University of New Brunswick: Rankings, Programs, and Campuses

There aren’t many universities in Canada that can trace their roots back to the 18th century, but the University of New Brunswick (UNB) does just that. Founded in 1785, it holds the title of Canada’s oldest English-language university and offers over 100 programs across two campuses in Fredericton and Saint John.

Founded: 1785 (University of New Brunswick official website) · Campuses: 2 (Fredericton and Saint John) · Enrollment (2021): 11,444 · Ranked #1 in New Brunswick (EduRank)

Six data points that define UNB’s institutional identity:

Which city is the University of New Brunswick in?

UNB is located in two cities within the province of New Brunswick, on Canada’s east coast. Its main campus sits in Fredericton, the provincial capital, while a second campus operates in Saint John.

What are the two campuses of UNB?

• The Fredericton campus is the primary administrative and academic hub (University of New Brunswick official website).
• The Saint John campus offers its own range of programs and serves the southern part of the province.

Is the main campus in Fredericton?

Yes, Fredericton is considered the main campus of the University of New Brunswick. It houses the majority of administrative offices and a larger student body compared to Saint John (University of New Brunswick official website).

Bottom line: UNB operates two campuses. The main one is in Fredericton, and the second is in Saint John. Each offers distinct academic environments within the same province.

What is the University of New Brunswick ranked in the world?

UNB appears in several global ranking lists, with its position varying by methodology and year.

Is UNB a top university?

• QS World University Rankings 2026 places UNB at #=622 worldwide (QS World University Rankings).
• EduRank positions UNB at #609 of 14,131 universities globally and #213 in North America (EduRank).
• In New Brunswick, EduRank ranks UNB #1 (EduRank).

How does UNB compare to other Canadian universities?

Within Canada, UNB is not in the top tier of national rankings (typically the top 15–20 are dominated by larger institutions like U of T, UBC, McGill). However, it holds a strong leadership position in Atlantic Canada. QS includes UNB among Canada’s recognized institutions, and its research output is notable for a university of its size.

The implication: UNB’s global ranking is mid-tier, but within its region it dominates. For students prioritizing regional reputation and research access, that trade‑off can be a strong fit.

What is the University of New Brunswick known for?

UNB is primarily known for its long history, research intensity, and popular programs in engineering, business, and computer science.

What are the most popular programs at UNB?

• UNB offers more than 100 study options (University of New Brunswick official website).
• Engineering, business, and computer science are among the most popular and highly regarded programs.
• QS notes UNB offers more than 75 degree and certificate programs (QS World University Rankings).

What research areas is UNB known for?

UNB describes itself as a “research-intensive” university (University of New Brunswick official website). It is particularly recognized for research in clean energy, artificial intelligence, environmental science, and geomatics. The university’s motto—“Having light, we pass it on to others”—reflects its commitment to discovery and knowledge transfer.

Why this matters: UNB’s program breadth is wide enough to attract students from multiple fields, but its research focus means resources concentrate on areas where the university can compete at a national level.

What languages are spoken in NB?

New Brunswick is Canada’s only officially bilingual province, but at UNB the primary language of instruction is English.

Is the University of New Brunswick bilingual?

While the province itself is officially bilingual, UNB operates primarily in English. French is spoken in the surrounding community, and some services (e.g., certain administrative offices, student support) may offer bilingual assistance.

What is the main language of instruction at UNB?

English is the primary language of instruction across all programs (University of New Brunswick official website). International students must demonstrate English proficiency for admission.

The catch: If you’re looking for a fully bilingual university experience, UNB is not it—but being in a bilingual province gives international students a chance to pick up French outside the classroom.

Is New Brunswick close to Toronto?

Not really. New Brunswick is on Canada’s east coast, while Toronto is in the central province of Ontario.

How far is Fredericton from Toronto?

• The straight‑line distance is roughly 1,200 km. A typical drive takes about 12 hours, and a direct flight from Toronto to Fredericton is approximately 2 hours (University of New Brunswick official website — visitor information).
• The closest major Canadian city is Montreal, about 700 km west of Fredericton.

What is the best way to travel from Toronto to UNB?

Most out‑of‑province students fly to Fredericton International Airport (YFC) or Saint John Airport (YSJ). There are also train and bus options, but flying is the most common choice.

What this means: If you’re coming from Toronto or western Canada, budget for a flight; UNB’s eastern location is a perk for those wanting the Atlantic experience but a distance factor for family visits.

“Leading discovery and innovation since 1785.”

— University of New Brunswick official website (unb.ca)

“UNB offers more than 75 degree and certificate programs.”

— QS World University Rankings

For students exploring the province, detailed New Brunswick maps can help visualize the campuses and surrounding cities.

Frequently asked questions

Related reading

For a deeper look at UNB’s programs, rankings, and campus life, see our full institutional profile: University of New Brunswick ranking, programs, campuses, and acceptance rate.