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CANADA · HALIFAX

Dalhousie University

public · Founded 1818 · Languages: en

In short

Dalhousie University is a research-intensive institution in Nova Scotia, Canada, offering over 300 degree programs across its Halifax and Truro campuses. It provides a supportive learning environment with a low faculty-to-student ratio and opportunities for practical experience.

Key facts

Type: Public
Founded: 1818
Students: 30,867
International students: 6,000
Acceptance rate: 55%
Tuition (intl): €13–15k/yr
Languages: EN
Location: Halifax, Canada

Dalhousie University is a prominent Canadian research-intensive institution located in Halifax and Truro, Nova Scotia. It offers a wide range of academic programs, with over 300 unique degrees including more than 90 Master's and 40 Doctoral programs. The university emphasizes a learning experience guided by professors involved in impactful research. Dalhousie is committed to providing a supportive environment for its students, including a low faculty-to-student ratio and significant financial support. The university is recognized for its contributions to regional, national, and global research, attracting over $270 million in research funding annually. It is a member of the U15 Group of Canadian Universities, reflecting its standing as a leading research institution. With campuses in vibrant cities, Dalhousie offers opportunities for hands-on learning, co-ops, internships, and clinical practicums, preparing students for successful careers. International students are welcomed into a diverse community and benefit from an education recognized for its quality and innovation.

Why study here

Study at one of Canada’s research powerhouse universities with individualized attention due to a low faculty-to-student ratio.
Immerse yourself in a vibrant campus life with connections to a diverse food, arts, and music scene in Halifax, or a community-focused environment in Truro.
Benefit from exceptional programs offering over 300 degrees, designed to provide a well-rounded education and a strong foundation for future careers.
Gain practical experience through hands-on learning, including co-ops, internships, clinical practicums, and research opportunities with leading firms and startups.
Join a community committed to making an impact, guided by professors whose research drives real change at regional, national, and global levels.

Student life

Dalhousie University offers a vibrant campus life where students can explore their passions, connect with inspiring changemakers, and take advantage of the lively East Coast environment. The Halifax campus is conveniently located near the city’s diverse food, arts, and music scene. The Agricultural Campus in Truro provides a community-focused atmosphere with local industry, farmers' markets, parks, and trails. Students have access to various support services, including an International Centre, and opportunities for global pursuits and engagement.

Fees

InternationalThe amount for graduate studies varies by program. Thesis-based Master's programs often charge a higher rate in the early stages, with reduced "continuing fees" of approximately $950 per term plus ancillary fees in subsequent years. New international PhD students starting September 2019 or later are not charged international differential fees. Those who transfer (fast-track) from a Master's to a PhD program are eligible for reimbursement of international differential fees paid and the tuition difference.

HomeCanadian and permanent resident students pay domestic tuition, which varies by faculty and program and is generally a fraction of the international rate.

LivingInternational students should budget roughly CAD 15,000-20,000 per year for accommodation, food, transport, health coverage and personal expenses in Halifax.

Tuition fees are assessed based on the approved rate for each course selected, rather than the degree program. Payments are due in full by the term due dates (e.g., September 22nd for Fall term, January 25th for Winter term). Late payments are subject to interest and late fees. Payment plans are not offered.

Admissions

Undergraduate entryCompletion of senior secondary school with competitive grades in required subjects, plus proof of English proficiency for non-native speakers.

Graduate entryA recognised bachelor's degree with a strong GPA in a relevant field; some programs require GRE/GMAT scores, a statement of interest and references.

IELTSOverall: 6.5, Bands: 6.0

TOEFL (or TOEFL at Home)Overall: 90, Bands: 20 (for 1-120 scale) OR Overall: 4.5, Bands: 4.5 in Listening and 4.0 in Reading, Speaking, and Writing (for 1-6 scale)

Duolingo English TestOverall: 120

MELAB (Michigan English Test)55

Rankings

Times Higher Education Impact Rankings88th

QS World University Rankings12th Overall in Canada

University scholarships

Abdul Majid Bader Graduate Scholarship—

African Nova Scotian Graduate Scholarship—

AS Mowat Prize—

Accreditation

Dalhousie University is a publicly recognised degree-granting institution and a member of the U15 Group of Canadian Universities and Universities Canada.

