International student support

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Helping international students succeed

Dalhousie has many services and resources to support you from before you arrive through your studies on our campuses.

Our immigration advisors in the International Centre can help Dalhousie and King's students navigate the required permits and visas that allow you to live, study, and work in Canada. We also connect you with academic, financial, and health services on campus, and organize events and programming to connect you with other students and the university community.

Note: If you are still waiting for your study permit, please do not travel to Canada or start your studies until you receive confirmation from IRCC that your study permit application has been approved. Entering Canada and starting your studies without a study permit can result in serious immigration consequences. If you anticipate arriving late (e.g. after the first week of classes), we recommend that you contact your professors (for undergraduate students) or supervisor (for graduate students) to explain.

Arriving after the September 22 registration deadline is not recommended because of lost instruction time, missed grading opportunities, and the financial risk of missing the fall tuition refund deadline. If you’re in this situation, it is recommended that you consult with Undergraduate Admissions (for undergraduate students), or your supervisor and your department (for graduate students). Please note: some departments, faculties, or competitive undergraduate/graduate programs may have different rules or conditions, or may require deferral requests to be submitted before the official last day to register.

International Student Orientation 2.0

If you're a new student who missed International Student Orientation, the International Centre will host a series of mini make-up sessions on September 11 and September 18. Join us in person at the International or online via Microsoft Teams for the following sessions:

• September 11 at 1:00 p.m.: Immigration essentials (join via MS Teams)

• September 11 at 2:00 p.m.: General summary of key info from orientation sessions (join via MS Teams)

• September 18 at 11:00 a.m.: Immigration essentials (join via MS Teams)

• September 18 at 1:00 m.: General summary of key info from orientation sessions (join via MS Teams)

Immigration information

Our International Centre can help guide you with the information, resources, and support to successfully enter Canada to live, study, and work while at Dalhousie. 

Learn about the permits and visas you need to study at Dalhousie

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Working in Canada

As an international student, you must meet certain requirements to be able to work on or off campus while studying at Dalhousie and after graduation.

Find out how to work in Canada during and after your studies

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Family members

You may be able to bring certain family members with you to live and work in Nova Scotia while you study at Dalhousie.

Learn more about bringing family members

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International exchange to Dalhousie

Every year Dalhousie welcomes students from around the world to spend one or two semesters studying on our campuses and experiencing life in Canada.

Discover how you can visit Dalhousie as an exchange student Follow Dal Study Abroad on Instagram

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Visiting research students

As a research-intensive university with strong international partnerships, Dalhousie hosts visiting international undergraduate and graduate researchers, research interns, and award recipients every year.

Learn how to come to Dalhousie as a visiting researcher

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Dalhousie International Centre

The International Centre provides support services and resources to international students on all our campuses, manages our exchange and study abroad programs, and acts as a social and cultural hub in Halifax. Meet with one of our advisors or stop in to attend one of our regular social events.

View International Centre events and info sessions (NetID login required)

Studley campus (Halifax)

Same-day advising: We offer virtual, same-day advising appointments on Mondays and Tuesdays. Same-day appointments will be available for booking at 9:00 a.m. (ADT) on the same day as the appointment. Please use the online scheduling system to reserve your appointment time.

Drop-in immigration advising: We offer in-person drop-in advising appointments at the International Centre on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays (1:30-4:00 p.m.). Appointments are filled in order of arrival.

Scheduled appointments: Regular scheduled appointments (in-person and virtual) are available Monday to Friday. Please use the online scheduling system to book an appointment.

LeMarchant Place
1246 Lemarchant St., Suite 1200

International Centre hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. 

Phone: +1-902-494-1566 

Email us: international.centre@dal.ca Book an appointment

Agricultural campus (Truro)

Drop-in immigration advising: International student advisors will be making monthly visits to the Truro campus. Please contact the Student Success Centre at ssc@dal.ca for a schedule of dates.

Scheduled appointments: Truro students can make virtual advising appointments with international student advisors by using the online scheduling system.

Student Success Centre (Dairy Building)
11 Sipu Awti

Student Success Centre hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Phone: +1-902-893-6672 

Email us: acinternational@dal.ca Book an appointment