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Canada’s Most Educated Workforce

When you locate your business in Nova Scotia, you gain access to a diverse, well-educated, and high-calibre workforce, supported by world-renowned educational and research institutions. Nova Scotia’s welcoming immigration policy makes it easy for businesses to attract the best talent in the world.

Incentives, Programs, and Services 

Answer a few quick questions about your business and we’ll direct you to incentives, programs, and services you may be eligible for.

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International Entrepreneurs 

If you are an international entrepreneur and would like to invest and immigrate to Nova Scotia, please visit the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) and the Atlantic Immigration Program for more information. 

A Growing Population

Halifax is rapidly rising as one of Canada’s most dynamic cities, now holding the title of the second fastest growing city in the country. In the past five years, the annual number of new permanent residents who have chosen to live and work in Nova Scotia has more than doubled. The number of other Canadians coming to Nova Scotia has also increased significantly, reflecting the attractive quality of life in the province. The province has set an ambitious goal to double its population by 2060 through dynamic immigration strategies, offering strong settlement supports to boost retention. This means your dedicated and educated workforce will only become stronger and more robust with time.

Growth in Immigration 2013-2022

Source: Statistics Canada, 2023

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Nova Scotia leads Atlantic Canada with the highest five-year immigration retention rate at 62%

Population of Nova Scotia

Source: Statistics Canada, 2024 (Estimate)

1079676

Highly Educated

Nova Scotia’s workforce is exceptionally well-educated, offering employers a diverse talent pool with advanced skills and expertise. Each year, 58,000 post-secondary students enrol in the province’s institutions, with university computer science enrolments growing by an impressive 88% over six years. Among residents aged 25-64 in Halifax, 71.5% hold post-secondary qualifications. Nova Scotia also leads Canada in per capita graduates in engineering, applied science, mathematics, and physical sciences. The province’s critical mass of public and private sector scientists drives world-class research in ocean technology, life sciences, and renewable energy, fostering innovation and expertise.

Over 70% of Halifax residents have a post-secondary degree.

Types of Degrees:

  • 9,000 new trade persons trained every year
  • Over 1,000 information and technology related degrees
  • 2,500 engineering degrees awarded each year by Dalhousie University
  • Over 3,000 graduate degrees awarded each year

Nova Scotia's Universities and Colleges

Nova Scotia is home to a renowned cluster of universities and academic institutions, solidifying its reputation for academic excellence. The province boasts 10 universities and 14 community college campuses, offering a diverse range of programs and fostering innovation. These institutions attract students from across Canada and around the world, contributing to a rich, multicultural academic environment.

Nova Scotia consistently produces a steady stream of educated graduates in critical fields such as finance, life sciences, technology, healthcare, and engineering. Many of these graduates remain in the province, enriching the local workforce with their skills and expertise.

Businesses typically work closely with the academic community to customize curriculum to meet hiring requirements. Through industry partnerships, Nova Scotia’s universities and colleges customize curriculums to meet hiring requirements, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to meet evolving market demands.

View a map of Nova Scotia's Universities and Colleges

Nova Scotia University and College Campus Map: