Does St. Francis Xavier University have an acceptance rate?

StFX does not publish an overall acceptance rate - admission is decided per program, each with its own admission average. Overall averages around the mid-80s are competitive for most programs, with top programs requiring higher.

St. Francis Xavier University

Q: What average do you need to get into StFX?

Admission is program-by-program. Competitive programs like Business (Sobey - BBA) require mid-to-high 80s, while more accessible programs admit around mid 70s. A mid-80s overall average is competitive for most StFX programs.

Cape Breton's X-ring university - one of Canada's tightest communities and strongest alumni networks.

St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish is Nova Scotia's most community-spirited small university. Known for the iconic 'X-Ring' that graduates receive upon completing their degree, StFX has a remarkably tight-knit alumni network. The university is particularly strong in nursing, arts, sciences, and business, and is known for its emphasis on social justice, community development, and the Coady International Institute.

What average do you need to get into StFX?

There is no single StFX acceptance rate - admission is program-by-program. Top competitive programs like Business (Sobey - BBA) require mid-to-high 80s, while programs at the more accessible end admit students with averages around mid 70s. A competitive overall average for most StFX programs is roughly the mid-80s and up. Check the per-program admission averages below to find your target.

Key Facts

Location: Antigonish, NS
Founded: 1853
Students: 5,000
Maclean's ranking: #10
QS World ranking: #1001
Approximate domestic tuition: $9000/year
Co-op available: No

Top Strengths

Nursing
Business (Sobey)
Sciences
Arts
Education
Kinesiology
Information Technology

Admission Averages by Program

Real admission average ranges for StFX programs, from most accessible to most competitive:

Nursing (BScN) — admission average: high 80s (Strong program with Antigonish and Cape Breton hospital connections.)
Business (Sobey - BBA) — admission average: mid-to-high 80s (Respected small business school, strong alumni mentorship.)
Biology — admission average: high 80s (Strong research focus, marine and ecology streams.)
Chemistry — admission average: high 80s (Good research, pre-professional science pathway.)
Psychology — admission average: mid-to-high 80s (Small program with excellent student-faculty ratio.)
Kinesiology — admission average: high 80s (Strong sports science, good physiotherapy pathway.)
Education (BEd) — admission average: mid 70s (Well-regarded NS teacher certification.)
Information Technology — admission average: mid-to-high 80s (Practical tech program with co-op options.)
Political Science — admission average: mid-to-high 80s (Strong social justice and international development focus.)
Celtic Studies — admission average: mid 80s (Unique program in Canada - connects to Nova Scotia's Gaelic heritage.)

Things to Know

The X-Ring is one of the most recognisable university rings in Canada - StFX alumni are immediately connected by it.
Antigonish is a small town - the entire university community genuinely knows each other.
The Coady International Institute at StFX is world-renowned for community development - good for international development careers.
StFX's alumni network is disproportionately strong for the university's size - real career benefit.

Notable Alumni

Greg MacEachern
John H. MacEachern
Donnie Campbell

← Browse all universities