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Are you searching for Dalhousie University scholarships and wondering which ones you qualify for, how much funding you can get, and how to apply? This guide covers every major scholarship at Dal — from entrance awards worth up to $80,000 to fully funded graduate scholarships — so you can stop guessing and start applying.
What Are Dalhousie University Scholarships?
Dalhousie University scholarships are among the most generous and varied funding programs available at any Canadian university. Each year, Dalhousie University distributes millions of dollars in scholarships, bursaries, and awards to both domestic and international students at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Whether you are entering your first year of university or pursuing a doctoral degree,
Dalhousie University scholarships provide financial support based on academic merit, leadership, community involvement, financial need, or a combination of these factors. The latest update from Dalhousie’s Awards and Financial Aid office confirms that over 2,000 entrance awards are currently open to incoming students annually, with values ranging from $550 to $80,000 over four years. Put simply, Dalhousie University scholarships are one of the strongest financial reasons to choose Dal for your studies in Canada.
Types of Dalhousie University Scholarships
Dalhousie University scholarships fall into several broad categories, each serving a different student profile and study level. Understanding these categories is your first step toward identifying the right funding for your situation.
Scholarships are awarded primarily based on academic merit or exceptional achievement. Bursaries are given to students who demonstrate financial need. Hybrid awards combine both merit and financial need, and may also factor in leadership and community involvement.
Each year, Dalhousie offers:
- Entrance scholarships for first-year undergraduate students
- In-course scholarships for continuing undergraduate students
- Graduate scholarships for Master’s and PhD students
- International student-specific awards
- Equity-focused awards for Black, Indigenous, and other equity-deserving students
- Bursaries and emergency financial assistance
Undergraduate Entrance Scholarships at Dalhousie
The General Entrance Award program is the gateway to most undergraduate scholarships at Dalhousie. By submitting a single application, incoming students are automatically considered for hundreds of awards simultaneously. This is one of the most efficient scholarship systems at any Canadian university.
Who qualifies? Generally, students need an 80% admission average or 26 predicted/anticipated IB Diploma points to be considered. Both domestic and international students are eligible. Averages are calculated using the five courses required for the specific program applied to.
Each year, Dalhousie awards millions of dollars through this program. Here are some of the most notable entrance scholarships currently open to new students:
Sankofa Scholarships One of the most prestigious entrance awards at Dalhousie, the Sankofa Scholarship is valued at $32,000 for domestic students ($8,000 per year, renewable for four years) and $48,000 for international students ($12,000 per year, renewable for four years). It is open to students of Black and African descent, including students of Caribbean heritage and African Nova Scotian students.
Ivan Joseph Promise Scholarship Valued at $32,000 ($8,000 per year, renewable for four years), this scholarship is for a domestic undergraduate student from an under-represented or under-served group entering an undergraduate degree program.
Harrison McCain Scholarships Open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents entering an undergraduate program, these scholarships reward students who demonstrate financial need, initiative to self-fund their education, and strong leadership skills. The total value is $16,000.
Fountain Performing Arts Undergraduate Scholarships Worth $24,000 ($6,000 per year, renewable for four years), these scholarships are open to students entering the Music program or who intend to major in Theatre directly from high school.
Leacross Women in Technology Entrance Scholarship Valued at $10,000 over two years, this scholarship is open to Canadian and international applicants entering the Bachelor of Computer Science or Bachelor of Applied Computer Science program, with preference for female-identifying applicants.
Bissett Scholarship Valued at $24,000 ($6,000 per year), this scholarship is for applicants from Cole Harbour High School, N.S., entering eligible programs.
Graduate Scholarships at Dalhousie University (Master’s & PhD)
Dalhousie University scholarships for graduate students are among the most competitive and rewarding in Atlantic Canada. The Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS) manages these awards through the Harmonized Scholarship Process — a single application that considers students for multiple scholarships simultaneously. This streamlined process opens annually and is currently open for the latest intake.
Key Graduate Scholarships
Nova Scotia Graduate Scholarships (NSGS) These are awarded to students with a minimum 70% average pursuing full-time Master’s or Doctoral degrees at Dalhousie. The Master’s level award is valued at $10,000 per year for up to two years, while Doctoral-level awards are worth $15,000 per year for up to four years — both subject to annual renewal.
