St. Thomas University (STU) is a public liberal arts university in Fredericton, New Brunswick, ranked #12 in the Maclean’s Primarily Undergraduate 2026 rankings. Established in 1910, STU enrols 4,538 students, of whom 11% arrive from 41 countries.
The university runs Bachelor of Arts programmes across 30-plus majors, a Bachelor of Social Work, a joint Bachelor of Applied Arts with NBCC, an 11-month post-degree Bachelor of Education, and a graduate Master of Social Work. All teaching is in English. For Indian applicants, September remains the primary intake, with a limited January intake for BA entry; PG MSW admits once per year. Common Application membership means STU is one of the few Canadian universities Indian students can reach through the same portal used for US MS universities in Canada.
- Maclean’s Primarily Undergraduate 2026: #12
- Acceptance rate: 48% (estimated)
- Intakes: September (Fall, all programmes), January (Winter, BA only)
- Annual PG tuition (MSW): CAD 21,324 (INR 14.55 lakh)
- International students: 11% of 4,538 across 41 countries
Also Check: MS Universities in Canada for Indian Students
Tuition for international undergraduates in Arts sits at CAD 17,208 for a five-course year, with a 50% international tuition bursary that halves fees for eligible BA entrants over four years. New Brunswick issues a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) that undergraduate applicants must submit with their study permit; PG master’s candidates have been exempt from the PAL requirement since 1 January 2026.
Exchange rate used: 1 CAD = INR 68.22 as of September 2026
Admission Status: Closing Soon (January 2027 BA intake). The Winter 2027 undergraduate window closes on 1 October 2026 through the Common Application. The next full cycle, for September 2027 entry, opened on 31 July 2026 on the Common App and closes 1 June 2027 for UG. MSW applications for September 2027 open on 1 September 2026 and close on 30 January 2027.
Table of Contents
- Popular Courses and Fees at St. Thomas University 2027
- St. Thomas University Admission 2027
- St. Thomas University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
- St. Thomas University Acceptance Rate 2027
- St. Thomas University Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
- St. Thomas University Campus, Facilities and Student Life
- St. Thomas University Scholarships 2027
- St. Thomas University Rankings 2027
- St. Thomas University Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
- St. Thomas University vs Peer Universities
- St. Thomas University FAQs
Popular STU Fees and Courses at St. Thomas University 2027
St. Thomas University charges international tuition on a per-course basis for undergraduate programmes; a standard five-course year in Arts is CAD 17,208, with slightly higher ranges for full course loads. The MSW is priced as a two-year full-time programme at CAD 21,324 per year. All figures are official 2026-27 rates published on the STU tuition schedule and are the anchor used below.
STU Fees for Popular Postgraduate Programmes 2027
STU offers a single graduate credential relevant to Indian applicants, the Master of Social Work. The programme runs for two years full-time, with a Bachelor of Arts entry stream and a BSW advanced-standing stream. Total tuition below is calculated as CAD 21,324 x 2 years.
| Program | Total Fee (CAD) | Total Fee (INR lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Social Work (BA entry, 2 yrs) | CAD 42,648 | 29.10 lakh | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 in social sciences (recommended) |
| Master of Social Work (BSW advanced-standing, 1 yr) | CAD 21,324 | 14.55 lakh | BSW with GPA 3.0/4.3 and 1500 hours social-work experience |
STU Fees for Popular Undergraduate Programmes 2027
Undergraduate Arts programmes at STU share a common tuition of CAD 17,208 for a five-course year, spread across four years. All BA majors sit inside one Bachelor of Arts umbrella; the Bachelor of Applied Arts (Youth Care) is joint with NBCC, and the Bachelor of Social Work is a professional stream.
| Program | Total Fee (CAD) | Total Fee (INR lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| BA Criminology (4 yrs) | CAD 68,832 | 46.96 lakh | Class 12 with 70% (recommended) |
| BA Journalism and Communication (4 yrs) | CAD 68,832 | 46.96 lakh | Class 12 with 70% (recommended) |
| BA Human Rights (4 yrs) | CAD 68,832 | 46.96 lakh | Class 12 with 70% (recommended) |
| BA Political Science (4 yrs) | CAD 68,832 | 46.96 lakh | Class 12 with 70% (recommended) |
| Bachelor of Social Work (BSW, 4 yrs) | CAD 68,832 | 46.96 lakh | Class 12 with 75% (recommended) |
Insider note: Indian BA applicants most often pick Criminology, Journalism and Communication, Human Rights, and Political Science because these majors carry the strongest STU faculty concentration and pair well with future MSW or law entry.
