Computer Science at Dal: Admission Average
Dalhousie University · Halifax, NS
What average do you need for Computer Science at Dal?
Computer Science at Dalhousie University typically admits students with averages in the high 80s, roughly 85–89%. It ranks #5 of 15 Dal programs by admission average.
Good co-op, Halifax tech sector growing with remote work boom.
How competitive is it?
Of the 31 universities we track that offer it, 5 ask for a higher average and 4 ask for a lower average.
As a rough guide, 89% or higher is above the typical range, 85% up to 89% is inside it, and 81% up to 85% is a reach. Cut-offs move every year, so apply to a mix of schools.
Ontario applicants are assessed on their top six Grade 12 U/M courses, including the program's prerequisites. Work out yours with the Best 6 calculator.
Computer Science at other universities
- University of Waterloo – high 90s (95-98%+)
- University of Toronto – low-to-mid 90s
- University of British Columbia – high 80s-low 90s (BC) / low-mid 90s (OOP)
- McGill University – low-to-mid 90s
- Université de Montréal – high 80s-low 90s
- McMaster University – high 80s
- Western University – high 80s
- University of Ottawa – high 80s
- Carleton University – high 80s
- University of Guelph – high 80s
- Wilfrid Laurier University – high 80s
- Brock University – high 80s
- Ontario Tech University – high 80s
- University of Windsor – high 80s
- York University – high 80s
- Toronto Metropolitan University – high 80s
- University of Victoria – high 80s
- Concordia University – high 80s
- Université Laval – high 80s
- University of Calgary – high 80s
- Acadia University – high 80s
- University of Manitoba – high 80s
- University of Saskatchewan – high 80s
- University of Regina – high 80s
- University of New Brunswick – high 80s
- Memorial University of Newfoundland – high 80s
- University of Northern BC – mid-to-high 80s
- Thompson Rivers University – mid-to-high 80s
- MacEwan University – mid-to-high 80s
- University of Prince Edward Island – mid-to-high 80s
Typical high school prerequisites
- English
- Advanced Functions
- Calculus & Vectors
- One additional U/M course
- Computer Science (recommended)
First-year courses
- Calculus I & II
- Linear Algebra
- Introduction to Programming
- Discrete Mathematics
- Statistics
These are typical for Computer Science programs across Canada. About the Computer Science degree
After a Computer Science degree
Computer Science usually takes 4 years. Many graduates go on to graduate or professional school.
- Software Engineer – $85,000 to $180,000+
- Data Scientist – $70,000 to $150,000
- AI / Machine Learning Engineer – $95,000 to $200,000+
- Cybersecurity Analyst – $75,000 to $150,000
- Game Developer – $65,000 to $130,000
- Waterloo CS is among the most competitive CS programs in Canada - the Admission Information Form is required, and contest results (CCC, Euclid) can strengthen an application.
- The theory-heavy first two years surprise many students - if you want applied work immediately, co-op is the relief valve.
- AI coding tools have reduced traditional junior developer openings - co-op experience, internships, and depth in areas like AI, security, or systems matter more than ever.
Applying to Dal
Dalhousie University is Atlantic Canada's leading research university and one of Canada's 15 founding members of the U15 group. Located in Halifax, Dal is particularly strong in law, medicine, dentistry, ocean sciences, and engineering.
Dalhousie University is in Halifax, NS, was founded in 1818 and has about 21,000 students. Domestic tuition is about $10,000 a year, co-op is available and first-year residence is guaranteed.
Deadlines: direct application March 1.
- Halifax is one of Canada's most underrated student cities - affordable, vibrant, and growing in the tech sector.
- Dal's law school is consistently ranked among Canada's top five and is a genuinely excellent program.
- The ocean sciences programs are unique in Canada - no other school has Dal's ocean research infrastructure.
Other Dal programs
- Medicine (MD) – high 90s + MCAT + interview
- Dentistry (DDS) – high 90s + DAT
- Law (JD) – LSAT + GPA dependent
- Nursing (BScN) – high 80s-low 90s
- Pharmacy (BScPharm) – high 80s-low 90s
- Ocean & Naval Arch. Eng. – high 80s
- Civil Engineering – high 80s
- Electrical Engineering – high 80s
- Management (Rowe School) – high 80s
- Ocean Sciences – high 80s
- Marine Biology – high 80s
- Environmental Science – high 80s
- Psychology – mid-to-high 80s
- Political Science – mid-to-high 80s
- Education (BEd) – mid 80s