Master of Physician Assistant Studies

Faculty of Medicine

Admissions


MPAS admission requirements are aligned with admissions standards in the Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Graduate Studies, and are consistent with Dalhousie’s commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility.  

​As per the agreement with the Department of Health and Wellness, the program aims to maximize the number of Nova Scotians entering the program. Dalhousie Medical School has existing criteria to define NS residents for the purposes of admissions, a definition which the PA program will also use.  

​The Dalhousie MPAS Admissions Committee recognizes that the appropriate academic preparation for the study of medicine as a PA can be acquired through varied educational backgrounds. Applicants will be made aware that the MPAS curriculum is a rigorous, condensed, full-time curriculum.  

Admissions deadlines for the MPAS program for January 2026 start

Date

Section

Details
November 4, 2024 Section 1
Online application opens

An application fee of $115 must be received before Section 1 application is processed. Section 1 must be completed and submitted to access Section 2.

When applying, please select 2025/2026 Winter Term 
Begin application here
November 25, 2024 Section 2
Online application opens		 Following completion of Section 1, applicants will receive access to Section 2 within 5-10 business days
December 15, 2024 Section 1
Online application closes		 All components of Section 1 of the online application must be finalized and submitted on or before this date at 11:59 PM AST.
January 5, 2025 Section 2
Online application closes		 All components of Section 2 of the online application, with exception to reference letters, must be finalized and submitted on or before this date at 11:59 PM AST.
Jan/Feb 2025 CASPer Dates

CASPer test dates for the 2025 application cycle:

  • July 21, 2024 – 5:00 PM ADT
  • August 8, 2024 – 9:00 PM ADT
  • August 29, 2024 – 9:00 PM ADT
  • September 12, 2024 – 9:00 PM ADT
  • October 3, 2024 – 9:00 PM ADT
  • October 6, 2024 – 5:00 PM ADT
  • October 10, 2024 – 9:00 PM ADT
  • October 16, 2024 – 7:00 PM ADT
  • October 16, 2024 – 9:00 PM ADT
  • November 7, 2024 – 9:00 PM AST
  • December 5, 2024 – 9:00 PM AST
  • January 9, 2025 – 9:00 PM AST
  • January 21, 2025 – 9:00 PM AST
  • February 20, 2025 – 9:00 PM AST
Visit the CASPer website to sign up and reserve a test using your Dalhousie Banner ID and a piece of government-issued photo ID. Your Banner ID is assigned once you have completed and submitted Section 1 of the online application.
March 2025 Interview Invites Interview invitations will be distributed via email in early March.
April 4, 2025 Section 2
Deadline for reference letters		 Deadline to receive applicant reference letters via E-Ref submission or Confidential Reference Form
April 5, 2025 Interview Day Admissions interviews will be conducted on a dedicated virtual platform.
May 2025 Decision Letters Decision letters are distributed via email by the Registrar’s Office.