Gaelic College First-Year Programs

Program Overview
Admission Requirements
Application Deadlines
Begin your BACS or BHTM degree immersed in Gaelic culture at the Gaelic College (Mabou Campus).
Canadian Students
International Students

Please select your province for specific admission requirements.

General Requirements for High School Graduates

  • See CBU’s English Language Requirements here.

Please select your country to view admission requirements.

CANADIAN DEADLINES
Fall 2027
Opens: October 1, 2026
Closes: September 3, 2027
SEE MORE >>
INTERNATIONAL DEADLINES
Fall 2027
Opens: October 1, 2026
Closes: May 15, 2027
SEE MORE >>
In order to register for courses, you must accept your offer and confirm your seat at CBU. For detailed steps on how to do this, please reference your acceptance letter in your future Student Account

Immerse Yourself in the Heart of a Gaelic Community

Cape Breton University and Colaisde na Gàidhlig (the Gaelic College) have partnered to provide students looking to gain a deeper understanding of the history, literature, music and dance of Gaelic culture of Nova Scotia the opportunity to begin their 3 or 4 year BACS or 3 year BHTM degree at the Gaelic College (Mabou Campus). Delivered in English at the Gaelic College (Mabou Campus), students will spend their first year diving deeply into key aspects of Gaelic culture from the ancient past to present day, while also following CBU’s accredited first year curriculum. After the first year at the Mabou Campus, BACS and BHTM students move to CBU Campus for the remainder of their degree.

While on campus in Mabou, students will be living and studying in the only recognized Gàidhealtachd (living Gaelic community) outside of Scotland where culture still informs everyday life. This program allows students to take part in self-directed learning and develop well-honed practical skills like critical thinking, research, writing and debating in a group setting. Learn more at https://www.beinnmhabu.ca/.

Ready to Apply?

CBU Students outdoor

BACS AT THE GAELIC COLLEGE (MABOU CAMPUS)
CBU Students outdoor

BHTM AT THE GAELIC COLLEGE (MABOU CAMPUS)

What is the tuition for this program?

These numbers are an estimate for planning purposes only. These numbers do not include lab or accommodation fees. Please visit the Student Finance Hub for more information.

TOTAL YEAR(S) TOTAL CREDITS TOTAL SEMESTER(S) NS STUDENTS OTHER PROVINCE STUDENTS INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
BACS First Year  (Mabou Campus) 1 30 2 $9,298.40 $11,331.40 $23,794.40
BHTM First Year (Mabou Campus) 1 30 2 $9,298.40 $11,331.40 $23,794.40

Resources

Fortress of Louisburg Music and March

GAELIC CULTURE STUDIES AT CBU
Gaelic Community Couple Dancing

GAELIC LANGUAGE & CULTURAL SUSTAINABILITY AT CBU

Why study at the Gaelic College & CBU?

On Cape Breton Island, it’s as rewarding to study here as it is to live here. That’s why we provide opportunities for specific place-based learning experiences. Cape Breton is a place where Gaelic culture currently lives in our local communities and is woven into our history and culture. In Nova Scotia, which means New Scotland, you’ll find a different perspective than you would anywhere else on the continent.

Inside and outside our modern facilities, our faculty offer a friendly, approachable teaching style that goes a long way in providing you with an edge in the realworld. Our collaborative teaching philosophy means many faculty contribute to different disciplines and programs. This interdisciplinary approach provides students with various perspectives to learn from in a personalized learning environment.

How To Apply

Students should apply to CBU as usual and select the Gaelic College (Mabou Campus) option from the Program List. Interested students can check out https://www.beinnmhabu.ca/ for more information.

What skills will I gain from this program?

  • Critical thinking
  • Effective oral and written communication
  • Research and debating skills
  • Deepened understanding of Gaelic culture

Quicklinks

Quick Links