Official Page: Saint Mary’s University – Admissions (Use your specific program’s admissions page for full details.)
### Overview
Founded in 1802, Saint Mary’s University (SMU) is one of Canada’s oldest and most respected institutions. Known for its blend of strong teaching, global focus, and impactful research, SMU provides an academic environment that encourages critical thinking and innovation.
What makes SMU especially notable today is its ongoing effort to lower financial barriers for applicants, offering pathways for both domestic and international students to save on application fees.
### Who Qualifies for an Application Fee Waiver?
SMU follows an inclusive and event-driven fee-waiver strategy, giving a wide range of applicants opportunities to apply without paying the standard fee.
- Domestic and International Applicants
- Both Canadian and international students are eligible for application fee waivers. This makes Saint Mary’s one of the few universities in Canada with a policy that consistently includes global applicants—not just local or domestic audiences.
Special Events and Participation-Based Waivers
SMU frequently ties fee-waiver opportunities to significant institutional or regional events.
Example: During Saint Mary’s participation in the Atlantic Coast Conference, the university issued full application fee waivers for all first-year and transfer undergraduate applicants. Events like this happen regularly and reflect the university’s commitment to expanding educational access.
### Why SMU’s Approach Matters
SMU’s recurring fee-waiver initiatives help ensure that:
- Upfront costs do not discourage qualified students
- International applicants have equitable access
- More students feel welcome to apply to a research-focused, supportive academic community
By reducing or removing application fees at multiple points throughout the year, Saint Mary’s University signals its belief that high-quality education should be accessible to all.
### Bottom Line
With its long-standing reputation for academic excellence and a forward-thinking approach to affordability, Saint Mary’s University remains a compelling option for students applying in Canada.
Regular fee-waiver events and inclusive applicant policies make the process more accessible—whether you are:
- A first-year applicant
- A transfer student
- A Canadian applicant
- An international student
SMU continues to stand out as a university where opportunity is supported by both tradition and modern accessibility.