One of Canada’s oldest and most prestigious universities, St. Francis Xavier is consistently ranked the best undergraduate university in Canada. The first university in Canada to have a formal Service Learning program, StFX values community development, social justice and global awareness. We are home to the internationally-recognized Coady International Institute, and students find leadership development opportunities here that they can apply in all aspects of their lives. Students who are committed to and embody these values thrive at StFX.
Our close-knit residence environment is at the heart of the StFX experience. Students live and learn together in a thriving academic environment. They have a wide variety of fascinating programs to choose from in the faculties of Arts, Science and Education, and within the Gerald Schwartz School of Business. Our 45,000 worldwide alumni are a strong and engaged community, and provide a valuable network for graduating students.
At StFX, we’re excited about where we are, and where we’re headed. Today’s StFX is one of Canada’s very best universities; known for our exceptional academic programs, focus on leadership development and commitment to social justice and community development. But we also like to remember where we came from. Founded in 1853, St. Francis Xavier has a long and proud tradition as one of Canada’s oldest universities. For almost 165 years, we have cultivated our strong and resilient spirit, dedication to intellectual rigour, and commitment to engaging students who aspire to be community-minded citizens of the world. Our motto Quaecumque Sunt Vera, or “Whatsoever Things are True” perfectly captures our values of integrity, dignity, truth, and respect for all.
StFX attracts about half of its student population from outside the Atlantic region, which allows us to benefit from a community that reflects nearly every corner of the world. We also have alumni in 140 countries who strengthen and enrich the StFX experience.
StFX was founded in 1853. During the first half of the 19th century, close to a million farmers, labourers and tradesmen came from the British Isles to the shores of Nova Scotia to seek a better life, joining the Acadians and Aboriginal peoples already settled here. Scottish Highlanders made up 67% of the StFX constituency, while Acadians, Irish, English and Aboriginal made up the rest. StFX offered the only university-level education in the region at that time and, partnered with the Roman Catholic diocese, maintained strict academic standards in order to provide the best education possible.
StFX got its name from a German priest named John Schulte who was sent to Canada to be the first Principal. The priest had never been to North America and so considered Nova Scotia a missionary area. Since St. Francis Xavier was patron saint of the missions, it seemed appropriate the new college should be named in his honour.
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I attended an Alumni Event on Thursday May 10 here in Winnipeg when the President was here. First ever event I attended. A welcoming group. And I will have to say that the experience was great. I enjoyed my years there ending in 1971 and am still convinced X is a great school with a great heritage.
By John Stephenson (May, 2018) |
The most amazing friends that went their and studied from all over the world. The best university to have in your life. The professors are the best in the Business. The Campus is Very beautiful.
By Lilly Carty (Apr, 2018) |
As a graduate (BA 1966 and B Ed 1967) I will always remember the university very well. The programs and staff were excellent
By Tim Landry (Mar, 2018) |
Administration cares only for their reputation and not their students. Very sad to see the community go so down hill..
By Emily Shaw (Feb, 2018) |
Over the past year and a half, attending StFX has proven to be the best decision I have ever made. However recently decisions made by the administration without consulting current students or alumni will greatly hinder the experience of future students and the remaining experience of current students. I chose to attend StFX because of the stories I have heard about the traditions and strong community. Currently, there are changes being made that take all of that away. For these reasons I cannot recommend attending StFX as it is no longer the school it used to be.
By Paige Cummings (Feb, 2018) |
Great school with amazing facilities overall. As a transfer student, I had heard only great things from others before coming to StFX. Unfortunately I did not hear about how the administration at StFX does not listen to students’ opinions and concerns. The recent decision to remove all-male and all-female houses without student input has really made me question what made this school stand out from all the others. I transferred to StFX because I was promised Canada’s #1 undergraduate experience. With the recent changes, I’m not sure if this school can keep that promise.
By Dan MacLeod (Feb, 2018) |
Beautiful campus and I've had a great experience here up until now. Disappointing and shameful behaviour from the administration directed towards the student body. I would not recommend this school to anyone at the moment. Inconsiderate decisions made by the administration and the Student Union will forever ruin the traditions and potential experiences of future, and current, Xaverians.
By Cristi Anne (Feb, 2018) |
St.FX has offered me great professors in the Business Department, many who are also graduates of St.FX. However over my 3 years I have seen tradition after tradition be taken away. These decisions have been made without student consultation, yet we are the ones who are impacted the most. After experiencing this disregard for students, and the deterioration of the much raved about Xaverian spirit on campus. If any high school students are looking for the campus community that St.FX is typically known for, I would highly recommend that you reconsider and look into other universities, such as Acadia.
By Genevieve Andrea (Feb, 2018) |
Beautiful campus and great nursing program facilities and professors. However, recent changes to the culture of StFX, specifically the closure of Macisaac hall, TNT, chillis, Macdonald, MacPherson, and MacNiel the school will never be the same. If you would have asked me last year what university you should carefully select I would have poured my heart out about the love I have for this place. This is no longer the case, StFX is in the midst of great changes and is sadly not the place we all used to know and love. Without these special things, any other university will hold the same value to receive your undergraduate degree from. Thinking about future students not having the same experience I did makes me truly sad unless something could be done to fix this issue at hand.
By Sydney Nicole (Feb, 2018) |
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The dedication of the faculty at this University truly shines through; their unwavering support has propelled my son to achieve milestones I never thought possible!
By S.A. (Feb, 2024) |