US Applicants
Regardless of your citizenship, if you’re studying in the United States you’ll be assessed for admission as a US applicant. Similarly, if you’re studying a US curriculum outside of the US, you’ll also be assessed as an US applicant. If you’re an International Baccalaureate (IB), or French Baccalauréat, or home schooled student, you’ll instead be assessed based on the requirements of those programs.
Admission requirements
You must meet our general admission requirements and if English is not your first language, you may be required to provide proof of English language proficiency.
How we assess US applicants
A total of five courses, including your chosen program’s required subjects, are used to calculate your admission average. A final senior year average of ‘B’ is the minimum requirement to be considered for admission, however admission to many Dalhousie programs is competitive. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Generally senior level courses are required as well as four years of English. Three years of Math will typically satisfy the Grade 12 Math requirement, while four years of Math (with the calculus component) will satisfy the Pre-calculus requirement. We’ll also look at junior year courses where necessary. Advanced Placement (AP), College Prep and Honors courses are also typically accepted.
Supplemental documents
Admission into Dalhousie is purely quantitative for most direct-entry programs meaning essays, references and interviews aren’t required for admission. However, some programs require additional documents, tests or auditions. Visit Supplemental Forms and Documents for more information.
SAT/ACT test scores
Dalhousie will be a test-optional institution for applicants applying for Fall 2023. Students are welcome to submit test scores, but those who were unable to sit for the SAT or ACT due to COVID-19 will be assessed solely on their course grades.
The only exception is for home-schooled applicants. If SAT remains unavailable, we will reassess and offer options.
For both the SAT and ACT, Dalhousie will super score applicants with multiple test dates, where the highest score is taken regardless of test date. SAT subject tests aren’t required for admission.
| Minimum score | Dalhousie's code | |
|---|---|---|
| SAT | 1100* | 0915 |
| ACT | 23 (no individual score below 20) | 5373 |
*Please note: If you took the SAT before March 2016, a minimum score of 1650 is required.
Dual enrolment applicants
If you are a high school student who is taking courses at your local college or university, you must disclose this information on your application. If you would like to have these courses assessed for transfer credits, visit Transfer Applicants for more information. Scholarship eligibility may be affected, depending on how many post-secondary level courses are completed and considered transferable.
Early admission period
If you apply during Dalhousie’s early admission period (October 15 to January 31) you’re required to submit official transcripts for your results up until the end of junior year. This is done in lieu of self-reporting grades on your application. Visit How to Submit Documents for further instruction.
Please note: Dalhousie isn’t able to receive transcripts or other documents via Naviance.
Transfer Applicants
If you’re currently enrolled at a university or college, or have completed some courses at this level, you are considered a transfer applicant. You may also be eligible to receive transfer credits towards your Dalhousie degree. Transfer applicants from the US are not required to submit SAT or ACT test scores.
Scholarships
US curriculum applicants applying for direct-entry are eligible for entrance scholarships. Visit Entrance Awards for more information and to find out how to apply.
Financial Aid
Financial assistance is available for citizens and permanent residents of the US. Dalhousie is a recognized participant of the US Department of Education’s Direct Loan Programs. Visit US Student Loans for more information.
Immigration
As an international student there are a number of documents you’ll need to study in Canada. Visit New Student Immigration Information for more details.