada) that leads toward registered dietitian practice.

MSVU is home to the longest-standing accredited co-operative education program in Atlantic Canada, in place since 1979, through which more than 7,000 students have completed paid work terMs. Research strengths centre on applied human health, women's experiences, and learning: the university hosts four Canada Research Chairs and opened the Sheila A. Brown Centre for Applied Research in Human Health in 2019, and students have earned over $2.08 million in research positions across the past three years.

Location & Contact

Address, contact details, and online presence for Mount Saint Vincent University are summarised below.

Address: 166 Bedford Highway
Postal Code: B3M 2J6
Phone: +1 (902) 457 6117
Fax: +1 (902) 457 6498
Social Media:

Academic Details

Below are the institutional metrics for Mount Saint Vincent University: scale, staffing, and accreditation.

Academic Year: September to April (Fall and Winter terms), with spring and summer session offerings
Recognition: Department of Advanced Education of Nova Scotia
Admission Requirements: Canadian high school applicants are assessed on their Grade 12 academic courses, with requirements varying by province. International secondary applicants need an average of at least 70% across their five best final-year academic subjects, and transfer applicants an overall GPA of 2.0. Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate proficiency; for undergraduate study MSVU accepts IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0), TOEFL iBT 86-92 (no section below 21), PTE 59 (no band below 54), CAEL 60, Duolingo English Test 115 (no subscore below 95) or Oxford ELLT 7.0, while graduate programs require IELTS 7.0 (no band below 6.5), TOEFL iBT 93 (no section below 23), PTE 61 or CAEL 70 (TOEFL iBT scores on the 0-120 scale, as published by MSVU as of September 2026). Entrance scholarship consideration is calculated from the top five Grade 12 academic grades including English, and most awards use a March 1 deadline.
Total Students: 4,762
Campus Setting: Suburban
Memberships & Networks
Universities Canada (UC) Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC)

Academic Structures

The academic units through which Mount Saint Vincent University delivers teaching are listed below.

Unit 3 items
  • Faculty of Arts and Science
  • Faculty of Education
  • Faculty of Professional Studies

Programs Offered

The full set of programmes Mount Saint Vincent University offers is searchable and grouped by level below.

57 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Canada

Bachelor's Degree 27 programmes

Showing 10 of 27.

Master's Degree 14 programmes

Showing 10 of 14.

Doctorate 1 programme

Professional Doctorate 1 programme

Certificate 6 programmes

Diploma 2 programmes

Postgraduate Certificate 4 programmes

Postgraduate Diploma 2 programmes

Scholarships in Canada

Scholarships open to students attending universities in Canada are listed below.

How to apply to Mount Saint Vincent University

Five steps that capture how applications to Mount Saint Vincent University flow.

  1. 1
    Find a programme that fits your goals

    Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. Mount Saint Vincent University runs 57 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.

  2. 2
    Confirm you meet the requirements

    Before applying to Mount Saint Vincent University, confirm you meet the academic, language, and document requirements for your chosen programme. International applicants should also check visa eligibility for Canada.

  3. 3
    Assemble your application package

    Standard documents: official transcripts, identity proof, language test results, personal statement, and references. Confirm exact requirements with Mount Saint Vincent University's admissions office before assembling, as expectations vary by programme.

  4. 4
    Submit your application

    Lodge your application through the official website (www.msvu.ca). Online forms are the standard route. Save your draft frequently and submit before the programme deadline.

  5. 5
    Contact admissions and follow up

    Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (902) 457 6117. Monitor the portal for status updates, interview invitations, or document requests, and respond within the stated deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions about Mount Saint Vincent University

Below are key facts about Mount Saint Vincent University, drawn directly from institutional records.

When was Mount Saint Vincent University founded?

Mount Saint Vincent University was established in 1873 (approximately 153 years ago).

Where can I find Mount Saint Vincent University?

The institution is located in Halifax, Canada.

Is Mount Saint Vincent University public or private?

Mount Saint Vincent University operates as a public institution.

How many students does Mount Saint Vincent University have?

The institution has a student body of 4,762.

What is Mount Saint Vincent University's academic structure?

Mount Saint Vincent University is organised into 3 academic units across its disciplines.

Is Mount Saint Vincent University officially recognised?

The institution holds recognition from Department of Advanced Education of Nova Scotia.

Where can I learn more about Mount Saint Vincent University?

You can find Mount Saint Vincent University online at www.msvu.ca.

Top-Ranked Universities in Canada

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Members of Universities Canada (UC)

Mount Saint Vincent University and the universities below are both members of Universities Canada (UC).

Faculties at nearby universities

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