On the beautiful Canadian Atlantic coast, you join the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program to prepare for academic study at Dalhousie or any other English-speaking university. Using authentic texts and materials in scheduled classes and self-paced learning, you gain strategies to make the most of your academic reading and listening materials. Under the guidance of friendly language-teaching experts, you learn to speak, read, write, and listen in an academic context and hone your academic soft skills, like effective independent learning, library and research, time management, and academic integrity.
Dalhousie University English Language Standalone Program
About the Program
Spring Quarter 2025 Language + Summer 2025 Language
Spring Quarter 2025 Language + Summer 2025 Language + Fall 2025 Language
At a Glance
Stay Healthy & Safe While You Study Abroad
About the University
Dalhousie University
On the vibrant Atlantic coast, Dalhousie University stands as a beacon of innovation and creativity. Across its campuses, Dalhousie has a rich, community- focused environment dedicated to fostering excellence and making a positive impact on the world. It is committed to accessible education for all, aiming to empower students and drive progress for the greater good. The spirited Dalhousie Tigers and Rams have a far-reaching influence that extends from Halifax into the broader global community.
Each of Dalhousie’s three Halifax campuses has its own unique character. Carleton, the first true Dal campus, welcomed students from 1886 and grew steadily until it needed more room. Elegant Studley on the peninsular is now Dal’s main campus and community hub. The Sexton Campus, also in Halifax, focuses on engineering and architecture, providing cutting-edge facilities and research opportunities. An hour from Halifax, in Truro, the Agricultural Campus emphasizes sustainable practices and hands-on learning in a rural setting. And the New Brunswick Campus specializes in medical education and health sciences, fostering a collaborative environment with a strong emphasis on community health.
Learn more at Dalhousie’s official website.
Academics
Dalhousie University's Academic Approach
After a placement test at the beginning of your program, you join a class that will give you the best chance for improvement. In small classes, you immerse yourself in 24 hours per week of classes for a full 12-week term. During this time, you develop your confidence in understanding and expressing yourself at university.
The focus of the EAP is to give you the tools to make the most of your academic studies. You learn to write academic texts, going from research to paragraph and essay or effective oral presentation. You work alongside students of a similar ability to enhance your grammar and vocabulary skills and improve academic- specific skills and language.
Courses
This is a deeply practical course, encouraging you to get involved in group discussion, activities, and learning.
Every morning, Monday to Thursday from 8:30 to 12:30, in seminars, lectures. and tutorials, you practice listening, talking, and taking effective notes. Then you write reports, essays, paragraphs, and reflections to create a portfolio that shows your developing confidence in English for Academic Purposes.
You take feedback from your teacher as well as your peers—and you learn to provide appropriate written and oral feedback to others too.
Get To Know Our Application Process
From academics to visa requirements, our structured process helps you choose the right program and university for your goals. Complete a strong application, and prepare for success abroad.
Personalize Your Study Abroad Plan With Your SAF Counselor
Each student has unique academic goals for a study abroad experience. As you think about studying abroad, your SAF Counselor will help you plan for success and support you every step of the way.
Application Requirements
The requirements outlined in this section include the language proficiency scores you may need to demonstrate your language skills, a guide to the GPA range and other academic prerequisites required by your host university, and a list of documentation and other application materials you will need to finalize your application. You may need to supply additional information throughout the process, and you will be alerted through your emails and SAF Student Portal if this is the case for you.
Program Dates
When studying abroad, you will want to consider the time of year and how long you are away. Most programs follow the host university's academic calendar.
The dates shown below are general estimates, and as you get closer to the start of the term, you will get more detailed information from SAF. If you have any questions, your Student Counsellor and Program Specialist are always here to support you and point you to the correct information.
Spring Quarter 2025 Language + Summer 2025 Language
Program dates:
Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
Spring Quarter 2025 Language + Summer 2025 Language + Fall 2025 Language
Program dates:
Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
Housing Information
Homestay
To enhance your language development, you move into a Dalhousien family homestay. You have a single room with a window and a shared bathroom. Your home is between 15 and 50 minutes from class, depending on the time of year (you’re likely to be further away during peak time). You share your evening meal with your hosts and have facilities to prepare your own breakfast and lunch (your host provides the food and ingredients).
*Housing is subject to availability. For specific questions regarding housing please contact SAF.
About Halifax
Why Halifax
On the Atlantic coast, Nova Scotia, is a haven of pristine lakes, clear rivers, and untouched ocean shorelines. A maritime city, Halifax has a strong community feel and abundant scenic neighborhoods and trails to explore, with the central business district built around the historic harbor.
The Student Experience
What is Dalhousie Known For?
Learn what makes Dalhousie University stand out from other schools.
Orientation
Advising and Support
The process of studying abroad could quickly feel overwhelming, but we have been doing this for decades and do everything we can to support you through it.
Many SAF staff are alumni and have walked this path. They have real-life experience to draw on as they advise and support you through every step of our comprehensive services. They’re in your corner, taking care of all the details and explaining what you need to do next.
Take the first step in your study abroad journey by scheduling a consultation with your closest Student Counselor. You can discuss your for-credit academic courses and language programs and explore internships, research programs, and study tours. When you know what you want to do, we guide you through the pre-program steps, help you arrange your visa and transport, and finalize your accommodation or digital experience.
Get To Know Our Application Process
From academics to visa requirements, our structured process helps you choose the right program and university for your goals. Complete a strong application, and prepare for success abroad.
Personalize Your Study Abroad Plan With Your SAF Counselor
Each student has unique academic goals for a study abroad experience. As you think about studying abroad, your SAF Counselor will help you plan for success and support you every step of the way.
Commonly Asked Questions About Studying Abroad
Student Blogs
Homestay Accomodations at DCU
Find out what a homestay is and why its a great option for studying abroad.
Staying Fit at DCU
Tips for staying all-around well while studying abroad at DCU.
Why Choose Dublin City University?
Learn what makes the Dublin City University (DCU) campus special.
Why Travel With SAF?
Studying abroad is an unforgettable experience, one that stays with you in your career, your contacts, your future. It can define you. At any of our prestigious university partners, you can build personalized for-credit programs that can last up to a whole year.