Government Student Loans
You and your family are responsible for meeting the basic costs of your post-secondary education. The purpose of government student financial assistance is to supplement, not to replace, the financial resources that you and your family contribute. Assistance is based on financial need as established by the federal and/or provincial governments through an assessment of your application.
In Canada, there are two types of government student loan programs offered:
- Canada Student Loans - A program run by the federal government.
- Provincial Student Loans - Each province or territory has its own student loans program.
You only need to submit one application. When you apply through your province, you will be assessed for both types of government student loan simultaneously.
For information on eligibility and how to apply, visit CanLearn.
In order to qualify for a provincial student loan, you must be a full-time student registered in 9 credit hours each term (12 credit hours for Newfoundland loans). This is equivalent to three classes (each at 3 credit hours).
Provincial sudent loans websites:
- Alberta: http://www.alis.gov.ab.ca
- British Columbia: http://www.aved.gov.bc.ca/studentservices/
- Manitoba: http://www.studentaid.gov.mb.ca
- New Brunswick: http://www.studentaid.gnb.ca
- Newfoundland: http://www.ed.gov.nl.ca/studentaid/
- Nova Scotia: http://studentloans.ednet.ns.ca/
- Northwest Territories: http://www.nwtsfa.gov.nt.ca
- Nunavut: http://www.gov.nu.ca/education/index.htm
- Ontario: http://osap.gov.on.ca
- Prince Edward Island: http://www.studentloan.pe.ca
- Quebec: http://www.afe.gouv.qc.ca/Anglais/
- Saskatchewan: http://www.yesnet.yk.ca/sites/sfa
- Yukon: http://www.education.gov.yk.ca
Negotiating your student loan
When your government student loan arrives, take the forms to Student Accounts, or the Registrar's Office. Information regarding the negotiation of your loan will be provided by your province. Loan documents for residents of Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland will be sent directly to the Registrar's Office. You will receive an email to your Dalhousie email account when it arrives.
