Important changes to U.S. federal aid in 2026
The U.S. Department of Education has introduced significant changes to federal student loan programs effective July 1, 2026. These changes affect borrowing limits, Parent PLUS Loans, and Graduate PLUS Loans. Students and families should review available funding options carefully when planning educational costs.
Current borrowers: Students who received a federal loan disbursement before July 1, 2026, may continue borrowing under previous rules for up to three academic years or until they complete their current program, provided they remain continuously enrolled.
Check your eligibility
You may be eligible for U.S. federal student loans if you are:
- A U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Enrolled in an eligible degree program
- Meet U.S. Federal Student Aid requirements
U.S. federal loans are not available for:
- Nursing programs
Doctor of Medicine
Diploma programs
Certificate programs
Non-degree or qualifying student programs
Programs delivered fully or partially through distance education
How to apply
Submit the FAFSA for the academic year you'll be attending Dalhousie.
Sign a Master Promissory Note (MPN)
Complete Entrance Counselling if you're a first-time borrower
Complete any required PLUS Loan applications
Contact awards@dal.ca to advise if you want the full eligible amount of your loan, or the subsidized amount, and of any financial aid/scholarships you are receiving (excluding any Dalhousie awards)
All funds and requests should be given in US dollars.
Deadlines
Complete all required documents by July 15 to help ensure your funding is available at the start of the academic year. This includes:
- Your FAFSA
- Your Master Promissory Note
- Entrance Counselling, if required
- Any communication requested by Dalhousie
Applications may continue to be processed up to one month before the end of your academic year.
Direct loans
Direct Loans include subsidized loans for undergraduate students and unsubsidized loans for undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. The amount you can borrow depends on factors such as:
Your grade level
Dependency status
Cost of attendance
Other financial aid received
Federal borrowing limits
How much can I borrow?
The loan calculation includes information from your FAFSA, information about other financial aid you are receiving and the cost of attendance (tuition and living expenses), which is set by the school. The loan calculation determines whether the base amount of the loan is subsidized or unsubsidized. The remainder of the Direct Loan is always unsubsidized. If a parent is denied a PLUS Loan, an additional unsubsidized amount may be borrowed.
Freshman
Base amount: $3,500
Unsubsidized loan: $2,000
Total: $5,500
If PLUS is denied
Additional unsubsidized loan: $4,000
Total: $9,500
Sophmore
Base amount: $4,500
Unsubsidized loan: $2,000
Total: $6,500
If PLUS is denied
Additional unsubsidized loan: $4,000
Total: $10,500
Junior and higher
Base amount: $5,500
Unsubsidized loan: $2,000
Total: $7,500
If PLUS is denied
Additional unsubsidized loan: $5,000
Total: $12,500
Freshman
Base amount: $3,500
Unsubsidized loan: $2,000
Total: $5,500
If PLUS is denied
Additional unsubsidized loan: $4,000
Total: $9,500
Sophmore
Base amount: $4,500
Unsubsidized loan: $2,000
Total: $6,500
If PLUS is denied
Additional unsubsidized loan: $4,000
Total: $10,500
Junior and higher
Base amount: $5,500
Unsubsidized loan: $2,000
Total: $7,500
If PLUS is denied
Additional unsubsidized loan: $5,000
Total: $12,500
Graduate students may borrow up to:
Annual limit
USD $20,500
Aggregate limit
USD $100,000
Students enrolled in eligible professional programs may borrow:
Annual limit
USD $50,000
Aggregate limit
USD $200,000
Professional program eligibility is determined in accordance with U.S. Department of Education guidance and may be subject to future updates.
Receiving your direct loan funding
U.S. Direct Loan funding is sent electronically to your Dalhousie student account.
Your funding is usually released in instalments:
- End of September
- End of January
- Mid-May — for graduate students with a third disbursement
After your tuition and fees are paid, any remaining funds can be used for books and living expenses. Student Accounts will contact you at your Dalhousie email address about any funds that will be sent to you.
