Bursaries and Loans for International Students
To assist students in an emergency financial situation to help cover their living expenses, International Student Services administers an International Student Emergency Bursary and Loan Fund.
These funds are not intended to cover expenses that should have been budgeted for in advance of coming to Canada. Students applying for an emergency loan or bursary will need to demonstrate how their financial shortfall is outside their control and beyond their budgeting expectations.
Emergency Loans and Bursaries from the International Student Services cannot be granted for:
- Tuition and fees
- Paying off any outstanding debts
- Transportation and other costs involved in returning home during or at the end of studies
- Research expenses and thesis costs
- Sending money to your family back home, even in the event of an emergency
- Cosmetic medical costs (e.g. non-emergency dental care)
Only University of Alberta international students who are active in their program can apply for this fund.
Emergency Loans
The Emergency Loan Fund is a revolving fund that provides interest-free loans for specific purposes. Loans are intended to cover short-term essential living expenses when unforeseen circumstances result in the delay of anticipated funds that the student expects to receive shortly.
Typical loan cases are:
- New students on graduate assistantships arriving from countries where currency exchange controls do not allow them to bring enough money to cover initial expenses;
- Students on foreign scholarships whose cheques have been delayed by governments or banks abroad;
- Students who have emergency expenditures will be able to cover them at a later date.
In all of these cases, expectations are the student will repay the loan in full when the anticipated funding arrives.
Emergency Bursaries
Emergency bursaries cover verifiable emergencies; that is, the expectation is the student will demonstrate that there has been an unexpected essential expense or an unanticipated cut in funding. Emergency Bursaries are not intended to supplement a student's income or pay for items that should have been budgeted for. Emergency Bursaries have been granted for items such as travel resulting from a death in the immediate family.
It is unlikely that either the Bursary or Loan Fund will be adequate to solve long-term financial problems. Before applying for a bursary or loan, students must determine how financial aid would help solve their financial difficulties.
Before starting their study, University of Alberta students need a secure budget plan to fund academic and living expenses for the duration of their studies, not just the first year.
If, after reviewing the above guidelines, you feel you qualify for financial assistance, follow these steps to apply:
1. Complete the online application form
2. Upload the following documents to the application form:
- A photocopy of your Study Permit
- If currently in your first year of study, provide photocopies of your proof of funds used for your most recent Temporary Resident Visa and Study Permit application. This may include bank statements and letters from funders and parents.
- Copy of the last 60 days of transaction records for ALL of your bank accounts (chequing, savings, investments, etc.), including those of your spouse/partner. Note: the transaction records should show the current bank balance as of the day you submit your application.
- Completed Financial Information and History pdf form
- A copy of your residence contract/lease agreement and/or proof of housing payments
- Any receipts for costs incurred with extenuating expenses or other relevant documents, if applicable
Please note: Your bank records need to demonstrate a financial shortfall compared to your living expenses based on the account balance when you submit your application.
3. Make sure you submit all required documents to avoid delays in processing your application. Once submitted, an advisor will contact you to book an appointment online.
4. Attend your appointment to discuss your application with the advisor and determine your eligibility for Financial Aid.
Note: If your emergency is urgent, and requires funds in a matter of hours (e.g. you have to travel home immediately to attend a parent's funeral), please submit a ticket through our Service Portal. Please indicate “Urgent” in the subject line. Alternatively, you can drop into the International Services Centre in Telus to speak to an advisor during our in-person drop-in hours.
To ensure you receive your approved funding on time, you need to have access to online banking. Contact your bank to set up online banking before your appointment to avoid delays.
If you have any questions, connect with the International Student Specialist. We are ready to help!