Dalhousie University
Halifax, Nova Scotia ยท 16,336 undergraduates
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Is it hard to get into Dalhousie?
What Dalhousie asks of an applicant from a high school in Ontario. Its own province's students apply with their own courses and, often, a different tuition rate.
Programs listed
28
28 publish an average or minimum
Lowest published average
70%
Arts, the school's own figure
Highest published average
80%
Dalhousie Integrated Science Program (DISP), the school's own figure
Back for second year
Not published
Share of first-year students who return
| Field | School says | First-year tuition | Graduates working | Co-op |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer science | Minimum overall average 70%; competitive, no published cut-off | $10,245 | Not published | Yes |
| Engineering | Minimum overall average 70%; competitive, no published cut-off | $11,202 | Not published | Yes |
| Business and commerce | Minimum overall average 75%; competitive, no published cut-off | $10,338 | 92% | Yes |
| Nursing | Minimum overall average 70%; competitive, no published cut-off | $11,046 | Not published | No |
| Health sciences and kinesiology | Minimum overall average 75%; competitive, no published cut-off | $10,527 | Not published | No |
| Life sciences | Minimum overall average 75%; competitive, no published cut-off | $10,245 | Not published | Yes |
| Arts and humanities | Minimum overall average 70%; competitive, no published cut-off | $9,030 | Not published | Yes |
| Fine and performing arts | Minimum overall average 70%; competitive, no published cut-off | $9,030 | Not published | No |
Graduates working: Commerce Co-op class of 2025.
What are the easiest programs to get into at Dalhousie?
The programs with the lowest bar in the school's own figures: its published minimum or range. A low bar is not an easy program; competitive programs can take students well above it.
Lowest bar
- 1Applied Computer ScienceThe school says minimum overall average 70%; competitive, no published cut-off
- 2ArtsThe school says minimum overall average 70%; competitive, no published cut-off
- 3Computer ScienceThe school says minimum overall average 70%; competitive, no published cut-off
- 4EngineeringThe school says minimum overall average 70%; competitive, no published cut-off
- 5Engineering (first two years in Truro)The school says minimum overall average 70%; competitive, no published cut-off
- 6Health PromotionThe school says minimum overall average 70%; competitive, no published cut-off
- 7Landscape ArchitectureThe school says minimum overall average 70%; competitive, no published cut-off
- 8ManagementThe school says minimum overall average 70%; competitive, no published cut-off
Highest bar
- 1Dalhousie Integrated Science Program (DISP)The school says minimum overall average 80%; competitive, no published cut-off
- 2Medical SciencesThe school says minimum overall average 80%; competitive, no published cut-off
- 3AgricultureThe school says minimum overall average 75%; competitive, no published cut-off
- 4Bioveterinary ScienceThe school says minimum overall average 75%; competitive, no published cut-off
- 5Commerce Co-opThe school says minimum overall average 75%; competitive, no published cut-off
- 6Health Sciences (Diagnostic Medical Ultrasound)The school says minimum overall average 75%; competitive, no published cut-off
- 7Health Sciences (Nuclear Medicine Technology)The school says minimum overall average 75%; competitive, no published cut-off
- 8Health Sciences (Radiological Technology)The school says minimum overall average 75%; competitive, no published cut-off
What average do you need for each Dalhousie program?
28 first-year programs you can apply to straight from Grade 12, grouped by field. Open one for its required courses, extra steps, cost and the same program elsewhere.
