St. Francis Xavier University
Antigonish, Canada • Founded 1853 • World Rank #1796
Updated Sep 2026
Overview
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
St. Francis Xavier University's campus location, postal address, and the channels students typically use to reach the admissions team. Verified contact points help avoid third-party impersonators.
Academic Details
Institutional vitals for St. Francis Xavier University: how big, how staffed, and how recognised it is. Campus setting (urban, suburban, rural) interacts with these metrics in shaping the daily academic experience.
Academic Structures
St. Francis Xavier University delivers teaching through the academic units below — useful for orienting yourself before reading individual programmes. Each unit operates with a degree of academic autonomy.
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. Cross-reference against the divisions section to identify which faculty owns each programme — that determines admissions handling.
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
Postgraduate Diploma 2 programmes
How to apply to St. Francis Xavier University
Five steps that capture how most applications to St. Francis Xavier University flow, from research through submission to follow-up correspondence.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
Quick reference for St. Francis Xavier University: founding, control type, student body, rankings, and recognition status in one place.
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 #1796 globally and #34 in Canada.
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)
Membership renewal cycles for Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU) create periodic quality reviews. Recent renewals or admissions to the network signal currency of standards — older memberships may need re-examination.
Other Canadian Universities Affiliated with Christian-Catholic
Community service and outreach traditions at Christian-Catholic universities often shape student life and graduate identity. The peers below typically share comparable service expectations or traditions.
Faculties at nearby universities
Regional industry partnerships shape career outcomes across the cluster near St. Francis Xavier University. Comparable employer networks often persist whether you choose St. Francis Xavier University or a neighbour.
Where Else to Study Education & Teaching
Programme-level scholarships for Education & Teaching students vary substantially across Canada institutions. Often the less-marketed scholarships are the easiest to secure for qualified applicants.
Universities Compared with St. Francis Xavier University
When students choose St. Francis Xavier University, they typically weigh it against institutions of similar standing. These universities sit at a comparable level — useful comparisons before committing to a final choice, especially when programme content is similar across the options.
Studying in Canada: guides and resources
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