Dalhousie University Ranking 2027: QS World Ranking, THE, and Subject Rankings 

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Quick Read

  • QS 2027: #298 globally, #12 in Canada
  • THE 2026: 351–400 globally, 14th in Canada
  • Best subjects: Law, Oceanography, Petroleum Engineering
  • CS and Engineering: 401–500 band (THE 2026)

Dalhousie University Ranking at a Glance

Dalhousie University is ranked #298 in the world and 12th in Canada in the QS World University Rankings 2027, and 351–400 globally (14th in Canada) in THE 2026. Its Dalhousie University global ranking sits between #298 and #410 across the four major systems, using the latest official edition of each.

Ranking system (latest edition)Global rankCanada rank
QS World University Rankings 2027#298 of 1,50412th of 30
THE World University Rankings 2026351–40014th
ARWU (ShanghaiRanking) 2026301–400Not published by ARWU
U.S. News Best Global Universities 2026–27#410 (tie)11th
QS Sustainability Rankings 2026#107Top 10 of 41
THE Sustainability Impact Ratings 202690th of 1,6039th of 30
Maclean’s 2026 (Medical Doctoral category)Not applicable9th of 15
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Dalhousie University Ranking 2027: QS World Ranking, THE, and Subject Rankings 

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Dalhousie University Ranking 2027: QS World Ranking, THE, and Subject Rankings 

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Note on THE 2027: Times Higher Education publishes its World University Rankings 2027 on 30 September 2026. Until then, THE 2026 is the latest official THE result, and this page will carry the 2027 figure once it is released.

Source: Dalhousie University, Facts, figures and rankings; U.S. News, Dalhousie University

Dalhousie University QS Ranking 2027 vs 2026 and 2025 

The Dalhousie University QS ranking 2027 is #298, placing it in the top 20% of the 1,504 institutions assessed. That is a slip from #283 in the Dalhousie University QS ranking 2026 (its Dalhousie University world ranking 2026 in QS) and from #=275 in the Dalhousie University QS ranking 2025. Dal has held a narrow band between #272 and #308 since 2021.

QS editionDalhousie QS world ranking
2027#298
2026#283
2025#275
2024#298
2023#308
2022#272

Source: QS TopUniversities, Dalhousie University profile

Dalhousie University QS World Ranking 2027: Indicator Breakdown 

The indicator breakdown tells an Indian student far more than the headline Dalhousie University QS world ranking.

QS 2027 indicatorGlobal rankCanada rank (of 30)
International Faculty89 (perfect score of 100)1st
Citations per Faculty3065th
Sustainability10710th
Academic Reputation43214th
Employment Outcomes47116th
Employer Reputation55713th

Academic Reputation rose 7% year over year, and Employer Reputation rose 4.6%. The overall drop came mainly from a 5.6% fall in Citations per Faculty and a 3.5% fall in Employment Outcomes.

Source: Dal News, QS World University Rankings 2027

Counselor Insight: Parents often read #298 as "average." The indicator table says something more precise. Dal is a strong research university (5th in Canada for citations) with weaker brand recognition among global employers. For a student planning to work in Canada on a PGWP, Canadian employer familiarity often matters more than a global survey score, and Dal offers over 2,800 co-op and work terms a year.

Dalhousie University Times Higher Education Ranking 2026 

The Dalhousie University Times Higher Education ranking for 2026 is the 351–400 band, 14th in Canada. 

THE scores universities on five pillars: teaching, research environment, research quality, international outlook, and industry. That different mix is why the Dalhousie University ranking in THE differs from its QS position.

Dal performs better on THE's sustainability table. In the 2026 Sustainability Impact Ratings, Dal placed 90th out of 1,603 institutions and in the top 100 for the fourth consecutive year.

Dalhousie University Ranking in Canada: Where Does Dal Stand? 

Within Canada, the Dalhousie University ranking is consistent across systems:

  • 12th in QS 2027
  • 14th in THE 2026
  • 11th in U.S. News
  • 9th among Maclean's Medical Doctoral universities

Dal is also a member of the U15 group of Canada's research-intensive universities. See its programs and intakes on our Dalhousie University page.

Here is how the Dalhousie University Canada QS ranking compares with universities Indian students usually shortlist alongside it.

UniversityQS 2027 world rank
McGill University30
University of Toronto32
University of British Columbia45
University of Waterloo113
Queen's University at Kingston179
University of Ottawa228
Dalhousie University298

Source: QS TopUniversities, Top universities in Canada

Counselor Insight: The Dalhousie University Halifax QS ranking reflects Dal's position as Atlantic Canada's leading research-intensive university, which matters for co-op and local hiring. If your shortlist is UofT, UBC and Waterloo, Dal is a sensible fourth option that still gives you a U15 degree.

