This article has been updated from the original September, 2020 version.
When I was in my first year, I remember being very confused over paying my tuition, checking my student account, and navigating student loans. But after working in the Student Accounts department during my last couple years, it's become crystal clear. Here are the answers to some common questions you may be having as you navigate paying your tuition. And remember: Your @dal.ca email address is the only email account that will be used by the university to send you information about academic and administrative matters, including statements, notices, and payment reminders. Make sure you check it regularly!
How do you find out how much you owe?
When it comes to paying your tuition, the first step is to log into your Dal Online account. Next, go to Web for Students > Student Records > Student Account Balances – Tuition & Fees > My Account > Account Activity. This is where you should go for the most up-to-date information regarding your account. Using your account balance, you can see what you owe for this semester. You can reach out to Student Accounts if you have any questions regarding your account and its balance.
What type of payment options are there and how do they work?
It depends on how you will be funding your education. You can use Canadian online banking, Global Pay (preferred method for international students), Interac (Canadian debits), credit cards (online only) Canadian cheques and money orders (made payable to Dalhousie University), scholarships, student loans, third party-sponsors, or waivers. Cash as a form of payment is strongly discouraged. You can visit the Money Matters website for more information on how each of these different methods work.
When do tuition and incidental fees have to be paid?
Check the up-to-date deadlines in September and January (mid-month for both) for the date in each term that your account balance must be paid without any late penalties. They're also the last days to withdraw with a full refund, and opt out of incidental fees like the UPass, the DSU Health and Dental Plan, and the International Health Plan. If your account balance is not paid in full by the deadline, you'll receive a $50 late fee. Accounts that remain outstanding a month after the deadline will be assessed a $50 reinstatement fee and your account will incur interest at 12% per annum, assessed weekly, compounded monthly. Having an outstanding balance on your account also puts a hold on your account and prevents the release of transcripts, parchments, and class registration in future terms. Also, overdue accounts may be placed on collection or further legal action may be taken.
You can find the important payment due dates here.
What can I do if my student loan or other funding is coming in after the deadline?
If you're applying for student loans, it's recommended that you submit your application at least six weeks before the start of your term. Otherwise, they may arrive later than Dalhousie’s deadline. If your student loans or other form of payment will not be arriving in time for the deadline, reach out to Student Accounts and make them aware of the situation. The Registrar’s Office can offer temporary loans to help cover costs as you wait for your funding to arrive. The loans usually have to be paid back within 30 days.
I've sent in my payment, so why is my account balance still showing that it's unpaid?
Recognize that depending on which method of payment you use, it may take time for your payment to travel and be processed. For online banking payments, it might take 2–3 business days for it to be processed. Global Pay payments from international students will take longer. If you're mailing in your payment, it will also take time to arrive and be put onto your account, so it's a good idea to postmark the date on any mail you send to Student Accounts.
How do I know that my payment has gone through on my account?
Once your payment has reached Student Accounts and has been processed, you'll be able to see the changes on your DalOnline account. You can login and check your Account Detail by Term to make sure that your account balance is at zero. If your account balance is a negative, that’s actually a good thing—it means the account has been overpaid and the extra payment will carry over to your next term.
If you're looking for information on scholarships, bursaries, and other types of financial aid, check out this section of the Money Matter website.