Boost for bursaries

Shannon McKenna: "Without the bursary program, managing my family and my studies would be much more difficult." (Danny Abriel Photo)

Dal's undergraduate bursary program is more popular than ever as record numbers of students are applying for the financial assistance.

This year the university has seen a 38 per cent increase in requests for assistance over last year. In response, the university has committed an additional $400,000 in bursary support.

Recent improvements in online service means the bursary application is now a menu option for students through Dal Online, and students can complete and submit the application electronically. In the past, the paper application needed to be printed off, completed and dropped at the Registrar’s Office.

“I really do believe that this difference is why we had such an increase this term.” says Pam Swinimer, assistant registrar, Financial Aid. “Students are more aware of the program.”

Shoulder the load

Shannon McKenna, a recipient of the bursary, says the program means a great deal to her.

“I am an 'only' parent, I have two wonderful sons—one which just started high school this year and one that began primary this fall,” she points out. “I was a teenager when my oldest son was born and I have worked as a waitress since that time. As a student I struggle in trying to maintain enough time for studies, work, and most importantly my children. I cannot possibly work enough to pay the bills while simultaneously devoting enough time to my academic studies and so the bursary program is of the utmost importance.

“Dalhousie's bursaries help me shoulder the financial responsibilities that come with being a parent and enable me to spend less time at work and more time with my sons and studies. Without the bursary program, managing my family and my studies would be much more difficult ... I appreciate it from the bottom of my heart.”

Six-hundred more applications

This fall, Dalhousie received 600 more bursary applications than during any term in the past (with approximately 2,000 applications in total this term). It's clearly a service that's in demand and more easily accessed than in the past.

“Providing financial support to help students continue in their university studies is very important,” says Åsa Kachan, Dalhousie’s Assistant Vice-President Enrolment Management & Registrar. “Most of the students who are awarded bursaries have government student loans, and we know that they don’t receive enough through those programs to cover their basic costs. Bursaries help bridge the financial shortfall for many students, giving them the support they need to complete their degrees.”

In addition to the undergraduate bursary program available each term through DalOnline, there are number of other bursaries available to students, with deadlines throughout the year. Check out what's available and the accompanying criteria at Money Matters.