GRANTS & BURSARIES

Grants & Bursaries

Each year the DSU awards more than $50,000 in grants to support various students and student societies on campus. Grants are administered by the Grants Committee, a committee of your DSU Council, and are awarded to students and societies who qualify for a grant as per the Union's policies

DSU funding may be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis for eligible member and society applicants.


for Individuals

Member grants 

The DSU Member Grant provides up to $100 per academic year to help Dalhousie students attend conferences, competitions, or events that support their academic or professional development.

To qualify:

  • You must be a current DSU member (Dalhousie student).

  • You must submit a complete application, including proof of expenses and enrollment.

  • You must apply within 30 days of the event and in the same semester.

Examples of eligible activities:

  • Attending an academic or professional conference

  • Participating in a case competition or debate tournament

  • Presenting research at a symposium

What won’t qualify:

  • Social trips or general travel

  • Tuition, textbooks, or course-related materials

  • Events not directly related to your academic or professional growth

Please read the full DSU Grants Policy before applying.


emergency member grants 

The Emergency Member Grant offers temporary financial relief to domestic students experiencing unexpected financial hardship. Please note that funding is limited, so eligibility does not guarantee an award. Incomplete applications will not be considered. See below for full details.

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis and reviewed approximately every 3 weeks.


Student Accessibility Bursaries 

Bursaries of up to $1000 are available each year, which are open to all Dalhousie students with disabilities.

We recognize that there are additional financial burdens associated with having a disability; this bursary is provided to help defray these costs.

This bursary is now open for the 2025/26
academic year!


International Student Emergency Bursary

Emergency financial assistance is available for international students in financial difficulty due to unforeseen circumstances. Unfortunately, funds are limited, so there is no guarantee that all eligible applicants will receive assistance. Read below for more information.


THE ISAAC MACDONALD MEMORIAL BURSARY FOR STUDENTS WITH DYSLEXIA

Isaac MacDonald’s career goals were to develop computer apps that would increase access to learning for those with dyslexia. This bursary is to further these goals by providing supports to students with dyslexia. This bursary promotes the right to learning for all students, and the need in our world for the contributions of those with dyslexia.


for Societies

Society Grants

Grants are available to help eligible societies defray operational costs, as well as help plan, promote, and participate in endeavours that will be beneficial for the Dalhousie community. Each society is eligible to receive up to $1000 in grant funding per year ($500/2 semesters). 

Please read sub-section 3 of the DSU Grants Policy to know more details about the revision process and minimum requirements.

Applications are due on the 15th of every month