International Students: Why New Brunswick?

New Brunswick is an excellent choice for international students seeking a high-quality education without the hassle and costs of living in a large city. The province offers a distinct lifestyle, beautiful natural scenery, friendly people, a safe and secure environment, and a warm and welcoming experience for international learners. With a population of approximately 750,000, New Brunswick provides easy access to eastern Canada's urban centres, such as Moncton, Fredericton, and St. John, which are renowned centres of higher education. The province is officially bilingual, allowing students to study in English or French, and its universities have partnerships with institutions worldwide. New Brunswick also boasts affordable living, universal government-funded healthcare, and a rich history in higher education, making it an attractive destination for those seeking an urban environment without the high living costs.

The University of New Brunswick

UNB offers over 75 degree and certificate programs, including undergraduate and graduate education across the arts and sciences. The university has two campuses, located in Fredericton and Saint John, and is particularly well-regarded for its research in the space sciences, chemistry, and IT. UNB's flexibility in allowing students to customise their programs with courses from different faculties promotes exploration and contributes to career satisfaction.

UNB has a strong international focus, with partnerships with institutions worldwide. The university is also actively involved in supporting international students, as evidenced by the response of its staff and student organisations during the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, the UNB International Students' Society (UNBISS) advocated for international students facing financial and housing insecurities during the pandemic.

UNB's Fredericton campus is located in the province's capital, which is a hub for government services, educational institutions, and the military. The Saint John campus is situated in the most populous city in New Brunswick, known for its port and heavy industry.

Bilingual opportunities

New Brunswick is Canada's only officially bilingual province, with English speakers outnumbering French. However, there is a sizeable francophone minority, giving international students the opportunity to study in either or both of Canada's official languages.

The University of New Brunswick, a nationally recognised university, has a long history of collaboration with international partners and welcoming international students. The Université de Moncton, the largest French-language university outside of Quebec, is also welcoming to non-Francophones who wish to become more bilingual during their studies.

For younger students, the New Brunswick International Student Program (NBISP) offers international students aged 11-18 the chance to live with a host family and attend classes with New Brunswick students, fully immersed in the English language. The New Brunswick French International Student Program offers a similar opportunity for students in grades 7-12 to live with a French-speaking family and learn or improve their French language skills.

Affordable living

New Brunswick is an attractive option for international students who want a high-quality education without the high costs of living in a large city. The province presents an urban living environment without the high living costs of a sprawling metropolis.

The cost of living in New Brunswick is 20% higher than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.

The cost of living in New Brunswick is influenced by housing costs, which are 49.4% higher than the national average. This includes elements such as housing and rental prices, mortgage interest rates, and insurance costs. The things you purchase regularly, like clothes, haircuts, movie tickets and gym memberships, can also make up a significant portion of your budget. In New Brunswick, these items will cost you 11.3% more than the national average.

The average rent in New Brunswick is $1,974. When you rent an apartment in New Brunswick, you can expect to pay as little as $1,540 or as much as $2,793, depending on the location and the size of the apartment. The average rent for a studio apartment is $1,540 per month, while the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,959 per month. The average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $2,580 per month, and the average rent for a three-bedroom apartment is $2,793 per month.

In terms of transportation, New Brunswick has a transit score of 35. The transportation index is 5.1% higher than the national average, which may add to the cost of living.

Overall, while New Brunswick offers an affordable urban living environment compared to large cities, the cost of living is higher than the national average, with housing and regular expenses being the most significant factors.

Natural scenery

New Brunswick is home to some of the most beautiful natural scenery in Canada. The province, which borders Québec, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and the US State of Maine, offers a range of natural attractions that will appeal to all interests. From breathtaking landscapes and pristine coastlines to lush forests and rugged hiking trails, there is something for everyone to enjoy in New Brunswick.

