ダルハウジー大学（Dalhousie University）

海外の大学のアドミッション担当者にインタビューを行い、各大学の特色や学生生活、出願などに関するお話を伺います。
今回は、カナダのノバスコシア州にある州立の研究大学、ダルハウジー大学 を取り上げました。すべて英語で掲載していますので、最後まで頑張って読んでいきましょう！

Fast Facts

Name	Location
Dalhousie University	Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

US News Education: Canadian Universities	Times Higher Education: Canadian Universities
#11	#14

# of Students	% of International Students	Student-to-faculty ratio
21,000	18–19%	16:1

Recommended Minimum SAT® Score for US Applicants	Minimum TOEFL iBT® Score for International Applicants
1110 / 1600	4.5+ / 6 (Old Scales : 90+ / 120)

Interview

I. General

1. What makes Canadian universities distinct from those in other English-speaking countries?

I would say the most distinct aspect of Canadian higher education is our emphasis on experiential learning. We allow students to work while studying legally. For example, in many programs in the UK, the period of study is so short that it is difficult for students to gain real industry experience. Most of our programs allow students to choose to do internships. We also have a few programs with mandatory co-ops (a.k.a., work terms or internships), like the popular Bachelor of Commerce for students interested in accounting, international business marketing, or supply chain operations management. This program guarantees students graduate within four years while completing one year of work experience.

II. Academics

1. What are your most popular majors or areas of study?

We offer more than 300 programs, ranging from medical sciences to oceanography, management, business, engineering, computer science, arts, performing arts, and more. We have 13 faculties: Agriculture, Architecture & Planning, Arts & Social Sciences, Computer Science, Engineering, Management, Science, the Schulich School of Law, Health, Medicine, Dentistry, Open Learning & Career Development, and Graduate Studies. Of course, some of these faculties do not accept students directly from high school.
One of our most popular undergraduate programs is the Bachelor of Commerce program, which includes a compulsory co-op component. This is the only undergraduate program that guarantees students can graduate within four years while completing one year of work experience. The Faculty of Science offers a wide range of programs, including Oceanography, which ranks among the top programs in Canada and the world. According to the Shanghai Ranking 2025, Dalhousie University’s oceanography program is ranked 37th globally. Another unique program is Actuarial Science, designed for students who love mathematics and are interested in insurance.

1. Must students choose a program or declare a major when they apply?

At the time of application to Dalhousie, students do not have to choose their majors or minors. Instead, they apply to one of the faculties. They can choose their major after their second year. For example, students who want to pursue Biochemistry under the Faculty of Science apply to the Faculty of Science. Then, after their first year, they can choose whatever major they want. Pursuing a double major plus a minor requires more time, money, and effort, but it also prepares students to be more competitive in the job market.

1. Do you emphasize theoretical or practical learning? Are classes mostly lectures, discussions, or labs?

We provide classroom learning through lectures and seminars, but we also offer students opportunities to practice their skills in real-world settings. Each year, we offer 200–800 work terms (a.k.a., co-ops or internships) so students can gain practical experience beyond classroom learning. 90% of Dalhousie students gain experience through these paid work placements. These placements typically last between four and eight months. Students can also gain experience through field research and other community engagement activities, such as volunteer programs. Furthermore, we offer several international programs with Japanese universities, which enable students to gain study abroad experience.
At Dalhousie, we encourage students to gain experience not only through academic study but also through activities outside the classroom. The university hosts the Canadian Battery Innovation Centre in partnership with Tesla. We also work closely with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to support federal government research and projects in environmental protection, ocean science, and clean or green energy initiatives.

III. Admission

1. How do you anticipate international enrollment at your institution changing in the coming years?

We have a total student population of around 21,000, including both undergraduate and graduate students. This year, the percentage of international students is approximately 18–19%, which amounts to about 4,000 international students. In my opinion, this is a comfortable number.

1. What part(s) of an application do you place particular importance on?

Japanese students must provide proof of high school enrollment. Students must have completed their final year of high school and submit their academic transcripts by the application deadlines. All Dalhousie programs require verification of five subjects completed in the last year of high school. Students applying for a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Music, or Bachelor of Health Promotion Studies must have Grade 12 English, while Mathematics is not required. However, other programs require additional subjects. For example, the Bachelor of Engineering program requires (in addition to Grade 12 English and Mathematics) Pre-Calculus, Chemistry, Physics, and one more academic subject. Our application opens on October 15th. Students must submit their application by February 15th. They must also submit their application to the General Entrance Award by this deadline to be considered for the award, which ranges from $2,000 to 48,000 CND. This is a great opportunity, as the award can be renewed annually.

