Dalhousie University Scholarships for Graduate Students 2025–2026

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Dalhousie University, founded in 1818 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, is one of Canada’s top research-intensive institutions, ranked 12th nationally and 291st globally (QS World Rankings 2022).

Offering over 200 graduate programs across 13 faculties, it attracts 19,000+ students, including over 4,000 international students from 115+ countries.

The Dalhousie University Scholarships for Graduate Students 2025–2026 provide fully and partially funded support for Master’s and PhD students, including Nigerians, fostering academic excellence and research innovation.

With awards ranging from CAD 500 to CAD 42,000 annually, scholarships like the Killam Predoctoral and Abdul Majid Bader Graduate Scholarship cover tuition, stipends, and more.

The Harmonized Scholarship Process streamlines applications for multiple awards, making Dalhousie a prime destination for global talent. This guide outlines eligibility, benefits, application processes, and tips for success.

Why Choose Dalhousie University Scholarships?

Dalhousie’s graduate scholarships support diverse students in achieving academic and research goals. Key benefits include:

• Comprehensive Funding: Awards range from CAD 500 to CAD 42,000 annually, covering tuition, living stipends, and research expenses.
• World-Class Research: Access to 100+ research centers, including the Ocean Frontier Institute, with over CAD 190 million in annual research funding.
• Streamlined Application: The Harmonized Scholarship Process allows one application for multiple Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS) awards.
• Diverse Community: Join a global student body with tailored support from the International Centre for visa, housing, and cultural adjustment.
• Career Development: Opportunities for research assistantships, teaching assistantships, and travel grants to enhance professional skills.

Program Overview

Dalhousie’s graduate scholarships for 2025–2026 support Master’s and PhD students in thesis-based and professional programs.

Administered through the Faculty of Graduate Studies, awards include entrance scholarships for new students and in-program scholarships for continuing students.

The Harmonized Scholarship Process allows applicants to be considered for multiple awards, such as the Killam Predoctoral Scholarship and Nova Scotia Graduate Scholarship, with a single application.

Funding ranges from one-time bursaries (CAD 500–3,000) to multi-year awards (up to CAD 42,000/year).

Scholarships prioritize academic merit, research potential, and, for some, financial need or specific demographics (e.g., Iranian or African Nova Scotian students).

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility varies by scholarship but generally includes:

• Nationality: Open to international (e.g., Nigerians) and Canadian students, with some awards prioritizing specific groups (e.g., Iranian students for Abdul Majid Bader Scholarship).
• Academic Qualifications: For Master’s, a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (typically 3.7+ for competitive awards). For PhD, a Master’s degree or fast-track eligibility with strong academic standing.
• English Proficiency: TOEFL iBT 92, IELTS 7.0 (no band below 6.5), or Duolingo 120 for non-native speakers. Nigerians from English-medium institutions may need scores unless exempt by the program.
• Program Enrollment: Must apply to or be enrolled in a full-time Master’s or PhD program at Dalhousie. Admission is not required to apply for scholarships, but awards are conditional on acceptance.
• Additional Criteria: Some scholarships require research proposals, financial need documentation, or specific demographics (e.g., women, African Nova Scotians).

Applicants should review specific scholarship criteria, as some prioritize research focus or equity-deserving groups.

Key Scholarships and Benefits

Dalhousie offers a range of graduate scholarships, including:

• • Killam Predoctoral Scholarship: Up to CAD 42,000/year for Master’s (2 years) or PhD (3 years), plus CAD 2,500 toward international tuition and relocation allowance.

• • Abdul Majid Bader Graduate Scholarship: CAD 40,000/year for Master’s or PhD (up to 2 years), preference for Iranian students.

• • Nova Scotia Graduate Scholarship: CAD 10,000/year for Master’s (2 years) or CAD 15,000/year for PhD (4 years), open to all students.

• • James Robinson Johnston Graduate Entrance Scholarship: CAD 15,000/year for Master’s (2 years) or CAD 19,000/year for PhD (3 years) for African Canadian students.

• • Dalhousie Research Excellence Scholarship: CAD 35,000/year for PhD students (up to 4 years).

• • Vitamin Scholarship: CAD 19,000/year for Master’s (1 year) or CAD 21,000/year for PhD (2 years).

• • A.S. Mowat Prize: CAD 1,500 one-time award for Master’s students in their first year.

• • FGS Emergency Bursary: Up to CAD 1,000/year for Master’s or PhD students facing financial hardship.

• • Mitacs Globalink Research Award: CAD 6,000 one-time award for Master’s or PhD research abroad.

