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University Bridging Program

Improve your academic English while earning credits through select undergraduate courses with Dalhousie's UBP program.

Build English skills while earning credits

The University Bridging Program (UBP) is designed for students enrolled in a non-Canadian university who want to attend Dalhousie less than one year. The program combines study in the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program with part-time undergraduate coursework at the university. Students take EAP and up to three undergraduate courses in subjects chosen in consultation with the course’s home faculty and the Dalhousie University Registrar’s Office. After successfully completing their coursework, students can transfer course credits back to their home institutions.

Program features Program schedule English requirements Application process Contact us
Student walking on wooden footbridge

Who is the UBP for?

This program is designed for students who:

  • are currently enrolled in a non-Canadian university;
  • want the opportunity to study at Dalhousie University for less than one year;
  • aim to improve their English and academic skills;
  • are seeking an EAP certificate and undergraduate course credit

Upon completion of the UBP, students will return to their home institution to complete their current program. 

Two female students walking in front of a greenhouse.

Program features

  • Dalhousie is Atlantic Canada’s leading research university and part of Canada’s U15 group of top research universities, with a record of innovative teaching and learning in social science, computer science, management, sciences, and health.
  • Students have the flexibility to enroll in as few as three credit hours, earning between three and nine transferable credits that can be applied toward their home university program or degree.
  • Students will have access to Dalhousie libraries, health clinics, and computer laboratories, as well as academic advising and international student advising.
  • Successful completion of the UBP (EAP Level 2) program satisfies the language requirements for undergraduate and some graduate programs at Dalhousie University.
Dalhousie international students from Nigeria work together on campus

Program schedule

Fall 2026:

  • September 8 to December 20 (Credit courses)
  • September 8 to December 3 (EAP)

Class Schedule

  • Monday to Thursday, 8:30 am – 12:30 pm, EAP synchronous course, face-to-face
  • Monday to Thursday, 2 hours of EAP asynchronous course, online self-paced
  • Credit courses to be selected outside of the EAP synchronous time.
International students from India chat in the Dalhousie University quad in front of the Henry Hicks Bulding

English requirements

Taking one credit course alng with EAP Level 1

  • IELTS 5.5 (with no individual band below 5.0)
  • TOEFL iBT 61 (with no individual skill below 15)
  • TOEFL iBT (1-6 scale) 3.5 (will no individual skill below 3.5)
  • Complete our internal placement test and interview, and be assessed at the B2 level
  • Successful completion of EAP Foundations 2

Taking two credit courses along with EAP Level 2

  • IELTS 6.0 (with no individual band below 5.5)
  • TOEFL iBT 72 (with no individual skill below 18)
  • TOEFL iBT (1-6 scale) 4.0 (will no individual skill below 4.0)
  • Complete our internal placement test and interview, and be assessed at the C1 level
  • Successful completion of EAP Level 1

Taking three credit courses in one term

  • Successful completion of EAP Level 2, with no credit courses taken in the previous term(s).

Application process

Follow these steps

  1. Evaluate prerequisites: visit Dalhousie's Visiting Student page.
  2. Obtain your Letter of Permission from your home institution. If your home institution does not have a Letter of Permission, consider using our template. 
  3. Obtain your Letter of Permission from your home institution.
  4. Apply to be a visiting student at Dalhousie before you apply for UBP. You will receive your Banner number (B00), which will be needed for the UBP application.
  5. Apply to the University Bridging Program.

After you apply

  1. Find out if you need to take a placement test. If you don’t include the required IELTS or TOEFL report in your UBP application, we will send the placement test link to your email and arrange an online interview after you complete the placement test. From there, we will determine the most appropriate UBP study option for you. 
  2. Receive your Letter of Acceptance from the Dal undergraduate program and the UBP. 
  3. Apply for your visa or eTA. If you are planning to study at Dalhousie for two terms or longer, you are required to apply for a Study Permit. 
  4. Register for the credit course or courses.
  5. Pay your EAP and credit course tuition.

Payment Options

Program fees:

  • Tuition for the English for Academic Purposes program
  • Tuition and incidental fees for credit courses (part-time): undergraduate fee schedule
  • Health insurance fee: $2.10 per day (to be invoiced to your EAP institution)
  • Additional information for accommodation and meals: This is not included in the program. One homestay program option that may be available to you is Canada Homestay Network. You can submit your application.

Contact the English Language Studies Department

Faculty of Open Learning & Career Development

Mona Campbell Building, Suite 2201
1459 LeMarchant Street
PO Box 15000
Halifax, NS
B3H 4R2