Category |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Established |
1913 (as Collège du Sacré-Coeur); became University of Sudbury in 1957 |
|
Location |
Sudbury, Ontario, Canada |
|
Affiliation |
Historically Roman Catholic and Jesuit; now secular |
|
Languages of Instruction |
English and French |
|
Campus Type |
Urban |
|
Website |
N/A |
As of recent years, the University of Sudbury has transitioned away from offering full undergraduate degree programs and is undergoing restructuring. Historically, it offered programs in:
Philosophy
Religious Studies
Indigenous Studies
Études françaises (French Studies)
Folklore and Ethnology
In 2021, the University of Sudbury ended its affiliation with Laurentian University.
The institution is restructuring as an independent, French-language university, with plans to become a francophone institution serving Northern Ontario.
The transition is supported by the Ontario provincial government, which has committed to expanding French-language postsecondary education in the region.
To preserve its French-language academic heritage and expand French-language university offerings in Northern Ontario.
To serve francophone, Indigenous, and northern communities with culturally relevant education and research.
As of now, the University of Sudbury is not admitting new undergraduate students to degree programs, but is focusing on:
Development of new French-language programs.
Partnerships with other institutions to deliver postsecondary education.
Continuing to play a role in cultural, linguistic, and community-based education in Northern Ontario.
Largest city in Northern Ontario
Known for its multicultural community, natural beauty, and mining industry
Home to other institutions like Laurentian University and Collège Boréal
As of 2024–2025, University of Sudbury is in transition and not offering standard undergraduate degree programs.
Students seeking French-language education in Northern Ontario should watch for updates from the university and government of Ontario.
Prior to its separation from Laurentian University in 2021, the University of Sudbury offered courses and degrees in the following areas:
Former Program Area |
Language of Instruction |
Focus |
|---|---|---|
|
Philosophy |
English & French |
Ethics, logic, metaphysics, philosophy of religion |
|
Religious Studies |
English & French |
Comparative religion, Catholic thought, Indigenous spirituality |
|
Indigenous Studies |
English |
Indigenous culture, history, governance, and contemporary issues |
|
Études françaises (French Studies) |
French |
Francophone literature, language, and culture |
|
Folklore and Ethnology |
French |
Oral traditions, storytelling, cultural heritage |
These programs were offered through its affiliation with Laurentian University, which ended in 2021. Since then, the University of Sudbury has ceased offering these degrees independently.
The University is in the development phase of launching new French-language programs.
Its mission is to serve Francophone and Indigenous communities in Northern Ontario.
No new student admissions are currently being accepted for standard degree programs.
The focus is on building programs in areas like:
French-language education
Francophone cultural studies
Indigenous knowledge and traditions
Ethics and society
French-language Bachelor’s degrees in Humanities and Social Sciences
Indigenous- and community-driven education models
Programs tailored for Northern and rural communities
Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees/Year (USD) (Estimate for International Students) |
|---|---|---|
|
Philosophy (BA) |
4 years |
~$12,000 – $14,000 |
|
Religious Studies (BA) |
4 years |
~$12,000 – $14,000 |
|
Indigenous Studies (BA) |
4 years |
~$12,000 – $14,000 |
|
French Studies / Études françaises (BA) |
4 years |
~$12,000 – $14,000 |
|
Folklore and Ethnology (BA) |
4 years |
~$12,000 – $14,000 |
Program Area |
Duration |
Tuition Fees/Year (USD) (Est. for International Students) |
|---|---|---|
|
Philosophy (MA pathway) |
1–2 years |
~$10,000 – $12,000 |
|
Religious Studies (MA pathway) |
1–2 years |
~$10,000 – $12,000 |
|
Indigenous Studies (Research/Collaboration) |
1–2 years |
~$10,000 – $12,000 |
Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees/Year (USD) (Estimate for International Students) |
|---|---|---|
|
Philosophy (PhD collaboration) |
4–6 years |
~$6,000 – $8,000 |
|
Religious Studies (PhD collaboration) |
4–6 years |
~$6,000 – $8,000 |
|
Indigenous Studies (Research support only) |
4–6 years |
~$6,000 – $8,000 |
The University of Sudbury was formerly affiliated with Laurentian University and offered programs in Philosophy, Religious Studies, Indigenous Studies, and French Studies. However, that affiliation ended in 2021, and since then, the institution has been working toward establishing itself as a standalone French-language university.
