Biology at StFX: Admission Average
St. Francis Xavier University · Antigonish, NS
What average do you need for Biology at StFX?
Biology at St. Francis Xavier University typically admits students with averages in the high 80s, roughly 85–89%. It is the most competitive of the 10 StFX programs we track.
Strong research focus, marine and ecology streams.
How competitive is it?
Of the 11 universities we track that offer it, none ask for a higher average and 4 ask for a lower average.
As a rough guide, 89% or higher is above the typical range, 85% up to 89% is inside it, and 81% up to 85% is a reach. Cut-offs move every year, so apply to a mix of schools.
Ontario applicants are assessed on their top six Grade 12 U/M courses, including the program's prerequisites. Work out yours with the Best 6 calculator.
Biology at other universities
- Simon Fraser University – high 80s
- McGill University – high 80s
- Mount Royal University – high 80s
- Acadia University – high 80s
- Mount Allison University – high 80s
- University of Prince Edward Island – high 80s
- University of British Columbia – mid-to-high 80s (BC) / high 80s (OOP)
- University of Victoria – mid-to-high 80s
- University of Northern BC – mid-to-high 80s
- Bishop's University – mid-to-high 80s
Typical high school prerequisites
- English
- Advanced Functions
- Biology
- Chemistry
- One additional U/M course
First-year courses
- Cell Biology
- Genetics
- Chemistry I & II
- Calculus
- Statistics
These are typical for Biology programs across Canada. About the Biology degree
After a Biology degree
Biology usually takes 4 years. Many graduates go on to graduate or professional school.
- Research Scientist – $60,000 to $140,000
- Veterinarian – $80,000 to $165,000
- Geneticist / Genomics Scientist – $65,000 to $140,000
- Climate / Environmental Scientist – $60,000 to $140,000
- A biology undergraduate degree alone has limited direct employment - graduate school or professional programs (medicine, dentistry) are the most common paths.
- Research lab experience during undergrad is essential for competitive grad school and medical school applications.
- Marine biology at UBC and UVic benefits from direct Pacific Ocean access - world-class programs.
Applying to StFX
St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish is Nova Scotia's most community-spirited small university. Known for the iconic 'X-Ring' that graduates receive upon completing their degree, StFX has a remarkably tight-knit alumni network. The university is particularly strong in nursing, arts, sciences, and business, and is known for its emphasis on social justice, community development, and the Coady International Institute.
St. Francis Xavier University is in Antigonish, NS, was founded in 1853 and has about 5,000 students. Domestic tuition is about $9,000 a year, co-op is not widely offered and first-year residence is guaranteed.
Deadlines: direct application March 1.
- The X-Ring is one of the most recognisable university rings in Canada - StFX alumni are immediately connected by it.
- Antigonish is a small town - the entire university community genuinely knows each other.
- The Coady International Institute at StFX is world-renowned for community development - good for international development careers.
Other StFX programs
- Nursing (BScN) – high 80s
- Business (Sobey - BBA) – mid-to-high 80s
- Chemistry – high 80s
- Psychology – mid-to-high 80s
- Kinesiology – high 80s
- Education (BEd) – mid 70s
- Information Technology – mid-to-high 80s
- Political Science – mid-to-high 80s
- Celtic Studies – mid 80s