Skip to content

Programs : Brochure

This page is the brochure for your selected program. You can view the provided information for this program on this page and click on the available buttons for additional options.
[Lock Haven] Cape Breton University, Nova Scotia, Canada (Exchange Program) (Outgoing Program) Featured Print 
  • Locations: Sydney, Canada
  • Program Terms: Fall, Spring, Year
Dates / Deadlines:
Dates / Deadlines:
Term Year App Deadline Decision Date Start Date End Date
Spring 2027 10/16/2026 10/20/2026 TBA TBA
Program Description:
Eligibility VISA Study Period Language of Instruction Type of Housing Approximate semester dates Commonwealth University partner since Cost of Housing & Meals
Open to Commonwealth University and external students: Minimum GPA 2.7
Yes		 Fall and/or Spring English
Dormitory
Apartment
Suite
 		 Fall: Sept. –Dec
Spring: Jan. - April.		 1998 Housing:
$2,500-$4000 CAD

Meal Plan:
$400-$3200CAD


C A N A D A
Cape Breton University, Nova Scotia
www.cbu.ca

The Location
Cape Breton University is located on the outskirts of the coastal town of Sydney (population 35,000) in the industrial heart of Canada's Maritime Provinces. Cape Breton is a truly remarkable setting. Known affectionately as “Nova Scotia’s masterpiece” because of its spectacular scenery, the island attracts a large number of tourists from around the world. Cape Breton has a unique heritage, which is a mixture of French, Scottish, and the indigenous Mi’kmaq cultures, all of which contribute to a powerful literary and musical tradition unique to the region. Lovers of Gaelic music will find that music festivals in this genre abound on the island and students will detect a hint of Scottish brogue when engaging in conversation with the local natives.
The University
Founded in 1970, Cape Breton University is a modern university with a full-time enrollment of 3,500 students. The university offers traditional university degrees in the arts, sciences, and business. Commonwealth University students will have a wide variety of courses in many disciplines to choose from and will be pleased to find that Cape Breton University’s modern campus, state of the art computer facilities, and enviable student/teacher ratio combine to provide opportunities for a truly rewarding and productive study abroad experience.
Academics
Cape Breton University runs on a semester calendar that is similar to CU’s. While Sydney is located in a predominately English-speaking province, the French legacy is evident in the sizeable course offerings through its foreign language department. Students of business and management will also find that there are many courses that will complement their program at CU. Non-business students will find plenty of other course offerings in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and the arts that are available to them. Classes generally meet for 3 semester hours per week. Keep in mind that if you enroll in courses dealing with history, culture, arts, literature, languages, politics, philosophies, religions, geography, anthropology, economics, and/or social patterns of Canada, these will count toward the Minor in International Studies at CU.
Housing
Cape Breton University offers three types of housing to students in the form of single, double, and apartment style accommodations. Accommodations in the apartment style residences offer apartments housing up to five students each. The residences are at the center of campus activities and close to the library, classes, cafeteria, sports facilities, computer center, and the student union. Residence Assistants will assist you in adjusting to your new Canadian environment. Three meals per day will be taken in the campus cafeteria. Commonwealth University students continue to pay Commonwealth University tuition and fees while studying at Cape Breton University. The International Student Advisor is responsible for international students’ orientation, non-academic advisory services, assisting with accommodations, and the coordination of a number of special events throughout the year.
Air Travel – Students are responsible for making their own travel arrangements. Please see the international office for assistance. See travel assistance guidelines for details.

Tuition - Commonwealth University students continue to pay Commonwealth University tuition and fees while attending the Cape Breton University.  Keep in mind that all financial aid can apply toward your study in Canada since you are participating in a Commonwealth University sponsored program. Students do not pay any tuition or fees in Canada. Please note, however, that it will be necessary to pay for activities such as athletic club memberships, if you wish to utilize those services.

Academic Calendar
Fall term classes usually begin in early September and end in the first week of December. Spring term classes (Cape Breton University refers to it as their winter term) begin in early January and run through the end of April.

Health Insurance
All students are required to maintain a health insurance policy that will provide coverage while abroad and for the entire duration of this period. Information on international health insurance providers can be obtained from the Center for Global Engagement. You may find that your present health insurance policy includes overseas coverage. It is important, however, that your carrier provide written verification of such coverage.

So, how do I get started?
Simply come by the Center for global Engagement to pick up an application form. Remember! Applications are due March 1 for the fall term and October 1 for the spring term