Computer scienceevery university, ranked
| Program | School says | Co-op | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applied Computer ScienceHalifax | Minimum overall average 70%; competitive, no published cut-off | Yes, optional | $10,245 |
| Computer ScienceHalifax | Minimum overall average 70%; competitive, no published cut-off | Yes, optional | $10,245 |
Engineeringevery university, ranked
| Program | School says | Co-op | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| EngineeringHalifax | Minimum overall average 70%; competitive, no published cut-off | Yes, optional, 3 work terms | $11,202 |
| Engineering (first two years in Truro)Truro (Agricultural Campus, Bible Hill) | Minimum overall average 70%; competitive, no published cut-off | Yes, optional, 3 work terms | $9,570 |
Business and commerceevery university, ranked
| Program | School says | Co-op | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commerce Co-opHalifax | Minimum overall average 75%; competitive, no published cut-off | Yes, required, 3 work terms | $10,338 |
| International Food BusinessTruro (Agricultural Campus, Bible Hill) | Minimum overall average 75%; competitive, no published cut-off | Yes, required, 2 work terms | $9,570 |
| ManagementHalifax | Minimum overall average 70%; competitive, no published cut-off | Yes, optional, 1 work term | $9,084 |
Nursingevery university, ranked
| Program | School says | Co-op | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| NursingHalifax | Minimum overall average 70%; competitive, no published cut-off | No | $11,046 |
Health sciences and kinesiologyevery university, ranked
| Program | School says | Co-op | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health PromotionHalifax | Minimum overall average 70%; competitive, no published cut-off | No | $10,527 |
| Health Sciences (Diagnostic Medical Ultrasound)Halifax | Minimum overall average 75%; competitive, no published cut-off | No | $10,527 |
| Health Sciences (Nuclear Medicine Technology)Halifax | Minimum overall average 75%; competitive, no published cut-off | No | $10,527 |
| Health Sciences (Radiological Technology)Halifax | Minimum overall average 75%; competitive, no published cut-off | No | $10,527 |
| Health Sciences (Respiratory Therapy)Halifax | Minimum overall average 75%; competitive, no published cut-off | No | $10,527 |
| KinesiologyHalifax | Minimum overall average 75%; competitive, no published cut-off | No | $10,527 |
| Recreation ManagementHalifax | Minimum overall average 70%; competitive, no published cut-off | No | $10,527 |
| Therapeutic RecreationHalifax | Minimum overall average 70%; competitive, no published cut-off | No | $10,527 |
Life sciencesevery university, ranked
| Program | School says | Co-op | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| AgricultureTruro (Agricultural Campus, Bible Hill) | Minimum overall average 75%; competitive, no published cut-off | No | $9,570 |
| Bioveterinary ScienceTruro (Agricultural Campus, Bible Hill) | Minimum overall average 75%; competitive, no published cut-off | No | $9,570 |
| Dalhousie Integrated Science Program (DISP)Halifax | Minimum overall average 80%; competitive, no published cut-off | Yes, optional, 3 work terms | $10,245 |
| Medical SciencesHalifax | Minimum overall average 80%; competitive, no published cut-off | School doesn't say | $10,245 |
| Pre-Veterinary MedicineTruro (Agricultural Campus, Bible Hill) | Minimum overall average 75%; competitive, no published cut-off | School doesn't say | $9,570 |
| ScienceHalifax | Minimum overall average 75%; competitive, no published cut-off | Yes, optional, 3 work terms | $10,245 |
Arts and humanitiesevery university, ranked
| Program | School says | Co-op | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| ArtsHalifax | Minimum overall average 70%; competitive, no published cut-off | Yes, optional, 1 work term | $9,030 |
Fine and performing artsevery university, ranked
| Program | School says | Co-op | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| MusicHalifax | Minimum overall average 70%; competitive, no published cut-off | Yes, optional, 1 work term | $9,030 |
| Theatre (Fountain School of Performing Arts)Halifax | Minimum overall average 70%; competitive, no published cut-off | Yes, optional, 1 work term | $9,030 |
Architecture and designevery university, ranked
| Program | School says | Co-op | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Landscape ArchitectureTruro (Agricultural Campus, Bible Hill) | Minimum overall average 70%; competitive, no published cut-off | School doesn't say | $9,570 |
| Planning (Honours)Halifax | Minimum overall average 70%; competitive, no published cut-off | No | $9,435 |
| Planning StudiesHalifax | Minimum overall average 70%; competitive, no published cut-off | School doesn't say | $9,435 |
How much does Dalhousie cost?
First year, at this year's prices, for a student from Ontario. Each program's page adds up its own total.
Tuition, first year
$9,030 to $11,202
Depends on the program
Fees on top of tuition
$1,262 to $1,980
Compulsory student fees
Residence and meals
$15,612
First year, shared room, usual meal plan
Rent after first year
$914 a month
Half a two-bedroom in Halifax, CMHC Rental Market Survey, October 2025
Tuition over the years
First-year arts tuition for a student from the school's own province, as the school published it each year.
What is it like at Dalhousie?
The same whatever program you pick.
- Who gets a room
- New, direct-from-high-school students (domestic or international) with a complete residence application on file by 15 May 2027
- Money just for your marks
- No automatic entrance scholarships published
- First-years who rate it good or excellent
- Not published
- Finish their degree
- Not published
- Ways in without the usual marks
- Mature applicant admission. Applicants who do not meet the regular admission requirements may apply to some first-year programs as mature applicants. All factors are considered, including a letter about life and work experience since last in full-time study, education goals and motivation. Mature students may be limited in how many courses they take in first year. Who: Canadian citizens or permanent residents aged 21 or older by the first day of classes, with no university study or less than one year of transferable coursework, and not in full-time university study for at least two years.
- Transition Year Program (TYP). A one-year university preparation program for African Nova Scotian and Indigenous students, run by the Faculty of Open Learning and Career Development. Courses: academic writing and study strategies, English, Black Studies, Indigenous Studies and math. Completing it earns four academic credits toward a Dalhousie degree, and TYP graduates are eligible for a tuition fee waiver covering tuition for their first undergraduate degree. Dalhousie says it 'offers financial support and a living allowance'. Who: African Nova Scotian and Indigenous applicants.
