How to apply for student financial aid, grants and loans in Canada
Learn how to apply for student financial aid in Canada, including federal and provincial or territorial grants and loans, eligibility, designated schools, financial assessment and what happens after you apply.
Helpydo structures practical guidance around official or public sources. For individual cases, confirm requirements with the responsible institution.
Apply for government student financial aid through the student aid office of your province or territory of permanent residence. In participating jurisdictions, one application assesses you for applicable Canada Student Grants and Loans and provincial or territorial aid. Federal aid is based on factors including financial need, study status, your school and program, family income and education costs. Quebec, Northwest Territories and Nunavut operate their own student financial assistance programs instead of Canada Student Grants and Loans.
What you need
- Apply through the student financial assistance office for your province or territory of permanent residence.
- For Canada Student Grants and Loans, be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident of Canada or designated protected person.
- Be a permanent resident of a province or territory that participates in Canada Student Grants and Loans for federal assistance.
- Demonstrate financial need for federal grants or loans.
- Attend a designated post-secondary school and an eligible degree, diploma or certificate program.
- For federal aid, the qualifying program must generally run for at least 12 weeks within 15 consecutive weeks.
- Meet the applicable full-time or part-time course-load requirement.
- Provide the financial, education and personal information requested by your provincial or territorial student aid application.
- Complete a Master Student Financial Assistance Agreement if required after your assessment.
- Have your enrolment confirmed before grant or loan funds can be released.
Eligibility
For Canada Student Grants and Loans, you must generally be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident of Canada or designated protected person, be a permanent resident of a participating province or territory, demonstrate financial need and study in an eligible program at a designated post-secondary school. A full-time student generally studies at least 60% of a full course load, while a part-time student generally studies 20% to 59%. Students with a permanent disability or a persistent or prolonged disability may qualify as full-time at a course load of at least 40%, and those studying 40% to 59% may choose to be considered full-time or part-time. Quebec, Northwest Territories and Nunavut have their own student aid programs and do not participate in Canada Student Grants and Loans.
How to do it
- Identify your province or territory of permanent residence. Government student aid applications are made through the province or territory where you are considered a permanent resident for student aid purposes. Use that jurisdiction's official student financial assistance service.
- Check your school and program. Confirm that your post-secondary school is designated for student financial assistance and that your specific program qualifies. A school being designated does not automatically mean every program at that school qualifies.
- Determine whether you will study full-time or part-time. For federal aid, full-time study generally means at least 60% of a full course load and part-time study generally means 20% to 59%. Different rules apply to eligible students with disabilities.
- Prepare your application information. Your assessment can consider tuition and education costs, living situation, annual income, savings or financial contributions and, for full-time students, financial assets and investments. Family circumstances, dependants and disability can also affect the amount of assistance available.
- Apply through your province or territory. Submit the student aid application through the official service for your province or territory of permanent residence. When you apply and qualify in a participating jurisdiction, you are automatically assessed for applicable Canada Student Grants and Loans.
- Apply early. Follow the deadline published by your province or territory. The National Student Loans Service Centre recommends applying at least two months before your program starts to help ensure approved funding arrives on time.
- Wait for your Notice of Assessment. Your province or territory will tell you whether you qualify and how much grant and loan funding you have been assessed to receive.
- Complete the Master Student Financial Assistance Agreement if required. First-time borrowers and some returning borrowers may need to complete the MSFAA through the National Student Loans Service Centre. Review its terms carefully and provide banking information if using direct deposit.
- Confirm your enrolment. Before funding is released, you or your school must confirm that you are enrolled. Follow the instructions from your provincial or territorial student aid service and the NSLSC.
- Receive your funding. Approved grants and loans may be deposited into your bank account or sent to your school to pay academic fees. Funding is released on or after the applicable start of classes once required conditions are met.
- Report important changes. If your financial situation changes before or during your studies, notify your provincial or territorial student aid office. Your eligibility and funding amount may be reassessed.
