Program Format

English for Academic Purposes

If you do not meet the English language requirement for the IPY program, you can complete English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses prior to beginning the program. Contact our English Language Studies Department at els@dal.ca for more information.

University Preparation (UPrep)

As part of the IPY program, you’ll be required to complete five UPrep courses. The required courses will vary based on specific program requirements. This is outlined on the FAQ page. For more details on specific courses, please go to the UPrep program page.

Credit Course

Foundations for Academic Success*: This course is designed to help students understand the nature of university learning and academic expectations. Students will learn how to build a solid foundation for academic success. This course is recommended for anyone seeking to develop a strategic approach to learning. Students will also increase self-awareness by exploring their learning styles, motivation and study habits. Topics will include time management, reading, note-taking, critical thinking, academic writing and preparing for exams. 

* The exact credit course you take may vary depending on your chosen degree program.

Successful Program Completion

To successfully complete the program, you must:

• Achieve a B in EAP Level 1
• Achieve a B in EAP, Level 2 and
• Achieve a minimum 70%-75% average in five University Prep courses 

Please note: Admission to many programs at Dalhousie is competitive. Meeting the minimum average doesn’t guarantee admission. Typically, marks of 70% or higher are necessary for all required subjects for early admission.

Apply to Dalhousie and receive conditional acceptance

Begin your undergraduate degree

*The credit course you take may vary depending on your chosen degree program.

Application & Admission Process

• This program requires that applicants have a secondary school diploma equivalent to Academic Grade 11. Your grades from Grade 11 must meet Dalhousie's academic requirements to be eligible for the IPY program. Please see the IPY FAQ page for a list of diplomas that are suitable for entry into the IPY program. Note: these are not accepted for admission to Dalhousie University undergraduate studies.
• English proficiency - One of the following is required to enter the IPY program:
  • IELTS 5.0
  • TOEFL iBT 61
  • Cambridge First B2
  • Dalhousie Placement Test B1 or equivalent. 

If you do not meet the English language requirement for the IPY program, you can complete English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses prior to beginning the program. Contact our English Language Studies Department at els@dal.ca for more information. 

Application Deadlines

You can apply for the IPY Program at any time. However, to account for student visa processing time, we strongly recommend applying 6 months prior to the date you intend to start the IPY Program. For more information on the application process, see Dalhousie’s Applying for Undergraduate Studies page.

Tuition & Fees

*All costs are in Canadian dollars and are subject to change.

Total cost: $33,727

Note: The cost does not include the processing of the relevant visa or incidental expenses.

Accommodations

You will have the option to stay in residence on campus, with a homestay family, or in off-campus housing. Our team of advisors will help you select the option that makes the most sense for you based on availability and preferences. Please note that on-campus housing is subject to availability during the winter term.