Dalhousie University

Dalhousie University is a public research university in Halifax, Nova Scotia, publishing a 2.5 GPA as its standard requirement while also offering a Letter of Intent route for applicants below that threshold.

Institution size

Large

Min. CGPA floor

2.5

Tuition / yr

C$20k–C$26k

Type

Public research university

Key Facts

Admission Requirements for Low CGPA and Backlog Applicants

• Standard published minimum GPA: 2.5
• Applicants below 2.5 may still apply with a Letter of Intent, resume, and academic transcripts
• Requirements vary by faculty; law and medicine follow separate, more selective processes

Tuition and Fees

Figures are indicative and reviewed annually by the institution. Confirm current rates directly with the university before budgeting.

Programmes Offered

• Engineering
• Business Administration
• Computer Science
• Health Professions
• Marine and Environmental Science
• Law
• Pharmacy
• Architecture

This list covers the primary subject areas available; it is not the full course catalogue. Confirm the complete, current list of programmes directly on the university’s official course finder.

Degree Levels Offered

• Diploma / Certificate: Offered
• Undergraduate (Bachelor’s): Offered
• Postgraduate (Master’s / MSc / MA): Offered
• Doctorate (PhD): Offered
• Post-Doctoral Fellowship: Offered
• Short Courses: Offered

Availability of Short Courses and Post-Doctoral Fellowship positions can vary by department and is not always centrally advertised; confirm current openings directly with the relevant faculty.

Scholarships and Funding

• Graduate fellowships and assistantships available, particularly in research-intensive departments
• Confirm current funding opportunities directly with the relevant faculty

Application Process

1. Confirm the specific CGPA, GPA, or classification requirement for the target programme directly with the admissions office
2. Complete required English proficiency testing (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent) if applicable
3. Prepare transcripts, statement of purpose, recommendation letters or references, and a resume or CV
4. Submit the application through the university’s official admissions portal and pay the application fee
5. Await the admission decision and, once accepted, pay any required deposit
6. Apply for the relevant student visa or study permit using the offer letter and financial documentation

Admission Outlook

Dalhousie’s explicit Letter of Intent route for sub-2.5 GPA applicants is one of the clearer published below-the-floor pathways among Canadian research universities, giving genuinely borderline applicants a real, defined option rather than an automatic rejection.

Campus Life

Halifax, Nova Scotia offers Atlantic Canadian living costs below Toronto or Vancouver, with a strong regional reputation in marine and environmental research.

International students generally have access to a dedicated international student office, orientation programming, and student clubs and societies. Housing options typically include on-campus or university-affiliated accommodation alongside private rental options; applicants should apply for housing as early as possible after accepting an offer, since availability varies by intake and city.

Other Essential Information

Official Resources

• University homepage: dal.ca

Compare Dalhousie University against other accessible universities on our Find a Course page, or contact us for help confirming eligibility.