Faculty of Open Learning & Career Development

Mature Student Advising

Subscribe to Our Weekly Newsletter

 

 

Mature Student Entrants

Please contact msadvise@dal.ca to set up an appointment with our mature student advisor, Jennifer Hann.

Under the mature student policy, applicants who do not meet the normal University admission requirements may be considered for admission to the first year of a direct entry program. To apply for admission as a mature student, you must be at least 21 years of age (by the first day of classes), and a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

Typically, mature applicants have not studied at the university level. If you have studied at the university level, you must have attempted one year or less of transferable work and been absent from study for a minimum of two years. There is no wait period for mature students entering directly from high school or from non-transferable programs. Transferable work refers to academic study taken at the university or college level that would be considered for transfer credit at Dalhousie.

Transfer Credits

For more information on programs that are eligible for transfer credit, visit Dalhousie University’s Transfer Credit website.

Requirements

To be admitted as a mature student, you must have completed grade 12 Academic English (or equivalent) with a minimum grade of 65. Admission to some programs will require completion of other required subjects.

In order to be adequately prepared for university study, some upgrading may be required. Dalhousie University' Faculty of Open Learning & Career Development provides a wide variety of University Preparation courses. These courses have been designed in consultation with the faculty of Dalhousie University to give potential students a solid foundation in a subject before going to university.

If you are admitted as a mature student, you may be restricted in the number of classes you can take during your first year. Otherwise, you will have all the same rights, privileges and responsibilities as other students.

To Apply as a Mature Student:

  1. Check to make sure that you meet the criteria for admission as a mature student:
    • You must not be eligible for admission on the basis or regular admission requirements.
    • You must be at least 21 years of age (by the date you will begin classes).
    • You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
    • You must be applying for the first year of an undergraduate program that does not require previous university-level study.
    • You must have completed grade 12 Academic Englishwith a minimum grade of 65. Admission to some programs will require the completion of other required subjects.
    • Typically, mature applicants have not studied at the university level. If you have studied at the university level, you must have attempted one year or less of transferable work and been absent from study for a minimum of two years.
  2. Complete the Undergraduate application form (online or print) and include your application fee.
  3. To complete your application, you must also submit your supporting documents:
    • Official transcript(s) of your last formal schooling (high school or post-secondary).
    • A letter outlining life and work experience since your last period of full-time study. You should clearly outline your educational goals and motivation to succeed at university study.
    • You may also submit any other relevant documents, if applicable. These could include results of any upgrading courses you might have pursued, SAT scores, etc. All factors will be considered in the admission decision.

Other Helpful Links: