1. What requirements are needed to apply to the MSc (Physiotherapy) entry to practice program?
A four-year undergraduate degree or equivalent in any field of study from a recognized academic institution, prerequisite courses, volunteer experience and completed application forms.
2. Does my undergraduate degree have to be in science?
No. To enrich both the program and the profession, the school encourages applicants from diverse academic backgrounds. The prerequisite courses are designed to prepare applicants for the program regardless of their previous academic area of concentration.
3. Can I apply with a three-year degree?
It is preferable that applicants have a four-year undergraduate degree. However, a three-year degree plus an additional 30 credit hours of university courses at advanced levels which can include prerequisite courses will be considered.
4. What is the minimum GPA requirement?
For the undergraduate degree, a minimum overall grade point average of 3.0 or letter grade of B is required. In addition, in the last 60 undergraduate credit hours, a minimum GPA of 3.0 is required for residents of Atlantic Canada and a GPA of 3.4 or letter grade of B+ is required for applicants from outside of Atlantic Canada.
5. Do prerequisite courses have to be at a certain level?
Unless identified with a specific course number, the prerequisite courses can be at the first year university level or above.
6. Is the MScPT entry-level program available online?
No. The MScPT entry-level program requires on-site attendance for the duration of the program.
7. How do I determine a course equivalency from another university?
To determine equivalent courses from other universities, go to Dalhousie Online: Transfer Credit Equivalencies or contact the department.
8. Is there a quota restriction?
Yes. Enrolment in the program is limited, and the School of Physiotherapy at Dalhousie is the only school serving Atlantic Canada. As such, a provincial quota system is in place with a specified number of seats allocated annually for residents of New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova Scotia. In addition, there are five discretionary seats which may be offered to applicants from outside of the Atlantic Provinces. If you are unclear about your residency status, please check the Residency Guidelines.
9. How many students does the school accept in the first year?
The School of Physiotherapy normally accepts 56 students each year.
10. Can I call the Admissions Office to find out the status of my application?
To ensure confidentiality of applicant files, the Admissions Office is unable to respond to individual enquiries relating to the status of an application. However, the web site will be updated with information on the application process.
11. Do you accept transfer students from other physiotherapy schools?
The School of Physiotherapy does not accept transfer students from other university physiotherapy programs.
12. What bursaries or scholarships are available to students entering the MSc (Physiotherapy) entry to practice degree program?
Some entrance scholarships are awarded to new students based on academic excellence. See the Graduate Calendar for information on the Faculty of Graduate Studies scholarship and fellowship awards.
13. Does your school accept online courses?
We do accept online courses provided that they meet Dalhousie's equivalency.
14. How can I upgrade my GPA for consideration into your program?
The Faculty of Graduate Studies will allow applicants who have already completed a 4-year undergraduate degree to take a maximum of 5 courses at 3rd and 4th year levels, to increase their 60 credit hour applicant pool GPA for consideration into a graduate level program at Dalhousie University.