Canadian Student Loans

What is Alberta Student Aid?

Alberta Student Aid offers loans and grants to help Alberta residents pay for their post-secondary education. This support can help cover:

• Tuition and fees
• Books and supplies
• Living expenses

Who can apply?

To be eligible, you must:

• Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person
• Be considered an Alberta resident
• Be enrolled in an approved post-secondary program (full-time or part-time)
• Demonstrate financial need
• Maintain Academic Progress

Still not sure if you qualify for loans? Reach out to Alberta Student Aid for more information.

How do I apply?

1. Go to the Alberta Student Aid website.
2. Get a Verified Account.
3. Gather information for your application.
4. Complete the online application for the current academic year – you will apply each year, which at SMU runs September to April.

1. Upload your supporting documents
2. Check your Alberta Student Aid portal regularly for updates – you will be notified of your next steps

If you have any trouble, they have an application demo!

Need help? Visit us during our drop-in hours.

When will I receive my funding?

If your application and documents are complete:

• Fall term: Funding can be released as early as one week before classes start, but typically in early September
• Winter term: Expect disbursement in early January

Alberta sends a portion directly to your school for the amount owing on your student account; the rest is deposited into your bank account.

How much will I get?

Your funding depends on factors such as:

• Family income
• Number of dependents
• Your course load (full-time vs part-time)
• Disability status

Try the Student aid Estimator for a quick preview.

Do I have to repay Alberta student loans?

• Grants: You don’t need to repay these unless your eligibility changes
• Loans: These amounts will need to be re-paid, to the National Student Loans Service Centre (NSLSC) for any federal portion, and to Alberta Student Aid for any provincial portion.

This Repayment Process will begin after you leave studies.

What if I drop a course or change my enrolment?

Changes to your course load could affect your Alberta funding and future eligibility. Contact us before making changes—we’re here to guide you through.

 

Supporting students in British Columbia on their post-secondary journey.

What is StudentAid BC?

StudentAid BC provides financial assistance through loans, grants, bursaries, and scholarships to eligible BC residents attending post-secondary institutions. This support can help cover:

• Tuition and fees
• Books and supplies
• Living expenses

Who can apply?

To be eligible, you must:

• Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person
• Be a resident of British Columbia
• Be enrolled in a designated full-time or part-time program
• Demonstrate financial need

How do I apply?

1. Visit the StudentAid BC website
2. Create a StudentAid BC account or log in
3. Fill out and submit your online application*
4. Upload your required documents
5. Check your dashboard and email for updates!
6. Your Appendix 3 will be generated electronically and sent to Saint Mary’s for confirmation. We will complete it based on your registration status in courses per term, so please ensure you have registered in both Fall and Winter terms! The Appendix 3 provides StudentAid BC with information about your program, registration, tuition + fees.

Tip: Apply early to avoid delays!

*If applying for Part-time study, please follow these instructions.

When will I receive my funding?

Funding is usually disbursed:

• Fall term: Funding is typically released in late August or early September
• Winter term: Expect disbursement in early January
• First to your institution (for tuition, fees, Residence, Meal Plan, etc.), then to your bank account (for living costs)

How much can I get?

The amount of aid depends on:

• Your financial situation
• Course load and program length
• Living arrangements (with parents or away from home)

Try the StudentAid BC Financial Need calculator for an estimate.

Do I need to repay StudentAid BC funding?

• Grants and bursaries don’t need to be repaid
• Loans must be repaid starting 6 months after you leave school
• Repayment is managed through the National Student Loans Service Centre (NSLSC).

Understand your Loan Repayment process.

What if I withdraw or change my enrolment?

Withdrawing may affect your funding and future eligibility, and may result in an Over-Award. Always contact us before making changes!

 

 

Manitoba Student Aid – FAQ

What is Manitoba Student Aid?

Alberta Student Aid offers loans, grants and bursaries to help Manitoba residents pay for their post-secondary education. This support can help cover:

• Tuition and fees
• Books and supplies
• Standard living allowances

Who can apply?

