Dalhousie University
Atlantic Canada's research leader - strong in law, medicine, and ocean sciences with a tight community.
Dalhousie University is Atlantic Canada's leading research university and one of Canada's 15 founding members of the U15 group. Located in Halifax, Dal is particularly strong in law, medicine, dentistry, ocean sciences, and engineering.
What average do you need to get into Dal?
There is no single Dal acceptance rate - admission is program-by-program. Top competitive programs like Medicine (MD) require high 90s + MCAT + interview, while programs at the more accessible end admit students with averages around mid 80s. A competitive overall average for most Dal programs is roughly the mid-80s and up. Check the per-program admission averages below to find your target.
Key Facts
- Location: Halifax, NS
- Founded: 1818
- Students: 21,000
- Maclean's ranking: #7
- QS World ranking: #283
- Approximate domestic tuition: $10000/year
- Co-op available: Yes
Top Strengths
- Law
- Medicine
- Dentistry
- Ocean Sciences
- Engineering
- Management
- Computer Science
Admission Averages by Program
Real admission average ranges for Dal programs, from most accessible to most competitive:
- Medicine (MD) — admission average: high 90s + MCAT + interview (Serves Atlantic Canada's healthcare system, strong rural medicine focus.)
- Dentistry (DDS) — admission average: high 90s + DAT (One of only 10 Canadian dental schools - extremely competitive.)
- Law (JD) — admission average: LSAT + GPA dependent (One of Canada's most respected law schools, particularly for Indigenous and environmental law.)
- Nursing (BScN) — admission average: high 80s-low 90s (Competitive, strong Halifax hospital clinical placements.)
- Pharmacy (BScPharm) — admission average: high 80s-low 90s (Strong program, good Atlantic Canada health sector connections.)
- Ocean & Naval Arch. Eng. — admission average: high 80s (Unique marine engineering program - Dal's standout technical offering.)
- Civil Engineering — admission average: high 80s (Strong Atlantic Canada infrastructure connections.)
- Electrical Engineering — admission average: high 80s (Growing program, Halifax tech sector is expanding.)
- Computer Science — admission average: high 80s (Good co-op, Halifax tech sector growing with remote work boom.)
- Management (Rowe School) — admission average: high 80s (Well-regarded Atlantic Canada business program.)
- Ocean Sciences — admission average: high 80s (World-class ocean research - Dalhousie is a global leader in this field.)
- Marine Biology — admission average: high 80s (Excellent research, unique coastal environment.)
- Environmental Science — admission average: high 80s (Strong sustainability focus, good Atlantic policy connections.)
- Psychology — admission average: mid-to-high 80s (Large program with research and clinical tracks.)
- Political Science — admission average: mid-to-high 80s (Strong for law school and Atlantic public service careers.)
- Education (BEd) — admission average: mid 80s (Well-regarded NS teacher certification.)
Things to Know
- Halifax is one of Canada's most underrated student cities - affordable, vibrant, and growing in the tech sector.
- Dal's law school is consistently ranked among Canada's top five and is a genuinely excellent program.
- The ocean sciences programs are unique in Canada - no other school has Dal's ocean research infrastructure.
- Out-of-province students will find Dal's tuition significantly lower than comparable Ontario schools.
Notable Alumni
- Anna Leonowens
- Donald Marshall Jr.
- Alexa McDonough