Dalhousie University TOEFL Requirements 2026

Dalhousie publishes different TOEFL requirements for undergraduate and graduate applicants. The undergraduate minimum is 90 on the former 0–120 scale or 4.5 on the current 1–6 scale, while the central graduate minimum is 92 or 4.5. Section rules and higher program requirements matter, so applicants should check the policy that applies to their degree.

Dalhousie TOEFL Scores at a Glance

Dalhousie has already published its undergraduate requirements on both scales, so those figures are official rather than approximate conversions. The graduate page also publishes an official 4.5 overall threshold for current tests. For other comparisons, use the Aidoss Academy TOEFL score converter as a planning aid and label any conversion approximate unless Dalhousie itself provides it.

Undergraduate Requirements

For undergraduate admission, Dalhousie accepts the TOEFL iBT and TOEFL at Home. The minimum on the former scale is 90 overall, with no section below 20. For tests using the current scale, Dalhousie requires 4.5 overall, Listening 4.5, and Reading, Speaking, and Writing 4.0.

These are English-proficiency minimums, not a statement that admission is automatic. Undergraduate admission also depends on academic prerequisites, grades, deadlines, and any program-specific requirements. A student who reaches exactly 90 should therefore treat the English condition as one completed part of the application rather than evidence of a competitive academic profile.

Graduate Requirements and Program Differences

The Faculty of Graduate Studies requires 92 for TOEFL tests taken before January 21, 2026. For tests taken on or after that date, Dalhousie considers only the 1–6 scale and requires at least 4.5 overall. The graduate policy accepts both in-person TOEFL iBT and the special at-home edition.

Dalhousie’s graduate calendar says test scores are valid for two years from the test date and that MyBest Scores are not accepted. Applicants should submit one qualifying result and avoid assuming that section scores from different sittings can be combined.

The central minimum is not universal across every department. Dalhousie lists several programs at 100, including Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedical Engineering, Law, Political Science, and Medical Neuroscience. Business Administration and Information Management are listed at 105. These higher figures show why a graduate applicant should verify the exact program page before choosing a target.

Minimum Versus a Practical Target

A published minimum answers a narrow question: whether the score can satisfy the stated language threshold. It does not measure the strength of the full application or replace a higher departmental rule. Undergraduate applicants should protect every section minimum, especially Listening 4.5 on the current scale. Graduate applicants should first identify whether their program uses 92, 100, 105, or another published standard.

A sensible preparation target includes a small margin above the applicable minimum, but Dalhousie does not publish a universal “competitive TOEFL score.” Avoid presenting an unofficial number as a guarantee. The useful goal is a balanced score that clears the correct policy without leaving the application dependent on one borderline section.

Use P-A-C-T to Practise a Clear TOEFL Email

Aidoss Academy uses P-A-C-T for Write an Email practice: Purpose, Action, Context, Thanks. One useful step is Action. The request should be visible and easy for the reader to answer.

The second version gives the admissions reader one concrete task. During practice, underline the Action sentence. If it cannot be found quickly, revise the email before checking vocabulary or formality.

Start with the TOEFL iBT 2026 Starter Kit. The free Essentials Edition provides a task map, diagnostic, and seven-day route, while the Complete Digital Edition adds a full-screen and printable workbook. These tools help identify the weakest skill and turn the first week into focused practice rather than random drilling.

Frequently Asked Questions

What TOEFL score does Dalhousie require for undergraduate admission?
Dalhousie requires 90 overall with each section at least 20 on the former scale. On the current scale, it requires 4.5 overall, Listening 4.5, and Reading, Speaking, and Writing 4.0.

What is Dalhousie’s graduate TOEFL minimum?
The central minimum is 92 for tests before January 21, 2026, or 4.5 overall for tests taken on or after that date. Some graduate programs require 100 or 105.

Does Dalhousie accept the TOEFL Home Edition?
Yes. The official undergraduate page lists TOEFL at Home, and the graduate policy accepts the special at-home edition.

Does Dalhousie accept MyBest Scores?
The graduate calendar states that MyBest Scores are not accepted. Applicants should submit a qualifying result from one test sitting and confirm any undergraduate reporting question directly with admissions.

Related Canadian TOEFL Requirements

University of Calgary TOEFL Requirements 2026: Compare central undergraduate and graduate standards with higher requirements for selected programs.

University of Ottawa TOEFL Requirements 2026: Review separate undergraduate and graduate section profiles, including the current 1–6 scale.

Simon Fraser University TOEFL Requirements 2026: See how another Canadian university handles section minimums, Home Edition testing, and MyBest Scores.

Browse the TOEFL Requirements index for more verified university policies.

Sources: Dalhousie University undergraduate English language requirements; Dalhousie Faculty of Graduate Studies English requirements and graduate calendar; Dalhousie department-specific requirements; ETS TOEFL score-scale update. Checked July 25, 2026.

Admission requirements change; always confirm current requirements on the university's official admissions page.