International Centre

Student Fees

Cost of living in Halifax

Estimated cost of living in Halifax, in Canadian dollars (CAD), for a full year:
*All prices are subject to change.

  • Books: $35–$300 (per book)
  • Health Insurance: $470
  • Accommodations: $8,400-$10,400
  • Utilities: $200-300
  • Meals: $3,000–$4,800
  • Spending: $2,400–$4,000

 

OTHER COSTS TO KNOW:

  • Overnight stay in a hostel: $20–$57
  • Overnight stay in a hotel: $150–$200
  • Sales tax on most consumer goods: 15% 
  • Tip for most services: 15–20%
  • Movie ticket: $18
  • Dinner at a restaurant: $10–$100 per person
  • 1 Litre of gas: $1.75 (March 2022)

 

Tuition

I am an exchange student visiting Dalhousie

Your tuition fees are paid to your home university. Because you do not pay your fees to Dalhousie, you will recieve a tuition waiver.

Tuition waiver
Because you pay tuition fees to your home university, you will receive a tuition waiver in September (fall term), January (winter term), or during the summer term. This waiver will be processed early in the term, but it may not appear on your account statement until later that month.

 

I am on a study abroad program visiting Dalhousie

If you are at Dalhousie full time or for a study abroad program where your home university is not on the list of Dalhousie's exchange partners, you are responsible for paying all your tuition fees to Dalhousie University. 

Paying your fees
All the details regarding your account balance can be accessed through Dal Online.

  • Find your account statement under Web for Students, and Student Records.
  • Outstanding balances must be paid by late September or January to avoid interest and related fees. Payment deadlines apply.
  • Fee payment instructions for paying online in your home currency can be found on the Student Accounts website.

Visit Student Accounts to ensure that all your university fees are up to date or simply to ask questions.

 

 

Accommodation and meal plans

If you stay in on-campus housing, these fees will appear on your student account. For information regarding costs and fees associated with living on campus please visit the Residence website. 

Health insurance

All students at Dalhousie pay for comprehensive health insurance coverage as part of their student fees. The cost of the DSU International Student Plan and DSU Health and Dental Plan is automatically charged to your student account. If you bring private insurance from your home country that covers you here in Canada, you can opt out of this fee.

For information on family applications, or the opt out procedure and deadline under both plans, visit the Health Insurance page.

Transit pass

The UPass is a transit pass that allows you unlimited travel on all Halifax metropolitan buses and ferries. The UPass is mandatory for all Dalhousie full-time students for the fall and winter terms. For information on costs and updates, visit the UPass website.

Additional charges

Any special miscellaneous fees such as lab fees, locker rentals, etc. will also be your responsibility.