Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the questions that students ask when applying to Saint Mary’s University. If you have a question that is not answered below, please contact us at admissions@smu.ca and we will do our best to help.
How do I figure out my admission 'type'?
When is the deadline to apply?
How do you calculate my admission average?
How long does the admissions process take?
Do you have entrance scholarships? How do I apply?
What benefits do you offer International Baccalaureate (IB) students?
About services on the University campus
Am I guaranteed a space in residence?
Can I choose the type of residence room that I want?
What services are available to students with a disability?
Can I get help to figure out what to do with my university degree?
Do you offer support services for international students?
Do I have to begin my degree program in September?
What courses will I take in my first year?
How big are the first year classes?
Can I take courses at another institution while a Saint Mary’s student?
About applying from outside of Canada
How do I apply for my student visa?
What happens if I don’t meet the English language proficiency requirements?
Does Saint Mary’s offer ESL programs on campus?
Questions about the Admissions process
It is easy to apply to Saint Mary’s University. You will find lots more detail on other pages of this web site, but here is a simple overview of the application process:
- Select your faculty of choice and check the admission requirements. (See 'what is a faculty?' below.)
- Learn the timelines to apply to your program of choice, and plan ahead to meet extra requirements, like applying for a student visa if you are an international student.
- Apply to Saint Mary’s University. You can apply online or download a paper application from our website. In this process you must indicate which category of admission applies to you. If you are not sure about that, see the next question, below.
- If you are interested in living on campus in one of our three student residences, apply for residence at the same time that you apply to Saint Mary’s University.
- Send supporting documentation to the Admissions Office. Supporting documentation may include your official high school transcript (including a list of your second semester courses, if applicable), your official college/ university transcript and course descriptions, and the results of an official test of English language proficiency (if applicable).
- Allow one to two weeks for the Admissions Office to process your application. If you would like to check on your application status, contact us by phone at (902)420-5415 or by e-mail: admission.status@smu.ca.
How do I figure out my admission 'type'?
Whether applying online or by mail, you need to identify your admission 'category'. Here’s how you can figure out which category applies to you.
High School Applicant: You are currently enrolled in a high school program within or outside of Canada or have graduated from high school within the past four years. Apply online or, if you choose to complete the paper application, choose Application A.
Transfer Student: You have attended a post-secondary institution within or outside of Canada, such as a college, university, or CEGEP program, since completing high school, even if it was just one course. It is mandatory that you include such information on your application form. If you have successfully completed any college or university courses, you may be eligible to earn credit toward your degree program at Saint Mary’s. Apply online or, if you choose to complete the paper application, choose Application A.
Certificate/ Diploma Student: You would like to complete a certificate or diploma program at Saint Mary’s University. Apply by mail using Application C.
Mature Student: You have not completed high school, but you have life experience on which to build academic goals. You are 22 years of age or older. Apply by mail using Application C .
Open Studies Student: You do not plan to complete a degree program, but would like to enroll in up to 30 credit hours of courses at Saint Mary’s. Apply by mail using Application B .
Auditing Student: You would like to enroll in a course to follow the course material without earning credit. Apply by mail using Application A.
Visiting Student: You are a student at another university or college and wish to take one or more courses at Saint Mary’s University. Apply online or, if you choose to complete the paper application, choose Application A.
Readmission/Reactivation: You began a program at Saint Mary’s University, but did not complete it. Now you wish to pick up where you left off, and complete the program. Apply by mail, using Application A.
Second Undergraduate Degree: You have already completed one undergraduate (Bachelor’s) degree and would like to apply for another. You MAY be eligible to receive up to two years of credit toward your second degree program. Please be sure to specify your intended major on Application A.
When is the deadline to apply?
Although the Admissions Office accepts applications pretty much year round, there are some particular timelines to keep in mind. For example, if you to begin studies in September, you are encouraged to apply before March 15. Applications which arrive by March 15 are automatically considered for renewable entrance scholarships and a guaranteed space in residence. If you wish to begin studies in another semester (January, May, or July), plan on applying three to four months in advance to allow time for the Admissions Office to process the application. This also gives you time to apply for a student visa and/ or an assessment of transfer credits, if necessary.
How do you calculate my admissions average?
Your admissions average is calculated by using your grades in the five subjects that are required for admission into your program (i.e. Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Science). Saint Mary’s will also consider students for Early Admission based on Grade 11 results and proof that they are registered in the appropriate Grade 12 course requirements for admission into their faculty of choice. Detailed information about Admissions Requirements is easy to find – see the menu to the left of this page.
How long does the admissions process take?
Once the Admissions Office receives your completed application, including the application fee and all supporting documentation, you can expect the process to take up to two weeks. To find out the status of your application, please contact the Admissions Office at admission.status@smu.ca.
For admission purposes, this term describes your overall area of study. Saint Mary’s is home to four faculties: Arts, Commerce, Science, and Graduate Studies. All of the specific subjects or programs are found in one of these areas, as explained on the Programs part of this site.
At the time that you make your application to Saint Mary’s University, you will have to apply to a specific faculty. You do not have to choose a major (area of specialization) until your second year of university. So, for example, if you are interested in studying a subject like Biology or Environmental Sciences, you will apply to the Bachelor of Science program. Similarly, If you are interested in studying Criminology or Accounting, you will apply to the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Commerce programs, respectively.
A major is a subject area in which you choose to specialize throughout the course of your degree program. The required courses for your major make up approximately one third of your degree program. You do not officially choose your major until your second year at Saint Mary’s. This allows for some time to explore and take a variety of courses to determine your strengths and interests. For a list of all majors offered in each faculty at Saint Mary’s, please see the Programs section of this site.