- Reapply for future school years. Federal student loan assistance requires a new student aid application for each school year, even though the MSFAA is generally a multi-year agreement.
Where do you apply for student financial aid in Canada?
You do not normally submit a separate application directly to the federal government for Canada Student Grants and Loans. You apply through the official student financial assistance service for your province or territory of permanent residence.
In participating jurisdictions, the application is used to assess the federal and applicable provincial or territorial assistance for which you may qualify. Your province or territory determines your eligibility and calculates the amount available based on the applicable programs and your circumstances.
How student grants and loans work in Canada
The Canada Student Financial Assistance Program provides federal grants and loans for post-secondary education in partnership with most provinces and territories. Grants are funding that generally does not need to be repaid. Student loans are borrowed funds that must be repaid according to the applicable loan terms.
Federal student aid can help with tuition, living expenses and school-related costs. Assistance is available for eligible full-time and part-time students, including programs for students from low- and middle-income families, students with dependants and students with disabilities.
Which province or territory should you apply through?
Apply through the student aid system of the province or territory where you are considered a permanent resident for student financial assistance purposes. The applicable provincial or territorial authority determines residency under its own student aid rules.
British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Ontario and Saskatchewan provide integrated federal and provincial student grants and loans. Alberta, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island provide federal and provincial assistance separately. Yukon provides Canada Student Grants and Loans together with territorial grants.
Quebec, Northwest Territories and Nunavut do not participate in Canada Student Grants and Loans. Students in those jurisdictions apply to their own student financial assistance programs.
Who can qualify for Canada Student Grants and Loans?
Federal eligibility requires you to be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident of Canada or designated protected person, be a permanent resident of a province or territory that issues Canada Student Grants and Loans, and demonstrate financial need.
You must also study in an eligible degree, diploma or certificate program at a designated post-secondary school. For federal aid, the program generally must run for at least 12 weeks within 15 consecutive weeks.
Students must maintain satisfactory grades to continue receiving federal grants and loans each year and must not have reached the applicable lifetime limit for student financial assistance.
Full-time and part-time study requirements
For federal student financial assistance, a full-time student generally must be enrolled in at least 60% of a full course load. A part-time student generally studies between 20% and 59% of a full course load.
A student with a permanent disability or a persistent or prolonged disability can qualify as full-time while taking at least 40% of a full course load. If such a student takes between 40% and 59%, they can choose to be considered a full-time or part-time student for student aid purposes.
How to check whether your school qualifies for student aid
Canada maintains a Master List of Designated Educational Institutions. The list identifies schools where students may be eligible to receive Canada Student Grants and Loans.
Designation applies to both the institution and the relevant program rules. A school may appear on the designated list while some programs at that school do not qualify. Provinces and territories determine which schools and programs can be designated, together with applicable federal requirements.
If your school is not listed or you are uncertain whether your specific program qualifies, contact your provincial or territorial student aid office before relying on funding.
Changes affecting private for-profit schools from August 1, 2026
Starting August 1, 2026, students attending private, for-profit international schools are no longer eligible for federal student financial assistance. Students who previously received federal student aid for their current program at the same school may continue to qualify under the published transition rule until July 31, 2029.
The Government of Canada also states that most full-time students attending private, for-profit schools in Canada will no longer be eligible for the Canada Student Grant for Full-Time Students, subject to the applicable implementation rules. Students affected by a funding decision should contact their provincial or territorial student aid office.
What financial information is considered?
The amount of student assistance is calculated when you apply. The federal assessment can consider tuition fees and education costs, your savings or expected financial contributions, living situation, annual income and, for full-time students, financial assets and investments.
Your province or territory of residence, family income, dependants, tuition and living expenses, and disability status can also affect how much assistance you receive.
The Government of Canada provides a federal Student Financial Assistance Estimator, but its estimate does not include provincial or territorial grants and loans.
Canada Student Grant for full-time students in 2026-2027
For the 2026-2027 school year, eligible full-time students in financial need can receive up to $4,200 per year, or up to $525 for each month of study, through the Canada Student Grant for Full-Time Students. The school year runs from August 1 to July 31.
