To Live or To Learn: The Cost of Studying in Halifax

Written by Julia Yurchesyn

Thumbnail & Banner Photo by Cody West on Unsplash



On its Future Students page, SMU heralds Halifax as “a Great City.” However, examining recent student experiences, how viable is it really to live as a post-secondary student in Halifax?

Factors such as rent, tuition and groceries all impact a student’s well-being, quality of life, and the  time they can spend on their studies. For many, it’s no secret that the cost of living in this city is  becoming more and more “unbearable”. 

One of the most significant factors for students in Halifax is housing. Simply finding a place to live is a daunting task; enrollment in Halifax universities has grown by 2.4% in 2020-2021 (with a recorded number of 31,532 students), and the city is still working on resolving the need for more affordable housing amidst the housing crisis (see NS’s 5 Year Action Plan). With high rent costs, students have been experiencing difficulty making ends meet. There are testimonials of students who have received scholarships/stipends, loans, gotten a part-time job (or two!), and still find it challenging to afford rent/living expenses. 

Aside from housing and rent, (rising) tuition costs are an additional challenge and barrier. Citing Statistics Canada, Ella Macdonald and Alicia Draus note in an article that: “[Nova Scotia] tuition has gone up 15 per cent since 2018.” In a document (part 2) published in August 2023, StudentsNS notes that while the national average domestic tuition rate in Canada is $6,834, in Nova Scotia it is $9,328. And, unfortunately, this number is even greater for international students; this academic year at SMU, course costs ranged from $2247-$2503 for international students compared to $899.00-$1,023 for Canadian students (the range is dependent on a course’s faculty). Looking at Halifax generally, Mitchell Bailey reports through an interview with Kings student Julia Clarke how some students in Halifax have had to drop out of their program because of increasing tuition hikes. 

Finally, inflating grocery prices have also added stress onto the already heavy burden of studying in Halifax. According to reporter Andrew Lam, prices increased in November 2022 by 13.1%, an example of how quickly the cost of living in this city has been increasing over the years. And, due to various factors, food prices in NS are often higher than in other parts of the country. As Lam also notes, many residents in NS have had to reevaluate and adjust the way that they approach grocery shopping. Accordingly, more students have had to rely on (university) food banks to make it through. 

Taking all of this into consideration, it seems to me that Halifax is really not a student-friendly city, at least at the moment.

Being a post-secondary student is already stressful as it is, trying to complete assignments and pass exams and get the grades necessary to achieve a desired future. Why is it the accepted reality that many students will need to work multiple jobs, and have a myriad of roommates to afford living costs? Why has it become ‘normal’ for there to be so many financial barriers to getting an education in Halifax? Students should be able to study while not also burning out because of a schedule that leaves no room for rest—ultimately, that is not a sustainable model for learning. Universities should also be providing ample support for students so that education is accessible, and an achievable reality. 

So, what are some resources available for SMU students?

A good place to look to for financial support would be the Financial Aid and Awards office. Here, you can be directed towards financial need based bursaries, undergraduate scholarships, information about Canadian/American student loans, and resources for financial emergencies. If it’s helpful, they also have resources to help students become more financially literate, with educational videos and a budgeting tips/calculator. You can also book an appointment with the office using this link, and/or email them at financial.aid@smu.ca for further information and inquiries. 

For more information about tuition, your student account, payments, refunds, and other related topics, you will want to contact the Service Centre (McNally Main 108). You can email them at service.centre@smu.ca, and/or call them at 902-420-5582. You can also book an appointment with them here.

Another important resource for students on campus is the SMU Community Food Room. It’s open year-round, Monday-Friday, and operates by appointment. Students can book an appointment once per week. If there are no appointments available, you can also try emailing food.room@smu.ca to see if other arrangements are possible. 

Finally, if you’re experiencing any difficulties with your mental health (financially related or not), definitely reach out to SMU’s Counselling Centre to book an appointment with a counselor and/or access mental health resources.  They are accessible by email at counselling@smu.ca, and by phone at 902-420-5615. 

Despite the undeniable challenges that come with pursuing higher education in Halifax, particularly for international students, it is crucial to recognize the strength and determination every student has. Their hard work, resilience, and dedication do not go unnoticed. 

The journey of education is a challenging yet rewarding path. Every step students take towards achieving their goals is not only a step towards their own individual futures, but also towards a communal future, including the city, province, nation and world. Despite the current challenges in Halifax, it is only by continuing forward and supporting each other that a more sustainable and equitable future will be achievable. 

Keep pushing forward, knowing that you are supported and believed in every step of the way.

Rita Jabbour