Overview
The University of New Brunswick (UNB) is Canada's oldest English-language university and is located on the beautiful east coast of Canada. UNB is a leader in research and innovation with a focus on entrepreneurial success. Over 75 undergraduate and graduate programs are offered, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 15:1. UNB also has the third-highest student graduate rate in Canada.
One in two students joining UNB straight from high school receives a scholarship. The university provides over CAD 9 million in undergraduate awards each year. Academic and personal support is available 24/7, and students receive help in a safe environment where security services are always available.
New Brunswick, Canada
UNB has two main campuses in the Canadian province of New Brunswick: one in Fredericton and one in Saint John. The province has a low cost of living and boasts many beaches, parks, lakes and other areas of natural beauty. Travel + Leisure named New Brunswick one of the top 50 places to visit in 2020. Montreal can be reached by plane in one and a half hours, Toronto in two, and it takes six and a half hours to drive to Boston.
The Fredericton campus was established in 1785, and the Saint John campus in 1964. These are two of New Brunswick's largest cities. Both campuses are small and friendly, with more than 10,000 undergraduate students combined from over 100 countries. The student experience is fun and memorable and there are over 120 clubs and societies available for students to join. With a focus on community and a welcoming culture, it's easy to make long-lasting friendships in and outside of the classroom.
What's new
Campus investment
The University of New Brunswick has a new CAD 36 million Faculty of Kinesiology building on its Fredericton campus. The new facilities in this building are helping faculty and staff lead the field in preventive healthcare and research. It also acts as a social hub for Kinesiology students, with plenty of space to study and socialize between classes.
New bachelor of health program
The university has launched a new bachelor of health interdisciplinary degree program that incorporates business, arts and science. This program is the first of its kind in Canada, incorporating courses from many faculties to encourage its students to look at health through a variety of lenses. This four-year program is available on the Saint John campus.
New residence built at UNB Saint John
A new residence building, the Barry and Flora Beckett Residence, has been completed on the Saint John campus. The facility was designed to have a minimal environmental impact, with elements such as geothermal heating incorporated into the building.
New engineering diploma introduced
A new diploma in engineering fundamentals has been introduced at the university's Saint John campus. This entry-level program teaches the fundamentals of engineering including design, mathematics and communication. Students who meet the requirements for earning the diploma in engineering foundations in their discipline will also earn a seat to complete the final two years of their engineering program at UNB Fredericton. The program starts in September 2021.
Top research
Research is a top priority at UNB, and it plays a key role in solving real problems in New Brunswick, Canada and the world. Higher education performs 53 percent of all research and development in New Brunswick, and around 70 percent of that happens at UNB. UNB researchers have worked with Google, NASA and governments around the globe. There are always new research projects at UNB that add to this contribution.
Teaching quality
The student-to-faculty ratio at the University of New Brunswick is 15:1, meaning classes are small and faculty give learners dedicated attention. UNB ranks as one of Canada's top five comprehensive universities (Maclean's magazine) and is in the top 3.3 percent of over 27,000 institutions (Center for World University Rankings).
Teaching at UNB combines the history and tradition of education with a focus on how knowledge can impact the future. Faculty work hard to ensure students gain the skills and experience needed to stand out in the job market. Entrepreneurship is promoted throughout all disciplines, where students are shown how to create opportunities for themselves and others.
Research excellence
UNB conducts 70 per cent of publicly funded research within the province, attracting CAD 39 million in external research funding each year. It has over 20 research institutes and centres, and 65 major research labs. Research partners include NASA, and technology developed at UNB has been used by large-scale services such as Google Maps. UNB is also a global leader in MRI technology.
Department structure
At the University of New Brunswick, students can choose from over 75 innovative undergraduate and graduate programs across two campuses. Each campus is home to different faculties and departments.
Fredericton campus:
Arts Computer Science Education Engineering Forestry and Environmental Management Kinesiology Law Management Nursing Renaissance College Science
Saint John campus:
Arts Business Science, Applied Science and Engineering (SASE)The first engineering and forestry programs in Canada were held at UNB. The university is also home to the country's first faculty of computer science.
English language programs
Both campuses teach English as a second language through interactive programs for students from all across the globe. Highly qualified instructors help students become confident with using the English language for academic tasks and day-to-day life in Canada.
Entry requirements
Specific admission requirements depend on the program and level of study.
For undergraduate programs, students need to have completed their national high school curriculum (or an accepted equivalent). Those who have studied for International Baccalaureate (IB), Advanced Placement (AP) or GCSEs are encouraged to apply.
English language criteria
Non-native English speakers have to meet language requirements for most academic programs. They will need a minimum score in the following language tests or an accepted equivalent:
TOEFL IBT – 85 IELTS – 6.5 CAEL CE/Online – 60 Pearson Vue Test – 59 Cambridge English Assessment C1 advanced/C2 proficiency – 176 Duolingo – 115Nursing, education and arts programs on the Fredericton campus and nursing and health sciences on the Saint John campus require a minimum overall IELTS score of 7.0 or an accepted equivalent.
Students can find further details of entry requirements on UNB's website.
Facilities
The University of New Brunswick's two main campuses is in Fredericton and Saint John. Both venues offer different facilities that suit the learning and living styles of the students who work there.
To support student learning, buildings and resources include:
Digital classrooms equipped with projectors, sound systems, computers and visual presenters. Department-specific facilities such as labs, studios, greenhouses and research spaces. Large conference centres and lecture theaters that cater to various programs and events. Libraries and common study spaces with extensive resources, study spaces and support services.Campus amenities include cafes, dining halls, bookstores, pharmacies, gyms and fitness facilities.
Accommodation
Several residence options are available which give students all they need for a comfortable experience. Students can choose between a variety of rooms including single, double or apartment-style. UNB is committed to keeping its residences as modern as possible. UNB Saint John opened their newest residence building in 2021, and UNB Fredericton is committed to renovating a residence each year to keep it modern, accessible and comfortable. All residence students have access to on-campus cafeterias, laundry services, common living spaces and more.
Scholarships & funding
Millions of dollars are given in financial support each year, helping students with the costs of studying overseas. UNB has scholarships that reward academic excellence, leadership and more.
Entrance scholarships
Eligible new undergraduate students may receive a scholarship ranging from CAD 500 to CAD 52,000. One in two first-year students at UNB receive support from an entrance scholarship. Opportunities are available for:
International high school students International transfer students International students continuing their studies at UNB
Earn while learning
Many international students at UNB work while studying to earn extra money. Both campuses have many job opportunities, such as in local shops, restaurants or bars. Students can also find employment opportunities and paid internships on campus.
UNB's Student Employment team helps students looking for part-time work with their job searches, applications and interview techniques.