St. Thomas University (Fredericton): Tuition, Programmes & Guide for International Students

St. Thomas University (STU) is a small public liberal arts university in Fredericton, the capital of New Brunswick, sharing a hillside campus with the University of New Brunswick. It focuses on the humanities and social sciences, with well-known programmes in criminology, journalism, human rights, gerontology, social work, and education, and an unusual aviation stream. Its international tuition is among the lower ones in Canada. This guide covers official 2026-27 tuition, programmes, and work and immigration options.

Quick facts snapshot

• Institution: St. Thomas University (STU), a public liberal arts university in Fredericton, New Brunswick
• Campus: shared hillside campus with the University of New Brunswick
• 2026-27 international tuition (STU): Bachelor of Arts C$21,135 a year; Bachelor of Social Work C$21,403; post-degree Bachelor of Education C$26,782
• Aviation stream (BA): C$15,851 STU tuition plus C$35,978 flight training, a total of C$51,829
• Part-time: C$1,917 per three-credit-hour course; Master of Social Work C$2,393 per three-credit-hour course
• Student fees: technology C$200; universal bus pass C$165; health centre C$50; international health plan C$264
• Known for: criminology, journalism, human rights, gerontology, social work, and education

Rankings and reputation

STU is a small, primarily undergraduate university and is not ranked in global tables. It is valued for small classes and close contact with professors. Judge it on programme fit and outcomes.

Academics and signature programs

STU offers the Bachelor of Arts with majors in criminology, journalism, human rights, gerontology, psychology, political science, economics, English, and more, plus the Bachelor of Social Work and a post-degree Bachelor of Education. Ask about internships and the aviation stream's requirements.

Admissions and international eligibility

Admission depends on academic results and English. After admission, you need a study permit and usually a provincial attestation letter from New Brunswick.

English language requirements

• English requirements apply; check STU's accepted tests and scores
• Some programmes may set higher scores
• Ask about English support
• Confirm requirements before applying

Application checklist

A typical application includes transcripts, English results, and passport details. For the aviation stream, ask about medical requirements for pilot training.

Tuition, living costs, and scholarships

STU's 2026-27 international tuition is C$21,135 a year for the BA, C$21,403 for the BSW, and C$26,782 for the post-degree BEd. The aviation stream costs C$51,829 a year including flight training. Add the technology fee of C$200, bus pass of C$165, health centre fee of C$50, international health plan of C$264, and living costs.

Estimated living costs

• Study-permit applicants must show funds for tuition, travel, and living costs, and the required amount is updated periodically
• International students can generally work a limited number of hours per week off campus during term under current rules
• Winters are cold, so budget for winter clothing
• Housing near campus can be limited, so arrange it early
• Public transit and student passes reduce commuting costs in most cities

Scholarships

STU offers entrance scholarships based on academic results. Ask about awards for international students.

Campus life and student support

STU's campus overlooks the Saint John River and Fredericton's downtown. Sharing a campus with UNB gives access to more facilities and students. Fredericton is a small, safe, walkable city.

Career outcomes and post-study work rights

New Brunswick's economy includes government, health care, education, and technology. The Atlantic Immigration Program and New Brunswick's Provincial Nominee Program offer pathways for some graduates with job offers. Check PGWP eligibility.

Canada's Post-Graduation Work Permit

Graduates of eligible programs at designated learning institutions can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit, whose length generally depends on the program length up to three years. Canada has tightened rules, including language requirements and, for some program types, field-of-study conditions, and it caps new study permits, so confirm the current rules with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and ask the institution whether your program qualifies.

Human rights and criminology

STU was the first Canadian university to offer a human rights programme, and its criminology and criminal justice programme is one of its largest. Both combine theory with community and advocacy work. Ask about internships with government or non-profit organisations.

The aviation stream

STU's aviation stream combines a BA with flight training, adding about C$35,978 a year in flight costs. Pilot licensing requires medical certification and has its own rules for international students. Check career and licensing implications carefully.

Living in Fredericton

Fredericton is New Brunswick's capital, with a riverside trail network, a lively music scene, and low living costs. Winters are cold and snowy. The universal bus pass helps students get around.

Study permit and PGWP planning

Canada caps study permits and requires most new students to obtain a provincial attestation letter. Post-Graduation Work Permit eligibility depends on your full programme and current IRCC rules, which change often. Keep your study permit valid, study full time, and check IRCC's website before enrolling and again before graduating.

The Atlantic Immigration Program

The Atlantic Immigration Program helps employers in Atlantic Canada hire international graduates for permanent residence. New Brunswick also runs its own provincial nominee streams. Check current requirements with IRCC and the province.

A step-by-step checklist before paying

Confirm your programme's tuition and PGWP eligibility, check provincial attestation rules, budget for student fees, arrange housing, and read the refund policy.

Questions for current students

If possible, speak with current STU students about class sizes, housing, winter, and part-time work. Their experience can help you judge whether it suits you and what to budget for in the first year.

Health insurance and pre-arrival preparation

International students need health coverage, which may be through a provincial plan after a waiting period or a university plan, so ask what applies. Budget for the study permit fee, flights, winter clothing, and a housing deposit, and arrange housing early.

What to expect in your first months

The first weeks involve orientation, registration, and adapting to Canadian classroom culture, which values participation and regular assignments. Students who use tutoring, writing support, and co-op advising early tend to settle faster.

A realistic budget

At about C$21,135 in tuition plus about C$680 in student fees and C$13,000 to C$16,000 in living costs, a year could cost about C$35,000 to C$38,000.

Questions to ask before you accept an offer

• What is the 2026-27 fee for my programme?
• Is my programme PGWP-eligible?
• Do I need a provincial attestation letter?
• What scholarships are available?
• What does the aviation stream require?
• What housing is available?

Who STU suits best

STU suits students who want an affordable, small liberal arts university in a safe Atlantic Canadian city, especially for criminology, journalism, human rights, or social work. It may suit less well students who want engineering, business, or a large campus.

STU compared with other Atlantic Canadian universities

UNB, Mount Allison, and Saint Mary's offer different programme mixes. STU stands out for liberal arts and its shared campus with UNB. Compare programme, cost, and setting.

Step-by-step application roadmap

1. Choose your program and confirm entry requirements.
2. Check the English requirement and book a test if needed.
3. Apply with transcripts and passport details.
4. Accept your offer and obtain the documents needed for your study permit.
5. Apply for your study permit and arrange insurance.
6. Book housing and attend orientation.

Preparing your documents early

Gather certified transcripts, English results, and proof of funds, and start the study-permit process early because processing times vary. Keep written confirmation of fees and scholarships.

Building a realistic budget

Budget for tuition, student fees, the international health plan, rent, food, books, and winter clothing. Fredericton's living costs are low by Canadian standards.

Key takeaway

STU offers affordable, small-class liberal arts education with distinctive human rights, criminology, and journalism programmes.

Support for international students

STU's international office helps with orientation, immigration advice, and settling in, and small classes make it easy to get support from professors.

Planning your arrival

Arrive before orientation, buy winter clothing, set up a bank account and phone, and use the universal bus pass.

Comparing total costs

To compare STU with other Canadian universities, add tuition and student fees to living costs. STU's tuition and Fredericton's low rents make it one of the more affordable options in Canada.

Final checks before you apply

Confirm PGWP eligibility and attestation requirements for your programme, and ask about residence options early.

Frequently asked questions