Did you know that Dalhousie University was founded in 1818 to provide higher education opportunities to everyone? It’s a public research university in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, offering over 200 programs across 13 faculties. With an alum network of 130,000 and more than 18,000 current students, Dalhousie University ranks among the top 10 universities in Canada. It is renowned worldwide for its academic excellence and positive societal contributions.
Overview of Dalhousie University
Dalhousie University is a research-intensive institution in the Canadian province of Nova Scotia. It has three Halifax campuses and one in Truro. The university grants nearly 190 degrees across 13 colleges, including law, medicine, dentistry, engineering, computer science, arts, and social sciences. It also offers a variety of graduate, professional, transfer, and continuing education programs for students looking to continue their education or improve their skills. Dalhousie University is placed in the top 20% of institutions worldwide by QS World University Rankings. It is also well-known for its climate research, community participation, and belonging culture. If you want to apply to Dalhousie University, look at their programs, study their admissions requirements, and begin your application online.
Benefits of attending Dalhousie University
There are several advantages to attending Dalhousie University, including:
- You will get a high-quality education from one of Canada’s premier research-intensive institutions, which offers over 130 master’s and Ph.D. programs in various subjects.
- You will join a community of individuals from various backgrounds and perspectives, including students, scholars, researchers, and staff.
- You will have an exceptional academic and campus experience with cutting-edge facilities, support services, extracurricular activities, and personal and professional development opportunities.
- You will benefit from Dalhousie University’s research power and name recognition.

The admission process at Dalhousie University
Are you looking to study abroad? Consider Dalhousie University, located in the beautiful city of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. With over 200 programs in 13 faculties, there’s sure to be something that piques your interest. And if you’re an international student, you’re in good company; over 115 countries are represented on campus. To apply, follow these simple steps:
Check the admission requirements.
Before applying, ensure that you fulfill the general admission criteria and the English language requirements for your selected program of study. It would be best to have a minimum overall average determined using the courses necessary for your degree. The criteria for admission differ based on your place of origin and the program you pursued. Your precise criteria may be found on the Dalhousie website.
Apply online
Apply online via the Dalhousie application site or the Common Application. Create an account, complete the application form, pay the CAD 115 fee, and submit before the deadline. Most undergraduate programs have deadlines of March 1 for the autumn semester (September) and October 15 for the winter term (January). Graduate program deadlines are often early and vary by department. The precise dates may be found on the program’s website.

Submit supporting documents
To complete your application, you must send official transcripts and other supporting papers after applying online. Standardized test results (SAT, ACT, AP, IB, etc.), letters of reference, personal statements, portfolios, or auditions may be included in the papers.
The documentation must be submitted directly to Dalhousie by the originating institution or organization. You may upload papers to your online account or send them through email to [email protected]. You may also use your online account to monitor the progress of your application and documents.
Receive an admission decision.
Dalhousie will analyze your application and documentation and email you an admission decision. The decision may be an admission offer, a conditional admission offer, a waitlist offer, or a refusal of admission.
If you get an admission offer, you must accept it by submitting a non-refundable deposit of CAD 200 by the time specified in your offer letter. If you get a conditional admission offer, you must satisfy the criteria by producing evidence of graduation and final grades by August 1.
Apply for scholarships and bursaries.
Dalhousie University provides a variety of scholarships, bursaries, and prizes to overseas students. Scholarships are granted for academic distinction, while bursaries are provided for financial necessity.
Other qualities, such as community participation, leadership, or diversity, are rewarded with money. You may look for them on the Dalhousie website or apply via the Harmonized Scholarship Process, which enables you to apply for several scholarships with a single application.
Apply for a study permit and visa.
To study in Canada as an international student, you must obtain a valid study permit and visa. A study permit is a document that permits you to remain in Canada while studying.
A visa is a sticker on your passport that permits you to enter Canada. Both may be applied online via the Government of Canada’s website.
To apply, you must have a Dalhousie admission letter, evidence of financial assistance, medical exam results, and other papers. After obtaining your admission offer, you should apply as soon as possible.
Prepare for arrival and orientation.
After you have received your acceptance, scholarship, study permission, and visa, you may begin planning for your arrival and orientation at Dalhousie. Before coming to Canada, you must make travel arrangements, book accommodations, pack your needs, register for classes, and pay your tuition.
You must also attend the Dalhousie orientation programs for overseas students. These workshops will help you get acquainted with the school, the city, the culture, and the services that are accessible to you.
Scholarships for international students
If you’re an international student looking to study at Dalhousie University, you’ll be happy to know plenty of scholarships, bursaries, and prizes are available! These awards recognize academic excellence, financial need, and even qualities like community involvement, leadership, and diversity.
Here are some of the scholarships available specifically for overseas students:
- The Sankofa Scholarships: International students of Black/African descent from the Caribbean or Africa, listen up! You can receive entrance scholarships worth a whopping $48,000 ($12,000 per year, renewable for four years). This incredible offer is open to those demonstrating academic achievement, community involvement, and financial need. It’s a fantastic chance to further your education and achieve your dreams!
- The International Student Award: This in-course scholarship is worth $1,000-$2,000 for international students who have completed at least two full years of study at Dalhousie with a minimum GPA of 3.73.
- The Donald Hill Family Postdoctoral Fellowship: This postdoctoral fellowship is worth $50,000 annually for two years for international scholars who have completed their Ph.D. within the last five years and are pursuing ocean science or engineering research.
Many more scholarships and bursaries are available for international students at different levels and faculties of study. Applicants can search for them on the Dalhousie website or apply through the Harmonized Scholarship Process, which allows them to be considered for multiple awards with one application.

Hostel facilities
Living on campus can be an excellent option for students who want to be close to everything and have a sense of community. Dalhousie offers a variety of residential options, from traditional dorm-style residences to non-traditional apartment-style apartments. All homes have internet, cable, local phone, laundry facilities, and access to resident services and activities. It’s a convenient, comfortable, and secure way to experience university life.
Conclusion
Dalhousie University is a respected and varied university that provides its students with a high-quality education and a dynamic campus life. International students who want to study at Dalhousie must complete the entrance and language criteria, apply online, and submit the necessary documentation by the deadline. They may also apply for scholarships and bursaries to help pay for their education, and they can live on campus in one of the many resident halls. Dalhousie is an excellent alternative for international students looking to further their academic and personal interests in Canada.
FAQs
Will academic resources still be available via distance?
Academic resources such as advising, tutoring, writing support, and academic skills workshops will be available online. You can find more information on the Student Academic Success Services website.
How do I qualify to do Co-op?
You must have a minimum GPA of 2.3 and complete the mandatory co-op preparation course (ENGI 1100) in your first year. You also need to apply for co-op by the deadline of your program,
What are the requirements for admission to Dalhousie University?
The requirements vary depending on the program you are applying to. Still, it would be best to have a high school diploma or equivalent, meet the English language proficiency requirement, and have the specific courses and grades required by your program. You can check the admission requirements for each program on the Dalhousie website.