St. Stephen's University

St. Stephen's University: Programs, Fees, Admission, Campus & International Student Guide

St. Stephen's University (SSU) is a private not-for-profit graduate school located in St. Stephen, New Brunswick, Canada. Founded in 1975, the institution focuses on theology, peace, justice, reconciliation and transformative leadership.

SSU provides a specialized graduate education model that combines online learning with short in-person experiences. Students can complete much of their coursework remotely while participating in intensive collegiums, study-abroad opportunities and other experiential learning activities.

The university's current academic focus is on graduate certificates and master's programs. Its programs are designed for students interested in theology, peacebuilding, reconciliation, justice, ministry and leadership.

What is St. Stephen's University Known For?

St. Stephen's University is particularly known for:

• Theology and culture
• Peace and justice studies
• Reconciliation studies
• Transformative leadership
• Peacebuilding
• Story, trauma and peacebuilding
• Hybrid-distance graduate education
• Study-abroad learning
• Small learning communities
• Interdisciplinary theological education
• Christian academic formation
• International student participation

SSU's current programs cover areas including theology and culture, peace and justice, reconciliation, transformative leadership, religion and peace, and story, trauma and peacebuilding.

Rankings – St. Stephen's University

St. Stephen's University does not have a prominent overall position in the major global university rankings commonly used to compare large universities.

For SSU, students should instead examine factors such as program specialization, academic delivery, provincial recognition, tuition, admission requirements, study-abroad opportunities and the institution's approach to theology, peace and reconciliation.

SSU's specialized academic profile means that general university rankings provide limited information about the programs it offers.

Why These Rankings Matter

Rankings are not designed to capture every characteristic of a specialized graduate institution.

For SSU, program specialization is particularly important. Students interested in theology, peacebuilding, reconciliation, justice or transformative leadership should consider curriculum, faculty expertise, delivery format and experiential opportunities.

The university's hybrid-distance structure is also an important factor for students who need flexibility.

Quick Facts

Category	Details
Institution	St. Stephen's University
Location	St. Stephen, New Brunswick, Canada
Founded	1975
Type	Private not-for-profit graduate school
Main academic focus	Theology, peace, justice and reconciliation
Main delivery model	Hybrid-distance
Main language	English
Main programs	Master's degrees and graduate certificates
International students	Welcomed
Tuition rate	CAD 395 per credit hour

SSU currently focuses primarily on graduate education and offers a combination of online coursework and short in-person learning experiences.

Is St. Stephen's University a good choice for international students?

SSU can be relevant for international students seeking specialized graduate education in theology, peace and justice, reconciliation or transformative leadership.

Its hybrid-distance structure is particularly relevant because most international students do not need to remain in Canada for the full duration of their program. International students generally travel to Canada for brief seven- to ten-day collegiums.

Campus – St. Stephen's University

St. Stephen's University is located at 8 Main Street in St. Stephen, New Brunswick.

The university uses Park Hall for in-person collegium experiences, while much of the academic work is completed online. This combination of online study and short residential learning periods is a defining part of SSU's current academic model.

The in-person experiences allow students and faculty to develop relationships and participate in intensive academic discussions.

Does St. Stephen's University have student accommodation?

SSU does not operate like a conventional residential undergraduate university.

Instead, accommodation is incorporated into certain short in-person collegiums. For Theology & Culture programs, the university currently provides a seven-day in-person collegium at Park Hall, with accommodation and meals included in the collegium cost.

International students travelling to Canada for these experiences receive information about accommodation and transportation arrangements.

Courses – St. Stephen's University

SSU currently offers graduate degrees and certificates across several specialized areas.

Current programs include:

• Master of Arts in Theology & Culture
• Master of Ministry in Theology & Culture
• Certificate in Theology & Culture
• Certificate in Theology & Peace Studies
• Master of Arts in Peace & Justice
• Master of Peace & Justice
• Master of Theological Studies in Peace & Justice
• Certificate in Religion, Peace & Justice
• Certificate in Story, Trauma & Peacebuilding
• Certificate in Reconciliation Studies
• Master of Arts in Transformative Leadership
• Certificate in Transformative Leadership
• Multifaith Chaplaincy

Some certificate programs can also be completed at the undergraduate level by students who do not qualify for graduate admission.

