
Event Registration
Q: Do I need to register to attend Open House?
Yes, registration is necessary to attend Open House. Students can register through our online registration form here. Same-day registration will be available on event day. We do recommend registering in advance to take advantage of the most available programming, and to prevent delay upon check-in!
Q: Is Open House a virtual or in-person event?
Both! Our on-campus event will be taking place on Saturday, October 18th (Truro) and Saturday, November 1st (Halifax) from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Atlantic Time. There will also be a virtual Open House on Saturday, November 15th from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Atlantic Time. Registration for all events is available at dal.ca/openhouse
Q: What if I cannot attend Open House?
If you are unable to attend our in-person or virtual Open House, you can still experience campus by attending a guided or self-guided campus tour to gain a better understanding of student life. Book a campus tour here! Be sure to stay up to date with future Dalhousie events by following us on social media. Have a question? Connect with an advisor from your region!
Q: I am a prospective graduate student. Can I attend Open House?
Our Open House event is designed primarily for prospective undergraduate students. If you are considering transferring to one of our undergraduate programs, we look forward to welcoming you. If you are considering Graduate Studies with us, this event will not meet your needs. We would recommend attending our Graduate and Professional Program fair in the winter term.
Know Before You Go! (Halifax)
Q: Where will Open House take place?
Open House activities will be taking place on our Studley, Carleton, and Sexton campuses between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Be sure to arrive to 1246 LeMarchant St for event check-in beginning at 9:00 a.m. Guests beginning their day on the Sexton Campus (Engineering, Architecture, or Planning sessions) can check-in at 1345 Norma Eddy Ln.
Q: Where can I find the full schedule of events?
At Open House, the day kicks off with a series of sessions on admissions, interactive demos, academics and more. These 45-minute sessions take place at 10am, 11am and 12pm. Starting at 1:00, you'll get to take part in a whole set of new opportunities to immerse yourself in life as a Dal student.
Time | Activity | Location |
9:00 a.m. | Attendee Check-In | LeMarchant Place (Studley Campus), Emera IDEA Building (Sexton Campus) |
10:00 a.m. | Morning Session #1 | Various locations (found in event guide) |
11:00 a.m. | Morning Session #2 | Various locations (found in event guide) |
12:00 p.m. | Morning Session #3 | Various locations (found in event guide) |
1:00 p.m. | Academic Program & Services Fair | Student Union Building, Level 2 |
| Campus Tours | Departing from Killam Library & Student Union Building |
| Dalplex Tours | Departing from Dalplex Lobby |
| Residence Visits | Departing from Risley Hall Lobby |
| Admissions Advising Lounge | Student Union Bulding, level 2 |
1:00 p.m. | Bursaries, Scholarships or Loans - Making Sure It All Adds Up | Rowe Building, Potter Auditorium |
1:30 p.m. | Speed Friending Social | Rowe Building, Room 1020 |
Check back closer to event day for a full version of the event guide. We also recommend downloading our digital event guide ahead of event day. Physical copies will be available on event day upon request.
Q: Where can I find session descriptions?
We have session descriptions listed here, and would be happy to suggest a personalized schedule based on your interests!
Q: Will there be transportation available between the campuses?
There will be a shuttle bus on campus from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. running between Studley Campus and Sexton Campus. The bus will run every 15 minutes. As well, the walking time between Studley to Carleton campus is approximately 10 minutes, and 20 minutes between Studley and Sexton campus. Guests who are beginning their programming on the Sexton Campus are encouraged to arrive for check-in at the Emera IDEA Building to avoid delay.
Q: Will there be food available on campus?
We will have complimentary grab and go lunch options beginning at 1:00 p.m. while supplies last. A little further from campus, you'll find lots of great restaurants in the Argyle District and on the Halifax waterfront. Be sure to stop by the information booths in various buildings for quick on-the-go snack options!
Q: Can I bring a parent or friend with me? Will there be activities for guests?
Students are welcome to bring up to two guests with them to Open House. The more the merrier! Many of our sessions will have priority seating for prospective students. Parents and supporters will be welcome to join us in the following morning sessions:
Admissions 101 (10:00 a.m. & 12:00 p.m.)
Bursaries, Scholarships or Loans - Making Sure It All Adds Up (11:00 a.m.)
Supporting your Student (10:00 a.m, 11:00 a.m. & 12:00 p.m.)
Finding your University & Program Fit (9:00 a.m. & 10:00 a.m.)
Ask Us Anything! Student and Advisor Panel (12:00 p.m. & 2:00 p.m.)
Q: Will Wi-Fi be provided?
Yes! All guests will receive login credentials to access the network anywhere on campus.
Q: Where can I go on event day if I have questions?
Be sure to find event staff and volunteers in yellow Dalhousie sweatshirts, who can help with any questions or concerns you have on event day! Information booths as well as a homebase tent will be spread across campus.
Q: Is parking available?
Free parking will be available on campus in marked parking lots. In Halifax, our surrounding streets also offer additional parking, and we are conveniently located off of bus routes 1, 10, and 14. Be sure to download the HFXGo app to purchase ride fare prior to attending!
Q: What does "Sustainable Event Certified" mean?
Dalhousie is proud to have received Gold Standard Sustainability Certification for our Open House event, verifying sustainable event planning practices where eco-conscious choices in logistics, communication, catering, and more has made a positive impact. This program focuses on wastewater and energy reduction as well as inclusivity and accessibility. We are proud to focus on limited waste generation measures such as reduced paper or single-use products, elimination of plastic water bottles in favour of refillable stations and compostable drink sleeves, waste management education at the event, and more. For more information about these practices, please feel free to connect with our Open House coordinator.