Killam Predoctoral Scholarships Reserved for exceptional doctoral students with a strong research record pursuing full-time Doctoral degrees. The award is valued at $35,000 per year for up to four years and is open to both Canadian and international students.
A.S. Mowat Prize / Graduate Scholarship This scholarship is valued at $40,000 for one 12-month academic year of full-time study and is renewable for up to 24 months (subject to annual progress review). Iranian students are given first preference, but international students are considered broadly.
Vitamin Scholarship This scholarship supports outstanding students from diverse backgrounds pursuing full-time graduate studies at Dalhousie University.
Abdul Majid Bader Graduate Scholarship Awarded to a student pursuing a full-time Master’s or Doctoral degree in Engineering or Applied Science. Open to international students (non-Canadian nationals).
CGS-Master’s (Tri-Agency CGRS-M) Students applying for the Tri-Agency CGS-Master’s scholarship may opt in to have their CGS-M application considered within the Harmonized Scholarship Process. This allows Dal students to be reviewed for both the federal award and university-level awards simultaneously.
Harmonized Scholarship Levels at a Glance
| Award Level | Annual Value | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Master’s (Level 1 — Top Tier) | Up to $42,000 + $2,500 relocation | Up to 2 years |
| Doctoral (Level 2 — Top Tier) | Up to $42,000 + $2,500 relocation | Up to 3 years |
| Nova Scotia Graduate Scholarship — Master’s | $10,000/year | Up to 2 years |
| Nova Scotia Graduate Scholarship — Doctoral | $15,000/year | Up to 4 years |
| Killam Predoctoral | $35,000/year | Up to 4 years |
Dalhousie University Scholarships for International Students
Dalhousie University scholarships are not limited to Canadians. Each year, a wide range of scholarships at Dalhousie are currently open to students from all over the world. The university is committed to diversifying its student population and actively funds international talent.
For undergraduate international students, the General Entrance Award program is open to both domestic and international applicants. Students generally need an 80% equivalent admission average or 26 IB Diploma points and must submit the application before the annual deadline.
For graduate international students, the Harmonized Scholarship Process is the primary route. Eligible countries include all countries in the world, and awards are available at both the Master’s and Doctoral level. The A.S. Mowat Prize ($40,000/year) and the Killam Predoctoral Scholarship ($35,000/year for up to four years) are two of the largest awards currently available to international graduate students.
The Sankofa International Scholarship — valued at $48,000 over four years — is among the highest-value undergraduate scholarships for international students at any Canadian university.
Note: Some scholarship applications require a non-refundable $115 application fee for graduate programs and $70 for undergraduate programs when applying to Dalhousie. Always verify current requirements on the official website.
Dalhousie University Scholarships for Black & Indigenous Students
Dalhousie University is a leader among Canadian universities in providing dedicated funding for Black and Indigenous students. These awards go beyond financial support — they represent the university’s commitment to equity, access, and representation.
Jeff D. and Marth Edwards Scholarship Valued at $12,000 ($4,500 per year for four years). Open to Canadian students of Black African descent, with second preference for Black Bermudian students. Preference is also given to students entering a Bachelor of Science.
WeAreAllCS African Nova Scotian and African Descent Student Entrance Scholarship Valued at $10,000 ($5,000 per year for two years). Open to students of African descent — with priority for African Nova Scotian students — admitted to the Bachelor of Computer Science or Bachelor of Applied Computer Science.
Faculty of Management Promise Scholarship for Black and Indigenous Students This scholarship includes not just financial support but also academic and career mentoring through Faculty of Management advisors, assistance finding work terms, and long-term career support.
First Nations and Indigenous Black (FNIB) Scholarships For these awards, the admission average is not taken into consideration, making them accessible to Indigenous and Black students regardless of academic standing alone.
Bursaries and Need-Based Awards at Dalhousie
Bursaries at Dalhousie are awarded purely on the basis of financial need and do not require exceptional academic performance. Each year, Dalhousie’s bursary program distributes funds to help students overcome financial barriers to education.
DSU Accessibility Bursary Up to $1,000 is available annually to all Dalhousie students with disabilities. The bursary is intended to help offset the additional financial burdens associated with disability.
Emergency Financial Assistance for International Students Emergency financial assistance is available for international students experiencing sudden financial difficulty due to unforeseen circumstances. Funds are limited, but applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis.
