| Location | Antigonish, Canada | Funding Type | Public |
|---|---|---|---|
| No of Students | 4000 | Establishment | University |
| Founded In | 1853 | Estimated Cost of Living | 22895 CAD |
| Address | 4130 University Ave, Antigonish, NS B2G 2W5, Canada |
St. Francis Xavier University is a public undergraduate liberal arts university located in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, Canada. It is a member of the Maple League, a group of primarily undergraduate universities in Eastern Canada.
St. Francis Xavier College was founded as Arichat College, a Roman Catholic diocesan educational institution at Arichat, Nova Scotia, in 1853. Arichat College was moved to its present location in Antigonish, and established as St. Francis Xavier College in 1855. On May 7, 1866, St. Francis Xavier College was given university status, becoming St. Francis Xavier University. The university awarded its first degrees in 1868.
In 1883 Mount St. Bernard Academy was founded for female education, with girls from primary grades to grade 12 taught by the Sisters of Notre Dame.
Architect Henry Frederick Busch designed the college building in 1888.
In 1894, the academy affiliated with St. Francis Xavier University as Mount St. Bernard College. In 1897, the school became the first co-educational Catholic university in North America to grant degrees to women. Four women were awarded university degrees in 1897.
A metal plaque in the St. Francis Xavier University Chapel is dedicated to the thirty-three members of the college, now St. Francis Xavier University, who were killed in service during the First World War (1914–18).
In February 1922, St. Francis Xavier University's War Memorial Rink, with a brick exterior and wooden interior, opened. After the War Memorial Rink was officially closed on February 8, 2002, the building was torn down and a new science complex was built in the old rink's place.
StFX's extension department has engaged in community development in Antigonish since 1928 while the Coady International Institute at StFX has engaged in community development globally since 1959.
A metal plaque, unveiled on 5 May 1984, was dedicated by the university's class of 1984, in honour of those students killed in armed conflict while defending the liberty of Canadians.
In 1985 the number of women students at St. Francis Xavier became equal to the number of men for the first time. In 1990, the women's college existed as a residence only.
In the early 20th century, professional education expanded beyond the traditional fields of theology, law and medicine. Graduate training based on the German-inspired American model of specialized course work and the completion of a research thesis was introduced. The policy of university education initiated in the 1960s responded to population pressure and the belief that higher education was a key to social justice and economic productivity for individuals and for society.
The St. Francis Xavier tartan was designed as a university tartan in 1994.
In 1996 StFX implemented Canada's first Service Learning program, which provided opportunities for international learning.
In February 2019, Dr. Andy Hakin was named the university's 19th president and vice-chancellor by StFX's board of governors. He began his tenure on July 1, 2019.
St. Francis Xavier University has a reputation as one of Canada's finest undergraduate universities. Our small, supportive campus offers academic and social benefits that you simply won't find at a larger school.
Xaverians feel a deep sense of connection to both the university community and the incredible town of Antigonish. And with the support of a community like StFX behind you, there's really nothing you can't achieve.
A stronger sense of community
Once on campus, you will feel it immediately: a sense of belonging. Our campus is more than beautiful. It’s cozy. It’s comfortable. It’s inviting. You will feel like campus, and Antigonish, is your home. And you will come to care for it like home.
More classroom engagement
Our smaller classes foster lively debate and discussion. So when you are exposed to new ideas, you will be able to talk through them with your classmates, resulting in a deeper understanding of the concepts.
Professors who care about your success
At StFX, you are never just a number in our classes. Here, your professors know you by name, engage with you one-on-one, and genuinely care about your understanding of the material. And our faculty and staff, likewise, are able to take an active role in your success.
Hands-on learning
Test different career paths and gain first-hand experience through incredible student research, co-op, and service learning opportunities. Only a university like StFX can give you this meaningful an advantage in your future career or further studies.
Research opportunities
StFX has established a tradition of research and creative works across all four faculties. Our researchers receive millions of dollars in external funding each year, and as a StFX student, you will have lots of opportunities to make meaningful contributions to research projects throughout your time here.
Friendships that last a lifetime
It’s the connections with your fellow students that make the StFX experience so unforgettable. Immersed in a vibrant community where many students choose to reside on campus, you will live together, learn together, and share challenges and successes together.
Community involvement
The StFX culture encourages students to be involved in the greater Antigonish community. This helps you develop a better awareness of global and local issues, and ultimately become a community-minded person, employee, and citizen.
Uniagents do not charge any fee from the students for admissions, scholarships or any support services. Any agents or individuals who ask for any money on behalf of Uniagents must be reported to: grievance@uniagents.com
If you are a user of Plan Study Abroad or Global Reach. Our paid services are listed on the website and must be paid directly.
Happy To assist you