Dalhousie's Faculty of Medicine trains most of the doctors for Canada's three Maritime provinces, and its MD places are reserved for residents of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. International students join through research master's and PhD programmes instead. Teaching is centred on the Sir Charles Tupper Medical Building in Halifax, beside the city's main hospitals. There is also a Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick site in Saint John.
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Official website: medicine.dal.ca
Dalhousie University
U15 research university
Halifax and Saint John
CA$20,000 – CA$26,000
International students, thesis-based graduate programmes
CA$15,000 – CA$19,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on medicine.dal.ca before you apply.
MSc Pharmacology
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 7.0, TOEFL: 92
MSc Microbiology and Immunology
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 7.0, TOEFL: 92
MSc Medical Neuroscience
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 7.0, TOEFL: 92
MSc Community Health and Epidemiology
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 7.0, TOEFL: 92
PhD Pharmacology
DoctorateDuration
48 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 7.0, TOEFL: 92
Research next to Halifax's main teaching hospitals.
Graduate programmes in neuroscience, pharmacology and immunology.
A medical school serving all three Maritime provinces.
Graduates work in health research, biotech and public health agencies.
PhD graduates often move into postdoctoral posts or academic careers.
Nova Scotia's nominee programme has streams for graduates who stay in the province.
Undergrad
No UG intake
Postgrad
Programme deadlines vary
Undergrad
No UG intake
Postgrad
Selected programmes
Halifax is a harbour city with a long waterfront boardwalk, the star-shaped Citadel on the hill and Point Pleasant Park's trails at the southern tip. A ferry crosses to Dartmouth.
Rents have risen sharply, so line up housing early. Winters are milder than inland Canada but wet and windy.
Letter of acceptance from Dalhousie University
Nova Scotia provincial attestation letter
Proof of funds for tuition and living
Online IRCC study permit application
Medical exam, if requested
Valid passport and biometrics
Deadlines vary by department. Many ask for applications several months before the start term, and most expect you to contact a potential supervisor first. Funding decisions often follow the earlier dates.
Most graduate programmes start in September, and some also admit students in January.
You'll need a study permit. Dalhousie University sends a letter of acceptance, and most students also need a provincial attestation letter. The permit application goes online to IRCC with proof of funds and biometrics.
Pharmacology, microbiology and immunology, medical neuroscience and community health and epidemiology are common routes. You need a strong relevant bachelor's degree, a supervisor, and IELTS 7.0 or TOEFL 92. The MD is not open to international applicants.
Yes. Thesis-based graduate students are often funded through supervisor grants, departmental awards and teaching assistantships. Confirm the funding package with your offer.
