Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 1 November 2026
Dalhousie TOEFL minimums by level
From Dalhousie's undergraduate English language requirements page and the Faculty of Graduate Studies English requirements page.
| Level or programme | TOEFL iBT minimum | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (120-point scale) | 90 overall, 20 in each band | TOEFL or TOEFL at Home (online) |
| Undergraduate (1 to 6 scale) | 4.5 overall; 4.5 Listening, 4.0 Reading, Speaking and Writing | Results sent to Dalhousie by the tester |
| Graduate, test before 21 January 2026 | 92 | In-person or special at-home edition |
| Graduate, test on or after 21 January 2026 | 4.5 overall | Only the 1 to 6 scale is considered |
| Graduate programmes with higher levels | Set by the programme | Check the programme page before you apply |
How Dalhousie handles TOEFL scores
Undergraduate applicants must ask ETS to send results to Dalhousie University directly. The Faculty of Graduate Studies accepts English tests for admission up to two years after completion, and accepts both the in-person TOEFL iBT and the at-home edition. Neither page gives an institution code or a MyBest scores policy.
For comparison, the undergraduate page sets IELTS at 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each band, and the graduate page sets IELTS Academic at 7.
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If your TOEFL score is below Dalhousie's level
Undergraduates whose scores fall short may be offered conditional admission, provided they complete another test or an approved English language pathway. The page names partner pathways at the Canadian Language Learning College (CLLC) and Oxford International's University College Pathway. At graduate level, an A- in Dalhousie's English for Academic Purposes Level 2 course is accepted in place of a test.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your Dalhousie programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Frequently asked questions
What TOEFL score does Dalhousie need for undergraduates?+
90 overall with 20 in each band, or 4.5 overall on the 1 to 6 scale with 4.5 in Listening and 4.0 in the other skills.
What TOEFL score does Dalhousie graduate studies need?+
92 for tests taken before 21 January 2026, or 4.5 overall for tests taken on or after that date. Some programmes ask for more.
Does Dalhousie accept the TOEFL Home Edition?+
Yes. The undergraduate page accepts TOEFL at Home and the graduate page accepts the special at-home edition.
How old can my TOEFL score be for Dalhousie graduate studies?+
The Faculty of Graduate Studies accepts tests up to two years after completion.
Keep reading
Related
- Dalhousie IELTS requirement
- Memorial University TOEFL requirement
- TOEFL for Canada
- IELTS for Canada: scores by university
- All 4564 guides
Guide updated on 1 November 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.
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