First-time undergraduate borrowers cannot receive their first U.S. Direct Loan disbursement until at least 30 days after the start of their program, as required by the U.S. Department of Education.
Maintaining your U.S. Direct Loan eligibility
To continue receiving U.S. federal student loans while studying at Dalhousie, you must meet enrollment and academic progress requirements.
To remain eligible for U.S. Direct Loans, you must be enrolled at least half-time.
- Undergraduate students are normally expected to study full-time (12 credit hours or more per term).
- Students may remain eligible while studying at half-time status (7.5 credit hours).
- International students should consult the International Centre before reducing their course load to ensure there is no impact on their immigration status.
- Students enrolled in online or distance education courses are not eligible for U.S. Direct Loans through Dalhousie.
Students receiving U.S. federal aid must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) to continue receiving funding.
Your academic progress is reviewed annually. To remain eligible, you must:
- Complete at least 67% of all credits attempted
- Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0
- Complete your degree within 150% of the published program length
For example, if your program is designed to be completed in four years, you must complete it within six years to remain eligible for U.S. Direct Loan funding.
Before applying for or renewing U.S. Direct Loans, review the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Policy [PDF – 138 KB] for complete details and eligibility requirements.
PLUS loans
Graduate PLUS Loan changes: Graduate PLUS Loans are no longer available to new borrowers beginning July 1, 2026.
Students who received a Graduate PLUS Loan disbursement before July 1, 2026 may continue borrowing under previous federal loan rules for up to three academic years, or until completion of their current academic program – whichever occurs first – provided they remain continuously enrolled in the same program.
Students who are not eligible under the existing borrowers’ provisions may only borrow up to applicable Direct Loan annual and aggregate limits.
Parents of dependent undergraduate students may apply for Parent PLUS Loans to help cover educational expenses. Beginning July 1, 2026, new borrowing limits apply.
How much can I borrow?
New Parent PLUS loans are subject to the following limits:
Annual limit: USD $20,000 per dependent student
Aggregate limit: USD $65,000 per dependent student
Existing borrowers
Parents who received a Parent PLUS Loan before July 1, 2026, may be able to continue borrowing under previous federal loan rules for up to three academic years, or until the student completes their current program, whichever comes first. To qualify, the student must remain continuously enrolled in the same program.
PLUS Loan funding is sent directly to your Dalhousie student account. Funds are normally released in two instalments:
End of September
End of January
If your academic year includes three terms, funding may be released in three instalments, with a third disbursement in mid-May.
After tuition and fees are paid, any remaining funds are refunded according to the instructions provided on the Parent PLUS Loan application. Refunds may be issued to either the parent borrower or the student.
Withdrawals and refunds
If you withdraw from Dalhousie before completing your term, your U.S. federal aid may be recalculated and some funding may need to be returned.
To officially withdraw, you must:
Submit written notice to the Registrar's Office
The date you withdraw is considered your last day of attendance. If there is a delay in notifying the university, Dalhousie may contact your instructors to confirm your last date of participation.
Undergraduate students
Undergraduate students receiving U.S. Title IV funding are not eligible for a leave of absence.
Graduate and professional students
Graduate and professional students may be approved for a leave of absence for a defined period with an expected return date. Students on leave are not considered actively registered.
If you withdraw before completing your study period, Dalhousie must calculate how much of your U.S. federal aid you earned while enrolled. This process is called Return to Title IV Funds (R2T4).
For complete details about withdrawals and how the Return of Title IV funds is calculated review the Return to Title IV Funding Policy [PDF - 144 KB].
U.S. Direct Loan consumer information
If you're receiving a U.S. Direct Loan, it's important to understand your funding options, student rights and responsibilities, and the services available to support you while studying at Dalhousie. The information below is provided to help you access key resources and meet U.S. federal student aid requirements.
If you have questions about any of this information, contact awards@dal.ca.
Student financial aid information
Learn about:
- Need-based and non-need-based financial aid
- Scholarships, bursaries, and awards
- Government student aid programs
- Alternative funding options
Students with disabilities
Dalhousie provides accommodations and support services for students with disabilities through Accessibility Services and other campus resources. Support is available to help you access your learning environment and participate fully in university life.
