Nursing (BScN) at StFX: Admission Average
St. Francis Xavier University · Antigonish, NS
What average do you need for Nursing (BScN) at StFX?
Nursing (BScN) 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 program with Antigonish and Cape Breton hospital connections.
How competitive is it?
Of the 28 universities we track that offer it, 14 ask for a higher average and none 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.
Nursing at other universities
- University of British Columbia – high 80s (BC) / low-mid 90s (OOP)
- University of Toronto – high 80s-low 90s
- McMaster University – high 90s (92-96%+)
- Queen's University – high 80s-low 90s
- Western University – high 80s-low 90s
- University of Ottawa – high 80s-low 90s
- Ontario Tech University – high 80s-low 90s
- Toronto Metropolitan University – high 80s-low 90s
- University of Victoria – high 80s-low 90s
- McGill University – high 80s-low 90s
- University of Alberta – high 80s-low 90s
- University of Calgary – high 80s-low 90s
- Dalhousie University – high 80s-low 90s
- University of Manitoba – high 80s-low 90s
- Brock University – high 80s
- University of Windsor – high 80s
- University of Northern BC – high 80s
- Thompson Rivers University – high 80s
- Université de Montréal – high 80s
- Université Laval – high 80s
- MacEwan University – high 80s
- Mount Royal University – high 80s
- University of Saskatchewan – high 80s
- University of Regina – high 80s
- University of New Brunswick – high 80s
- Memorial University of Newfoundland – high 80s
- University of Prince Edward Island – high 80s
Typical high school prerequisites
- English
- Advanced Functions
- Biology
- Chemistry (at most schools)
- One additional U/M course
First-year courses
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Pharmacology
- Nursing Fundamentals
- Health Assessment
- Psychology
These are typical for Nursing (BScN) programs across Canada. About the Nursing (BScN) degree
After a Nursing (BScN) degree
Nursing (BScN) usually takes 4 years.
- Registered Nurse (RN) – $65,000 to $110,000
- School Counsellor – $60,000 to $100,000
- Canada faces a critical nursing shortage - BScN graduates have essentially guaranteed employment across every province.
- Direct-entry nursing at top schools like McMaster often requires a 90%+ average - note that UofT's BScN is a 2-year program entered after prior university study, not from high school.
- Nurse Practitioner (NP) is a growing role that requires a master's degree after the BScN but significantly expands scope of practice.
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
- Business (Sobey - BBA) – mid-to-high 80s
- Biology – 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