How do I defer a scholarship?💠 Can I keep my scholarship if I take a gap year? 💠 How do I hold my scholarship for next year? 💠 What happens to my funding if I delay starting university?

If you've been awarded a scholarship as part of the admissions process but decide to pause your studies for a year (maybe to work, volunteer, or travel), you can defer your scholarship for up to one full academic year and maintain the same amount of funding - as long as you don’t attend another college or university during that time.

What you need to do to request a scholarship deferral:

  • Email the Scholarships and Financial Aid Office
    Send a message to financial.aid@acadiau.ca.
    In your email, include:
    • Your full name and Acadia student ID number (if you have one)
    • A clear request to defer your scholarship
    • A short explanation of why you are deferring (e.g., travel, work, etc.)

What you need to do to after a deferral when you are ready to begin your studies:

  • Within one academic year, notify the Admissions Office when you're ready to start
    When you decide what year you’ll begin your studies at Acadia, email admissions@acadiau.ca to let them know your updated plans.

Helpful definitions:

  • Defer: To delay starting something (in this case, your scholarship and admission) until a later time.
  • Scholarship: Money awarded to help pay for your studies. You usually don’t have to pay it back.

Helpful links:

Special reminders:

  • You must not attend another college or university during your deferral year. If you do, your scholarship offer may be cancelled.
  • It’s best to make your deferral request as early as possible, before the school year begins.
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