- Indigenous Student Access Pathway (ISAP). A one-year program on the Truro (Agricultural) campus for First Nations, Metis and Inuit students who would not otherwise meet Dalhousie's minimum high school prerequisites. Students take up to six courses a term (credit and non-credit) with dedicated Indigenous student supports, earning 18 to 24 transferable credits, then may apply to their chosen Dalhousie program for the following term. Who: First Nations, Metis and Inuit students (proof of Indigenous ancestry or a community letter), with a high school diploma and at least 65% in Academic English 12; direct from high school, mature, or with some post-secondary study.
- University Preparation (UPrep) courses. Online, self-paced non-credit courses from the Faculty of Open Learning and Career Development that Dalhousie accepts in place of Nova Scotia Grade 12 prerequisites: Academic Math, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Pre-Calculus Plus and Writing Skills for Academic Study. Open to anyone; you can apply to a degree program while taking them, and admissions can often decide on a mid-term grade. Who: Anyone missing or upgrading an admission prerequisite (you do not need to be a Dalhousie student).
What do Dalhousie graduates earn?
Statistics Canada does not publish pay by university, only by field for each province's graduates. Figures are for Nova Scotia bachelor's graduates, the class of 2022 two years after and the class of 2019 five years after, in 2024 dollars.
| Field | Two years after (class of 2022) | Five years after (class of 2019) |
|---|---|---|
| Computer science | $63,700 | $90,100 |
| Engineering | $73,700 | $89,100 |
| Business and commerce | $55,000 | $70,300 |
| Nursing | $87,500 | $93,400 |
| Health sciences and kinesiology | $43,900 | $71,100 |
| Life sciences | $42,000 | $65,700 |
| Arts and humanities | $38,800 | $52,600 |
| Fine and performing arts | $34,100 | $37,700 |
What careers do Dalhousie programs lead to?
Two careers per field the school teaches, each with its pay, training and what the work is like.
- Software DeveloperBuild apps, websites and systems. No licence required, many roads in.$100kTypical pay1 to 4 yearsTo qualifyModerateDemand
- Data ScientistTurn piles of data into predictions and decisions. Math, code and a lot of cleaning up.$96kTypical pay4 to 7 yearsTo qualifyModerateDemand
- Civil EngineerRoads, bridges, water and buildings. A four-year degree, then a licence that lets you sign the drawings.$101kTypical pay4 to 8 yearsTo qualifyModerateDemand
- Mechanical EngineerMachines, engines, heating systems and factories. The biggest engineering discipline, with the widest choice of employers.$95kTypical pay4 to 8 yearsTo qualifyModerateDemand
- Accountant (CPA)The money behind every business. A degree, a national exam, and a designation that travels.$84kTypical pay6 to 7 yearsTo qualifyModerateDemand
- Financial AnalystRead the numbers behind a company or a deal and tell people what they mean. A degree, then years of exams.$90kTypical pay4 to 7 yearsTo qualifyModerateDemand
- Registered NurseCare for patients in hospitals, clinics and homes. In demand everywhere in Canada.$90kTypical pay4 yearsTo qualifyVery highDemand
- Nurse PractitionerA nurse with a master's degree who can diagnose, order tests and prescribe. Two degrees, six figures, huge demand.$128kTypical pay8 to 9 yearsTo qualifyVery highDemand
- PhysiotherapistGet people moving again after injury, surgery and illness. A tough master's to get into, then steady work everywhere.$96kTypical pay6 yearsTo qualifyModerateDemand
Compare Dalhousie with other universities
Side by side: programs, averages, costs and outcomes.
Or open Acadia University's own page, or the list of every university on Careerhelp.
Where these numbers come from
Checked 2026-10-18. Every figure is from the school's own pages or a government table; nothing is estimated.
- Residence: dal.ca (opens in a new tab) (dal.ca (opens in a new tab) ; dal.ca (opens in a new tab))
- Who gets a room: dal.ca (opens in a new tab) (dal.ca (opens in a new tab) ; dal.ca (opens in a new tab) ; dal.ca (opens in a new tab))
- Scholarships: dal.ca (opens in a new tab) (dal.ca (opens in a new tab))
- Fees: dal.ca (opens in a new tab)
- Satisfaction: dal.ca (opens in a new tab)
- Rent: www150.statcan.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)
- Pay by field: www150.statcan.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)
- Arts: dal.ca (opens in a new tab)
- Theatre (Fountain School of Performing Arts): dal.ca (opens in a new tab)
- Music: dal.ca (opens in a new tab)
How every figure in this part of the site is sourced, and the check of every link.
Careerhelp is not affiliated with any school. Check the program page before you apply; requirements change every year.