To be eligible, you must:

• Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person
• Be considered a Manitoba resident
• Be enrolled in an approved post-secondary program (full-time or part-time)
• To maintain eligibility, you must pass at least 60% of a full course load
• A full course load at SMU is 5 courses per term for undergraduate programs

Have questions about how your Manitoba loan will work? Reach out to Manitoba Student Aid for more information.

How do I apply?

1. Go to the Manitoba Student Aid website.
2. Create an account to apply online!
3. Apply for your program of study, and our academic year – which runs September to April.
4. Your application will be assessed by Manitoba Student Aid.
5. Submit your required documents under the My Required Information

Are you a Canadian Indigenous student? There may be some Grants available for you to help fund your education.

Need help? Visit us during our drop-in hours.

When will I receive my funding?

If your application and documents are complete:

• Fall term: Canada Student Loan funding will be released after the first day of classes.
• Winter term: Manitoba Student loan funding will be disbursed after the first day of classes.

Loan funding is sent directly to Saint Mary’s to pay off the reported amount of tuition and fees; the rest is deposited into your bank account within 1-2 weeks.

How much will I get?

Your funding depends on factors such as:

• Family income
• Your course load (full-time vs part-time)
• Scholarships and bursaries
• Savings and other resources
• Try the Student aid Estimator for a quick preview.

Do I have to repay Manitoba student loans?

• Grants: You don’t need to repay these unless your eligibility changes
• Loans: These amounts will need to be re-paid, to the National Student Loans Service Centre (NSLSC).

The Repayment Process will begin after you leave studies.

What if I drop a course or change my enrolment?

Changes to your course load could affect your Manitoba funding and future eligibility. Dropping below full-time study voids your current loan application.

Contact us before making changes - we’re here to guide you through.

 

NB Student Financial Services – FAQ

Whether you’re new to the NB loan program or need a refresher, here’s what you need to know about applying for financial support as a New Brunswick resident.

What is NB Student Financial Services?

NB SFS provides loans, grants and bursaries to help residents pay for their education. This support can help cover:

• Tuition and fees
• Books and supplies
• Living expenses
• Computer-related costs

Who can apply?

To be eligible, you must:

• Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person
• Be considered a resident of NB
• Be enrolled in a designated post-secondary program
• Demonstrate financial need

Still not sure if you qualify? Reach out to NB at 1-800-667-5626 to check!

How do I apply?

1. Visit the NB SFS website and for first-time loan borrowers, click on ‘Register Here’.
   
   
2. Gather your documents! You will need the following:
   1. Information on any RESPs or investments in your name
   2. As applicable, documents showing your disability status
   3. Your income tax return from last year
   4. Your parents’/step-parents’, etc. income tax returns from last year
   5. Most of our programs include Fall and Winter together for student loans, so apply from September to April if you intend to be full-time in both terms
   6. Your program of study
   7. If you have a Scholarship, you will need to report this
   8. NB has a checklist you can use to make sure you have everything!
      
      
3. Complete the online application for the current academic year.
   
   
4. Upload your supporting documents.
   
   
5. You will receive your Notice of Assessment within 2-4 weeks.
   
   
6. Complete your Master Student Financial Assistance Agreement (MSFAA) on the National Student Loan Service Centre (NSLSC) website – your 10-digit number will be on your Notice of Assessment.
   
   
7. After signing your MSFAA, you will be asked to send a request to Saint Mary’s for a Program Information form. Please email financial.aid@smu.ca to request this form! Please note, we complete these forms based on your registration in term(s) for the student loan period. Please complete your registration prior to emailing us the request!

Need help? Visit us during our drop-in hours.

When will I receive my funding?

If your application and documents are complete:

• Fall term: Funding is released at the beginning of your study period, after SMU has confirmed your enrolment. We begin confirming enrolment two weeks before the start date of the term.
• Winter term: Expect disbursement in early January – we begin signing loans in January for the second portion.

NSLSC disburses loan funding directly to your school for the amount owing on your student account; the rest is deposited into your bank account.

How much will I get?

Your funding depends on factors such as:

• Family income
• Number of dependents
• Your course load (full-time vs part-time)

You can view maximum amounts available to give you an idea of your funding.

Do I have to repay NB Student loans?

