Sick Notes for Halifax University Students
Exam season in Halifax means thousands of students need medical documentation for deferrals. Whether you're at Dalhousie, Saint Mary's, or Mount Saint Vincent, here's what you need to know.
University-Specific Requirements
Dalhousie University:
- Form: Student Declaration of Absence (SDA) for absences ≤3 days
- Medical certificate required for: exam deferrals, absences >3 days, multiple deferrals
- Accepted from: Any physician registered with a Canadian medical regulatory authority
- Deadline: Within 3 business days of missed exam
Saint Mary's University (SMU):
- Medical certificate required for all exam deferrals
- Must state: dates of illness, that student was unable to write exam
- Accepted from: Any licensed physician
- Deadline: Within 5 business days
Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU):
- Medical documentation required for exam deferrals
- Must confirm illness on date of exam
- Accepted from: Any registered physician
- Deadline: Within 48 hours of missed exam
What Your Sick Note Must Include
All Halifax universities require:
1. Physician's name and registration number
2. Date of assessment
3. Dates of illness/incapacity
4. Statement that you were unable to attend/write
5. Physician's signature
What it should NOT include: Your specific diagnosis (this is confidential).
Getting a Sick Note Fast During Exams
The problem: During exam season (December and April), Halifax walk-in clinics are even more overwhelmed than usual. Wait times can exceed 5 hours.
Online option: MedLetter provides same-day sick notes from CPSNS-registered physicians that meet all Halifax university requirements.
- $49 flat fee
- Delivered to your email within hours
- Includes all required information for exam deferrals
- Accepted by Dal, SMU, MSVU, and NSCAD
Important Notes for Students
- Get your note ASAP — don't wait until the deadline
- Keep a copy for your records
- Submit through your university's official process (not just to your professor)
- One note can cover multiple exams on the same day
[Get your exam deferral sick note →](/intake)