Dalhousie’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing offers three-year Semester 1 entry and two-year Semester 3 entry at Halifax and Yarmouth. Admission is competitive and primarily serves Nova Scotia residents; international students are ineligible. Direct-entry applicants need the required Grade 12 courses and a minimum 70% overall average. Casper is not required.
- Program
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN)
- Credential
- BScN
- Location
- Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Casper
- Not required
- Next deadline
- February 15, 2027 (Complete Nursing application package)
- Interview
- No interview
- Length
- Three calendar years and eight semesters for Semester 1 entry; two calendar years and six semesters for Semester 3 entry.
Casper Requirement for Dalhousie University Nursing Undergraduate
Dalhousie University Nursing Undergraduate does not require Casper for the 2026-2027 cycle.
Casper is not required for BScN admission.
Dalhousie University Nursing Undergraduate Application Deadlines 2026-2027
- Apply through
- Dalhousie undergraduate application portal
- Applications open
- October 1, 2026
- Application fee
- $70 CAD
| What | When |
|---|---|
| Complete Nursing application package | February 15, 2027upcoming |
| Semester 3 prerequisite courses completed | April 30, 2027upcoming |
| Proof of English proficiency, if required | May 1, 2027upcoming |
| Semester 3 official final transcripts received | May 15, 2027upcoming |
Submit the application and transcripts to Dalhousie Admissions. Track required documents and updates in the application portal.
Dalhousie University Nursing Undergraduate Admissions Statistics
High applicant volume and limited spots. Meeting minimums does not guarantee admission.
Eligibility Requirements for Dalhousie University Nursing Undergraduate
- Degree / credits
Semester 1: Grade 12, or no more than 12 credit hours of Semester 3 prerequisites. Semester 3: previous post-secondary study and all 30 credit hours of required non-nursing prerequisites.
- Residency
The program primarily serves permanent residents of Nova Scotia; limited places are available to qualified residents of other Canadian provinces.
- Citizenship
International students are not eligible for Semester 1 or Semester 3 entry.
An admissions officer calculates the admission average; applicants are assigned an entry point based on academic history.
Other requirements
- Semester 3 information session: Applicants with previous post-secondary experience must attend a Nursing information session.
- Pre-clinical documents after admission: Submit immunization and tuberculosis documentation, a criminal record and vulnerable sector check, Child Abuse Registry check, CPR-HCP/BLS, Standard First Aid and WHMIS certification before clinical participation.
Selection Factors Dalhousie University Considers
Prerequisites
| Course | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Academic English 12 | minimum 70% |
| Academic Math 12 | minimum 70% |
| Academic Biology 12 | minimum 70% |
| Academic Chemistry 12 | minimum 70% |
| One additional academic Grade 12 course | counts toward the five-course average |
GPA
- How it is calculated
For Semester 1, an admissions officer calculates the average from five eligible academic Grade 12 courses. For Semester 3, cumulative GPA is calculated on the entire post-secondary record or the most recent 30 credit hours, whichever is higher.
- Minimum
- Semester 1: 70% overall and 70% in each required Grade 12 subject. Semester 3: 2.5 GPA and at least C in each prerequisite.
- Competitive
- Successful applicants typically exceed the minimum requirements; Dalhousie does not specify a competitive admission average.
Admissions tests
- MCAT (not required): Not required for this undergraduate program.
Supplementary application
Submit the Dalhousie application and required transcripts. A resume and letter of intent are not required for BScN admission.
How applicants are ranked
Admission is competitive and considers academic performance and place of residence. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee an offer.
Interview Format at Dalhousie University
Format: No interview
No BScN admissions interview is listed.
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Start Practicing FreeCurriculum at Dalhousie University Nursing Undergraduate
- Program length
- Three calendar years and eight semesters for Semester 1 entry; two calendar years and six semesters for Semester 3 entry.
- Structure
Coursework and clinical learning across consecutive semesters at Halifax or Yarmouth.
- Campuses
- Halifax, Yarmouth
Prepares students to become Registered Nurses (RNs) locally, nationally and abroad. Recent curriculum revisions integrate theoretical foundations with practical competencies. Section 2 of the curriculum overview highlights revisions positioning nursing as a distinct discipline, with longitudinal integration of pathophysiology, pharmacology, and patient-centered care. Clinical rotations occur at affiliated Halifax sites, emphasizing local, national, and global nursing practice.
Campus and facilities
The BScN is offered in Halifax and Yarmouth, with clinical learning in healthcare settings.
Dalhousie University's Mission and Values
The School of Nursing emphasizes nursing as a unique discipline informed by evolving healthcare needs. Recent curriculum revisions integrate theoretical foundations with practical competencies to address real-world challenges.
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) degree program prepares students to become Registered Nurses (RNs) locally, nationally and abroad.
What Applicants Are Saying
Students report that the program culture prioritizes hands-on preparation amid a demanding workload, fostering resilience in a post-COVID academic environment marked by organizational adjustments. Matriculated students describe Grade 12 averages closer to 80-85% as typical for success given the competitiveness. Students describe the workload as substantial, requiring dedicated study of concepts, but manageable with consistent effort. Post-COVID, students note occasional disorganization in program logistics, yet praise simulation labs for building clinical skills. Matriculated students highlight the supportive community amid intense demands.
Shared by applicants and students on forums and communities. It is anecdotal, not official program information.
How to Prepare Your Dalhousie University Nursing Undergraduate Application
- Check the Grade 12 course requirements and calculate your admission average.
- If you have post-secondary coursework, check whether Semester 3 entry and its prerequisites apply.
- Applicants with previous post-secondary experience must attend a Nursing information session.
- Submit your application and required transcripts through Dalhousie’s application portal.
More About Dalhousie University Nursing Undergraduate
- Undergraduate admission advisor
Peggy Griffin
Frequently Asked Questions About Dalhousie University Nursing Undergraduate
Is Casper required for Dalhousie Nursing?
No. Casper is not listed in the current BScN admission requirements.
What grades are required?
Semester 1 requires a 70% overall Grade 12 average and at least 70% in each required subject.
Is there a Nursing admissions interview?
No interview is listed in the current BScN requirements.
How competitive is admission?
Places are limited; meeting the minimum grades does not guarantee admission.
What are the direct-entry prerequisites?
Academic English, Math, Biology and Chemistry 12, plus one additional academic subject.
Is the MCAT required?
No.
How long is the BScN?
Semester 1 takes three years; Semester 3 takes two years.
Can international students apply?
No. International students are ineligible for either entry point.
Sources
- Dalhousie: Nursing (BScN)
- Dalhousie: General admission requirements
- Dalhousie: Dates and deadlines
- Dalhousie: Undergraduate Program FAQ
- Dalhousie: Semester 3 Admission Requirements
- Dalhousie: Pre-Clinical Document Requirements
- Dalhousie: Future undergraduate student awards
- Dalhousie: Important dates
Last updated: September 26, 2026