Dalhousie University
Halifax, Canada • Founded 1818 • World Rank #466
Updated Sep 2026
Overview
Dalhousie University is a public research university in Halifax, Nova Scotia, founded in 1818 and today the largest university in Atlantic Canada.
It operates across four locations: three campuses in Halifax, the Agricultural Campus in Truro/Bible Hill, and satellite sites for medicine in Saint John, New Brunswick, and nursing in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. The university enrols roughly 20,000 students, of whom about 13% are international and 46% come from outside Nova Scotia, drawn from more than 120 countries.
Teaching is organised into 13 faculties spanning agriculture, architecture and planning, arts and social sciences, computer science, dentistry, engineering, graduate studies, health, law, management, medicine and science, together offering more than 300 degree programs and over 4,000 courses. Dalhousie is a member of the U15 group of Canadian research universities and administers more than $270 million in annual research funding, with 56 Canada Research Chairs.
Its Atlantic coastal setting underpins a recognised concentration in ocean and marine research, taught through the Department of Oceanography, the marine biology program and the Marine Affairs Program, alongside a medical-doctoral profile that includes the only faculties of dentistry and medicine in the Maritimes.
The university reports more than 165,000 alumni and 95 Rhodes Scholars.
Location & Contact
Dalhousie University's street address and primary contact methods. Social channels often differentiate by purpose — admissions on one, alumni on another, events on a third.
Academic Details
Dalhousie University's institutional metrics and recognition context. Recognition reciprocity matters for credential portability — check whether your home country accepts Dalhousie University's qualifications.
Academic Structures
Each constituent academic unit at Dalhousie University is captured below — including research centres alongside teaching faculties. Research centres often signal the institution's strategic priorities.
Unit 12 items
- Faculty of Agriculture
- Faculty of Architecture and Planning
- Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
- Faculty of Computer Science
- Faculty of Dentistry
- Faculty of Engineering
- Faculty of Graduate Studies
- Faculty of Health
- Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Management
- Faculty of Medicine
- Faculty of Science
Programs Offered
Search and filter Dalhousie University's available programmes by degree level. The list reflects the institution's current catalogue and may not include programmes that are paused or pending approval.
136 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Canada
Bachelor's Degree 72 programmes
Showing 10 of 72.
Master of Business Administration 1 programme
Master's Degree 45 programmes
Showing 10 of 45.
Doctorate 10 programmes
Professional Doctorate 1 programme
How to apply to Dalhousie University
Application guidance for Dalhousie University, structured as five practical steps with attention to documents and admissions communication.
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1
Identify the right programme
Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. Dalhousie University offers 136 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.
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2
Check entry requirements
Each programme at Dalhousie University has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.
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3
Prepare your application documents
Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.
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4
Submit via the institution
Apply directly via Dalhousie University's online portal at www.dal.ca. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.
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5
Get in touch with admissions
After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. You can reach the institution by email at [email protected] or by phone at +1 (902) 494 2450. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dalhousie University
Quick reference for Dalhousie University: founding, control type, student body, rankings, and recognition status in one place.
When did Dalhousie University open?
Dalhousie University traces its founding to 1818 (approximately 208 years ago).
Where is Dalhousie University located?
Dalhousie University is located in Halifax, Canada.
Is Dalhousie University a public or private institution?
Dalhousie University is a public institution.
What is the student enrolment at Dalhousie University?
Student enrolment at Dalhousie University is around 15,000-19,999.
Where does Dalhousie University stand in university rankings?
Dalhousie University holds rank #466 globally and #14 in Canada.
How many faculties does Dalhousie University have?
Dalhousie University has 12 academic units.
Who recognises Dalhousie University?
The institution holds recognition from Department of Advanced Education of Nova Scotia.
Where can I learn more about Dalhousie University?
The institution's website is www.dal.ca.
Top-Ranked Universities in Canada
These are the most highly ranked universities in Canada. Putting Dalhousie University alongside them gives a clearer picture of where it sits in the national academic landscape, especially when reputation matters for credential portability.
Members of Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU)
Member institutions of Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) often have reciprocity arrangements on accreditation — degrees from one member institution typically face fewer credential-recognition issues at others.
Faculties at nearby universities
The universities below sit close to Dalhousie University geographically and may suit students who want to stay within the same region for study. Proximity affects commuting cost, family contact, and the ease of switching institutions if circumstances change.
Where Else to Study Health Sciences
Cohort diversity (gender, nationality, prior experience) shapes the Health Sciences classroom experience. Some Canada programmes publish demographic data; others do not, but the question is worth asking.
Universities Compared with Dalhousie University
Peer cohort diversity — gender, nationality, socioeconomic background — varies more than rankings might suggest. Diversity affects classroom dynamics and post-grad networks.
Studying in Canada: guides and resources
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