See what our counselors say about choosing between Canadian universities.

Dalhousie University Subject Rankings

The overall Dalhousie University ranking understates several subjects. In the Dalhousie University subject rankings in QS 2026, Dal was recognized in 24 subjects, with 8 in the global top 200 and 2 in the top 100.

SubjectRanking systemGlobal rankCanada rank
OceanographyARWU GRAS 202537Not published
LawTHE 2026856th
Library & Information ManagementQS 202651–1005th (tied)
Petroleum EngineeringQS 202651–1003rd
Development StudiesQS 2026101–1504th (tied)
GeologyQS 2026101–1505th (tied)
PsychologyTHE 2026176–20012th
Medical and HealthTHE 2026201–25011th

Source: Dal News, QS subject rankings 2026; ShanghaiRanking, Dalhousie University

Dalhousie University Ranking for Computer Science

The Dalhousie University ranking for computer science is 401–500 globally in THE 2026. The Dalhousie University QS ranking for computer science falls outside Dal's top 10 QS subjects for 2026, so THE is the clearest official signal. Here is how each ranking system places Dalhousie University in computer science:

Ranking systemEditionGlobal rankCanada rank
THE Subject Rankings: Computer Science2026401–50025th
U.S. News Best Global Universities: Computer Science2026–27#429 (tie)Not published
QS Subject Rankings: Computer Science2026Outside Dal's top 10 QS subjectsNot published

For Indian applicants, the program matters more than the subject band. Dal's two CS master's routes suit different goals:

FeatureMCScMACSc
FormatThesis-basedCourse-based, with a co-op route
Best forResearch or PhD plansIndustry and software roles
Duration16 months or longer16 months or longer
Minimum GPAA- for consideration3.0
International deadlines1 April (September), 1 August (January)1 April (September), 1 August (January)

Dal reports average CS graduate starting salaries of CAD 70,000+ (₹47.61 lakh+), with 10% earning CAD 95,000+ (₹64.61 lakh+).

Source: Dalhousie University, Computer Science (MCSc)

Compare options in our guide to Masters in Computer Science in Canada.

Dalhousie University Ranking for Engineering

The Dalhousie University ranking for engineering is uneven across branches. Petroleum Engineering ranks in the world's top 100, but the Dalhousie University mechanical engineering ranking and Dalhousie University civil engineering ranking are not among Dal's top 10 QS subjects for 2026. For those branches, use the broad bands below:

Engineering areaRanking systemGlobal rankCanada rank
Petroleum EngineeringQS 202651–1003rd
Environmental Science & EngineeringARWU GRAS 2025101–150Not published
Electrical & Electronic EngineeringARWU GRAS 2025201–300Not published
Engineering (broad, covers mechanical and civil)THE 2026401–50023rd
Engineering (broad)U.S. News 2026–27#607 (tie)Not published

See how Dal compares in our list of the best engineering universities in Canada.

Counselor Insight: Do not reject Dal for mechanical or civil engineering over a missing subject rank. Check the MEng co-op option and Halifax's ocean technology and defense industries. For marine, offshore, or petroleum-linked roles, Dal is one of Canada's strongest choices.

Dalhousie University World Ranking: Why QS, THE and U.S. News Differ 

Families often ask why the Dalhousie University world ranking ranges from #298 to #410. Each system measures different things.

SystemWhat drives the scoreEffect on Dal
QSAcademic reputation (30%), citations (20%), employer reputation (15%), international mixBoosted by its perfect International Faculty score
THETeaching, research environment, research quality, international outlook, industryPlaces Dal in the 351–400 band
U.S. NewsResearch reputation, publications, citationsPlaces Dal at #410 (tie)
ARWUNobel laureates, highly cited researchers, top-journal papersPlaces Dal in the 301–400 band

The key takeaway: every Dalhousie University international ranking places Dal between #298 and #410 worldwide and inside the top 15 in Canada.

Is Dalhousie a Good University for Indian Students? 

Is Dalhousie a good university? For most Indian applicants, the answer is yes, as long as the program fits their needs. Use these scenarios, then compare them with other options to study in Canada.

Your situationIs Dal a strong fit?Why
B.Tech CS graduate, wants a software job in CanadaYes, via MACScCourse-based, co-op stream, 3-year PGWP eligible
Research-focused student with a high GPAYes, via MCScThesis-based; A- minimum GPA for consideration
Class 12 student choosing BEng or BCSYes, if the budget fitsFixed tuition under the International Tuition Guarantee
Student targeting ocean sciences, law or healthVery strongTop-100 global subjects in Oceanography and Law
Student who wants a top-50 global brandNoConsider McGill, UofT or UBC instead

Read expert answers on placement rates at top Canadian universities.

