Applying

PLEASE NOTE: If you wish to apply for a September 2025 start, the deadline to apply is January 15th, 2025.

Our program is a full-time thesis based program.  We admit once a year; always in September.  Applicants should apply to our program by the January 15th deadline. Students who apply after January 15th may be considered for admission, but only if space is available.

Preference is given to applicants with degrees in Sociology or Anthropology with an average of A- or higher. Students with degrees in other disciplines may be considered if space is available, but they are generally required to do extra coursework to fill in any gaps in their backgrounds.

We encourage students to shape up something of a prospective research focus and project before reaching out to possible supervisors. With this in hand, you can reach out to a potential supervisor whose research area is in alignment with yours. 

Please Note: Some external scholarships, like those granted by SSHRC, have deadlines earlier in the Fall. Check the Faculty of Graduate Studies website for scholarship information and deadlines. In addition, you will find detailed information about the FGS Harmonized Scholarship process here.  

REMEMBER: THE FINAL APPLICATION DEADLINE IS JANUARY 15TH!

HOW TO APPLY: 

*PLEASE E-MAIL ALL DOCUMENTS to: sosagrad@dal.ca

1. Complete the Dalhousie online application.  The online application will give you an opportunity to input the e-mail addresses of your TWO ACADEMIC REFEREES.  Once this is complete, the referees will receive a notification from Dalhousie to complete their reference for you.
2. We will accept un-official transcripts for your initial application to us.  Please send transcripts from all academic institutions attended to:  sosagrad@dal.ca.  Note that final original transcripts will be required should you be offered official admission to the program.  (*Please see the FGS transcript submission guidelines below)
3. If applicable, please provide a Proof of English language competency test (e.g. TOEFL).  **More information about English Language Requirements can be found on the FGS website
4. E-mail sosagrad@dal.ca a letter of intent (1-2 pages for MA applicants; 2-4 pages for PhD applicants)
5. E-mail sosagrad@dal.ca a résumé (CV)
6. E-mail sosagrad@dal.ca a writing sample (e.g. course paper or thesis chapter)  

*Transcripts

Transcript submission for new applicants:

• For your initial application, we only require your unofficial academic transcripts for each post-secondary institution you have attended. Please include degree certificates if degree conferral not stated on your transcripts.
• If you are accepted for admission, your final and official transcripts will be required within 90 days of the start of your program.
• Email your unofficial transcripts to: sosagrad@dal.ca. Transcripts should include your first and last name, degree, program type and name of degree issuing university.

Additional important information:

• Transcripts in languages other than English or French must be accompanied by an English translation provided by the institution issuing the transcript.
• Notarized copies of transcripts are not permitted.
• Degree and graduation certificates must be included if the transcript does not indicate the type of degree and date granted. 
• Transcripts submitted with applications become the property of Dalhousie University, are subject to verification, are not available for copying and will not be returned to the applicant.
• Official transcripts are not required for any courses or degrees you have completed at Dalhousie University.
• While official e-copies of your transcripts are preferred, official paper copies can be mailed to:
      Faculty of Graduate Studies
      Room 314, Henry Hicks Academic Administration Building
      6299 South Street
      PO Box 15000
      Halifax, NS, Canada B3H 4R2

**English language proficiency:

Dalhousie graduate programs require students to have a high level of English language proficiency to be successful. To ensure you possess the language skills necessary to thrive, we ask all students who speak English as an additional language to demonstrate their abilities through a language competency test.

It is possible to have this requirement waived if you completed your degree at a recognized university where the language of instruction is English and in a country where English is one of the official languages. You will be able to request this waiver during the application process. 

The Faculty of Graduate Studies accepts a wide range of ESL tests for admissions up to two years after completion. Please go to their website for more information.