University of King’s College

The University of King’s College is one of Canada’s oldest and smallest universities, known for its interdisciplinary programs in the humanities and journalism. The campus is nestled on the northwest corner of Dalhousie University and the two universities grant joint degrees. A central quadrangle is surrounded by an award-winning library, stone residences, a chapel and a gym. Approximately 85 per cent of students enrol in the unique Foundation Year Program, where they study great works of Western thought and take part in lectures and small-group tutorials. They can then take one of King’s honours programs in their upper years while completing one of four undergraduate degrees offered by King’s and Dalhousie. “We understand that exceptional futures depend on exceptional beginnings,” says president William Lahey. “King’s students gain an education and friendships that serve them for a lifetime in a changing world that needs all they have to offer.” Another big draw is the school of journalism, writing and publishing, which offers a four-year honours bachelor’s degree, a one-year bachelor’s degree for students who already have a degree, a two-year master of journalism and two master of fine arts programs, in fiction and in creative non-fiction. As an ode to its historical roots, King’s has matriculation and encaenia ceremonies and formal dinners. Extracurriculars include an impressive music scene, a theatrical society, one of the oldest college literary societies in North America and a renowned chapel choir.

Campus Buzz: The King’s Theatrical Society is an entirely student-run theatre company with the highest per capita participation of any student society in North America. 

Quick facts

Tuition (includes compulsory ancillary fees)
$10,843 ($12,127 out-of-province students)

Median Entering Grades
Arts: 92.2% | Science: 92%

Student Body
Undergraduates: Full-time: 870 | Part-time: 27
Graduates: Full-time: 114
International Students: First-year: 2% | Graduate: 6%

Housing Facts
Residence Spaces: 260 (guaranteed first-years)
Cost of double room with meals:  $11,312 to $13,435
Cost of single room with meals: $12,469 to $14,256

Standout programs

Foundation Year Program: Students trace the history of ideas, reading great books all the way from the ancient to the contemporary world. The philosophy, history, literature and art of each historical period are studied in an integrated fashion.
Journalism: Students learn to conduct independent research, think critically about current affairs and produce stories in multiple media formats. The final year includes concentrated workshops and internships.
Medical Humanities: Students in this certificate program explore how global societies have engaged with illness, medicine, health and wellness. Students also consider how to further deepen understanding of these issues.