For international students

Canada

Student visa & funds

International students must obtain a study permit from IRCC before arriving. Most college and undergraduate applicants must also include a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) confirming a space under the annual cap; from January 2026, master’s and doctoral students at public institutions are exempt from this requirement. Applicants must show living funds of CAD 22,895 (effective September 2025, for a single student, excluding tuition and travel), and Student Direct Stream applicants hold this amount as a GIC.

Working while you study

Full-time students at designated learning institutions whose permits include work authorization may work up to 24 hours per week off campus during academic terms — a cap in effect since November 2024 that replaced the former 20-hour rule and a temporary 40-hour exception. Students may work unlimited hours during scheduled breaks such as summer and winter holidays. From April 2026, eligible students no longer need a separate co-op work permit for mandatory placements.

After you graduate

Graduates of eligible programs may apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) within 180 days of confirmed completion. The PGWP matches program length up to a maximum of three years, and master’s graduates receive a three-year permit regardless of program length. Since November 2024 most applicants must show a recent language test at CLB 7 (university graduates) or CLB 5 (college graduates); degree graduates are exempt from the field-of-study alignment rule that applies to other applicants.

English tests

IELTS Academic6.0–6.5 with no band below 6.0; research-intensive universities 6.5–7.0
TOEFL iBT80–100; top universities (e.g. University of Toronto) 100+

Main intakes

SeptemberJanuaryMay

The Bachelor of Science in Agriculture program at Dalhousie University allows you to explore the science and technology behind modern agriculture. Offered at the Truro and Bible Hill campus, this program provides a blend of core agricultural sciences with business management and innovative technology. You can specialize in various majors, gaining practical experience through coursework and an optional internship. Graduates are prepared for diverse careers within the agricultural industry or for further studies at the postgraduate level.

Bachelor's

Level

Open to Canadian and international students pursuing a doctoral (PhD) degree at a Canadian university. Candidates must be nominated by the Canadian institution, not yet have started the doctoral program beyond defined limits, and demonstrate academic excellence, research potential, and leadership.

CIHR / NSERC / SSHRC (Tri-Agency), Government of Canada

Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Doctoral (CGRS-D)

For doctoral students undertaking a PhD at a Canadian institution, with an outstanding academic record. Awards are made by Canada's tri-agency (CIHR, NSERC, SSHRC); applicants apply through their university, and eligibility (including for international students) follows the current Canada Graduate Scholarships rules.

Frequently asked questions

What academic programs does Dalhousie University offer?

Dalhousie University offers a wide range of academic programs, including over 300 unique degrees. This includes more than 90 Master's programs and 40 Doctoral programs, catering to diverse academic interests.

What are the estimated living costs for international students at Dalhousie University?

International students should budget approximately CAD 15,000-20,000 per year for living expenses in Halifax. This estimate covers accommodation, food, transportation, health coverage, and personal costs.

How does Dalhousie University support its students?

Dalhousie University is committed to providing a supportive environment, evidenced by a low faculty-to-student ratio and significant financial support, totaling $90 million. They also offer various student services and opportunities for hands-on learning.

What are the English proficiency requirements for international applicants?

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide proof of proficiency. Accepted tests include IELTS (Overall 6.5, Bands 6.0), TOEFL (Overall 90), and Duolingo (Overall 120), among others. This requirement may be waived if you have studied in an English-based institution for a specified period.

Does Dalhousie University offer scholarships for international students?

While specific scholarships like the Abdul Majid Bader Graduate Scholarship are available for international students (e.g., Iranian students for Master's or Doctoral degrees), further details on eligibility and application processes should be sought directly from the university.

Last updated 3 July 2026