University of King's College student playing hockey
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF KING’S COLLEGE, PHOTO BY JOHN PACKMAN

University of King’s College

Founded 1789 | Halifax

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; the two universities grant joint degrees. A central quadrangle is surrounded by an award-winning library, stone residences, a chapel and a gym.

Most first-year 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. Then they can 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. 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: Indigenous students at King’s have a new place to relax, hang out, grab a snack and meet up with friends at the new Mawio’mio’kuom (Indigenous Students’ Centre), which includes a kitchen, laundry facilities, TV and a space for smudging and ceremony.  

Quick facts

Tuition (includes compulsory ancillary fees)
$9,382 ($10,665 out-of-province students)

Minimum Entering Grades
Arts: 72.7% | Science: 79.4%

Student Body
Undergraduates: Full-time: 831 | Part-time: 40
Graduates: Full-time: 84

Housing Facts
Residence Spaces: 260 (220 reserved for first-year students)
Cost of double room with meals: $10,930 to $12,470
Cost of single room with meals: $11,620 to $13,270

Standout programs

Foundation Year Program: Students trace the history of ideas, reading great books 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.