Johnson Foundation Bursaries Up to $20,000 in total ($5,000 annually, renewable for four years) for students demonstrating significant financial need.
Suddy and Barbara Bill Ashfield Bursary A $4,000 award available to qualifying students.
Edward A. Perkins Up to $4,000 ($1,000 annually, renewable for four years).
To apply for bursaries, students generally submit the Student Award Application available through the Awards and Financial Aid office each year.
Top Dalhousie University Scholarships at a Glance
| Scholarship Name | Value | Level | Basis | Open to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sankofa Scholarship (Domestic) | $32,000 (4 yrs) | Undergraduate | Merit + Identity | Black/African Descent Domestic |
| Sankofa Scholarship (International) | $48,000 (4 yrs) | Undergraduate | Merit + Identity | Black/African Descent International |
| Ivan Joseph Promise Scholarship | $32,000 (4 yrs) | Undergraduate | Merit + Equity | Under-represented domestic students |
| Harrison McCain Scholarship | $16,000 | Undergraduate | Merit + Financial Need | Canadian citizens/PRs |
| Fountain Performing Arts Scholarship | $24,000 (4 yrs) | Undergraduate | Merit (Arts) | Domestic + International |
| Leacross Women in Technology | $10,000 (2 yrs) | Undergraduate | Merit + Gender | Women in CS, domestic + international |
| A.S. Mowat Prize | $40,000/yr (2 yrs) | Graduate | Merit (Research) | International (Iranian preferred) |
| Killam Predoctoral Scholarship | $35,000/yr (4 yrs) | Graduate (PhD) | Research Excellence | Canadian + International |
| Nova Scotia Graduate Scholarship — Master’s | $10,000/yr (2 yrs) | Graduate (Master’s) | Merit | Canadian + International |
| Nova Scotia Graduate Scholarship — Doctoral | $15,000/yr (4 yrs) | Graduate (PhD) | Merit | Canadian + International |
| Harmonized Top-Tier Award (Master’s) | Up to $42,000/yr | Graduate (Master’s) | Research Excellence | Canadian + International |
| Harmonized Top-Tier Award (Doctoral) | Up to $42,000/yr | Graduate (PhD) | Research Excellence | Canadian + International |
| Jeff D. and Marth Edwards Scholarship | $12,000 (4 yrs) | Undergraduate | Merit + Identity | Black African descent, Canadian |
| WeAreAllCS Scholarship | $10,000 (2 yrs) | Undergraduate | Merit + Identity | African descent, CS programs |
| DSU Accessibility Bursary | $1,000/yr | Undergraduate + Graduate | Financial Need | Students with disabilities |
Eligibility Requirements for Dalhousie University Scholarships
The eligibility requirements for Dalhousie University scholarships vary by award type and level, but the following general criteria apply across most programs:
For Undergraduate Entrance Scholarships:
- An admission average of approximately 80% or 26 predicted/anticipated IB Diploma points
- Completion of the General Entrance Award application before the annual deadline
- Both domestic and international students are eligible for most awards
- Some awards require additional documentation (e.g., arts portfolio, financial need assessment)
For Graduate Scholarships (Harmonized Process):
- Must be admitted to or currently enrolled in a thesis-based Master’s or Doctoral program at Dalhousie
- A strong academic record (generally a minimum 70–80% average in previous studies, depending on the award)
- Submission of a research proposal or statement of research interest for most awards
- Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
- Some awards specify citizenship requirements (e.g., Iranian students for the Mowat Prize)
For In-Course Scholarships (Continuing Undergraduates):
- Must have completed at least 30 credit hours of for-credit coursework at Dalhousie over two academic terms in the previous academic year
- A minimum Scholarship GPA (SGPA) of 3.70
For Bursaries (Need-Based):
- Demonstrated financial need
- Good financial standing (no outstanding money owed to the university)
- Generally, a minimum CGPA of 2.5
How to Apply for Dalhousie University Scholarships
Applying for Dalhousie University scholarships is a straightforward process when you know where to start. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Step 1 — Apply to Dalhousie University Before you can access most scholarships, you need to submit your application to a program at Dalhousie through the Application Portal. Pay the non-refundable application fee ($70 for undergraduate, $115 for graduate).