As of now:
There are no active undergraduate or graduate programs accepting new students.
The university is not admitting international students until its new academic model is finalized and approved.
Its mission is now focused on building French-language undergraduate programs, which are expected to launch in the coming years.
If you're an international student interested in studying in Canada in fields such as:
Indigenous Studies
Religious or Intercultural Studies
Philosophy
French-language education
...the University of Sudbury may become an option in the future, but not at this time. Currently, there are no academic programs open for international enrollment.
While the University of Sudbury works on its transformation, you may want to consider similar programs at other Canadian universities, such as:
Laurentian University (also in Sudbury)
Université de Hearst
University of Ottawa
Université de l’Ontario français (for French-language studies)
University of Toronto or McGill University (for Religious Studies and Philosophy)
In 2021, the University of Sudbury ended its affiliation with Laurentian University.
It is being transformed into a French-language university focused on serving Francophone and Indigenous communities in Northern Ontario.
No active programs are available for admission at this time.
The university is not admitting new students while it works on launching new programs.
The University of Sudbury is working toward:
Developing new French-language undergraduate programs
Gaining approval from the Ontario Ministry of Colleges and Universities
Becoming an autonomous French-language institution in Northern Ontario
Once its new programs are launched, the university will announce:
Application deadlines
Admission criteria
Eligibility for domestic and international students
If you're interested in the type of education the University of Sudbury is aiming to offer (e.g., French-language, Indigenous studies, philosophy, religious studies), you can:
Follow updates on
Explore alternative institutions in Ontario that currently offer related programs:
Université de Hearst
Université de l’Ontario français
University of Ottawa
Laurentian University
Fall Intake (September): Not available
Winter Intake (January): Not available
Spring/Summer Intake (May): Not available
The university is not admitting new students at this time, as it is working on transforming into a French-language post-secondary institution focused on serving Francophone and Indigenous communities in Northern Ontario.
Though the University of Sudbury is not currently accepting students, based on historical standards and the future direction of the institution, eligibility for admission is expected to include:
A high school diploma equivalent to the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
Minimum academic average (likely 70–75% or equivalent for most programs)
French language proficiency, since the university is transitioning into a French-only institution
Additional documents like transcripts, language test scores, and possibly a personal statement
Proof of academic equivalency
French proficiency test results (e.g., DELF, TCF, or TEF)
Valid study permit and passport
Possibly a letter of intent or academic background matching chosen program
The University of Sudbury is working toward:
Becoming a fully independent French-language university
Launching new undergraduate programs in Humanities, Culture, Ethics, and Indigenous Knowledge
Welcoming a new generation of Francophone and Indigenous learners in Northern Ontario
Scholarship Name |
Amount (USD Approx.) |
Eligibility |
Application Required |
|---|---|---|---|
|
University of Sudbury Entrance Scholarship |
$500 – $1,500 |
Awarded to new students with strong academic performance |
No (automatic consideration) |
|
Bourse d’études – Étudiants francophones |
$500 – $2,000 |
For Francophone students studying in French-language programs |
Yes |
|
Indigenous Student Award |
$1,000 – $3,000 |
Awarded to Indigenous students based on academic merit and community involvement |
Yes |
|
Need-Based Bursaries |
N/A |
For students with demonstrated financial need |
Yes |
|
Academic Achievement Scholarships |
$1,000 – $2,500 |
For returning students with top grades in Philosophy, Religious or Indigenous Studies |
No |
Facility/Service |
Details |
Cost (USD Approx. per Academic Year) |
|---|---|---|
|
On-Campus Residence (via Laurentian) |
Shared access to residences at Laurentian University |
$5,500 – $7,500 |
|
Room Types |
Single, double, and suite-style rooms |
Included in accommodation cost |
|
Meal Plan |
Full or partial meal plans available |
$3,000 – $4,000 |
|
Wi-Fi & Utilities |
Included in residence fees |
Included |
|
Laundry Facilities |
Coin or card-operated laundry |
~$2 per load |
|
Study & Common Areas |
Lounges, study rooms, kitchenettes |
Included |
|
Security & Support |
Campus security, residence assistants (Dons) |
Included |
Before its transition, the University of Sudbury had a small, supportive campus environment where students, faculty, and staff knew each other well. Unlike large urban universities, it provided a more intimate, personalized student experience with a strong focus on the humanities, social justice, ethics, and Indigenous studies.
