University English requirements

What TOEFL score do you need for Dalhousie University?

Dalhousie University asks undergraduates for TOEFL iBT 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 Reading, Speaking and Writing. The Faculty of Graduate Studies asks for 92 on tests taken before 21 January 2026 and 4.5 overall on later tests. Some graduate programmes set higher scores.
  • Guide updated · 1 November 2026
  • 3 sections
  • IELTS

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 programmeTOEFL iBT minimumNotes
Undergraduate (120-point scale)90 overall, 20 in each bandTOEFL or TOEFL at Home (online)
Undergraduate (1 to 6 scale)4.5 overall; 4.5 Listening, 4.0 Reading, Speaking and WritingResults sent to Dalhousie by the tester
Graduate, test before 21 January 202692In-person or special at-home edition
Graduate, test on or after 21 January 20264.5 overallOnly the 1 to 6 scale is considered
Graduate programmes with higher levelsSet by the programmeCheck 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.

Know your target? Check where you stand

Take a free AI-scored IELTS mock and see your score per skill before you book the real test. Free account, no card.

Take a free mock →

Practise before you book: free IELTS mock test, IELTS reading practice, IELTS listening practice and IELTS speaking predictions.

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

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.

© 2026 BandLadder. Written and checked by the BandLadder team. You may quote or cite this page with credit to BandLadder and a link to it; republishing it in full needs our written permission. Content use policy