Step 2 — Complete the General Entrance Award Application (Undergraduate) After submitting your university application, log in to your application portal and complete the General Entrance Award application. This single form puts you in consideration for over 2,000 awards simultaneously. Submit your official first-semester transcript or provincial student ID number (for NS and ON applicants).
Step 3 — Apply for the Harmonized Scholarship Process (Graduate) Create a scholarship application on the FGS scholarship portal. Select the appropriate submission category (e.g., Master’s Level – CGS-M Opt-In if applicable). Upload official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions into a single combined PDF. Answer all questionnaire sections honestly — this information is used to match you to awards with specific eligibility criteria.
Step 4 — Prepare Your Supporting Documents Most applications require some or all of the following:
- Academic transcripts
- Personal statement / research proposal
- Reference letters (typically two to three)
- Proof of identity or citizenship
- Evidence of extracurricular involvement or community service (for merit-hybrid awards)
Step 5 — Submit Before the Deadline Each year, deadlines shift slightly, so always check the official Dalhousie Awards and Financial Aid website for the latest update. Missing the deadline typically means waiting an entire academic year.
Step 6 — Await Notification For undergraduate entrance scholarships, notifications are typically sent out in March and April. Graduate scholarship decisions are usually communicated by April for the following academic year.
Pro Tip: Graduate students who applied for the Tri-Agency CGS-M competition may choose to opt their CGS-M application into the Harmonized Scholarship Process. This is a powerful move — it puts one strong application in front of multiple scholarship committees at once.
Application Deadlines
Deadlines for Dalhousie University scholarships are updated each year. The following are the standard annual deadline windows — always verify the latest update on the official website before applying.
| Scholarship Category | Typical Annual Deadline Window |
|---|---|
| General Entrance Award (Undergraduate) | Mid-February to early March each year |
| Graduate Harmonized Scholarship Process | Early December (internal program deadline) |
| In-Course Undergraduate Scholarships | November 30 each year (varies by award) |
| W. Andrew MacKay Alumni Scholarship (nominations) | January each year |
| International Travel Scholarships / Bursaries | Multiple deadlines throughout the year |
| Specific Faculty Awards (e.g., Faculty of Science) | October 15 — December each year |
Tips to Win a Dalhousie University Scholarship
Thousands of students apply for Dalhousie University scholarships each year. Here is how to improve your chances:
Start early. The General Entrance Award application opens as soon as you submit your university application. Do not wait until the last week.
Write a compelling personal statement. Reviewers read hundreds of statements. Yours must be clear, specific, and written in your own voice. Avoid jargon and vague language.
Highlight leadership and community involvement. Many of Dalhousie’s hybrid awards weigh extracurricular activities just as heavily as academic performance.
Apply for multiple awards. The General Entrance Award and the Harmonized Scholarship Process were designed to maximize your reach. A single application can put you in front of multiple committees.
Meet the minimum SGPA for in-course awards. Continuing students need a minimum SGPA of 3.70. Focus on strong academic performance in your first year to unlock renewal and additional awards.
Request strong reference letters. For graduate scholarships, your references can make or break your application. Choose referees who know your research or academic work closely, and give them plenty of notice.
Check program-specific deadlines. Your intended graduate program may have an internal deadline in early December — this is often earlier than the national competition deadline.
What People Also Ask
Does Dalhousie University give scholarships to international students? Yes. Dalhousie University scholarships are currently open to students from all countries in the world at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. International students are eligible for the General Entrance Award program and the Harmonized Graduate Scholarship Process. Specific awards such as the Sankofa Scholarship ($48,000 over four years) are exclusively for international students.
What GPA do you need for a Dalhousie scholarship? For undergraduate entrance scholarships, students generally need an 80% admission average or 26 IB Diploma points. For in-course undergraduate scholarships, a minimum SGPA of 3.70 is required. Graduate scholarship eligibility typically starts at a 70% average, but the most competitive awards go to students with significantly higher records.
How much scholarship money does Dalhousie give out each year? Each year, Dalhousie awards millions of dollars in scholarships and bursaries. Over 2,000 entrance awards are distributed annually to incoming undergraduate students alone, with values ranging from $550 to $80,000 over four years.
Can I apply for multiple scholarships at Dalhousie? Yes. The General Entrance Award application (for undergraduates) and the Harmonized Scholarship Process (for graduate students) are both designed to put a single application in front of multiple scholarship committees at once. This is one of Dalhousie’s biggest advantages for scholarship seekers.