• Grants: You don’t need to repay these amounts unless your eligibility changes
• Loans: Repayment starts 6 months after your full-time studies end, however your loans are interest-free!

There is a helpful video about repayment of student loans to NSLSC. When entering repayment, you will receive a digital notification with details on the amount you owe, when payment begins, and more. If you need help repaying your loans, there is a Repayment Assistance Plan!

What if I drop a course or change my enrolment?

Changes to your course load could affect your student loan funding and future eligibility. Contact us before making changes—we’re here to guide you through.

NL Student Aid – FAQ

Whether you’re new to the NL loan program or need a refresher, here’s what you need to know about applying for financial support as a Newfoundland & Labrador resident.

What is NL Student Aid?

StudentAidNL provides loans and grants to help residents pay for their education. This support can help cover:

• Tuition and fees
• Books and supplies
• Living expenses

Who can apply?

To be eligible, you must:

• Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person
• Be considered a resident of NL
• Be enrolled in a designated post-secondary program as a full-time student
• Demonstrate financial need

Still not sure if you qualify? Reach out to StudentAidNL to check!

How do I apply?

1. Visit the StudentAidNL website - first-time loan borrowers will need to register an account first - then login.
   
   
2. Gather your documents! You will need the following:
   
   
   1. Your Social Insurance Number (SIN).
   2. Information on any RESPs or investments in your name.
   3. As applicable, documents showing your disability status.
   4. Your income tax return from last year.
   5. Your parents’/step-parents’, etc. income tax returns from last year, any sibling(s) name and age
   6. Your program of study, and estimate of tuition + fees for the year – you can use your Student Account Centre per term for a breakdown.
   7. If you have a Scholarship, you will need to report this.
      
      
3. Complete the online application for the current academic year.
   
   
   1. Most of our programs include Fall and Winter together for student loans, so apply from September to April if you intend to be full-time in both terms.
      
      
4. Upload your supporting documents.
   
   
5. You will receive your Notice of Assessment via your StudentAidNL account.
   
   
6. Complete your Master Student Financial Assistance Agreement (MSFAA) on the National Student Loan Service Centre (NSLSC) website – your 10-digit number will be sent to you via email 1-2 days after your Notice of Assessment.
   
   
7. After signing your MSFAA, you will be asked to send a request to Saint Mary’s for a Program Cost Form. Please email financial.aid@smu.ca to request this form! We complete these forms based on your registration in term(s) for the student loan period. Please complete your registration prior to emailing us the request!

Need help? Visit us during our drop-in hours.

When will I receive my funding?

If your application and documents are complete:

• Fall term: Funding is released within 3-7 business days after SMU has confirmed your enrolment. We begin confirming enrolment two weeks before the start date of the term. Note: Federal funding may be released a day before provincial funding.
• Winter term: Expect disbursement in early January – we begin signing loans in January for the second portion.

NSLSC disburses loan funding directly to your school for the amount owing on your student account; the rest is deposited into your bank account.

How much will I get?

Your funding depends on factors such as:

• Family income
• Number of dependents
• Your course load (full-time vs part-time)

You can view information on how your funding is calculated to get an idea of your funding amounts.

Do I have to repay NL Student loans?

• Grants: You don’t need to repay these amounts unless your eligibility changes
• Loans: Repayment starts 6 months after your full-time studies end

There is a helpful video about repayment of student loans to NSLSC. After leaving school, you should review the Repayment Process for detailed information. Your loan repayment will be handled through the NSLSC portal. If you need help repaying your loans, there is a Repayment Assistance Plan!

You may also be eligible for the NL Debt Relief!

What if I drop a course or change my enrolment?

Changes to your course load could affect your student loan funding and future eligibility. Contact us before making changes—we’re here to guide you through.

NWT Student Financial Assistance – FAQ

Whether you’re new to the NWT loan program or need a refresher, here’s what you need to know about applying for financial support as a Northwest Territories resident.

What is NWT Student Financial Assistance?

NWT provides loans and grants to help residents pay for their education. This support can help cover:

• Tuition and fees
• Books and supplies
• Travel costs
• Living expenses

Who can apply?

