What matters most to you when choosing a university? Great academics, a vibrant campus life, or a beautiful location? At Dalhousie University, you don’t have to pick one over the other.
Dalhousie was founded in 1818 with the belief that education should be accessible to everyone, no matter their background. That same welcoming spirit continues to thrive today.
What began as a “small college by the sea” has grown into Nova Scotia’s premier research university. Dalhousie offers the complete experience: outstanding academic programmes, internationally recognised faculty, one of the lowest student-to-faculty ratios in Canada, a warm and inclusive community, and countless opportunities for both personal and professional development.
Learning at Dalhousie is a mix of the new and old. You’ll experience unique spaces that range from historic, ivy-covered buildings to modern facilities. Source: Dalhousie University
One university, many journeys
With campuses across the East Coast, Dalhousie puts opportunity within reach wherever you are. From the Agricultural Campus in Truro to programme-specific campuses in Yarmouth and Saint John in New Brunswick, the university’s reach is far. But for many, the heart of the Dalhousie experience is in Halifax, Nova Scotia’s capital and one of Canada’s fast-growing cities.
“Halifax is just the perfect place for someone who’s new. It’s not too fast, it’s not too slow. It’s easy to adjust,” says Rejoice Mabena, a second-year neuroscience student from South Africa.
And she’s not alone in feeling that way. Often called Canada’s “best-kept secret,” Halifax is a city where tradition meets modern energy. With a rich history and a walkable downtown core, you’ll enjoy art galleries, museums, theatres, festivals, live sports, cosy cafés, beautiful parks, oceanfront views and a great selection of restaurants — all within a 20-minute walk from campus.
Halifax is a city with major investments in innovation, making it a proven launchpad for many careers. That’s a big reason why more than 21,000 students (23% are international students) choose to study at Dalhousie.
And with the Studley, Carleton, and Sexton campuses within walking distance to everything, you can balance your studies with the things that make university life memorable.
Still, the campus feels anything but crowded. Dalhousie strikes an enviable balance; it offers the resources of a leading university, such as various athletics and recreation facilities, along with the warmth of a close-knit campus community. Meanwhile, the university’s International Centre is always available to help you settle in faster. The team provides immigration and visa advice, hosts networking opportunities and cultural celebrations.
That support makes a real difference. “It’s the perfect-sized university where professors can get to know you by name,” says Matt Proctor, Dalhousie’s assistant vice-president of student recruitment and marketing.
Justin Lee, a fourth-year commerce student from Malaysia, describes students here as “incredibly friendly and always ready to lend a hand.” “Whether it was showing me around campus or helping me find my classes, I immediately felt part of the community,” he says.
Dalhousie students have access to one of the largest university library systems in Atlantic Canada. Source: Dalhousie University
Shaping global thinkers and doers
Once you’ve settled into Halifax, you can turn your full attention to what brought you there in the first place: a world-class education. Dalhousie consistently ranks among Canada’s top universities, placing #12 in both the Times Higher Education and QS World University rankings.
There’s no shortage of options here. With 13 faculties, over 4,000 courses, and 300+ degree programmes to choose from, you’ll find something that fits your goals. Plus, with a low student-faculty ratio of 17:1 and more than 6,000 nationally and internationally recognised faculty and staff (92% of whom hold a PhD or doctorate), you’re never just a number. You’re amongst people who see your potential and help connect you to important experiences.
Every year, students pick from over 2,800 work terms, from cooperative education (co-op) and internships to practicums and placements, in and outside of Nova Scotia. You get real-world know-how that links directly to your lectures, making it a great way to build confidence and gain professional skills. For example, through the Entrepreneurial Work Term, you can launch your own business while earning credit. It’s just one of the many ways Dalhousie helps you turn ambition into action. In the 2023 to 2024 academic year, Dalhousie supported 2,807 work terms across various disciplines. This included 1,015 placements through Management Career Services for students in commerce, management, and MBA programmes, and 1,792 through Work Integrated Learning (WIL) programmes in science, sustainability, computer science, architecture and planning, and engineering.
Research is a cornerstone of Dalhousie’s mission too, as a member of the U15 Group of Canadian Research Universities, it invests over US$250 million annually to power discovery and innovation.
It supports everything from state-of-the-art research facilities to the people who bring research to life, including 56 Canada Research Chairs (the highest concentration in Atlantic Canada) and 5,000 graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. Bound by a drive to solve real-world problems, they’re advancing knowledge in critical areas like health, sustainability, oceans, and more.
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