Read More: St. Thomas University Fees and Cost of Living Guide
St. Thomas University Admission 2027
STU runs a September primary intake for all programmes and a limited January intake for the BA. Undergraduate admission for Indian applicants flows through the Common Application, while the MSW uses STU’s own portal.
STU UG Admission Dates 2027
The Winter 2027 BA window is closing within four weeks of TODAY. The main Fall 2027 window opened on 31 July 2026 for a June 2027 close.
| Milestone | Date | Notes for Indian Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Winter 2027 BA deadline (encouraged) | 1 October 2026 | BA only; late applications risk study permit timelines |
| Fall 2027 UG deadline (encouraged) | 1 June 2027 | Common Application submission plus supporting documents |
| Credential verification (WES) | Start 8 to 10 weeks before deadline | Course-by-course ICAP report recommended for Indian marksheets |
| Programme start (Fall) | September 2027 | Orientation runs the week before classes |
STU PG Admission Dates 2027
The MSW has a single September intake with a hard closing date and a separate application portal.
| Milestone | Date | Notes for Indian Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| MSW application opens | 1 September 2026 | STU direct portal at stu.ca/admission-msw |
| MSW Fall 2027 deadline | 30 January 2027 | References and CV must be uploaded by this date |
| Programme start | September 2027 | MSW is master’s-level, PAL exempt from 1 January 2026 |
Planning note: Common Application members share a single essay and reference workflow, so Indian applicants using STU should prepare their Common App Personal Essay by August 2026 and reserve at least two IRCC-friendly weeks after admission for the study permit application.
Read More: St. Thomas University Admissions Guide for Indian Students
St. Thomas University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
STU applies straightforward academic and English thresholds for Indian applicants, with a graduate-level English waiver route for MSW candidates.
UG (BA, BSW, BAA) requirements:
- Class 12 result: CBSE, ICSE or state-board pass with an average of 70% or higher across four to five academic subjects (recommended); 75% recommended for BSW
- English test: IELTS 6.5 overall, TOEFL iBT 88, CAEL 60, MELAB 80, PTE Academic or Duolingo also accepted; ESL pathway available at IELTS 5.0 or TOEFL PBT 500
- Standout requirement: Common Application submission with STU-specific screen, a personal essay and one counsellor recommendation
PG (MSW) requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree: 120 credit hours in social sciences from a recognised Indian university, minimum 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended); BSW advanced-standing route needs GPA 3.0/4.3 and 1500 hours of social-work-related experience
- English test: IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 88; waived where the first degree was taught in English and India is the country of study, which covers most Indian applicants
- Standout requirement: Two academic references, a CV, and a statement of interest submitted via the STU MSW portal
Key insight: MSW candidates from Indian English-medium universities can skip IELTS entirely because STU accepts English as medium of instruction as proof, but the same waiver does not apply at the UG level, where IELTS 6.5 or equivalent remains compulsory.
St. Thomas University Acceptance Rate 2027
STU does not publish an official institutional acceptance rate. Third-party estimates place the figure at 48% (estimated), which reflects a moderately selective intake for a primarily undergraduate liberal arts university.
The rate varies by programme, with MSW and BSW streams tightening due to fixed cohort sizes, while general BA majors sit closer to the headline number. Indian applicants meeting the 70% Class 12 benchmark and the IELTS 6.5 English threshold clear the academic bar comfortably.
Reality check: The 48% estimate is a full-cohort figure. In practice, students applying with 75% or higher Class 12 marks and a full Common Application package have a stronger outcome, and STU’s automatic scholarship consideration at 80% average signals the range the university prizes.
Read More: St. Thomas University Acceptance Rate
STU Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
An Indian undergraduate at STU should budget a total annual outlay of CAD 39,880 to CAD 41,290 (INR 27.20 lakh to INR 28.17 lakh), combining tuition and Fredericton living costs. MSW candidates budget CAD 43,940 to CAD 44,000 per year (INR 29.98 lakh to INR 30.02 lakh).
