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Study Agriculture

Our programs offer just the right amount of hands-on experience, just the right blend of innovation and tradition, and the tight-knit community to help you thrive.

Just right for what's next

Actively engage with innovative and growing industries that address significant challenges in sustainability, food security, health and well-being by studying in the Faculty of Agriculture in Truro, Nova Scotia.

Just the right amount of hands-on, just the right amount of what's needed for what's ahead.

Just right–for you.

Why Dal? Guides and viewbooks Future student events
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Learn about our programs

Explore all our programs

See yourself here

Book a tour of our Truro campus or check out our Virtual Tour option and start picturing yourself here. Explore the residences on campus  - where you can make yourself at home, away from home. 

Campus tours Residences Our Truro campus Truro campus tour video
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Faculty and departments

Learn about our departments: Animal Science & Aquaculture, Business & Social Sciences, Plant, Food, & Environmental Sciences, and Engineering. 

See all the supports in place for students on the Agricultural Campus.

Our departments Student supports

Admission requirements

Find out what the general admission requirements and program specific requirements are for your program.

View our admission dates and deadlines so you can stay on track.

Application deadlines Important dates

Awards and finances

Tuition, fees, textbooks and housing are all costs you'll need to consider. Use the fee calculator to estimate your costs.

Apply for some of the scholarships and bursaries we award each year.

Tuition and fees Financial aid

Just the right way to learn

Beginning your first year in Truro provides you with the chance to join a close-knit group, benefitting from dedicated resources and support. The Truro Start Program can help you establish a solid academic base before transitioning to Halifax for select programs.

Extended Learning offers lifelong learning opportunities to help you achieve personal and professional growth. Whether you're upgrading skills or exploring new interests, our courses and programs support your goals through flexible formats - both online and in person.

Truro Start Program Extended Learning
Two students in lab coats in a greenhouse

FAQs

You have questions, and we have answers! Here are some of the top questions we hear from new students that we hope will help provide some clarity and more information. 

 

Where is the campus located?

  • Truro, Nova Scotia, about an hour’s drive from Halifax.

How big is the Agricultural Campus?

  • The campus covers 1,000 acres of academic buildings, residences, research fields, barns, gardens, greenhouses, and outdoor learning spaces 

How many students are on campus?

  • There are about 1,000 students who study on the AC, creating a close-knit community.

What is life like in Truro outside of school?

  • Truro is the hub of Nova Scotia, with cafes, restaurants, Victoria Park trails, farmers’ markets, and community events. It’s a friendly, welcoming town. 

 

 

What programs do you offer?

  • Bioveterinary Science, Animal Science, Aquaculture, Engineering, Plant Science, Environmental Science, Business/Economics, International Food Business, Landscape Architecture, and more!

What is the difference between the Animal Science and Bioveterinary Science programs?

  • Bioveterinary Science: Prepares students for veterinary medicine; focuses on physiology, anatomy, and animal health; requires first-year physics. 
  • Animal Science: Focuses on animal welfare, behaviour, and husbandry; students must take Calculus I & II.

How big are classes in first-year and beyond?

  • First-year classes (such as biology and calculus) average around 100 students. Upper-year classes are smaller and specialized, sometimes fewer than 10 students.

What is Truro Start?

  • A pathway program that starts Year 1 in Truro with smaller classes and strong support, then transitions to Halifax for Years 2–4. Available for Science, Arts, and Recreation Management.

 

 

What are the application deadlines?

  • Jan 31: Early Entrance Awards submission deadline
  • Feb 15: Entrance scholarship deadline
  • May 1: Guaranteed residence application deadline
  • May 15: Accept your offer!

When do classes start/when should I arrive?

  • Classes start the Tuesday after Labour Day. Residence move-in is the Saturday before, with New to Dal activities that weekend. Students are encouraged to join New to Dal activities to meet their peers and discover campus supports and services.

 

 

Are there hands-on learning opportunities?

Are there animals living on campus? Will I work with animals?

  • Animal-focused programs include hands-on work with livestock and companion animals. Other students can visit the barn on campus to see cows and sheep when it’s open! 

 

 

What housing is available on campus?

  • We have three residences: Chapman, Fraser, and Trueman Houses (about 100 students each). Everyone in residence has their meals together at Jenkins Hall.

What are off-campus housing options like in Truro?

  • There are apartments to rent within walking distance to campus. The monthly rent can range from $1,100 to $1,350 on average for a one or two-bedroom.

What student services are offered?

  • Lots! Student Success Centre (tutoring, advising, accessibility), Enrolment Services (registration, financial aid), health services, career development, library, bookstore, and IT support.

Are there dedicated advisors, gather spaces, and supports for Indigenous and African Nova Scotian students?

  • Indigenous Students: We have an Indigenous Student Manager and dedicated space in the Cox building (kitchenette, lounge, library, printing, ventilated for smudging).
  • African Nova Scotian Students: Support through Black Student Advising Centre (Halifax-based, virtual or in-person visits).
  • Multicultural Room: Study and meeting space, kitchenette, and the room is ventilated for smudging.

 

How can I get involved in the campus community?

  • Join some of the clubs & committees, take part in athletics, social events, and student associations like DASA and DAAGS.

What athletic facilities are on campus?

  • Our athletic centre has a gym, cardio/weight rooms and fitness classes. There are club teams, intramurals, varsity teams (the Dal Rams), and outdoor fields/trails. Sports include soccer, volleyball, rugby, cross-country, badminton, loggersports, and more. Follow @dalhousierams for more info. 

Are there opportunities for student jobs on campus?

  • Yes! Roles include farm staff, library support, athletic centre staff, tutors, housing leaders, peer advisors, and campus tour guides.