Saint Mary's University is a modern, secular, and metropolitan university located in the heart of Halifax, Nova Scotia. It is the second-largest university in Nova Scotia and is known for its iconic buildings, green spaces, and proximity to the city center. The university offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs and is home to a diverse community of students from over 117 countries.
| Acronym | SMU |
| Nickname | Huskies |
| Motto / Slogan | What You Do, Do Well |
| Colour | Maroon and Burgundy |
| Mascot | The Husky |
| Founded | 1802 |
| Undergraduate Programmes | |
| Postgraduate Programmes | 31 |
| Location | Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada |
| Address | 923 Robie Street Halifax, NS, Canada B3H 3C3 |
Offer undergraduate, graduate, and life-long learning programs
Engage in research and disseminate its results.
Serve the community from the local to the international level.
Saint Mary's, building on its strong tradition of accessibility and community engagement, will be the university of choice for aspiring citizens of the world.
Provide accessible and high-quality education.
Foster a supportive and inclusive community.
Promote research and innovation
Engage with local and international communities
Prepare students for responsible and rewarding lives.
Faculty of Arts
Faculty of Science
Sobey School of Business
Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research
Entry requirements vary by program. Check the program page for requirements.
International Students:
You can also verify your academic admission requirements by country. If you do not see your country's requirements, please email [email protected].
Entry requirements vary by program. Check the program page for requirements.
International Students:
You can also verify your academic admission requirements by country. If you do not see your country's requirements, please email [email protected].
Email: [email protected]
Phone : +1 902-420-5415, +1 902-496-8100
Library: The Patrick Power Library is the University’s centre for teaching, learning and research and a hub for student and community engagement. The Library’s collection provides access to more than 1.65 million items, including more than 900,000 e-book titles and extensive access to electronic resources through its 113 database subscriptions. Constructed in 1975 and substantially renovated in 2008, the Patrick Power Library adjoins the Global Learning Commons and is home to the University Archives and Institutional Repository.
Accommodation: Finding the right place to live is an important part of your experience as an international student. Whether you choose to live on-campus or off-campus, here you can find resources and guidance to help you navigate housing options in Canada. Explore our resources to secure safe, comfortable, and convenient housing for your time at university.
Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC)
International Association of Universities (IAU)
University of the Arctic (UArctic)
Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU)
Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE)
As Saint Mary’s 35th president, Dr. Khan brings a collaborative leadership style and commitment to student success, research, and community engagement. With a commitment to innovation and excellence, he consistently c... read more
Dr. Khan is recognized for his collaborative leadership style and commitment to student success, research, and community engagement. With a commitment to innovation and excellence, he consistently champions strategic growth while enhancing research productivity, forging industry and public sector partnerships, and expanding academic programming. Dr. Khan is a strong advocate for equity, diversity and inclusion, reflecting his belief in investing in and empowering people.
Dr. Durland is the former Group Head and CEO, Global Banking and Markets, for Sc... read more
“As an institution, we are incredibly honoured and proud that Michael Durland is taking on the role of Chancellor of the University,” said Saint Mary’s President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray. “His long and successful career in corporate Canada and as an entrepreneur and investor positions him as an excellent role model and inspiration for our students and our community. This appointment builds upon his loyal and generous support of our students as a mentor, university champion and through the Durland Innovation Fund.”
Prior to joining Saint Mary’s, Dr. Dea served as Dean of the Faculty of Arts at the University of Regina from 2020 to 2025.
Dr. Dea holds a Ph.D. in Philosophy from Western University, an M.A. in Philosophy from Queen’s University, and a B.A. in Philosophy and Russian from the University of Waterloo. Her research spans academic freedom, harm reduction, and feminist philosophy. She is the author of numerous scholarly articles and book chapters, and her book Beyond the Binary: Thinking about Sex and Gender—now in its second edition—is widely recognized for its accessible and rigorous engagement with gender theory.
Erin was appointed to the position of Vice-President, Advancement in February 2017. Her portfolio plays an important role in advancing the goals and ambitions outlined in Saint Mary’s Institutional Strategic Plan.
For a brief period between 1876 and 1881, the colleges of Acadia, Dalhousie, King's, Mount Allison, St. Francis Xavier and Saint Mary's were amalgamated into the University of Halifax.
In 1951, Saint Mary's and the high school moved to the Robie Street campus where it occupied three rooms on the second floor of the new McNally building. In 1952, Saint Mary’s was granted university status by an act of the Nova Scotia Legislature. The high school closed in 1963, but Saint Mary’s continued exclusively as a Roman Catholic college. As higher education boomed in an era with radical changes in morals, dress, and music, the student population grew. In 1970, the university became a public institution.