St. Francis Xavier University brand mark

St. Francis Xavier University

Antigonish, Canada • Founded 1853 • THE 2026 #1201-1500

Updated Sep 2026 · Source: stfx.ca

Overview

Acronyms: StFX
Founded: 1853
Institution Type: University
Control Type: Public
Entity Type: Non-profit
Religious Affiliation: Christian-Catholic
Rankings:
Times Higher Education 2026 #1201-1500 SCImago 2026 #1796
Motto: Quaecumque Sunt Vera (Philippians 4:4-9)
Colours: Blue and white
St. Francis Xavier University brand mark

Established in 1853, the St.

Francis Xavier University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the rural setting of the medium town of Antigonish (population range of 2,500-9,999 inhabitants), Nova Scotia. Officially recognized by the Department of Advanced Education of Nova Scotia, St.

Francis Xavier University (StFX) is a small-sized coeducational Canadian higher education institution formally affiliated with the Christian-Catholic religion. St.

Francis Xavier University (StFX) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees in several areas of study.

This 171-year-old Canadian higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on students' past academic records and grades. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.

StFX also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

Below are St. Francis Xavier University's address, location, and primary contact channels.

Address: PO Box 5000
Postal Code: B2G 1C0
Phone: +1 (902) 863 3300
Fax: +1 (902) 867 5153
Social Media:

Academic Details

A snapshot of St. Francis Xavier University's academic profile — enrolment, staffing, and recognition.

Recognition: Department of Advanced Education of Nova Scotia
Admission Requirements: Applicants entering directly from high school need a minimum overall average of 70% in Grade 12, with no grade below 65% in each of the required subjects; limited-enrolment programs (such as Nursing and Applied Forensic Psychology) are competitive, and meeting the minimum average does not guarantee admission. Program-specific Grade 12 subjects apply — for example, Bachelor of Science applicants need English, pre-calculus or calculus, and two approved sciences, while Bachelor of Business Administration applicants need English and an academic math. Applicants whose first language is not English normally submit an approved English test with at least: IELTS 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0), TOEFL iBT 90 (no section below 20), Duolingo 115 (no integrated subscore below 100), CAEL 70 overall (no band below 60), PTE Academic 60 (no score below 50), or MET 55. Test results must be no more than two years old at the time of application. Graduate programs set their own thresholds — the thesis-based MSc in Biology requires a BSc with a minimum 70% average, and the course-based Master of Applied Computer Science requires a 4-year Computer Science degree (or equivalent) with a minimum 70% average; both list IELTS 6.5 with no band below 6.0 as the minimum English requirement.
Student Enrollment: 4,000-4,999
Academic Staff Range: 200-299
Campus Setting: Rural
Memberships & Networks
Universities Canada (UC) Canadian University Society for Intercollegiate Debate (CUSID) Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE) Canadian University Press (CUP) Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU)

Academic Structures

St. Francis Xavier University's faculties, schools, and constituent units are listed below.

Unit 10 items
  • Computer Science Department
  • Curriculum and Leadership Department
  • Faculty of Arts
  • Gerald Schwartz School of Business and Information Systems
  • Human Kinetics Department
  • Human Nutrition Department
  • Rankin School of Nursing
  • School of Education
  • Teacher Education Department
  • the Faculty of Science

Programs Offered

All active programmes at St. Francis Xavier University are listed by degree level.

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 5 programmes

Doctorate 1 programme

Postgraduate Diploma 2 programmes

Scholarships in Canada

Funding options available to students studying in Canada, alongside St. Francis Xavier University's costs.

How to apply to St. Francis Xavier University

How to apply to St. Francis Xavier University — a five-step structure.

  1. 1
    Browse the programme catalogue

    Use the programme finder to browse St. Francis Xavier University's 35 active programmes. Filter by keyword or scan by degree level. Read curriculum details on each programme's dedicated page if available.

  2. 2
    Check eligibility for your chosen programme

    Programme-level requirements at St. Francis Xavier University typically include academic transcripts, language proficiency proof, identity documents, and a personal statement or interview. Confirm specific requirements with the admissions office.

  3. 3
    Get your documents ready

    Prepare academic transcripts, ID/passport copies, language proficiency proof, a personal statement, and reference letters. International candidates may need apostilled or notarised translations — start early to avoid deadline pressure.

  4. 4
    Apply through the official channel

    St. Francis Xavier University processes applications through www.stfx.ca. Create an account, fill out the application form, and submit your documents. Note application deadlines, which vary by intake and programme.

  5. 5
    Reach out and track your application

    Confirm receipt of your application with the admissions office and keep an eye on your portal for status changes. You can reach the institution by email at [email protected] or by phone at +1 (902) 863 3300. Quick responses to any follow-up requests keep your application moving smoothly through the review process.

Frequently Asked Questions about St. Francis Xavier University

Frequently asked questions about St. Francis Xavier University.

When was St. Francis Xavier University founded?

St. Francis Xavier University was established in 1853 (approximately 173 years ago).

What city is St. Francis Xavier University in?

St. Francis Xavier University operates from Antigonish, Canada.

Is St. Francis Xavier University a public or private institution?

It is a public higher-education institution.

How big is St. Francis Xavier University's student body?

St. Francis Xavier University serves approximately 4,000-4,999 students.

How is St. Francis Xavier University ranked?

St. Francis Xavier University holds rank THE 2026 #1201-1500.

What is St. Francis Xavier University's religious tradition?

St. Francis Xavier University operates within the Christian-Catholic tradition.

How is St. Francis Xavier University organised academically?

St. Francis Xavier University is organised into 10 academic units across its disciplines.

Is St. Francis Xavier University accredited?

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

What is St. Francis Xavier University's official website?

St. Francis Xavier University's official website is www.stfx.ca.

Top-Ranked Universities in Canada

Graduate-school placement rates among Canada's top universities set the upper bound for that signal. St. Francis Xavier University's placement rate relative to leaders is one signal of academic preparation depth.

Members of Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU)

Members of Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU), alongside St. Francis Xavier University.

Other Canadian Universities Affiliated with Christian-Catholic

Below: other Christian-Catholic-affiliated universities in Canada, alongside St. Francis Xavier University.

Faculties at nearby universities

Also in Antigonish: universities located close to St. Francis Xavier University.

Where Else to Study Education & Teaching

Other institutions in Canada teaching Education & Teaching are listed below for comparison with St. Francis Xavier University.

Universities Compared with St. Francis Xavier University

Below are universities sometimes compared with St. Francis Xavier University.

Browse all articles →

Spotted something outdated or missing?

Help us keep this page accurate — it takes about 30 seconds.

Explore More Universities in Canada

Free calculators and converters to plan your study-abroad journey.

Latest Articles

Fresh guides and advice for studying abroad.

View all →

Compare Compare