Mount Saint Vincent University
Halifax, Canada • Founded 1873 • World Rank #4456
Updated Sep 2026
Overview
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
Below are the location pin, postal details, and primary contact methods for Mount Saint Vincent University. International applicants should account for postal mail processing time when sending physical documents.
Academic Details
Mount Saint Vincent University's scale, faculty balance, and academic recognition. Staff-with-doctorate share often signals research culture more reliably than headline research output figures.
Academic Structures
The schools and colleges that constitute Mount Saint Vincent University's academic body are organised below. Each often controls its own admissions criteria, scholarships, and programme entry standards.
Unit 3 items
- Faculty of Arts and Science
- Faculty of Education
- Faculty of Professional Studies
Programs Offered
Mount Saint Vincent University's current programme offering broken down by degree level. Curriculum revisions happen periodically; check the version year on each programme page if accreditation portability matters.
35 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 7 programmes
Professional Doctorate 1 programme
How to apply to Mount Saint Vincent University
Below is a five-step path through the application process at Mount Saint Vincent University, useful for first-time applicants and international students.
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1
Find a programme that fits your goals
Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. Mount Saint Vincent University runs 35 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
Quick reference for Mount Saint Vincent University: founding, control type, student body, rankings, and recognition status in one place.
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 5,000-5,999.
What is Mount Saint Vincent University's ranking?
It ranks #4456 globally and #65 in Canada.
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
Canada's most prominent universities are listed below — relevant for assessing Mount Saint Vincent University's national positioning. National prominence signals not just academic strength but also employer recognition.
Members of Universities Canada (UC)
The universities below share Mount Saint Vincent University's Universities Canada (UC) membership, often coordinating on academic standards. Coordination simplifies credit transfer and joint-programme delivery between member institutions.
Faculties at nearby universities
If you're weighing Mount Saint Vincent University against other institutions in the area, these neighbouring universities offer overlapping faculties and similar admissions cycles. They are useful for shortlisting based on travel distance or campus environment.
Universities Compared with Mount Saint Vincent University
Faculty mobility between Mount Saint Vincent University and peer institutions is common — academics often move within a comparable tier. This signals shared academic standards and salary structures.
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