If you’re facing a financial emergency - like needing money for textbooks, rent, or other basic needs while waiting for your student loan funding - you may be able to apply for a short-term emergency loan from Acadia.
This is a repayable loan with interest that must be paid back within the academic year.
Who can apply?
To qualify for an emergency student loan, you must:
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Be a full-time student registered in a degree program at Acadia
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Show that you are experiencing temporary financial hardship
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Provide documentation to show your need (see below)
How to apply
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Write an email to financial.aid@acadiau.ca
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In the email, include:
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The amount of money you’re requesting
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A short explanation of why you need the loan
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An itemized list of expenses (e.g. rent, textbooks, food)
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Any supporting documents you have (e.g. bills, receipts)
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A copy of your provincial student loan assessment, if available
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Your name and student ID#
Your application will be reviewed based on the minimum costs of education for the academic year.
👉 Important: You cannot use this loan to pay off fees you already owe on your Acadia student account.
Helpful Definitions
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Short-Term Loan – Temporary funding you borrow and repay, usually within the same academic year.
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Student Loan Assessment – A document from your province that shows how much loan funding you’re approved to receive.
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Financial Hardship – A situation where you can’t afford basic needs like housing, textbooks, or food due to delayed or unavailable funds.
Special Notes
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Emergency loans are designed for short-term, urgent needs, not for covering full tuition or long-term costs.
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Reach out early - processing can take a few days, and the sooner you apply, the sooner you’ll get support.
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If you’re unsure if you qualify, email financial.aid@acadiau.ca to ask.