Questions about financial support
Do you have entrance scholarships? How do I apply?
Saint Mary’s has a very generous entrance scholarship program! In fact, each year we are pleased to offer more than $4.2 million in scholarships, bursaries, and awards. Visit our Scholarships page for additional details. Students who apply before March 15 with an 80% average and above are automatically considered for renewable entrance scholarships!
What benefits do you offer International Baccalaureate students?
Saint Mary’s offers significant benefits for graduates of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma program. If you score 28 and above, and if you apply with your predicted grades before March 15, you are automatically considered for renewable entrance scholarships ranging from $3,500 to $14,000 -- renewable over four years. Even better, if you earn a total final score of 30 and above you will be granted 30 credit hours (one full year) toward your degree program, a real financial benefit. The minimum total IB diploma score required for admission to Saint Mary’s University is 24.
In addition, students completing IB Certificates on a Higher Level (HL) can earn up to 18 credit hours toward their degree program when they score final grades of 5, 6, or 7.
Questions about services available on the University campus
Am I guaranteed a space in residence?
Yes, you are guaranteed a space in residence as long as you apply both to Saint Mary’s University and to on-campus Residence before March 15.
Can I choose the type of residence room that I want?
Residence rooms are assigned on a first-come first-served basis, based on application date. So, the earlier that you apply for a space in residence, the more likely you are to be placed in the type of room you prefer. This, of course, does not mean that you are guaranteed the exact room that you request. If you and another applicant want to be roommates, make sure that both of you complete that part of the application form.
What services are available for a student with a disability?
Saint Mary’s University is home to the Atlantic Centre for Research, Access, and Support for Students with Disabilities. Today, close to 300 students rely on the Atlantic Centre for unique programs and individualized support services including:
- individual & group self-advocacy development
- ASL / English Interpreting
- academic support
- note taking, via a volunteer program
- exam accommodations, invigilation and alternate format preparation
- assistive technology assessment and training
- Ferguson Library (texts on tape or electronic format)
- text book scanning/editing
- university orientation and High School transition sessions
Can I get help to figure out what to do with my university degree?
The career possibilities available to you when you complete your degree are endless. Some students choose to go directly into the workforce and others continue to pursue additional educational opportunities. Specialized staff can help you prepare for the job search through the various stages: the beginning of your university career, then focusing on new directions, the completion of university degrees, graduate school and the preparation for the working world beyond. Visit the Career Development Centre or make an appointment with a Career Counsellor to find out how you can answer this important question.
Do you offer support services for international students?
Yes, the International Centre provides a range of support services, year-round, to students from over 80 different countries. These services can help you to cope with living in a new environment, making friends, finding part-time employment, and getting involved in campus life.
Questions about my academic program
Do I have to begin my degree program in September?
No, students can also begin their degree programs in January, May, or July. Classes offered in the May-June and July-August summer sessions are much more intensive than classes offered during the regular academic year, which runs from September to April.
What courses will I take in my first year?
The courses that you complete in first year will vary depending on your faculty and, possibly, your anticipated major. Saint Mary’s offers support services to assist you with the selection of courses and the registration process. You can begin these processes as early as April/May, so you will know what courses you are taking well in advance.
How big are the first-year classes?
The average first year class size at Saint Mary’s University is 40-60 students. First year classes can range from 30 (eg. Introduction to Chinese Culture) to 200 (eg. Introduction to Psychology).
Can I take courses at another university while I am studying at Saint Mary’s?
Yes, you may be permitted to take courses which are not offered at Saint Mary’s at another university -- here in Nova Scotia or around the world! When you find a course offered elsewhere that you would like to use as credit toward your Saint Mary’s degree, it is important that you speak to your Academic Advisor to ensure you can apply the credit from that course toward your degree. Once the transfer is approved, you must then submit a Letter of Permission, signed by the chair of your department, to the Registrar’s Office.
I plan on going into a professional program (Medicine, Dentistry, Law, Pharmacy, etc). How can I get there?
Most professional programs, such as Medical School, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Law, Veterinary Medicine, do not admit students directly from high school. These professional programs typically require between one and four years of undergraduate study before students can begin the application process. They are also likely to be very competitive, and choose applicants with solid academic performance in their undergraduate program and a well rounded resume, showing volunteer and extracurricular activities. Saint Mary’s University is a great place to build that solid foundation and to find assistance when the time comes to apply to a professional program.
Questions often asked by international students
How do I apply for a student visa?
To learn about the application requirements for your country and where to send your application, please visit the website of Citizenship and Immigration Canada. When applying for your student visa, it is important that you allow enough time for the Canadian Embassy or Consulate to process your application. Sometimes this process can take up to three months. You can submit your student visa application as soon as you receive your first official offer of admission – whether it is conditional or unconditional.
What happens if I don’t meet the English language proficiency requirements?
If you do not yet meet the English language proficiency requirements we still encourage you to make an application to Saint Mary’s University. When you apply, the Admissions Office will consider you for conditional admission. A conditional offer of admission means that you meet the academic admission requirements but do not yet meet the English language proficiency requirements.
Does Saint Mary’s offer ESL programs on campus?
Yes, Saint Mary’s is home to the Teaching English as a Second Language Centre (TESL) that offers year round Intensive English language programs, such as English for Academic Purposes (EAP) and the University Bridging Program (UBP). The TESL Centre is located on campus so students enrolled in those programs benefit from full immersion in an English-medium university environment.