Dalhousie University was founded in 1818 by George Ramsay, the Ninth Earl of Dalhousie and Governor of Nova Scotia, as a non-denominational college. It operated sporadically at first, but after resolving financial issues, its first official session was held in 1838. Following further activities and reorganization, the institution reopened for the third time in 1863, under the name "The Governors of Dalhousie College and University."
In 1997, Dalhousie merged with the Technical University of Nova Scotia and officially became Dalhousie University under provincial charter. Dalhousie now has three campuses in Halifax and one in Bible Hill, and provides medical education facilities in Saint John. As of 2025, the QS World University Rankings placed Dalhousie at 275 in the world.
It’s possible to study in Canada without taking international exams, and students can add this experience to their academic resumes. Each program at Dalhousie University has specific admission requirements, and applicants’ academic backgrounds are assessed individually. However, generally speaking, high school graduation grades and the grades in subjects related to the chosen field have a direct impact on the admission outcome.
Applicants for undergraduate programs must provide a high school diploma with an overall average of at least 17 out of 20. Those still in their final year can also apply, provided they have an average of at least 70% in five subjects from Grade 12 (including English and relevant subjects such as calculus, physics, and chemistry).
It's important to note that admission to most programs at Dalhousie University is competitive, and meeting the minimum grade requirements does not guarantee acceptance. In general, an average of at least 70% (in transcripts and overall GPA) and a good English proficiency score (e.g., 6.5 on IELTS) are necessary for initial admission consideration.
Graduate program admission at Dalhousie requires a bachelor's or master’s degree with a high GPA (at least a B or 3.3 GPA) from a recognized institution, along with a statement of intent, letters of recommendation, and a high English proficiency score (e.g., 7 on IELTS).
These are minimum admission requirements, and individual applications are evaluated in more detail. Some programs require higher GPA and language scores or may require results from exams like GMAT or GRE. Some programs also ask for a portfolio of work, which can be submitted in written form or even as a live demonstration.
Most programs at Dalhousie accept students for the fall term. International applicants for the September intake must submit their applications by April 1, and those seeking financial aid must apply by March 15.
Some programs have specific deadlines. For example, undergraduate pharmacy and science programs have a deadline of February 1, while social work and health sciences programs (such as diagnostic cytology, medical diagnostic sonography, nuclear medicine technology, radiology, and respiratory therapy) have a February 15 deadline.
Programs under arts, sciences, and computer science generally accept students for the January intake, and international applicants must apply by September 15. For detailed application deadlines, registration dates, document submission deadlines, and payment details, you can visit Dalhousie's official website or consult with educational advisors.
Tuition fees in Canada vary based on the program, degree level, and the university's rank. At Dalhousie, the average term tuition for international undergraduate students is approximately $6,538.50. The average annual tuition for non-thesis master’s programs is $13,077.00, while thesis-based master’s programs cost around $6,972.00 per year.
In addition to tuition, Dalhousie students pay fees for services such as administrative support, athletics (for full-time students), and health services, amounting to $57.37. There are also fees for student association memberships ($77.28), discounted public transportation tickets ($81.35), and international student society membership ($5.00).
On-campus housing costs also vary depending on the type and services provided. For fall and winter terms, living in Mini Res or Shirreff Hall costs $8,126, while living in Risley Hall costs $8,740. LeMarchant Place costs $9,445, Glengary Apartments range from $8,385 to $9,882, and graduate residence halls cost $8,263.
Meal plans at Dalhousie can be reserved per term or for the academic year, with annual rates ranging from $2,510 to $4,235 (for both fall and winter terms). A $200 deposit is required at the time of housing application.