Tuition, fees, and cost of attendance
Information is available about:
Refunds policy and procedure
- Tuition refunds and course withdrawals
- Return to Title IV (R2T4) funding calculations (link to policy)
- Financial implications of withdrawing from studies
Eligible and ineligible programs
U.S. Direct Loans are available only for students enrolled in eligible degree programs. Some programs do not qualify for U.S. federal student aid.
Programs not eligible for U.S. federal student aid
The following programs are not eligible for Title IV funding:
- MBA Leadership
- MBA Finance
- MPA Management
- Doctor of Medicine
- Distance-delivered BSW and MSW programs
- Nursing programs
- Certificate programs
- Diploma programs
- Non-degree programs
Leave of absence
- Graduate students may be eligible for an approved leave of absence (login required).
- Undergraduate students receiving U.S. Title IV funding are not eligible for a formal leave of absence.
Academic integrity and copyright
As a Dalhousie student, you're expected to follow university policies related to academic integrity and copyright. This includes understanding expectations around plagiarism, cheating, and the responsible use of copyrighted materials.
- Academic integrity https://www.dal.ca/about/leadership-governance/academic-integrity.html
- Copyright compliance
- Plagiarism and cheating
Mature students
If you're applying to Dalhousie as a mature student, review admission requirements and application information designed specifically for mature applicants.
Transfer of credits and withdrawals
Learn how transfer credits may be assessed and how withdrawing from courses or your program could affect your academic record and financial obligations.
Drug-related convictions and federal aid
Federal regulations may affect student aid eligibility if a student is convicted of certain drug-related offences. Students should review current U.S. Department of Education requirements.
Vaccination requirements
Dalhousie recommends that students stay up to date with vaccinations before arriving on campus. Some academic programs may have additional health or vaccination requirements. Check with your program for details.
Textbook information
The Dal Bookstore provides information about required textbooks, course materials, and other academic supplies.
Support for students in crisis and missing persons reports
Dalhousie offers support for students experiencing personal, academic, or wellbeing challenges.
- Contact DalSAFE to report a missing student.
- Reach out to the Student Support Team if you or someone you know needs assistance.
- U.S. students studying abroad may also be able to access support through the U.S. Consulate if required.
Student privacy
Dalhousie is committed to protecting student privacy and complies with applicable privacy legislation and university policies governing the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information.
Fire safety
Learn about fire and life safety procedures, emergency preparedness, and health and safety information.
U.S. Student loan information
The University will provide information published by the US Department of Education to students at any time information regarding loan availability is requested, including the rights and responsibilities of students and schools under Title IV loan programs. Information can also be found on the following websites:
Dalhousie University reports student registration on NSLDS each month. You can access NSLDS though their website.
All students receiving US Direct Loan funding for the first time must complete Entrance Counseling. You complete this counselling through the US Department of Education website.
Students who have received US Direct Loan funding during their studies, must complete Exit Counseling. You complete this counselling through the US Department of Education website.
High school diploma
U.S. students must provide a High School Diploma for admittance to the institution.
Telecommunications courses
U.S. students are prohibited from enrolling in telecommunication courses.
The US code of conduct stipulates the following:
In order to prohibit a conflict of interest when it comes to private education loans, employees with responsibility for US Loans are prohibited from the following:
- Making revenue-sharing arrangements with any lender;
- Receiving gifts from a lender, a guarantor, or a loan servicer;
- Entering into arrangements providing financial benefit from any lender or affiliate of a lender;
- Directing borrowers to a particular lender or refusing or delaying loan certifications;
- Offering funds for private loans;
All agents with responsibility for US loans are reminded at least annually of the code.
Other U.S. loan funding
- MELA - Maine Educational Loan Authority
- VSAC - Vermont Student Assistance Corp.
- RIHEAA - Rhode Island Higher Education Assistance Authority
- Sallie Mae Student Loans®
- Sallie Mae Parent Loan®