Benefits include tuition coverage, monthly stipends, health insurance for some awards, and research or travel grants. Fees must often be paid from the award unless specified as waived.

Fields of Study Covered

Scholarships support all graduate programs at Dalhousie, including:

• STEM: Engineering, computer science, physics, biology, ocean sciences.
• Health Sciences: Nursing, pharmacology, public health, social work.
• Social Sciences: Economics, political science, sociology, psychology.
• Humanities: History, English, philosophy.
• Professional Programs: Law, medicine, business administration.

Students can pursue thesis-based or professional programs, with some scholarships tied to research priorities like Nova Scotia’s innovation goals.

Application Process

Most graduate scholarships are applied for through the Harmonized Scholarship Process, streamlining applications for multiple FGS-managed awards. Steps include:

1. 1. Create an Account: Register on the FGS Scholarship Management Platform using a Dalhousie NetID or email and password.
   2. Select Scholarships: Choose “Major Scholarship Competitions” to create a new application or edit an existing one under “My Applications.” Only one Harmonized application is allowed per year.

1. 1. Prepare Documents:
      • Official transcripts (combined into one PDF; current Dalhousie students may use unofficial grade reports).
      • Two reference letters (submitted via the portal, not email or hard copy).
      • CV highlighting academic and research achievements.
      • Statement of purpose outlining academic and career goals.
      • Research proposal (for thesis-based programs, following CGS-M criteria for Master’s or CGS-Doctoral criteria for PhD).
      • Proof of nationality or financial documents (for specific scholarships).
      • Self-identification questionnaire (optional, for equity-based awards).
   2. Opt-In for CGS-M (Master’s Applicants): If applying for the Tri-Agency CGS-M competition, select “Master’s Level – CGS-M Opt-In” by December 1, 2025, to link your CGS-M application.

1. 1. Submit Application: Complete and upload all materials via the Online Scholarship Platform by January 15, 2026, at 4:00 PM AST (February 15, 2026, for non-thesis programs).

1. 1. Await Results: Scholarship decisions are typically announced by March–April 2026, conditional on program admission.

Some awards (e.g., Linda Marie Gillingwater Rainsberry Bursary) require separate applications by October 31, 2025. A CAD 150 non-refundable graduate application fee applies for program admission.

Tips for a Successful Application

With high competition, these strategies can strengthen your application:

1. 1. • Apply Early: Submit by early December 2025 to meet internal program deadlines and allow referees time to upload letters.
      • Tailor Research Proposals: Use clear, jargon-free language and align with CGS-M (Master’s) or CGS-Doctoral criteria, emphasizing research impact.

1. 1. • Secure Strong References: Choose referees who can detail your academic and research potential; notify them of deadlines a week in advance.
      • Highlight Achievements: Emphasize academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement in your CV and statement.
      • Complete Self-Identification: Fill out the optional questionnaire to qualify for equity-based awards (e.g., African Nova Scotian or Indigenous scholarships).

Deadlines and Key Dates for 2025–2026

Key dates include:

1. 1. • August 2025: Harmonized Scholarship Portal opens.
      • December 1, 2025: CGS-M opt-in deadline for Master’s applicants.
      • January 15, 2026: Harmonized Scholarship deadline for thesis-based programs (4:00 PM AST).
      • February 15, 2026: Deadline for non-thesis programs.
      • March–April 2026: Scholarship notifications.
      • May/September 2026: Program and scholarship tenure begin.

Separate awards (e.g., FGS Emergency Bursary) have deadlines like October 31, 2025.

Life as a Dalhousie Graduate Scholar

Scholars at Dalhousie thrive in Halifax, a friendly coastal city, with access to cutting-edge research facilities and a diverse community. Funding supports conference travel, research projects, and living expenses, while the International Centre aids with visas and cultural integration.

Alternative Opportunities

If ineligible, consider:

1. 1. • Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships: CAD 50,000/year for PhD students (apply by November 2025).

1. 1. • University of British Columbia Graduate Scholarships: Funding for Master’s and PhD students in Canada.
      • McGill University Graduate Fellowships: Merit-based awards for international graduate students.

Conclusion

Dalhousie University Scholarships for Graduate Students 2025–2026 offer international and Canadian students, including Nigerians, fully and partially funded opportunities to pursue Master’s and PhD programs.

With awards up to CAD 42,000 annually, the Harmonized Scholarship Process simplifies applications for prestigious scholarships like Killam and Abdul Majid Bader.

Apply by January 15, 2026, with a strong academic record and research proposal to join a top research university. Visit Here for more details.

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