OpenFieldStFX Graduate Research Fellowship & Dean's Merit Award
Merit-based entrance award awarded to high-achieving applicants entering thesis-based Master of Science or Master of Arts programs at StFX.
St. Francis Xavier University: Research Degrees, Coady Institute & Scholarships Guide
St. Francis Xavier University (StFX) in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, is one of Canada's most prestigious primarily undergraduate and graduate universities, celebrated for the Coady Institute, world-class environmental sciences, health research, and strong alumni network.
Verified degree programs and opportunities
Review checked academic pathways and funding options below:
Master of Science in Earth & Environmental Sciences
Research-intensive Master of Science program focusing on environmental biogeochemistry, coastal paleoclimatology, hydrogeology, and geothermal energy in Atlantic Canada.
Ph.D. in Educational Studies Cooperative Doctoral Fellowship
Collaborative inter-university doctoral program in Nova Scotia exploring educational leadership, critical pedagogy, community development, and indigenous curriculum reconciliation.
Atlantic Coastal Ecosystems & Carbon Sequestration Investigation
Field-based environmental investigation tracking blue carbon stocks, salt marsh restoration, and greenhouse gas flux dynamics along the Northumberland Strait.
Coady Institute Community Leadership & Social Innovation Practicum
Hands-on experiential leadership placement embedded with non-profit community organizations, cooperative movements, and indigenous economic development bodies.
Brian Mulroney Institute of Government Postdoctoral Fellowship
Two-year postdoctoral fellowship researching public policy, Atlantic economic development, bilateral Canada-US trade relations, or indigenous self-governance.
Tenure-Track Assistant Professor in Aquatic Ecology & Biodiversity
Full-time faculty appointment in the Department of Biology teaching undergraduate and graduate aquatic ecology, supervising thesis students, and leading an externally funded research program.
Admissions, language requirements & application process
- Master's admission eligibility
- Four-year undergraduate honors degree (or equivalent) in a related discipline with minimum 75% average (B+) across senior courses.
- Doctoral admission eligibility
- Recognized Master's degree in relevant field with minimum 80% average (A-) and documented research or publication record.
- Language proficiency
- IELTS Academic 6.5 overall (minimum 6.0 in each sub-score) or TOEFL iBT 90 (minimum 20 in each section).
- Research statement / Proposal
- Comprehensive 2-page research proposal detailing proposed thesis topic, prospective supervisor, and methodology.
- Application fee
- CAD $100 non-refundable graduate application fee.
- Required documentation
- Official academic transcripts, statement of research intent, curriculum vitae, and three academic reference letters.
Tuition fees and verified scholarship systems
Domestic graduate tuition ranges from CAD $7,800 to $9,500 annually. International student tuition is approximately CAD $19,200 to $22,800 annually. Research assistantships, Dean's fellowships, and Coady international bursaries offer robust funding.
Verified faculty profiles and research leaders
Distinguished researchers and laboratory heads at St. Francis Xavier University:
Dr. Dave Risk
Professor & Chair of Earth Sciences & Flux Lab Director · Greenhouse Gas Measurement, Methane Emissions, Carbon Sequestration, Sensor Systems
Dr. Tam Dahir
Associate Professor of Computer Science & Machine Learning · Natural Language Processing, Machine Learning, Health Informatics, Data Mining
Dr. Moira Cavanaugh
Professor of Organic Chemistry & Functional Materials · Polymer Chemistry, Biomaterials, Renewable Plastics, Surface Coatings
Important verification note
Facts reflect official St. Francis Xavier University documentation reviewed 2026-10-15. Degree admissions, scholarship awards, and employment positions are subject to formal university review. OpenField does not charge students application fees.
Reviewed 2026-10-15 · Editorial standards · Report an issue