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.
Guidance on the Ethical Use of Generative AI in MPAS Applications
Applicants to the Dalhousie University Master of Physician Assistant Studies program may use generative AI tools to support the preparation of their application, such as organizing ideas, refining grammar, or improving clarity. However, all application materials must reflect the applicant’s own experiences, values, and voice. Over-reliance on AI or submitting materials that have not been critically reviewed and personalized by the applicant, may compromise the integrity of the application. Applicants are responsible for the accuracy and originality of everything they submit. Use of AI should support, not replace, thoughtful self-reflection and honest communication.
For guidance on the appropriate use of AI in relation to the CASPer test, applicants should consult CASPer’s official instructions and policies.
AI Acknowledgement: The background research and initial drafting of this document were supported by the generative AI model OpenAI ChatGPT (GPT-4.5), accessed May 31, 2025.”
Admissions deadlines for the MPAS program for January 2027 start
Date |
Section |
Details |
|---|---|---|
| November 10, 2025 | 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 2026/2027 Winter TermBegin application here |
| December 1, 2025 | Section 2 Online application opens |
Following completion of Section 1, applicants will receive access to Section 2 within 5-10 business days |
| December 14, 2025 | 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 11, 2026 | 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. |
| July 2025 - Feb 2026 | CASPer Dates | CASPer test dates for the 2026 application cycle:• Jul 20, 2025 - 5:00 PM ADT |
| March 2026 | Interview Invites | Interview invitations will be distributed via email in early March. |
| April 1, 2026 | Section 2 Deadline for reference letters |
Deadline to receive applicant reference letters via E-Ref submission or Confidential Reference Form |
| Early April 2026 (exact day TBD) | Interview Day | Admissions interviews will be conducted on a dedicated virtual platform. |
| May 2026 | Decision Letters | Decision letters are distributed via email by the Registrar’s Office. |