Students were engaged in:
Dialogue-driven learning
Intercultural education
Philosophical and spiritual exploration
Language and cultural preservation, especially among Francophone and Indigenous communities
As a historically Jesuit and bilingual institution, the University of Sudbury also supported:
Religious and spiritual programs (Catholic, Indigenous, and interfaith)
Cultural events celebrating Francophone and Indigenous heritage
Workshops and guest lectures focusing on ethics, justice, and reconciliation
The university aimed to create a space where students could grow not only academically, but personally and spiritually.
Once it reopens with new programs, student life at the University of Sudbury is expected to be:
Centered on Francophone and Indigenous identity
Rich in community partnerships, cultural events, and heritage preservation
Focused on accessible, inclusive education in Northern Ontario
At present, since there are no students enrolled and no active academic or extracurricular programs, there is no formal student life operating on campus. However, the university’s transformation is underway, and future updates will reflect the revival of community, academic, and residential student experiences.
Before its separation from Laurentian University in 2021, the University of Sudbury offered academic programs in areas like Philosophy, Indigenous Studies, Religious Studies, and French Studies. Graduates from these programs pursued careers in:
Education and teaching
Public service and policy
Community and social work
Cultural organizations
Non-profits and Indigenous governance
Further studies (Master’s and PhD programs)
Since the university was federated with Laurentian University, students accessed Laurentian’s career services for support with:
Resume writing and interview prep
Job postings and internship listings
Grad school applications and references
Career fairs and networking events
The University of Sudbury is transitioning into a French-language institution focused on Francophone and Indigenous communities.
No formal placement programs or job support services are offered currently, as there are no enrolled students or active programs.
The future vision includes developing career-focused programs and partnerships with organizations serving Northern Ontario.
Once reestablished, the university may:
Build career development partnerships with Francophone employers, Indigenous organizations, and regional institutions.
Offer community-based experiential learning, especially in cultural studies, Indigenous knowledge, and social justice.
Focus on preparing students for leadership roles in education, cultural preservation, language revitalization, and community advocacy.
Before 2021, when the University of Sudbury was affiliated with Laurentian University, it offered programs in:
Philosophy
Religious Studies
Indigenous Studies
French Studies
At that time:
Students applied through Laurentian University
The acceptance rate for these liberal arts and humanities programs was estimated to be relatively high, typically in the 70%–85% range
Programs were non-competitive and welcomed students with a genuine interest in social sciences, humanities, and cultural studies
Once the university resumes student admissions in the future, the acceptance rate will likely depend on:
The programs offered (initially focused on Francophone and Indigenous studies)
The number of available seats and applicants
The French-language proficiency and academic background of applicants
The university’s mission will be focused on accessibility, particularly for Northern Ontario’s Francophone and Indigenous populations, which suggests that the admissions process may remain relatively open and community-centered.
University of Sudbury (Université de Sudbury)
935 Ramsey Lake Road
Sudbury, Ontario
P3E 2C6
Canada
Located near Ramsey Lake, surrounded by natural landscapes, hiking trails, and green spaces
Part of Greater Sudbury, the largest city in Northern Ontario, with a vibrant mix of urban amenities and small-town charm
Shared educational district – the university campus is close to other post-secondary institutions like:
Laurentian University
Collège Boréal
Transportation:
10 minutes from downtown Sudbury
Accessible by local bus and regional transit
About a 4.5–5 hour drive north of Toronto
Nearest Airport:
Greater Sudbury Airport (YSB) – ~30 minutes from campus
Although the university is currently not offering academic programs (as of 2024), the campus historically included:
Classrooms and lecture halls
Administrative offices
Community gathering spaces
Chapel and spiritual center
Shared access to recreational and library facilities through Laurentian University (in past affiliation)
