The University of New Brunswick is situated on the traditional territory of the Wolastoqey people. The river that flows beside the university is Wolastoq (beautiful and bountiful river), along which live the Wolastoqiyik (Maliseets).
Wolastoq, renamed “St. John River” by early colonial authorities, was a vital part of life for the Wolastoqiyik, providing food and medicine and connecting the Wolastoqey villages alongside it. The land fed by the river was used for hunting, harvesting medicines and obtaining building materials. Daily life and culture were rich and varied. Ceremonies were performed, and knowledge was passed down through generations.
The University of New Brunswick is the first English-language university in Canada, but the first language spoken on this land is Wolastoqey latuwewakon. The first teachings on the land were the teachings of the Wolastoqiyik.
The Peace and Friendship Treaties of the 18th century allowed colonial settlers to establish settlements on Wolastoqey territory but, unlike many treaties across Canada, did not surrender any land. As part of the treaties, colonial settlers promised not to interfere with Wolastoqey fishing, hunting and traditional governing practices.
The idea for a university on this land was born as the American Revolutionary War drew to a close in the 1780s. Thousands of Loyalists gathered in New York City to await transportation to homes in other British colonies.
Among these Loyalists were Charles Inglis, a former interim President of King's College, New York (Columbia University); Benjamin Moore, later President of Columbia; and Jonathan Odell, minister, poet and pamphleteer. In the midst of war, privation and exile, they drew up a plan for the future education of their sons in their new home.
Recognizing that the new American nation would provide instruction only in revolutionary "Principles contrary to the British Constitution" and that the cost of an overseas education would be prohibitive, they urged the representatives of the British government to consider the "founding of a College... where Youth may receive a virtuous Education" in such things as "Religion, Literature, Loyalty, & good Morals..."
UNB began with a petition presented to Governor Thomas Carleton on Dec. 13, 1785. Headed by William Paine, the seven memorialists asked Carleton to grant a charter of incorporation for an "academy or school of liberal arts and sciences," which they maintained would result in many "public advantages and conveniences.”
By 1829, the academy had become King's College and the building now known as Sir Howard Douglas Hall was officially opened.
King's College spent several tumultuous periods in conflict with members of the New Brunswick Legislature. Ostensibly, they were arguing over the issues of curriculum and religion, but the real issue was probably the cost of higher education.
Fortunately, King's did have its defenders, in particular, the elegant debater William Needham who, in the face of threats to burn down the college or to turn it into an agricultural school, made an impassioned speech that saved the institution from such ignominious fates. Through the efforts of Needham, Lieutenant Governor Sir Edmund Head and a few others, the Legislature was persuaded to reform rather than destroy the college.
On April 13, 1859, the act creating the secular, provincial University of New Brunswick was passed.
The post-First World War era brought the first great expansion of the physical facilities of the campus. In 1920, UNB consisted of Sir Howard Douglas Hall, the Science Building, the small Observatory, a small gymnasium and the Dominion Entomological Laboratory.
By 1931, Memorial Hall, a modern Library and the Forestry and Geology Building had been added.
The first university residence was a gift from Lord Beaverbrook who, growing up in New Brunswick as William Maxwell Aitken, studied law, and over the succeeding years developed an increasing interest in the welfare of the university.
UNB has among the best student-to-faculty ratios of Canada’s comprehensive universities. We offer world-class programs with a small university experience.
- Years of history 230+
- The student to faculty ratio 15:1
- programs to choose from 75+
We are locally engaged and nationally relevant. We are leaders in research, innovation, and entrepreneurship. We do more than respond to jobs needed today. We create the industries and opportunities of the New Brunswick of tomorrow.
Our students have the skills and the confidence to manage complexity, think critically, and communicate clearly. They are problem solvers and leaders, full participants in a healthy and vibrant democracy.
Our vision
We aspire to be a university of influence through excellence and innovation in research and teaching to enable positive social change across our communities.
Our mission
To inspire and educate our people to become problem solvers and leaders in the world, undertake research that addresses societal and scientific challenges, and engage with our partners to build a more just, sustainable, and inclusive world.
Our values
- Academic freedom
- Academic excellence
- Integrity, transparency, and respect
- Equity, diversity, and inclusion
- Financial and environmental sustainability
- Innovation, engagement, and collaboration
Our commitment
Piluwitahasuwawsuwakon1. A Wolastoqey word gifted to UNB by Opolahsomuwehs (Elder Imelda Perley) which means “allowing your thinking to change so that action will follow in a good way toward truth,” and considering and sharing other world views, histories, and practices. This commitment lies behind all that we do as a university. In all that we do, we commit to walking this path together, as we are all treaty people.
University of New Brunswick Rankings
- #959 in Best Global Universities (tie)
- #26 in Best Global Universities in Canada
University of New Brunswick Subject Rankings
- #581 in Engineering (tie)
- #449 in Environment/Ecology (tie)
- #468 in Plant and Animal Science (tie)
