Architecture (BEDS)

Academic Requirements

To be considered for admission to the Architecture (BEDS) program at Dalhousie University, you must meet the following minimum academic criteria:

1. Completion of secondary school (Grade 12).
2. Achievement of the minimum average for your program of choice.
3. Completion of Grade 12 English (or equivalent course).

Admission to many Dalhousie programs is competitive, meaning that meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.

Program-specific Academic Requirements:

To be considered for BEDS admission, you must have completed:

• Two years of university in subjects other than architecture (twenty courses), with at least a B– average (2.5 GPA).
• Two years at a college or institute plus one year of university is also acceptable.

The two years of university must include:

• Two courses, at 1000-level or higher, in a mathematics or science subject: biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering, geology, mathematics, physics, or statistics (but not economics, environment, geography, astronomy, management, planning, or psychology). To confirm that a course is acceptable, you may send its calendar description to the Architecture office.
• A course that emphasizes writing skills. Courses at some universities are designated as “writing requirement” or “writing intensive.” A course that includes formal essay writing is also acceptable.
• Two courses in a humanities or social science subject: anthropology, art history, classics, literature (but not language instruction), history, music history (but not music instruction), philosophy, political science, psychology, sociology, etc.

Priority is given to applicants with a good academic record and creative design ability.

If you are 25 years or older and do not meet all of these academic requirements, you may apply as a mature student, based on other qualifications; however, all applicants must have completed at least one full year of university. To prepare for studio work, applicants are advised to take a course in freehand drawing and/or a material-based subject (e.g., wood, metal, or ceramics). Admission to the BEDS program is competitive, so completing these academic prerequisites does not guarantee admission.

Students who have completed a two-year architectural technology program at a college also need to complete one full year of general studies (i.e., non-architecture courses) at a university to be eligible for admission to the B1 term of the BEDS program.

Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

For any clarification and support regarding the admission process, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Language Requirements

English is the language of study at Dalhousie; therefore, all applicants whose first language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency.

If you have attended a recognized English-based institution for three years at the secondary (high school) level or one year at the post-secondary level, you are generally considered to have met the requirement.

When proof is required, it can be satisfied through one of the following options:

• English language testing
• Dalhousie English language Pathway
• Partner English language institutions
• International high school programs

Below are the minimum scores required for the English language tests accepted by Dalhousie:

• IELTS: Overall: 6.5, Bands: 6.0
• TOEFL: Overall: 90, Bands: 20
• Duolingo: Overall: 120
• MELAB: 55
• CAEL: 70
• Pearson Test of English: Overall: 61, Communicative skills scores: 50
• Cambridge English: Overall: 180

Please check with our team for more details.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.