To be eligible, you must:

• Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person
• Be considered a resident of NWT
• Be enrolled in a designated post-secondary program

Still not sure if you qualify? Reach out to NWT directly at 1-800-661-0793 to check!

How do I apply?

1. Visit the NWT Student Financial Assistance website to locate the application form.
   
   
2. Complete and submit the application form via email, fax or mail: https://www.ece.gov.nt.ca/en/services/student-financial-assistance.
   1. Deadline for applications for Fall term start is June 30^th
   2. Deadline for applications for Winter term start is October 31^st
   3. Deadline for applications for Spring/Summer terms start is one month prior to the start date of the term.
      
      
3. Most of our programs include Fall and Winter together for student loans, so apply from September to April (Fall and Winter together) if you intend to be full-time in both terms.
4. After submitting your application, you will be contacted by NWT when further documentation is required.
   
   
5. You will be asked to supply a Form D (Student Enrolment Form). Please email the form to Financial.Aid@smu.ca with Section 1 completed and signed. This form will be required each term you require student loan funding.

Need help? Visit us during our drop-in hours.

When will I receive my funding?

If your application and documents are complete:

• Fall term: Funding is released on a per-term basis, after your Form D has been submitted to NWT.
• Winter term: Funding is released on a per-term basis, after your Form D has been submitted to NWT.

How much will I get?

Your funding depends on factors such as:

• Family income
• Number of dependents
• Your course load (full-time vs part-time)

You can view information on how much funding you may receive on their website.

Do I have to repay NWT Student loans?

• Grants: You don’t need to repay these amounts unless your eligibility changes.
• Loans: Repayment starts 6 months after your full-time studies end. You will need to reach out to NWT to discuss. your Repayment Process – payments and interest will commence after being out of school for 6 months.

You may be eligible for Loan repayment incentives! Reach out to nwtsfa@gov.nt.ca for more information!

What if I drop a course or change my enrolment?

Changes to your course load could affect your student loan funding and future eligibility. Contact NWT before making changes – they are there to guide you through.

Nova Scotia Student Assistance – FAQ

Whether you’re new to NSSA or need a refresher, here’s what you need to know about applying for financial support as a Nova Scotia resident.

What is NS Student Assistance?

NSSA provides loans and grants to help NS residents pay for their education. This support can help cover:

• Tuition and fees
• Books and supplies
• Living expenses

Who can apply?

To be eligible, you must:

• Be a Canadian citizen, landed immigrant (permanent resident), or protected person
• Be considered a resident of Nova Scotia
• Be enrolled full-time in a Designated Program
• Demonstrate financial need

Still not sure if you qualify? Reach out to them directly to check.

How do I apply?

1. Visit the NS Student Assistance website and Create an Account in their MyPath portal, using your Social Insurance Number (SIN) – applications open in early May for Fall entry
   
   
2. Gather your documents! You will need the following:
   1. Information on any RESPs or investments in your name.
   2. As applicable, documents showing your disability status.
   3. Your income tax return from last year.
   4. Your parents’/step-parents’, etc. income tax returns from last year.
   5. Most of our programs include Fall and Winter together for student loans, so apply from September to April if you intend to be full-time in both terms.
   6. Your program of study and number of courses you plan to take.
   7. If you have a Scholarship, you will need to report this.
   8. You will be asked for an estimate of your Pre-study income.
3. Complete the online application for the current academic year in your new MyPath account.
   
   
4. Upload your supporting documents as requested.
   
   
5. Download and sign your Tax Consent Form by clicking on ‘Check Status’ after submitting your application.
   
   
6. Check your MyPath regularly for updates – you will also receive emails when an update is made to your file

If you have any trouble, they have a Step-by-Step Guide!

Need help? Visit us during our drop-in hours.

When will I receive my funding?

If your application and documents are complete:

• Fall term: Funding is released within 6-10 days after SMU has confirmed your enrolment. Please note, the Confirmation of Enrolment is completed via the NS portal, after your assessment is ready. We begin signing loans two weeks before the start date of the term. You will receive your Canada (National) funding in the Fall term.
• Winter term: Expect disbursement in early January – we begin signing loans in January for the second portion. You will receive your provincial funding in the Winter term.