1. Do you require Personal Statements or supplemental essays from international applicants?

We do not require any essays or Personal Statements at the time of application. However, some very specific programs, such as Medical Sciences, may request additional supporting documents. Programs like the Bachelor of Music or Performing Arts may ask students to submit portfolios or audio files.
The Dalhousie application is very simple. Students need to provide personal information, such as their name, date of birth, school of study, and the subjects they are taking in Grade 12, along with official high school transcripts. That is all we require at the application stage. We do not require SAT, IB, or AP scores. However, if students have them, they may submit them! Strong scores can be considered for transfer credits.

1. What support do you offer to help recently admitted international students?

International students can get assistance with immigration matters, study permits, and part-time jobs from our advisors at the International Centre. The advisors also host informational sessions on topics like preparing a resumé, getting started in the Halifax community, and understanding the Canadian job market and interview process. All of our students can benefit from visiting the Career Support Office, Academic Advising, and the Writing Centre. All these services are free of charge.

IV. Financial Aid

1. What financial aid (e.g., merit-based or need-based scholarships), on-campus jobs, or paid internships are available for international students?

As I’ve already mentioned, about 90% of Dalhousie students complete paid co-ops before graduation. This includes international students! You can find more information about applying for the co-op program as an international student here.
In addition to the General Entrance Award, international students may qualify for other Dalhousie scholarships. You can check the list and instructions to apply here.

V.Student Life

1. Do you have an ESL program for international students?

Students whose first language is not English may qualify for one of Dalhousie’s English pathway programs. For example, our English for Academic Purposes program is a full-time program that helps students improve their English before beginning their university studies. Students can enroll in an EAP based on their current English proficiency. Classes are available online or in-person. Personally, I advise students to join us here in Halifax. They can get accustomed to the environment of a Canadian university. Moreover, they can get to know their classmates, build relationships with faculty and professors, and use all the facilities and resources on campus to support their academic success.
We also provide university preparatory classes. These are appropriate for students who don’t have strong grades in one area, or if they are missing a required course for their specific program of interest. The programs are eight weeks long, fully online, and self-paced, as long as the required assignments are submitted on time.

1. What are the options for student housing?

If students choose to live on campus, we can guarantee their residence for the full academic year, as long as they apply by May 15th. The cost ranges from $12,000 to $18,000 per year. If students want to live on campus during the summer, they can submit a separate application for summer residence. Many students also live off campus in Halifax. Off-campus students are still welcome to purchase a meal plan to make their time on campus more convenient.

1. What are your popular student organizations?

We have over 270 student clubs, sports teams, and other societies. There are many traditional sports, such as football, basketball, and curling. Thanks to our location, we also have many ocean-based activities such as surfing, kayaking, rowing, and sailing. We are also building a new hockey rink, which will be ready for use soon!

VI. After Graduation

1. What do Dalhousie students achieve after graduation?

Our programs have a very high employment rate, and the average salaries are quite good. For example, in our Bachelor of Commerce program, about 40% of students secure very good jobs after graduation. Most of them are hired by the same employers with whom they completed their co-op placements. Students gain a certain level of job security through the hard work they put in during their co-op terms. Moreover, I think the recognition and satisfaction of our co-op partners demonstrate the high quality of Dalhousie students.

VII. Other

1. How can students in high school (or even middle school!) best prepare to apply to your school?

Students who study at a high school in Canada may qualify for the Nova Scotia International Student Program. Starting in 2025, if students complete their high school program and then go directly to Dalhousie University for their undergraduate studies, they will be eligible to pay domestic tuition fees instead of international tuition fees. This can save a significant amount of money for budget-conscious international families.

1. Do you have any academic programs for high school students currently living abroad?

The Dalhousie Summer Academy is a three-week program for domestic and international students in grades 10 to 12. In the morning, students choose between two streams: global competency skills or English for university studies. Stream one prioritizes intercultural awareness and critical thinking, whereas stream two emphasizes academic reading, writing, speaking, and research.
In the afternoon, students are divided into groups based on their academic interests. They can choose to join the Faculty of Computer Science, the Faculty of Engineering, or the Faculty of Management. Students learn directly from Dalhousie professors and participate in hands-on projects to gain real university-level experience. At the end of the program, they receive a special certificate.

1. Why are you passionate about your school?

I came to Halifax over 10 years ago as an international student. I didn’t do my master’s here at Dalhousie because we don’t have a Master of Education program; I did my master’s at another smaller university in Halifax. Today, I love working with international students. So many amazing things happen at Dalhousie! Moreover, students have access to great programs and opportunities, and the staff and faculty are amazing and friendly. Also, I love the harbor city; it’s so close to the ocean. It’s about a three-minute walk to the seaside from my Halifax office! I’m certain international students, especially Japanese students, will have a wonderful experience here.

YGC invites you to visit our campus in Yoyogi to meet with our advisers and instructors and learn more about studying abroad. We offer a variety of programs to support students who aspire to attend top boarding schools and universities all over the world!

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