Popular Subject Areas at St. Stephen's University

SSU's academic areas include:

• Theology and Culture
• Peace and Justice
• Reconciliation Studies
• Transformative Leadership
• Peacebuilding
• Religion and Peace
• Story and Trauma
• Pastoral Ministry
• Multifaith Chaplaincy
• Christian Theology

These programs are designed for students interested in academic and practical questions involving peace work, reconciliation, ministry, nonviolent activism and leadership.

Does St. Stephen's University offer Peace and Justice programs?

Yes. Peace and Justice is one of SSU's primary academic areas.

The university offers master's degrees and certificates focused on Peace & Justice, Religion, Peace & Justice and related areas.

Student Life at St. Stephen's University

Student life at SSU differs from that of a traditional residential university.

Because most coursework is delivered online, students connect through virtual classes, discussion forums and academic activities. Students then come together during in-person collegiums, study-abroad trips and other intensive learning experiences.

This model also allows students to study full-time or part-time while managing other professional or personal responsibilities.

Facilities & Campus Life

SSU's learning environment includes:

• Park Hall
• Online learning platforms
• Library resources
• Academic classrooms
• Collegium facilities
• Study-abroad learning environments
• Student discussion forums
• Research and thesis resources
• Community and gathering spaces

Students can access online courses, assignments, discussion forums and other academic resources through the university's digital learning environment.

The in-person experiences provide opportunities for students and faculty to build relationships within the learning community.

What support is available for international students?

SSU provides information specifically for international students covering documentation, travel, accommodation, health, safety and immigration requirements.

Because of the university's distance and hybrid model, most international students only come to Canada for short seven- to ten-day collegiums.

Students planning to remain in Canada for longer periods should discuss their individual circumstances and immigration requirements with the university.

Careers & Employability – St. Stephen's University

SSU's programs are designed around specialized academic and vocational interests rather than a broad undergraduate career curriculum.

Theology and Culture programs can be relevant to pastoral ministry and related vocational directions, while Peace & Justice programs can support students interested in peace work, advocacy, nonviolent activism and professional development.

The Transformative Leadership program provides another pathway for students interested in leadership across professional, community and organizational settings.

Career Support Includes

• Vocational development
• Leadership development
• Ministry preparation
• Peacebuilding education
• Reconciliation studies
• Advocacy-oriented learning
• Research and thesis work
• Practical peace work
• Professional enhancement

Career outcomes vary depending on a student's previous education, selected SSU program and professional field.

Does St. Stephen's University offer practical learning?

Yes. SSU incorporates practical and experiential components into several programs.

Peace & Justice programs can include study-abroad experiences, fieldwork and project or thesis components. Reconciliation Studies includes a learning tour and local practicum, while Transformative Leadership includes an immersion experience.

Fees – St. Stephen's University

SSU's tuition structure is based on credit hours rather than a conventional annual undergraduate tuition model.

The current published tuition rate is CAD 395 per credit hour, or CAD 1,185 for a three-credit course. The rate is the same for domestic, U.S. and international students.

Program costs vary depending on the degree or certificate.

Estimated Tuition Fees for International Students

Program	Published Tuition
Certificate in Theology & Culture	CAD 8,690
Certificate in Reconciliation Studies	CAD 9,610
Master of Theological Studies in Peace & Justice	CAD 7,110
Master of Arts in Transformative Leadership	CAD 17,905
Master of Arts / Master of Peace & Justice – selected tracks	CAD 19,905
Master of Arts in Theology & Culture	CAD 22,275
Master of Ministry in Theology & Culture	CAD 22,275
Theology & Culture Peace Studies Track	CAD 22,670

Student fees are currently CAD 250 per semester, with an early-registration discount available under the university's stated conditions.

Certain collegiums, study-abroad trips and thesis or project fees may be additional.

Scholarships for International Students

SSU provides scholarship and bursary opportunities and emphasizes accessibility of its tuition structure.

Students concerned about affordability can discuss possible financial arrangements with the university.

International students should review the current eligibility conditions before including scholarship assistance in their financial planning.

How much does a master's degree at SSU cost?

The total cost depends on the selected program and track.

For example, the Master of Arts in Theology & Culture is currently listed at approximately CAD 22,275, while the Master of Arts in Transformative Leadership is approximately CAD 17,905.

Peace & Justice master's pathways have different costs depending on the selected track.