Q: We are visiting from outside of Halifax - where should we stay?
We are happy to offer preferred rates for guests with the Westin Marriott Hotel Halifax. The rate can be booked online at Marriott.com Halifax Hotels - Westin Nova Scotian by Marriott using the code DAH under the Special Rates drop down and Corp/Promo Code, or by calling the reservation department at 1-866-761-3513. Other local hotels we can recommend close to campus are the Lord Nelson and Atlantica Hotel!
Know Before You Go! (Truro)
Q: Where will Open House take place?
Open House activities will be taking place across our Agricultural Campus, and students will navigate the day together as a group. Be sure to arrive to Cox Institute for event check-in beginning at 8:30 a.m.
Q: Where can I find the full schedule of events?
Time | Activity | Location |
8:30 a.m. | Attendee Check-In | Cox Institute |
9:00 a.m. | Welcome Session & Student Panel | Cox Institute |
10:15 a.m. | Academic Information Sessions | Cox Institute |
11:00 a.m. | Academic, Clubs, & Services Fair | Student Learning Commons |
12:00 p.m. | Lunch & Residence Tours | Jenkins Hall & Fraser House |
1:00 p.m. | Interactive Campus Tour | Various locations |
Check back closer to event day for a full version of the event guide. Physical copies will be available on event day upon request.
Q: Will there be food available on campus?
We will have complimentary lunch available for students and their guests in our campus dining hall. Be sure to stop by the information booths in various buildings for quick on-the-go snack options!
Q: What biosecurity measures are required of me as an Open House attendee?
Our Open House event includes visits to biosecure spaces on campus, such as our on campus farm. To ensure the safety of our guests as well as our animals, guests are required to wear closed toe shoes to enter biosecure spaces. There is also a biosecurity waiver guests must complete to access these spaces, found on the Open House registration form.
Q: Can I bring a parent or friend with me? Will there be activities for guests?
Students are welcome to bring up to two guests with them to Open House. The more the merrier!
Q: Will Wi-Fi be provided?
Yes! All guests will receive login credentials to access the network anywhere on campus.
Q: Where can I go on event day if I have questions?
Be sure to find event staff and volunteers in yellow Dalhousie sweatshirts, who can help with any questions or concerns you have on event day!
Q: Is parking available?
Free parking will be available on campus in marked parking lots.
Admissions Questions
Q: What steps do I need to complete to qualify for priority admissions processing?
- Students who attend the Truro Open House on Saturday, October 18, 2025 and apply for direct-entry undergraduate admission to a Truro-based program before Friday, October 17 2025 will receive a decision on or before Truro Open House. Students who attend Truro Open House and apply after October 18th but before Monday, October 21st will receive priority processing by our admissions team.
- Students who attend the Halifax Open House on Saturday, November 1, 2025 and apply for direct-entry undergraduate admission to a Halifax-based program by Wednesday, October 29, 2025 will receive an admissions decision on or before Halifax Open House. Students who attend Halifax Open House and apply after November 1st but before Monday, November 4th will receive priority processing by our admissions team.
- Students who attend the Virtual Open House on November 15, 2025 and apply for direct-entry undergraduate admission by Wednesday, November 12, 2025 will receive an admissions decision on or before Halifax Open House. Students who attend Halifax Open House and apply after November 15th but before Monday, November 17th will receive priority processing by our admissions team. Steps required to receive early admission and application fee discounts:
-
Complete your online application for admission* (available starting October 15, 2025).
- Upload transcripts (high school graduates and transfer applicants only)
- Wait for application fee discount to display**
- Pay your application fee**
If you have questions about completing your undergraduate application to study at Dalhousie or wish to chat with an advisor, we encourage you to visit the Admissions Advising Lounge on event day.
*Open House priority decisions are being offered for direct-entry undergraduate programs only and is not available for Bachelor of Health Sciences and Bachelor of Science (Nursing) applicants.
**Current high school students in Canada and the US who received final grades for the 2023-2024 school year can upload unofficial transcripts in their application portal. International high school students who are enrolled in a Canadian curriculum school outside of Canada, an International Baccalaureate (IB) or Advanced Placement (AP) program, or who will be completing their GCE A Levels will be considered for early admission based on self-reported year 11 grades. An unofficial version of the year 11 final transcript must be provided. If numerical grades are not available, unofficial transcripts1 can be provided through the application portal.
International high school students following other curricula are not able to be assessed for admissions until January 2025.
Q: Does Dalhousie offer application fee discounts for Open House attendees?
- Students who attend the Truro Open House on Saturday, October 18, 2025 and apply for direct-entry undergraduate admission to a Truro-based program before Monday, October 21st will receive a 50% off application fee discount (totalling $35) on their first application submission.
- Students who attend the Halifax Open House on Saturday, November 1, 2025 and apply for direct-entry undergraduate admission to a Halifax-based program by Monday, November 4th will receive a 50% off application fee discount (totalling $35) on their first application submission.
- Students should wait for the fee discount to appear in their portal before making any fee payments. This can take up to 30 minutes. For any questions or issues, please contact our team before making full payment.
Dalhousie does not offer application fee waivers. However, students who attend our Halifax or Truro Open House are eligible for a discounted application fee. Please note that this discount is not available for any other events, including campus tours or Virtual Open House, and we do not offer full fee waivers.
Q: Does Dalhousie offer on-the-spot admissions at Open House?
We unfortunately do not offer on-the-spot admissions on event day. However, we do offer priority admissions for applicants who attend Open House. Please read above for the steps required to receive early admission: