Dalhousie University's law school opened in 1883, making it the oldest university-based common law school in the Commonwealth. It's in the Weldon Law Building on the Studley campus in Halifax. Marine and environmental law are specialties, which suits a port city on the Atlantic. The JD class is small, and international applicants go through the same process as Canadians.
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Official website: schulich.uwo.ca
Dalhousie University
1883
Weldon Law Building, Studley campus
Marine and environmental law
CA$30,000 – CA$42,000
International students, JD and graduate law
CA$16,000 – CA$20,000
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 schulich.uwo.ca before you apply.
Juris Doctor (JD)
Doctoral DegreeDuration
36 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
LSAT, IELTS: 7.0
Master of Laws (LLM)
Masters DegreeDuration
12 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
Law degree, IELTS: 7.0
PhD in Law
Doctoral DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
LLM, IELTS: 7.0
JD/MBA
Doctoral DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
LSAT, GMAT, IELTS: 7.0
The oldest university-based common law school in the Commonwealth.
Marine and environmental law expertise.
A small JD class.
JD graduates article and practise with firms, governments and courts across Canada.
Foreign-trained lawyers use the LLM for research or academic careers.
Canadian practice requires bar admission in the province where you work.
Undergrad
No UG intake
Postgrad
Main intake
The Studley campus is in the South End, a leafy area of old houses. Point Pleasant Park and the harbour are within walking distance.
Halifax is a small, walkable port city with ferries across to Dartmouth. 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
JD applications close in late autumn or early winter for the following September. LLM and PhD deadlines are usually in winter. Plan the LSAT well ahead.
All law programmes start in September.
A Canadian study permit. Start with the letter of acceptance from Dalhousie University and, where required, the provincial attestation letter, then apply to IRCC online. Allow a few months, as processing times vary by country.
The JD is the main programme, and it needs a bachelor's degree and an LSAT score. The LLM needs a first law degree, and the PhD usually an LLM. Non-native speakers need IELTS 7.0.
The law school offers entrance scholarships and bursaries. International students are eligible for some awards, but most funding is modest.
