Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, offers a range of scholarships, bursaries, and financial awards for international students pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees. These opportunities include entrance scholarships for incoming graduate students and in-program awards for students already enrolled at the university.
The awards vary in value, eligibility requirements, and duration. Some provide substantial annual funding for research-based graduate degrees, while others offer one-time financial assistance for academic expenses, research activities, conference participation, or unexpected financial difficulties.
International applicants interested in postgraduate study in Canada can explore the available funding options through Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Graduate Studies.
About Dalhousie University Graduate Scholarships
Dalhousie University supports graduate education through a range of funding opportunities designed to help students pursue advanced study and research. The university’s scholarship directory includes awards open to Canadian and international students, as well as opportunities with specific eligibility requirements.
Depending on the award, applicants may receive funding for one year or several years. Some scholarships are available at admission, while others require students to apply after beginning their graduate programmes.
Important: The university’s scholarship directory lists individual awards with different deadlines and application procedures. It is not a single scholarship programme with one common application deadline.
Featured Scholarships for International Students
The following awards are listed on Dalhousie University’s international student scholarships, bursaries, and awards page.
1. Abdul Majid Bader Graduate Scholarship
- Study level: Thesis-based master’s or doctoral degree
- Eligible applicants: International students, with Iranian students preferred
- Funding value: CAD $40,000 per year
- Duration: Two years
- Application route: Consult the official scholarship page for eligibility requirements and application procedures.
This scholarship is a significant funding opportunity for international graduate students undertaking research-based postgraduate studies.
2. Dalhousie Research Excellence Scholarship
- Study level: Doctoral
- Eligible applicants: Canadian and international students
- Funding value: CAD $35,000 per year
- Duration: Up to four years
- Award type: Entrance scholarship
This award provides substantial financial support for doctoral researchers pursuing advanced academic work at Dalhousie University.
3. Killam Predoctoral Scholarship Level 2
- Study level: Doctoral
- Eligible applicants: Canadian and international students
- Funding value: CAD $42,000 per year
- Duration: Up to three years
- Award type: Entrance or in-program scholarship
Doctoral candidates seeking multi-year graduate funding should review this opportunity and confirm the applicable selection and application requirements.
4. Dalhousie 1-Year Master’s Scholarship
- Study level: Thesis-based master’s
- Eligible applicants: Canadian and international students
- Funding value: CAD $20,000 for one year
- Award type: Entrance or in-program scholarship
This award may be relevant to students undertaking a research-based master’s degree who need financial support for their graduate studies.
5. Dalhousie Master’s Research Scholarship
- Study level: Thesis-based master’s
- Eligible applicants: Canadian and international students
- Funding value: CAD $20,000 for one year
- Award type: Entrance or in-program scholarship
This scholarship supports eligible master’s students engaged in research at Dalhousie University.
6. The Vitamin Scholarship
- Study level: Doctoral
- Eligible applicants: Canadian and international students
- Funding value: CAD $21,000 per year
- Duration: Up to two years
- Award type: Entrance or in-program scholarship
Doctoral students should consult the official award information to determine the specific eligibility criteria and application process.
7. The President’s Awards
- Study level: Doctoral
- Eligible applicants: Canadian and international students
- Funding value: An amount equivalent to tuition fees
- Duration: Up to two years
- Award type: Entrance or in-program scholarship
This award can help eligible doctoral students manage tuition expenses during their studies.
8. Chinese Scholarship Council – PhD Scholarship
- Study level: Doctoral
- Eligible applicants: International students
- Funding duration: Up to four years
The university lists this as an entrance scholarship. Applicants should review the official information to establish the relevant nationality requirements, funding arrangements, and application route.
Additional Scholarships and Bursaries
Dalhousie’s directory also includes several smaller awards and specialised funding opportunities.
| Award | Published value | Key information |
|---|---|---|
| A.S. Mowat Prize | CAD $1,500 | One-time award for master’s students |
| BHASHA Bursary | CAD $1,000 | Master’s or doctoral students; listed deadline October 31 |
| Dr. Paul Anthony and Thelma Johnstone Bursary | At least CAD $1,000 | One-time award for master’s or doctoral students |
| Harold A. Robertson Scholarship | CAD $5,000 | One-time award for master’s or doctoral students |
| John and Lena Graham Commonwealth Bursary | At least CAD $1,000 | International master’s or doctoral students |
| Ken Saunders Bursary | CAD $2,000 | One-time award for master’s or doctoral students |
| Mitacs Globalink Research Award | CAD $6,000 | Master’s or doctoral students |
| Glendon Chase McCormick Scholarship | At least two awards of CAD $4,000 | Master’s or doctoral students |
| FGS Emergency Bursary | Up to CAD $1,000 | Eligible graduate students facing financial emergencies |
| Travel Grant | CAD $500 | Thesis-based master’s or doctoral students |
Other listed opportunities include the Killam International Research Award, Michael Smith Foreign Study Supplements, Olivia Lewis and Michael Lonardo Graduate Scholarship, and Woman Life Freedom Scholarship. Each has its own eligibility conditions and application requirements.
Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility depends on the individual scholarship. The directory includes awards for:
- International students entering master’s or doctoral programmes.
- Students pursuing thesis-based or research-focused degrees.
- Graduate students already enrolled at Dalhousie University.
- Students meeting specific nationality, gender identity, or other award criteria.
- Candidates who satisfy the academic and programme requirements set by the relevant award.
Some scholarships are open to both Canadian and international applicants, while others are restricted to particular groups. International students should confirm that their intended programme and student status meet the requirements of each award before applying.
How to Apply for Dalhousie University Scholarships
Applicants should use the official scholarship directory to identify awards relevant to their circumstances.
- Explore the scholarship directory: Review each award’s value, study level, eligibility criteria, and duration.
- Confirm admission requirements: Check the admission requirements for the relevant master’s or doctoral programme.
- Review individual deadlines: Some awards have fixed dates, while others may follow different schedules or application procedures.
- Prepare supporting documents: Depending on the award, applicants may need academic records, research information, references, or other documentation. Confirm the exact requirements on the official award page.
- Submit the required application: Follow the instructions for the specific scholarship rather than assuming every award uses the same process.
Application Deadlines
Deadlines vary by award. The directory lists dates including October 31 at 4 p.m. for several bursaries and scholarships, December 13 at 4 p.m. for certain awards, and February 1 for the A.S. Mowat Prize. The Olivia Lewis and Michael Lonardo Graduate Scholarship is listed with an August 14 deadline.
These dates should not be treated as universal deadlines for all scholarships or as confirmation that an award is currently accepting applications. Applicants should verify the next application cycle and submission requirements on the official pages.