One of the most famous natural wonders in New Brunswick is the Bay of Fundy, which boasts the highest tides in the world. Twice a day, the powerful tides of the Bay of Fundy rush into the narrow gorge at the head of the harbour, forcing water over a ridge of rock and creating the Reversing Falls. The best views of this natural phenomenon can be seen from the Reversing Falls Bridge and the new Skywalk Saint John, an observation platform that extends over the cliffs, offering a clear view of the falls and whirlpools below.

For those who enjoy spending time outdoors, New Brunswick offers miles of hiking trails, campgrounds, and sea kayaking opportunities. Fundy National Park, located between Moncton and Saint John, is a stretch of undeveloped coastline with hiking trails, cross-country skiing trails, and pristine waterfalls. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including migratory birds and whales.

Another popular natural attraction in New Brunswick is the Hopewell Rocks, located along the Bay of Fundy. These unique rock formations can be viewed from a series of platforms and stairs, offering a different perspective at high and low tides. Visitors can also explore the rocks up close by descending to the ocean floor at low tide or kayaking among them on a guided tour.

The Fundy Trail Parkway is a scenic coastal drive that offers breathtaking views of coastal cliffs, isolated beaches, and marine wildlife. The parkway also features a 10-kilometer pedestrian and bicycle trail, as well as a suspension footbridge across the Big Salmon River.

Whale watching is another popular activity in New Brunswick, with the Bay of Fundy attracting up to 12 species of whales during the summer months. St. Andrews-by-the-Sea is a great place to embark on a whale-watching cruise, with several companies offering a variety of experiences, from zodiacs to sailing ships.

In addition to its coastline, New Brunswick is also known for its lush forests, which cover more than three-quarters of the province. The Irving Nature Park, located just outside Saint John, protects 600 acres of salt marsh, forests, mud flats, volcanic rock, and beach along 11 kilometers of shoreline. The park is home to a variety of bird species and offers beautiful views of the rocky shoreline.

Overall, New Brunswick offers a wealth of natural scenery and outdoor activities that are sure to delight international students and visitors alike. From its breathtaking coastlines and pristine parks to its lush forests and wildlife, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this beautiful province.

Immigration pathways

International students in New Brunswick have several pathways to permanent residency. Here are some of the key options:

New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP)

The NBPNP Express Entry Labour Market Stream offers a direct route to Canadian permanent residence. Applicants must have at least 12 months of full-time (or equivalent part-time) paid skilled work experience in New Brunswick within the three years before submitting their application. Obtaining a post-graduation work permit after graduating from a college or university in the province is one of the best ways to access the professional labour market in New Brunswick.

Atlantic International Graduate Program (AIGP)

The AIGP, part of the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP), allows international graduates of eligible institutions in Atlantic Canada to apply for permanent residence without prior work experience. This program is particularly attractive for those who have studied in New Brunswick as they may be awarded a significant number of points under the federal Express Entry immigration selection system due to their high level of education.

New Immigration Pathway for Private Career College Graduates

A new pilot program launched in April 2022 offers a pathway to permanent residency for graduates of four private career colleges in New Brunswick: Atlantic Business College, Eastern College, McKenzie College, and Oulton College. This pathway targets 19 specific occupations experiencing labour shortages, including social and community service workers, early childhood educators, licensed practical nurses, computer programmers, and web designers. Graduates can apply to the NBPNP and work and live in New Brunswick while awaiting permanent residency.

Express Entry System

The Express Entry system is a federal selection system that adjudicates both federal and provincial immigration classes. It ranks candidates using a points-based system and issues invitations to apply for Canadian permanent residence to the highest-scoring candidates. The Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker Class, and Federal Skilled Trades Class are some of the programs managed through this system.

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)

The PNP allows Canadian provinces to nominate people who wish to move to a specific province and become permanent residents of Canada. Each province has its own "streams" and requirements, targeting various groups such as semi-skilled workers. Applicants may need to apply through a paper-based or online process, and all applicants must pass a medical exam and obtain a police check certificate.

Frequently asked questions