How to Apply to Computer Science at Dalhousie University: Direct Entry to the Bachelor of Computer Science (BCS), Six Majors and Up to 12 Months of Paid Co-op, with Requirements and Timeline for Chinese and Canadian High School Students and Transfer Students

At Dalhousie University (Dal) in Halifax, Nova Scotia, computer science is offered by a stand-alone Faculty of Computer Science, leading to a Bachelor of Computer Science (BCS). Dal describes it as a direct-entry program from high school, open to students with or without programming experience. Here is what you need to know for September 2027 entry, based on Dal’s official information, for students at high schools in China, students at Canadian high schools (including BC and Vancouver students), and transfer students.

1. Program structure

• Start dates: September and January; Honours, Major, minors, certificates and double majors are available.
• Six majors: Human-Computer Interaction, Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, Algorithms & Scientific Computing, Software Development and Digital Innovation.
• Sample courses: Introduction to Computer Science, Introduction to Computer Systems, Data Structures and Algorithms, Foundations of Artificial Intelligence, Interface Design & UX, Foundations of Data Science, and Social, Ethical and Professional Issues in Computer Science.
• Co-op: optional, with up to 12 months of paid work before graduation; students can also work in ShiftKey Labs.
• Outcomes (Dal’s figures): an average starting salary of $80,000+, with 10% of new graduates earning $95,000+.

2. Students at Canadian high schools (including BC)

• General: Grade 12 completion, Grade 12 English (or equivalent) and the program’s minimum average.
• BCS courses: Grade 12 academic math (pre-calculus recommended), Grade 12 academic English and three additional acceptable university-prep courses.
• Minimum final grades: “pre-calculus math 65%” and “math 70%” (Dal does not explain further how the two apply; ask Admissions), English 65%, other subjects 60%, and an overall average of 70%. Many programs are competitive, and meeting the minimum does not guarantee admission.
• BC students: English can be English Studies 12, English 12 First Peoples or Français Langue Première 12; Pre-Calculus 12 is the recommended math; Dal’s accepted BC academic math also includes Foundations of Math 12, Calculus 12 and Statistics 12. Check Dal’s Canadian high school page for accepted courses.
• Missing a prerequisite: Dal’s online, self-paced UPrep courses can help you earn prerequisites such as pre-calculus or upgrade marks.

3. Students at high schools in China

• Credential: Dal lists the senior high school graduation certificate for China and does not mention the Gaokao.
• Courses: English and senior high math (a strong math background matters), plus other academic courses, with an average meeting the BCS minimum (70%).
• A-Level, IB, AP: AP and IB courses may earn university credit; see Dal’s requirements by country for specific curricula.

4. English requirements

• Exemptions: three years at a recognized English-language high school, or one year of post-secondary study, usually meets the requirement.
• Minimum scores: IELTS 6.5 (6.0 in each band); TOEFL 90 on the old scale (20 per section) or 4.5 on the new scale (4.5 listening, 4.0 reading, speaking and writing); Duolingo 120; PTE Academic 61 (50 per band); CAEL 70.
• Students slightly below may receive a conditional offer and retest or complete Dal’s academic English program. Proof of English is due by May 1, 2027.

5. Dates

• Applications open: October 1, 2026.
• No fixed deadline: computer science is not on Dal’s list of programs with specific deadlines, so you can apply while space remains, but Dal recommends applying early for scholarships and residence.
• February 15, 2027: entrance scholarship deadline; May 1: deposit and proof of English; May 15: guaranteed residence application.

6. Transfers

• Transfer credit: courses from a university, college or CEGEP need a C or better and must relate to your new program; credit toward a Dal degree is capped.
• Process: check Dal’s transfer credit database for pre-approved courses; you can request an assessment only after you are admitted and pay your deposit.
• Admission standard: the BCS page does not list a minimum GPA for transfer applicants; ask a recruitment advisor.

7. Tuition and awards

• International tuition: under the International Tuition Guarantee, the Faculty of Computer Science rate for 2026-27 is CAD 41,688 a year (tuition only). It is fixed for the standard program length plus one year; incidental fees, extra credits and co-op fees are extra. Rates for 2027 entry will be published later.
• Incidental fees: international undergraduates also pay health insurance and student society fees, varying by campus and program.
• Entrance scholarships: open to Canadian and international students, generally for students entering directly from high school in the fall with an admission average of 80%+; submit a separate scholarship application by February 15.

Checklist

Students at Canadian high schools (including BC and Vancouver):

• Academic English such as English Studies 12, academic math such as Pre-Calculus 12 (recommended) and three more university-prep courses; 70%+ overall
• Apply early; entrance scholarship by February 15, 2027

Students at high schools in China:

• Graduation certificate and transcripts with strong English and math
• IELTS 6.5 (6.0 per band), TOEFL 4.5 (new) or Duolingo 120, by May 1
• Entrance scholarship by February 15

Transfer students:

• Apply early; related courses at C or better may transfer; confirm the GPA standard with an advisor

Sources: Dalhousie University, Bachelor of Computer Science (BCS); Canadian high school applicants; International requirements by country; English language requirements; Transfer applicants; Dates and deadlines; Future undergraduate awards; International Tuition Guarantee. Information is for September 2027 entry; tuition is the 2026-27 rate. Check Dalhousie for the latest details.