St. Thomas University Tuition Fees for Indian Students 2027
All rates below are 2026-27 international fees published by the STU registrar. Undergraduate Arts rates apply to a standard five-course annual load.
| Programme Level | Annual Tuition (CAD) | Annual Tuition (INR lakh) |
|---|---|---|
| UG Arts (BA, BAA, BSW) | CAD 17,208 to CAD 18,610 | 11.74 to 12.70 lakh |
| PG MSW | CAD 21,324 | 14.55 lakh |
[Source: St. Thomas University official tuition schedule 2026-27]
Monthly Cost of Living in Fredericton for Indian Students
Fredericton is one of Canada’s more affordable mid-size university cities. IRCC lists CAD 22,895 as the proof-of-funds requirement for a single applicant, which the estimates below track.
| Expense | Monthly (CAD) | Monthly (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (shared, off-campus) | CAD 700 to CAD 900 (estimated) | INR 47,754 to 61,398 |
| Food and groceries | CAD 350 to CAD 450 (estimated) | INR 23,877 to 30,699 |
| Transportation (city bus pass) | CAD 80 to CAD 100 (estimated) | INR 5,458 to 6,822 |
| Books and supplies | CAD 100 (estimated) | INR 6,822 |
| Personal and utilities | CAD 200 to CAD 300 (estimated) | INR 13,644 to 20,466 |
| Total monthly | CAD 1,430 to CAD 1,850 (estimated) | INR 97,555 to 1,26,207 |
| Total annual | CAD 17,160 to CAD 22,200 (estimated) | 11.71 to 15.14 lakh |
[Source: IRCC proof-of-funds 2026 guidance and Fredericton municipal cost estimates]
Insider note: A shared room in a student house near campus runs CAD 550 to CAD 700 in Fredericton, well below downtown Toronto or Vancouver ranges. New Brunswick’s minimum wage part-time work at CAD 15.30 per hour can cover roughly half the monthly food and transport bill.
Read More: Cost of Living in Canada for Indian Students
St. Thomas University Campus, Facilities and Student Life
STU’s 100-acre hilltop campus sits next to the University of New Brunswick in downtown Fredericton, giving students shared access to library resources and city transit routes.
- Location and transport: Fredericton city bus routes 15N, 15S and 16 stop at campus; a CAD 90 monthly UPass covers unlimited rides across the city.
- Housing: On-campus residence spots are guaranteed for first-year international students who apply by the residence deadline, with rooms priced CAD 8,900 to CAD 11,600 per academic year.
- Notable facility: The Sir James Dunn Hall houses classrooms, the STU Career and Experiential Learning office, and the writing centre, all inside a single walkable block.
- Indian community: STU’s international office draws students from 41 countries; South Asian students form one of the larger clusters among the 11% international cohort.
What Indian students say: The small class sizes at STU let students build direct relationships with faculty, and the Fredericton winter is colder than Ontario but the housing market is far more forgiving on a student budget.
St. Thomas University Scholarships 2027
STU publishes an entrance scholarship suite that spans automatic awards, competitive named scholarships, and an exclusive tuition bursary for international undergraduates.
| Scholarship | Type | Award Value | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50% International Tuition Bursary | Bursary | 50% of tuition, up to 4 years | Eligible international BA entrants | Applied automatically on admission |
| President’s International Scholarship | Merit | Up to full tuition, renewable 3 years | Top-ranking first-year international students | 1 March 2027 |
| International Entrance Scholarship | Merit | CAD 500 (INR 34,110) | One international UG per year, full-time | 1 March 2027 |
| STU Scholarship (Renewable) | Automatic | Varies | Class 12 average 80% or higher | Auto-considered on UG application |
| Top-Ranking International Scholarships | Merit | Varies | Academic excellence plus leadership | 1 March 2027 |
[Source: STU Entrance Scholarships and Awards page]
Insider note: The 50% Tuition Bursary is the single biggest financial lever for Indian BA applicants; when stacked with an 80% Class 12 average, it can bring annual tuition below CAD 9,000 (INR 6.14 lakh).
Read More: St. Thomas University Scholarships Guide
St. Thomas University Rankings 2027
STU sits outside the QS and THE global tables, which focus on research-heavy institutions, but ranks strongly in Canada’s flagship undergraduate ranking body.
| Ranking Body | Latest Edition | Previous Edition | Two Editions Back |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maclean’s Primarily Undergraduate | 2026: #12 | 2025: #13 | 2024: #14 |
| QS World | Not ranked in QS 2027 | Not ranked | Not ranked |
| THE World | Not ranked in THE 2026 | Not ranked | Not ranked |
| US News Global | Not ranked in Best Global Universities 2026-2027 | Not ranked | Not ranked |
[Source: Maclean’s Canada’s Best Primarily Undergraduate Universities 2026, QS, THE, US News]
Key insight: The Maclean’s #12 position matters for Indian applicants because IRCC and Canadian employers treat Maclean’s tiers as the domestic reference; the Primarily Undergraduate category is where teaching quality and student experience carry more weight than research output.
Read More: St. Thomas University Rankings Analysis
St. Thomas University Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
STU does not publish central placement statistics in the manner of large research universities; career support is delivered through the Career and Experiential Learning office rather than a placement cell.
