Graduate Programs Offered

• Master of Arts in English, Political Science and Sociology
• Master of Education in Counselling, Special Education, Curriculum or Leadership and School Development
• Master of Recreation Management
• Master of Science in Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Geology, Mathematics & Statistics and Psychology
• All degree programs (MA, MSc, MEd, MR) require the submission of a research thesis as well as the completion of course requirements.

Admission Requirements

The minimum university admission requirement in an Honours degree or its equivalent (i.e. a four-year bachelor's degree from an approved university).  Candidates possessing a major in a field other than that of their graduate program will be required to take sufficient undergraduate courses to make up the equivalent of an Acadia undergraduate major in the field of graduate work.

Applications are not normally accepted from international students to commence studies in January. It is possible, however, to start the research component of a graduate program in May.  The number of students admitted to our graduate programs is limited and possession of the minimum entrance requirements does not ensure admission.

Transcripts

You must submit complete, official and descriptive records of your previous education for evaluation. If the language of your official document is not English, a certified or notarized translation must be provided.

English Proficiency Requirement

Since English is the primary language of instruction at Acadia University, all applicants must possess adequate knowledge of written and spoken English as a prerequisite to admission. Regardless of country of origin or citizenship status, you will be required to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. This demonstration may take one of the following forms:

(1) Successful completion of the equivalent of three years of full-time instruction in an English language secondary institution as recognized by Acadia University including successful completion of at least two courses in English language and/or literature at the grade 12 (or equivalent) level. These courses must not be ESL (English as Second Language) courses.

(2) Successful completion of a baccalaureate or postgraduate degree from a recognized university where English is the language of instruction and from which transfer of credit may be allowed by Acadia University.

(3) Submission of official results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a score of 550 (or higher).  Information about TOEFL may be obtained by contacting:

Test of English as a Foreign Language
PO Box 6154, Princeton, New Jersey  USA  08541-6154
http://www.toefl.org

(4) Submission of the official results of the Michigan Test of English Proficiency with a score of 85% (or higher).

Only in exceptional circumstances and only upon the recommendation of the department concerned will the Manager of Admissions consider applicants who do not meet one of the requirements listed in (1) through (4) above.

Tuition and Fees for International Students

Prospective international students should note that Wolfville is a small town and that off-campus accommodation is difficult to find in September when the university session commences. You are advised to arrive early on campus to find accommodation. The International Student Advisor can assist you.

Graduate Teaching Assistantships

A limited number of Acadia graduate teaching assistantships are awarded each year, the current value being $8000 for the period September through April. Complete applications must be submitted by February 1 in order to receive consideration for teaching assistantships. Research assistantships from individual professors are available during the period May through August on a limited basis.

Procedure

If you are a highly qualified student whose academic record exceeds the minimum requirements, if you can provide test results and letters of reference, as indicated above, and if you can provide adequate financial support, you are invited to download our graduate application form or write to the appropriate office and request an application packet.

Your letter of request must refer to the file #FG-100 and identify your intended program in order to receive prompt attention.

Please note:

1. As an international student contemplating graduate studies at Acadia University, you are advised that you should be able to guarantee annual funding of $18,000 before you proceed with student visa application.
2. An application fee of $50 must accompany every application.
3. Acadia University requires all students to have adequate hospital and medical coverage. All international students, if unable to provide documented evidence acceptable to the university of coverage by a Canadian provincial government plan, will be required to purchase hospital and medical coverage at the time of registration at Acadia. The cost is approximately $503 per year for a single student and $1126 for a family.
4. The Halifax International Airport is 100 kilometres from the Acadia campus. This should be the final destination to which overseas flights are booked. Contact the International Student Advisor to arrange for transportation from the airport.
5. An orientation program for new international students is held in late August. Check the pre-departure bulletin for the date and registration form.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION
If you wish to be considered for teaching assistantships, your application must be complete by February 1. Applications received up to March 15 can be considered for admission, unless the program has identified a different deadline. You should presume that by May 31 all admission offers have been made for the following September.