You do not submit a separate application for this grant. Eligible students are automatically assessed when they apply for student aid through their province or territory.
The grant is income-tested. For applications effective August 1, 2026, the federal income thresholds depend on family size and the previous year's gross annual family income. The grant is not available through the federal program to students from Quebec, Northwest Territories or Nunavut because those jurisdictions operate their own student aid programs.
Canada Student Grant for part-time students in 2026-2027
Eligible part-time students in financial need can receive up to $2,520 per year through the Canada Student Grant for Part-Time Students for the 2026-2027 school year. The grant cannot exceed the student's assessed financial need.
Part-time students are automatically assessed for the applicable grant when they apply for student aid through their province or territory. Federal part-time grant eligibility includes financial need, study in a qualified program at a designated school, applicable income requirements and successful completion of courses for which a grant was previously received.
Additional grants for dependants and disabilities
The federal student aid system includes additional grants for eligible full-time and part-time students with dependants and assistance for eligible students with disabilities. Eligibility is assessed according to the requirements of the specific program.
For example, eligible full-time students with qualifying dependants may receive an additional grant for each eligible dependant. Students should provide accurate family and disability information requested during the provincial or territorial application so that applicable assistance can be assessed.
What documents and information should you prepare?
Exact application requirements are set by your province or territory, so there is no single Canada-wide document list that applies to every applicant. Follow the checklist in your jurisdiction's official application.
Information used in the federal financial assessment can include tuition and education costs, income, savings or expected financial contributions, living situation and, for full-time students, assets and investments. Your application may also require information relevant to family circumstances, dependants, disability and your school and program.
Do not rely on a document checklist from another province or territory because residency and application requirements can differ.
How much student aid can you receive?
There is no single amount for every student. Your assessment depends on factors such as your province or territory, family income, dependants, tuition, living expenses and disability status.
Federal grants have program-specific maximums, while the amount of grants and loans actually awarded depends on your assessment. Your Notice of Assessment from the provincial or territorial student aid authority tells you the amount for which you qualify.
How early should you apply?
Application deadlines are established by provincial and territorial student aid programs and can differ by jurisdiction and study period. Check the deadline for your specific application.
The National Student Loans Service Centre recommends applying at least two months before the start of your program so that, if approved, you have a better chance of receiving funding on time.
What happens after you submit your application?
Your provincial or territorial student aid authority assesses the application and issues a Notice of Assessment explaining whether you qualified for grants and loans and how much assistance you may receive.
If you are not approved or disagree with the assessed amount, contact your provincial or territorial student financial assistance office about reassessment options.
What is the Master Student Financial Assistance Agreement?
The Master Student Financial Assistance Agreement, or MSFAA, sets out the terms for accepting and repaying applicable student loans. If you are required to complete one, you do so online through the National Student Loans Service Centre.
The MSFAA is generally a multi-year agreement, so it does not normally need to be completed again every school year. A new agreement may be required if you apply for financial assistance after a two-year break from school or after permanently moving to another province or territory.
Your MSFAA does not state the amount of your grants or loans. That information is provided in the Notice of Assessment from your province or territory.
When is student aid paid?
Before grants or loans can be released, you or your school must confirm your enrolment. Once the required conditions are completed, funding can be deposited into your bank account or forwarded to your school for academic fees such as tuition.
The NSLSC states that funds are released on or after the first day of classes. While exceptions exist, students normally receive two disbursements during a year, typically associated with the first and second terms. Check your individual disbursement information with your student aid service or school.
Do you need to apply again every year?
Yes. You must submit a new student financial assistance application for each school year in which you want Canada Student Loans or applicable grants and loans. The MSFAA may remain valid across multiple years, but the financial aid application and assessment are renewed.
What if your financial situation changes?
If your financial circumstances change before school starts or while you are studying, notify your provincial or territorial student financial assistance office. A change can result in reassessment of your eligibility or funding amount.
