
Course at a Glance
- MasterDegree level
- 1.7 yearsDuration
- Halifax, CanadaLocation
- Humanities, Social Sciences, and ArtsField of study
- EnglishLanguage of instruction
- HalifaxCampus
- $18,024Fees
- AvailableScholarship
About this programme
Examine global development issues through interdisciplinary study. | Study global development challenges through an interdisciplinary approach. You build critical skills while exploring how social, political, economic, and cultural factors shape development around the world. | In the Master of Arts in International Development Studies (IDS), you examine complex development issues from multiple perspectives.
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We encourage you to think critically about global inequality, power, and change, and to connect theory with real world contexts. | You learn in a collaborative environment with students and faculty from diverse academic backgrounds. This interdisciplinary setting helps you strengthen research, analysis, and communication skills that you can apply across sectors such as policy, development practice, research, or further study. The IDS MA requires coursework and a thesis based on original research.
Is this course right for you?
Our counsellors check your profile against this programme's entry criteria and tell you where you stand — before you pay anything.
What we look at
- Your subject background and grades
- Your English score, or how to get one
- Budget, including living costs
University & programme
- Listed from the catalogueNot yet staff-verified — ask us to confirm the details.
- English requirementIELTS Overall 7.0
- Study modeFull-time, Part-time
Admissions checklist
Entry requirements
The next deadline to apply for this program is January 31 for a September start. | Application deadlines vary and are published on our application portal . | This program requires you to meet the following criteria: | Academic requirements | An undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. | A strong academic record that meets Faculty of Graduate Studies standards. | English language requirements | You'll need to meet the Faculty of Graduate Studies minimum requirements as well as any program-specific admission requirements before you can apply. | Contact the admissions advisor | Graduate coordinator Dr. Theresa Ulicki | Graduate administrator Nicole Drysdale | Email idsgrad@dal.ca | Call 902-494-3814 · English: IELTS 7.0; TOEFL iBT 92; PTE Academic 65 · English test waiver: The Faculty of Graduate Studies will waive the language test if you completed your degree at a recognised university where the language of instruction is English and in a country where English is one of the official languages; the waiver is requested during the application process. Completion of Dalhousie English Language Studies 'English for Academic Purposes - Level 2' with an overall grade of A- is also accepted. Source: https://www.dal.ca/faculty/gradstudies/apply-graduate-studies/admission-requirements/english-requirements.html · Application fee: CAD 115.00
The usual set for this level. Your counsellor confirms the exact list for this university.
- Academic transcripts
- English test score (IELTS/TOEFL)
- Passport copy
- Statement of purpose (optional)
- Recommendation letters (optional)
Cost & scholarships
- Tuition$18,024 CAD / year≈ $13,253 / year
- Living costsVary by city — see the destination guide.
- ScholarshipsFunding may include university‑wide scholarships, bursaries, and external awards.
Application timeline
Typical timings. Deadlines differ per university and intake.
- 1Prepare documents1–2 weeks
- 2Submit application1–3 weeks
- 3Receive offer letter2–6 weeks
- 4Apply for visa4–8 weeks
Application deadline: The next deadline to apply for this program is January 31 for a September start. Application deadlines vary and are published on our application portal . || Faculty of Graduate Studies general application deadlines: September admission - June 1 (Canadian…
Visa & support journey
- Offer letterFrom the university
- Visa guidanceExpert support
- Pre-departureAccommodation & travel
- Ongoing supportEven after you arrive
Student stories
Real students. Real results.
- Average rating
- 4.9
- Google reviews
- 360+
- Rated five stars
- 95%
Average rating
Google reviews
Rated five stars
“I would like to express my gratitude for the excellent assistance provided during my student visa process. The team was responsive, knowledgeable, and supportive at every stage, from document preparation to submission guidance. Their clear communication and professional approach made the process much easier and more efficient.”
1 / 8
Nihad K, 5 out of 5 stars
Every review below is a real Google review — see all of them
Frequently asked questions
How much does International Development Studies (MA) cost?
CAD 18,024 / year.
What English score does it need?
IELTS 7.0 overall is the score listed for this programme.
How long is it?
1.7 years, as listed by the university.
What are the entry requirements?
The next deadline to apply for this program is January 31 for a September start. | Application deadlines vary and are published on our application portal . | This program requires you to meet the following criteria: | Academic requirements | An undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. | A strong academic record that meets Faculty of Graduate Studies standards. | English language requirements | You'll need to meet the Faculty of Graduate Studies minimum requirements as well as any program-specific admission requirements before you can apply. | Contact the admissions advisor | Graduate coordinator Dr. Theresa Ulicki | Graduate administrator Nicole Drysdale | Email idsgrad@dal.ca | Call 902-494-3814 · English: IELTS 7.0; TOEFL iBT 92; PTE Academic 65 · English test waiver: The Faculty of Graduate Studies will waive the language test if you completed your degree at a recognised university where the language of instruction is English and in a country where English is one of the official languages; the waiver is requested during the application process. Completion of Dalhousie English Language Studies 'English for Academic Purposes - Level 2' with an overall grade of A- is also accepted. Source: https://www.dal.ca/faculty/gradstudies/apply-graduate-studies/admission-requirements/english-requirements.html · Application fee: CAD 115.00
Is there a scholarship?
Funding may include university‑wide scholarships, bursaries, and external awards.
Ready to apply?
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