Bursary FAQs

• When can I apply for a bursary?
  
• How do I apply for a bursary?
  
• Am I automatically considered for all bursaries available at Dalhousie?
  
• How is the amount of the bursary award determined?
  
• When will I be informed if I've received a bursary?
  
• How do I get the money?
  
• If I don't receive a bursary, can I learn the reasons?
  
• What happens if I'm really short of funds?
  
• What if I defaulted on my government student loan?
  
• What if the government decreased the amount of the loan to which I am entitled because of an over-award last year?
  
• Do I have to pay taxes on my bursary?
  
• Who will be notified of my bursary?
  

When can I apply for a bursary?

View information on bursaries for dates.
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How do I apply for a bursary?

The application is available through Dal Online. Visit the bursaries page to access more information and deadlines.

Once complete, return the following documents to Room 133 of the Henry Hicks Academic Administration Building or to the Dalhousie Student Service Centre, Sexton Campus:

• Notice of student aid assessment or notice-of-award form (depending on province) or bank loan documents.
  
• A printed, signed copy of the online bursary application. You are given the opportunity to print out the application after completing it online.
  
• First Nations funding letter, if applicable.
  
• Receipts for medical expenses, if applicable.
  
• Letter explaining any extenuating circumstances, if applicable.
  
• Work Placement Costs Summary, if applicable.
  

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Am I automatically considered for all bursaries available at Dalhousie?

No. You should check the awards section in the calendar or with your Department for Departmental Bursaries.

If you wish to apply for a Dalhousie Leadership Bursary, please submit your documents to Athletics and Recreation Services at Dalplex.
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How is the amount of the bursary award determined?

Numerous factors affect the amount of the bursary for a particular student. Annual budget, the number of applicants, and the relative size of University-determined shortfalls are major factors. Financial need is determined by comparing your resources with your expenses.
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When will I be informed if I've received a bursary?

Normally, the turnaround time is two weeks after the deadline. Your application's status can be checked from the link on the bursaries page.
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How do I get the money?

Bursaries are available, for personal pick up only, at the front counter service area of the Registrar's Office, Room 130, Henry Hicks Academic Administration Building, or at the Dalhousie Student Service Centre, Sexton Campus, during hours of public service.
You need to present your valid Dalhousie Student Card to pick-up your bursary cheque. You need to be currently registered at Dalhousie when you pick up your bursary.
If your studies require you to be off-campus when your bursary becomes available, contact frontcounter@dal.ca.
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If I don't receive a bursary, can I learn the reasons?

If you don't receive a bursary you can inquire about the decision by making an appointment with a Financial Aid Officer in the Registrar's Office as soon as possible.
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What happens if I'm really short of funds?

If you have properly prepared a budget and found that you are extremely short in funds, you may have to consider part-time studies or postponing university until you are financially able to do so. Admission to university is not an obligation for the university to grant bursaries or other assistance. We may advise students to withdraw if they are financially unprepared to continue their studies. Please meet with a financial aid advisor in the Registrar’s Office to ensure you have not missed any financial options.
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What if I defaulted on my government student loan?

You must fulfill federal, provincial and/or bank requirements to reinstate your eligibility before approaching the University for financial help.
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What if the government decreased the amount of the loan to which I am entitled because of an over-award last year?

The university cannot assume any portion of the over-award.
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Do I have to pay taxes on my bursary?

Please review the current Revenue Canada Tax regulations as not all scholarships and bursaries have to be reported.
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Who will be notified of my bursary?

We are required to provide the names of bursary recipients to the prospective student aid authority upon request. Students should be aware that any bursary money received may cause an overaward on their student loans. At the end of the bursary application you'll be asked to accept or decline your name being forwarded to donors of any bursaries you may receive.
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