St. Stephen's University for International Students – St. Stephen, New Brunswick

SSU offers a specialized international study model because most academic work is completed online.

The university states that nearly all international students come to Canada only for brief seven- to ten-day collegiums because of its distance and hybrid structure.

This makes SSU different from universities where international students relocate to Canada for an entire academic year.

International Student Support Includes

• International admissions guidance
• Application assistance
• Academic-document guidance
• Immigration information
• Travel information
• Accommodation guidance
• Health and safety information
• Airport transportation information
• Pre-arrival guidance
• Short in-person collegiums

What are the admission requirements for St. Stephen's University?

Admission requirements depend on the program.

SSU states that master's programs generally require an undergraduate degree from an accredited university. Mature-student pathways may be available for selected programs and certificates.

Applicants are required to provide relevant academic documents and other application materials, which can include transcripts, a CV and a letter of recommendation.

The Honest Verdict – Is St. Stephen's University the Right Choice for You?

St. Stephen's University has a highly specialized academic profile. Rather than offering a broad selection of conventional undergraduate disciplines, it focuses primarily on graduate education in theology, peace, justice, reconciliation and transformative leadership.

Its hybrid-distance model is also a defining feature. Students can complete much of their coursework online while participating in short in-person collegiums and study-abroad experiences.

St. Stephen's University Is an Excellent Choice If You...

• Want graduate-level study in theology
• Are interested in peace and justice
• Want to study reconciliation and peacebuilding
• Are interested in transformative leadership
• Prefer online or hybrid learning
• Want short international study experiences
• Need a program that can accommodate part-time study
• Are interested in ministry or vocational theological education
• Want a specialized graduate-school environment

It May Not Be the Right Fit If You...

• Are looking for a conventional four-year undergraduate university
• Need a large residential campus
• Want a broad selection of engineering, business, computer science or science degrees
• Prefer daily in-person classroom instruction
• Need extensive on-campus student facilities
• Want to relocate to Canada for full-time study throughout the academic year

Frequently Asked Questions About St. Stephen's University

Where is St. Stephen's University located?

SSU is located at 8 Main Street in St. Stephen, New Brunswick, Canada.

When was St. Stephen's University founded?

St. Stephen's University was founded in 1975.

Is St. Stephen's University a private university?

Yes. SSU is a private not-for-profit graduate school.

What does St. Stephen's University specialize in?

Its current academic focus is theology, peace, justice, reconciliation and transformative leadership.

Does SSU offer undergraduate programs?

SSU currently focuses primarily on graduate master's degrees and graduate certificates. Some certificate programs can be completed at the undergraduate level by eligible students.

What is the tuition fee at St. Stephen's University?

Tuition is currently CAD 395 per credit hour, or CAD 1,185 for a three-credit course. Total program tuition varies by program.

Does SSU accept international students?

Yes. SSU welcomes international students and provides information covering travel, accommodation, health, safety and immigration.

Do international students need to live in Canada?

Not generally for the full program. Most international students come to Canada only for brief seven- to ten-day collegiums because of the university's distance and hybrid structure.

Does SSU offer Peace and Justice programs?

Yes. SSU offers master's degrees and certificates focused on Peace & Justice, Religion, Peace & Justice and related subjects.

Does SSU offer Theology programs?

Yes. Current offerings include Theology & Culture, Theology & Peace Studies and related master's and certificate programs.

Does SSU offer study abroad?

Yes. Some master's programs include short intensive study-abroad opportunities as part of the academic experience.

A Final Word – Why St. Stephen's University Deserves Your Consideration

St. Stephen's University offers a specialized graduate-school experience focused on theology, peace, justice, reconciliation and transformative leadership.

Its hybrid-distance model allows students to complete much of their coursework online while participating in short residential collegiums and study-abroad experiences. This structure can be relevant for students who need flexibility or want to combine graduate education with professional or personal responsibilities.

The university's credit-based tuition structure also provides a clear way to understand program costs, although additional collegium, study-abroad and project expenses may apply.

For international students, the most important factors to consider are the specialized nature of the programs, the hybrid delivery model, English-language requirements, travel expectations and the immigration requirements applicable to their individual study pattern.

Before applying, students should confirm the exact program requirements, current tuition and additional fees, English-language requirements, international travel requirements and applicable Canadian immigration documentation directly with St. Stephen's University.