Are Dalhousie scholarships renewable? Many Dalhousie University scholarships are renewable for multiple years, provided you maintain the required academic standing and full-time enrollment. Renewal criteria vary by award and are outlined in your award offer letter. Undergraduate scholarship renewals are typically assessed each year in mid-August.
What is the Harmonized Scholarship Process at Dalhousie? The Harmonized Scholarship Process is the Faculty of Graduate Studies’ streamlined application system that allows graduate students to be considered for multiple scholarships — including the Nova Scotia Graduate Scholarship, Killam Predoctoral Scholarship, and others — using a single application. It is one of the most efficient graduate funding systems in Canada.
Is IELTS required for Dalhousie scholarships? IELTS or equivalent English proficiency testing is required for admission to Dalhousie University if English is not your first language — but meeting specific IELTS waivers (e.g., previous study in an English-medium institution) can bypass this requirement. The scholarship application itself does not require a separate IELTS score.
When does Dalhousie notify scholarship recipients? For undergraduate entrance scholarships, notifications are typically sent in March and April following the application year. Graduate scholarship decisions are usually communicated by April for the upcoming academic year.
Dalhousie vs. Other Canadian University Scholarships
| Feature | Dalhousie University | University of Calgary | University of Alberta |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entrance Awards Available | 2,000+ annually | 300+ | 500+ |
| Max Undergraduate Entrance Award | $80,000 (4 yrs) | ~$36,000 (4 yrs) | ~$40,000 (4 yrs) |
| International Students Eligible | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Single Application System | Yes (General Entrance Award) | Yes | Yes |
| Graduate Harmonized Process | Yes (FGS Harmonized) | No | No |
| Dedicated Equity Scholarships | Extensive | Moderate | Moderate |
| In-Course Scholarship Minimum GPA | 3.70 SGPA | Varies | Varies |
| Top Graduate Award | Up to $42,000/yr | Up to $26,000/yr | Up to $26,500/yr |
Related Posts
Looking for more scholarship opportunities in Canada? These guides from LicensureHub will help you explore all your options:
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships: The Ultimate Guide — Canada’s most prestigious doctoral award, worth $150,000 over three years. Open to Canadian and international students.
- Canada Graduate Research Scholarship: 5 Powerful Secrets — The federal CGRS program for Master’s and PhD students. A must-read for any graduate student applying through Dalhousie’s Harmonized Process.
- University of Calgary Scholarships: 7 Fully Funded Opportunities — Explore how Dal’s funding compares to another top Canadian institution.
- University of Alberta Scholarships: 7 Fully Funded Opportunities — A complete guide to funding at one of Canada’s leading research universities.
- Browse All Canada Scholarships on LicensureHub — Our full directory of scholarship opportunities in Canada, updated regularly with currently open awards.
- Official Dalhousie Awards & Financial Aid — Undergraduate: https://www.dal.ca/admissions/money_matters/awards-financial-aid/scholarships/prospective_students.html — The official source for all entrance award deadlines, eligibility criteria, and application instructions.
- Official Dalhousie Faculty of Graduate Studies — International Scholarships: https://www.dal.ca/faculty/gradstudies/finance-your-studies/scholarships-bursaries/international-scholarships.html — The authoritative listing of all graduate scholarships currently open to international students at Dalhousie.
- EduCanada — Study in Canada Scholarships (Government of Canada): https://www.educanada.ca/scholarships-bourses/index.aspx?lang=eng — The Government of Canada’s official scholarships portal, including programs that can supplement your Dalhousie funding.
Final Thoughts
Dalhousie University scholarships are among the most accessible and well-structured funding programs in Canada. Whether you are an incoming undergraduate student, an international applicant, a Black or Indigenous student, or a graduate researcher, there is a Dalhousie University scholarship currently open that fits your profile.
The key is to act early, use the General Entrance Award and Harmonized Scholarship Process to your advantage, and ensure your application reflects not just your grades but your full story — your leadership, your research goals, and your community impact.
Bookmark this page. Dalhousie University scholarships are updated annually, and this guide is refreshed with the latest update each cycle so you always have the most accurate information before your deadline.
Ready to apply? Visit the official Dalhousie Awards and Financial Aid page to get started today.