Keeping your student aid authority informed helps reduce the risk of receiving an incorrect amount that may later need to be adjusted.
Federal lifetime limits for student financial assistance
Federal student financial assistance is subject to lifetime limits that include payment-free or interest-free periods while you are in school. Full-time students can generally receive assistance for up to 340 weeks. Students enrolled in doctoral studies can receive assistance for up to 400 weeks, while students with a disability may receive assistance for up to 520 weeks.
What happens to student loans after you finish school?
Federal student loans are repayable. The Government of Canada states that borrowers start repaying their student loan six months after finishing their studies. Your repayment arrangements and any provincial portion of your debt depend on the aid system applicable to your province or territory.
Grants generally do not need to be repaid, although your eligibility must remain valid and changes to your circumstances can affect an assessment.
Student financial aid application checklist
- Identify your province or territory of permanent residence.
- Use the official provincial or territorial student aid website.
- Confirm that your school and program qualify for funding.
- Determine whether you are applying as a full-time or part-time student.
- Gather the financial, family, school and program information requested by your jurisdiction.
- Submit the application before your province or territory's deadline.
- Review your Notice of Assessment.
- Complete the MSFAA if required.
- Provide banking information if using direct deposit.
- Make sure your enrolment is confirmed.
- Report changes that could affect your eligibility.
- Submit a new student aid application for each school year you need assistance.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I apply for student financial aid in Canada?
Apply through the official student financial assistance service for your province or territory of permanent residence. In participating jurisdictions, the application assesses you for applicable Canada Student Grants and Loans as well as provincial or territorial assistance.
Do I need a separate application for Canada Student Grants?
Generally no. When you apply for student financial assistance through your participating province or territory, your eligibility for applicable Canada Student Grants is automatically assessed.
Who is eligible for Canada Student Grants and Loans?
Federal eligibility generally requires you to be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or designated protected person, be a permanent resident of a participating province or territory, demonstrate financial need, and study in a qualifying program at a designated post-secondary school.
Can international students apply for Canada Student Grants and Loans?
The federal eligibility criteria require an applicant to be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident of Canada or designated protected person. Other students should check financial assistance available through their school, province or territory and other funding sources.
How much is the Canada Student Grant for full-time students in 2026-2027?
Eligible full-time students can receive up to $4,200 per year or up to $525 per month of study for the 2026-2027 school year. The actual amount depends on financial need and applicable income thresholds.
How much is the Canada Student Grant for part-time students in 2026-2027?
Eligible part-time students can receive up to $2,520 per year for the 2026-2027 school year. The grant cannot exceed the student's assessed financial need.
What counts as full-time study for Canada Student Loans?
Full-time study generally requires at least 60% of a full course load. Eligible students with a permanent disability or persistent or prolonged disability can qualify as full-time while taking at least 40% of a full course load.
Does my school have to be designated for student aid?
Yes for Canada Student Grants and Loans. You must study at a designated post-secondary school in a qualifying program. A designated school can still have individual programs that do not qualify.
Does Quebec use Canada Student Loans?
No. Quebec operates its own student financial assistance program and does not participate in Canada Student Grants and Loans. Northwest Territories and Nunavut also operate their own programs.
When should I apply for student aid?
Follow the application deadline set by your province or territory. The National Student Loans Service Centre recommends applying at least two months before your program starts to help ensure approved funding is received on time.
What happens after my student aid application is approved?
You receive a Notice of Assessment showing your approved grants and loans. You may need to complete a Master Student Financial Assistance Agreement, and your enrolment must be confirmed before funds are released.
Do I have to apply for student financial aid every year?
Yes. You must reapply for student financial assistance for each school year in which you need funding. The Master Student Financial Assistance Agreement is generally a multi-year agreement and does not normally need to be signed every year.
What if my student aid amount is too low or my application is denied?
Contact the student financial assistance office in your province or territory. The NSLSC directs students who were not approved or are dissatisfied with their assessed amount to their provincial or territorial office for reassessment.