Dalhousie University Fees, Eligibility, and Deadlines 2027–28 

Dal publishes new tuition rates each April, so the figures below are the latest official 2026–27 rates. Undergraduate students are locked into the rate for their starting cohort under the International Tuition Guarantee.

Dalhousie Undergraduate Tuition (International, per year)

FacultyGuaranteed tuition 2026–27
EngineeringCAD 48,594 (₹33.05 lakh)
Management (includes Commerce)CAD 42,042 (₹28.59 lakh)
Computer ScienceCAD 41,688 (₹28.35 lakh)
Science / Arts & Social SciencesCAD 37,992 (₹25.84 lakh)

Note: Currency conversions are approximate and based on CAD 1 = ₹68.01 as of September 2026. Exchange rates fluctuate, so the INR equivalent may change. 

The guarantee covers the standard program length plus one year, so a 4-year degree gets 5 years of fixed tuition. Incidental and co-op fees are charged separately.

Source: Dalhousie University, International Tuition Guarantee

Dalhousie Master's Tuition (International, per year)

ComponentAmount (2026–27)
Program fee (Computer Science, Engineering)CAD 11,303 (₹7.69 lakh)
International tuition, thesis, or thesis-option rateCAD 8,079 (₹5.49 lakh)
International tuition, non-thesis rateCAD 24,685 (₹16.79 lakh)

For the MCSc and MACSc, the program fee covers the first 12 months of full-time study. International tuition is charged at the thesis-option rate for up to 2 years. In the first year, that adds up to about CAD 19,382 (₹13.18 lakh) before incidental fees. For an MEng, your offer letter confirms which international rate applies.

Note: All amounts use CAD 1 = ₹68.01 as of september 2026

Source: Dalhousie, 2026–2027 Graduate Studies Fee Schedule (Masters)

For total budgeting, see these guides:

Get expert answers to common questions about a master's budget in Canada.

Dalhousie Admission Requirements for Indian Students 

LevelAcademic minimumEnglishApplication fee
Undergraduate (CS, Engineering, Management degrees)70% overall in five Class 12 academic subjects (BComm and BSc: 75%)IELTS 6.5 (6.0 per band), TOEFL 4.5 on the new 1–6 scale, or Duolingo 120CAD 70 (₹4,761)
Master's (MACSc)GPA 3.0IELTS 7.0, PTE 65, or TOEFL 4.5 (1–6 scale)CAD 115 (₹7,821)
Master's (MCSc)A- GPA for considerationIELTS 7.0, PTE 65, or TOEFL 4.5 (1–6 scale)CAD 115 (₹7,821)

Note: All amounts use CAD 1 = ₹68.01 as of September 2026

Dal accepts CBSE, CISCE, and state board Class 12 certificates. TOEFL tests taken on or after 21 January 2026 are assessed only on the new 1–6 scale. Meeting the minimum does not guarantee admission, because many programs use competitive averages.

Source: Dalhousie, Undergraduate admission requirements; Dalhousie, English language requirements; Dalhousie, Applied Computer Science (MACSc); Dalhousie Graduate Studies, English requirements

Dalhousie Scholarships for International Students 

Dal offers 2,000+ entrance awards each year, worth roughly CAD 1,000 (₹68,010) to CAD 80,000 (₹54.41 lakh) over 4 years. International students are eligible, and applicants typically need an 80% average. Awards consider academics, leadership, community service, and financial need.

Source: Dalhousie, Future undergraduate student awards

See what our counselors say about scholarship amounts for a master's in Canada, and browse scholarships for masters in Canada.

Dalhousie Application Deadlines for September 2027 and January 2028 

DateUndergraduate (September 2027)Master's (CS programs)
1 October 2026General Entrance Award application opensStart shortlisting and IELTS prep
15 February 2027Entrance scholarship deadlineFinalise SOP, references and transcripts
March 2027Scholarship offers sentComplete IELTS or TOEFL if pending
1 April 2027Keep documents readyInternational deadline, September 2027 start
1 May 2027Accept offer, pay deposit, submit English proofApply for study permit after acceptance
15 May 2027Guaranteed residence deadlineArrange housing
1 August 2027Not applicableInternational deadline, January 2028 start

Source: Dalhousie, Admission dates and deadlines; Dalhousie, Graduate admission process

Plan your intake with our guides to Canada intakes and the fall intake in Canada. Also check whether you need a Provincial Attestation Letter.

