How do I apply to study at Dalhousie University?

Start at Dalhousie's Admissions & Cost section, which is the official entry point for applying to study at Dal. From there you can find program options, admission requirements, and cost information before you submit an application. Dalhousie is a research-intensive university with campuses in Halifax and Truro, Nova Scotia, offering over 300 degree programs across 13 faculties, so the exact requirements depend on the program and whether you are a Canadian or international applicant.

Where to begin

Dal's own navigation points to these core areas:

• Find a Program – confirm the degree and faculty you are applying to.
• Admissions & Cost – the main application and requirements hub.
• Apply to study at Dal – the application step itself.
• Important Dates – deadlines you need to track.
• International students – a dedicated section if you are applying from outside Canada.

Because requirements vary by program, always check the specific program page rather than relying on general admission information.

What you will typically need to prepare

Dalhousie does not list a single universal document checklist on its homepage, so treat the following as the categories to confirm on your program's admission page:

For international applicants, Dal maintains a separate Information for international students section, which is the right place to check country-specific requirements and any additional documentation.

Key dates and deadlines

Dal publishes an Important Dates page under "Plan your degree." Use it to:

• Identify application deadlines for your intake (fall, winter, or other).
• Note course registration and exam periods if you are already admitted.
• Track dates that affect scholarships and financial support.

Dal highlights $90 million in financial student support, so if cost is a factor, check scholarship and funding deadlines alongside your application deadline.

Steps to apply

1. Choose your program using Find a Program, and note the faculty offering it.
2. Review admission requirements on that program's page, including any prerequisites.
3. Check Important Dates so you apply before the deadline for your intake.
4. Prepare your documents — transcripts, language scores, and any program-specific items.
5. Submit your application through the Apply to study at Dal route.
6. Watch for follow-up — Dal may request additional documents or information after submission.

If you are an international student

Dal's international section is the correct starting point. It covers information specific to studying at Dal from abroad, and Dal also highlights international research partnerships and an international centre. Confirm your country's specific document and credential requirements there, since these are not standardized across all applicants.

Common points to verify before applying

• Program-specific requirements — general admission info is not enough; each program can differ.
• Deadline vs. document deadline — some programs require documents by a date separate from the application deadline.
• Language requirements — confirm whether your prior education qualifies for an exemption.
• Campus — Halifax and Truro host different programs, so confirm which campus your program uses.

Getting more information

Dal offers several ways to learn more before or during the application process:

• Open House — Truro on Saturday, October 3 and Halifax on Saturday, October 24; registration is required.
• Future student emails — sign up for program info, admissions tips, events, scholarships, and deadlines.
• Campus tours — in-person, virtual, or self-guided audio options.

Note that Dal is closed on Wednesday, September 30 for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, which may affect response times around that date.