- Employment outcomes: Not officially disclosed; Maclean’s 2026 reports STU graduates enter fields aligned with liberal arts including social services, journalism, education and public policy
- Median starting salary: CAD 45,000 to CAD 55,000 (INR 30.70 lakh to 37.52 lakh) for New Brunswick BA graduates (market median, Statistics Canada 2024)
- Top sectors: Social work agencies, provincial government, community journalism, non-profit sector, education (post-BEd)
- Career support: One-on-one advising, resume workshops, and the STU Experiential Learning fund for internships
- Post-study work: Indian graduates qualify for the Canadian Post-Graduation Work Permit of up to 3 years depending on programme length
Insider note: MSW graduates from STU register with the New Brunswick Association of Social Workers and typically move into provincial or federal government roles within six months of graduation.
St. Thomas University vs Peer Universities
STU sits in a small group of Maritime Canada primarily undergraduate universities with a liberal arts focus. The peer set below draws from the Maclean’s 2026 Primarily Undergraduate table.
| University | Maclean’s PU 2026 | Avg Annual PG Fee (CAD / INR lakh) | Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Thomas University | #12 | CAD 21,324 / 14.55 lakh | Common Application member, 50% intl bursary |
| Mount Allison University | #1 | CAD 22,730 / 15.51 lakh (estimated) | Top overall PU brand in Canada |
| Acadia University | #4 | CAD 21,600 / 14.74 lakh (estimated) | Nova Scotia, strong music and sciences |
| Bishop’s University | #7 | CAD 20,000 / 13.64 lakh (estimated) | English-medium in Quebec, small cohort |
| University of Prince Edward Island | NA (Comprehensive) | CAD 22,100 / 15.08 lakh (estimated) | Wider PG portfolio including business |
STU’s competitive edge over its Maritime peers is the 50% international tuition bursary, which no other primarily undergraduate university in the region matches. Its Common Application membership also lowers the friction for Indian applicants running parallel US and Canada shortlists.
St. Thomas University fits Indian students who want a small-cohort liberal arts degree in Canada with a working affordability lever. With annual all-in costs of CAD 39,880 to CAD 44,000 (INR 27.20 lakh to 30.02 lakh) and post-graduation entry-level salaries near CAD 50,000 (INR 34.11 lakh), the ROI works best when the 50% tuition bursary or President’s Scholarship applies, and Indian graduates additionally benefit from Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit of up to three years.
STU is not the right pick for applicants wanting engineering, business or STEM research pathways, since the programme mix is arts and social sciences only. Indian students seeking those tracks should look at the University of New Brunswick next door, which sits on the same Fredericton hill and offers a broader graduate catalogue.
St. Thomas University FAQs
Ques. Can Indian MSW applicants at St. Thomas University skip IELTS?
Ans. Yes, STU waives the English proficiency test for postgraduate applicants whose bachelor’s degree was taught in English at a recognised Indian university. This waiver applies to the MSW programme and covers most Indian applicants from English-medium colleges. Undergraduate applicants remain required to submit IELTS 6.5, TOEFL iBT 88, CAEL 60 or an accepted equivalent.
Ques. How does the Common Application work for STU?
Ans. STU is one of the few Canadian universities that accept applications only through the Common Application portal at commonapp.org. Indian applicants create a single account, complete the standard Common App essay, and then fill an STU-specific member screen. The 2026-27 cycle opened on 31 July 2026. There is a CAD 55 application fee. Supporting documents including transcripts and English test results upload through the same portal.
Ques. Is the Provincial Attestation Letter mandatory for STU applicants?
Ans. The Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) is mandatory for undergraduate international applicants to STU. New Brunswick issues the PAL once the applicant pays the CAD 2,500 non-refundable deposit, which is later credited to second-semester tuition. Master’s and doctoral applicants, including MSW candidates, have been exempt from the PAL requirement since 1 January 2026, so they can submit a study permit application on the strength of the STU offer letter alone.
Ques. What part-time work rules apply to STU students?
Ans. Study permit holders at STU can work up to 24 hours per week off-campus during regular academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks, under the current IRCC rule that took effect in November 2024. There is no separate work permit required. On-campus work carries no hour cap. Indian students typically use campus jobs, the Fredericton retail sector, or work-study positions inside STU administrative offices.
Ques. Does STU offer joint or online degree options?
Ans. STU offers a Bachelor of Applied Arts jointly with the New Brunswick Community College (NBCC), which combines a diploma pathway with a bachelor’s credential. A Mi’kmaq Wolastoqey Bachelor of Social Work is run in partnership with Indigenous communities. STU does not currently offer a fully online undergraduate degree for international applicants; the September and January intakes are both in-person on the Fredericton campus.
Ques. What documents do Indian applicants need for credential verification?
Ans. STU accepts Indian marksheets in original form directly from CBSE, ICSE or state boards, uploaded through the Common Application. A course-by-course WES ICAP evaluation is recommended but not mandatory for undergraduate admission. MSW applicants should provide a WES ICAP report of their Indian bachelor’s transcripts and any additional CGPA-to-4.3 conversion. Turnaround for WES is 8 to 10 weeks from submission of sealed transcripts.
Ques. What is the STU application fee for Indian students?
Ans. The undergraduate application fee is CAD 55 (INR 3,752) paid via the Common Application at submission. MSW applicants pay a higher CAD 100 (INR 6,822) fee directly on the STU MSW portal. Neither fee is refundable, even if the application is withdrawn. There is no automatic fee waiver for Indian applicants, though Common App need-based fee waivers are available in limited cases and require counsellor certification.
Ques. Which Indian banks recognise STU for education loans?
Ans. STU is on the approved institutional list for most Indian public sector banks including SBI, Bank of Baroda, Canara Bank and Union Bank, as well as private lenders such as HDFC Credila, Avanse and Auxilo. Loan sanction is usually granted against the STU offer letter and the proof-of-funds requirement of CAD 22,895 (INR 15.62 lakh). Students should present the study permit-linked funds separately from the annual tuition invoice.
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St. Thomas University Reviews
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4 Reviews Found
Overview
Criminology program, low tuition cost, close to home. Stays close to home allowed me to save an abundance of money, all the while being able to attend a university that was rich with academics. This also allowed me to not have the stress of living on my own while trying to explore my first year of university.
Fees
Tuition is offered lower than other campuses. Scholarships are available if a certain grade point average is obtained. I was able to have two scholarships that allowed me to have a lower financial burden. I also worked throughout my degree which helped with the stress of paying for tuition. Many students have to take out loans.
Overview
It was close to home and I got a pretty good scholarship to the school that I currently go to, but I'm switching programs because I am no longer interested in the program that I am taking and I'm switching hung to comp science.
Fees
It's about 7500 all in and that includes a bus pass and a health plan, it's cheaper than many other universities I've looked at.
Overview
It's a liberal Arts School that offers it's students the best they can possibly have, the Fine Arts program and the communications programs are amazing and the state's government had a partnership with my high school.
Fees
International students pay the double and that is a downside. You can definitely apply for a scholarship or bursary and I need to say that I have never seen a university that gives more scholarships than STU. But for those that don't have anything, like me, it is a little expensive since we have to pay for everything. Residence in the first year is mandatory, the meal plan is expensive and there are some fees.
Overview
I chose st Thomas University because it is a small campus, and with such a small campus you get smaller classes making it a more 1-1 experience. There is also a unb right beside it, making it interesting and easy to see the difference between a small university and large.
Fees
Living in residence is too expensive for that it is ought to be, and they tell you to flat out the tuition charge but then they don't tell you about all the hidden charges- 1000$ in hidden charges which are mandatory to pay even though they do not apply to you.
St. Thomas University Scholarships
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario Graduate Fellowship | Scholarship per student₹ 8.4 L/Yr$8,875 | Level Of StudyDoctorate | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Jared J. Davis Grant | Scholarship per student₹ 94,510/Yr$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| The Google Lime Scholarship | Scholarship per student₹ 9.5 L/Yr$10,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Golden Key Graduate Scholar Award | Scholarship per student₹ 1.4 L/Yr$1,500 | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Axol Science Scholarship | Scholarship per student₹ 1.9 L/Yr$2,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCompany-Sponsored | |
| Business Administration Scholarships | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based |
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St. Thomas University Admissions
Regular Decision Deadlines
Important Date: June1 (Application deadline)Important Date: August15 (Application results)
Attendance Cost
The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees
St. Thomas University Accreditations
Faculty
| Total Faculty | Full Time | Part Time | Graduate Assistants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 800 | - | - | - |




















Comments
Found 1 Comment
St. Thomas University does not offer Ph.D. level programs in Healthcare. It is primarily an undergraduate university specializing in liberal arts education. It provides more than 30 Bachelor of Arts degree programs that range from English, Political Science, and Psychology to Criminal Arts, Human Rights, and Journalism.
For more details, you can refer to this link: St. Thomas University Courses & Fees