Counselor Insight: Indian applicants lose most Dal scholarships by applying late, not by having low marks. Award decisions for the 15 February 2027 deadline use first-term Class 12 grades, so apply by January 2027 with your school's mid-year marksheet ready.

What If Dalhousie's Ranking or Deadlines Don't Fit Your Plan? 

  1. Your target employer or loan provider uses a "top 250" cut-off. Show the subject ranking instead. Law (85th), Oceanography (37th), and Petroleum Engineering (51–100) clearly have the most cut-offs even though the overall Dalhousie University ranking does not.
  2. You miss the 1 April 2027 master's deadline. CS master's programs also admit students in January. The international deadline for a January 2028 start is 1 August 2027.
  3. You are rejected from the MCSc. The MACSc has a lower GPA threshold (3.0) and suits students aiming for industry roles.
  4. You are worried about work rights after graduating. Master's graduates from programs of 8 months or longer may be eligible for a 3-year PGWP. Bachelor's, master's and PhD graduates are exempt from the PGWP field-of-study requirement. However, university graduates must show language skills at CLB 7 in all four areas. Rankings do not affect PGWP eligibility.

Learn more in our PGWP in Canada guide, and read expert answers on post-study work in Canada.

3 Key Takeaways on Dalhousie University Ranking

  • The Dalhousie University ranking is #298 in QS 2027 and 351–400 in THE 2026, consistently inside Canada's top 15.
  • Dal's real strength is subject-specific: Oceanography, Law, and Petroleum Engineering rank far above its overall position.
  • For Indian CS and engineering applicants, program type, co-op access, and 3-year PGWP eligibility matter more than the Dalhousie University ranking's 401–500 subject band.

Verified by: LeapScholar's Canada counselling team, with hands-on experience guiding Indian students through Canadian university shortlisting, rankings-based comparisons, study permits, and PGWP planning.

Have questions about Dalhousie University ranking? Book a free session with a LeapScholar counselor.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dalhousie University Ranking

  • What is the Dalhousie University ranking 2026-27?

    Dalhousie is #298 in the QS World University Rankings 2027, and the Dalhousie University Times Higher Education's ranking for 2026 is 351–400. It ranks 12th in Canada in QS and 14th in THE.

  • What is the Dalhousie University QS ranking 2027?

    Dal ranks #298 out of 1,504 universities in QS 2027, down from the Dalhousie University QS ranking of 2026 of #283. Its Dalhousie University Canada QS ranking is 12th among 30 universities.

  • What is the Dalhousie University ranking in Canada?

    Nationally, Dal is 12th in QS 2027, 14th in THE 2026, and 11th in U.S. News. Maclean's ranks it 9th of 15 in its Medical Doctoral category.

  • What is the Dalhousie University ranking in the world?

    The Dalhousie University international ranking range is #298 (QS) to #410 (U.S. News). THE places are at 351–400 and ARWU at 301–400.

  • Is Dalhousie a good university for Indian students?

    Yes, especially for applied CS, ocean sciences, law, and health programs. It is a U15 research university with fixed undergraduate tuition and 3-year PGWP eligibility for master's graduates.

  • What is the Dalhousie University ranking for computer science?

    Dal is ranked 401–500 globally and 25th in Canada for computer science in THE's 2026 subject rankings. Computer science is not among its top 10 QS subjects for 2026.

  • What is the Dalhousie University ranking for engineering?

    Dal ranks 401–500 globally and 23rd in Canada for engineering in THE 2026. Petroleum Engineering ranks 51–100 in QS 2026.

  • Why did the Dalhousie University QS ranking drop in 2027?

    Dal fell from #283 to #298 mainly because Citations per Faculty dropped 5.6% and Employment Outcomes dropped 3.5%. Academic Reputation rose 7% over the same period.

  • What is the Dalhousie University mechanical engineering ranking and civil engineering ranking?

    Neither is among Dal's top 10 QS subjects for 2026. Use THE's broad Engineering band (401–500, 23rd in Canada) as the closest official signal for both.

  • Is Dalhousie better than the University of Ottawa or Queen's?

    Not on overall rank. In QS 2027, Queen's is =179 and Ottawa is =228, against Dal's 298. Dal's case rests on its standout subjects (Oceanography, Law, Petroleum Engineering) and its position as Atlantic Canada's leading research-intensive university.

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Neethu Sebastian

Neethu Sebastian is an SEO content writer at LeapScholar with 2+ years of experience in educational content. She specializes in study-abroad research for Indian students, covering university rankings, admission criteria, tuition fees, scholarships, and post-study career opportunities. She focuses on the details that matter when choosing a university, from comparing course costs to understanding visa requirements, so students can look beyond the brochures and make well-informed decisions.

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