NS sends a portion directly to your school for the amount owing on your student account; the rest is deposited into your bank account.

How much will I get?

Your funding depends on factors such as:

• Family income
• Number of dependents
• Your course load (full-time vs part-time)

You can view how NS will assess your Assistance amounts for an estimate of your funding.

Do I have to repay NS Student loans?

• Grants: You don’t need to repay these amounts unless your eligibility changes – 40% of your provincial funding will be in grants!
• Loans: Repayment starts 6 months after your full-time studies end

You’ll manage your provincial loans through Resolve, and your national loans through the National Student Loans Service Centre (NSLSC). There are many options for Repayment, including flexible Payment plan options, Debt Forgiveness, and more.

What if I drop a course or change my enrolment?

Changes to your course load could affect your student loan funding and future eligibility. Contact us before making changes—we’re here to guide you through.

Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) – FAQ

Whether you’re new to OSAP or need a refresher, here’s what you need to know about applying for financial support as an Ontario resident.

What is OSAP?

OSAP provides loans and grants to help Ontario residents pay for their education. This support can help cover:

• Tuition and fees
• Books and supplies
• Living expenses

Who can apply?

To be eligible, you must:

• Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person
• Be considered an Ontario resident
• Be enrolled in an approved post-secondary program (full-time or part-time)
• Demonstrate financial need

Still not sure if you qualify for OSAP? Reach out to them directly to check.

How do I apply?

1. Go to Ontario.ca/OSAP
2. Log in or complete the New User Agreement
3. Complete the online application for the current academic year
4. Upload your supporting documents
5. Check your OSAP portal regularly for updates

If you have any trouble, they have a Step-by-Step Guide!

Need help? Visit us during our drop-in hours.

When will I receive my OSAP funding?

If your application and documents are complete:

• Fall term: Funding is typically released in late August or early September
• If OSAP requests your program details – we provide those based on your registration status in courses across all terms covered in the loan. Please ensure you are registered as a full-time study in all terms! These program details are required before your enrolment can be confirmed.
• Winter term: Expect disbursement in early January

OSAP sends a portion directly to your school for the amount owing on your student account; the rest is deposited into your bank account.

How much will I get?

Your funding depends on factors such as:

• Family income
• Number of dependents
• Your course load (full-time vs part-time)

Try the OSAP Aid Estimator for a quick preview.

Do I have to repay OSAP?

• Grants: You typically don’t need to repay these unless your eligibility changes
• Loans: Repayment starts 6 months after your full-time studies end

You’ll manage your loan through the National Student Loans Service Centre (NSLSC).

What if I drop a course or change my enrolment?

Changes to your course load could affect your OSAP funding and future eligibility. Contact us before making changes—we’re here to guide you through.

 

PEI Student Financial Services – FAQ

Whether you’re new to the PEI loan program or need a refresher, here’s what you need to know about applying for financial support as a PEI resident.

What is PEI Student Financial Services?

PEI SFS provides loans, grants and bursaries to help Island residents pay for their education. This support can help cover:

• Tuition and fees
• Books and supplies
• Living expenses

Who can apply?

To be eligible, you must:

• Be a Canadian citizen, landed immigrant/permanent resident
• Be considered a resident of PEI
• Be enrolled in a designated post-secondary program
• Demonstrate financial need

Still not sure if you qualify? Reach out to studentloan@gov.pe.ca directly to check!

How do I apply?

1. Visit the PEI SFS website and Create an Account in their MyPath portal, using your Social Insurance Number (SIN) – applications open in early May for Fall entry.
   
   
2. Gather your documents! You will need the following:
   1. Information on any RESPs or investments in your name.
   2. As applicable, documents showing your disability status.
   3. Your income tax return from last year.
   4. Your parents’/step-parents’, etc. income tax returns from last year.
   5. Most of our programs include Fall and Winter together for student loans, so apply from September to April if you intend to be full-time in both terms.
   6. Your program of study and number of courses you plan to take.
   7. If you have a Scholarship, you will need to report this.
   8. You will be asked for an estimate of your Pre-study income.
   9. Your student category (married, dependents, etc.).

1. Complete the online application for the current academic year in your new MyPath account.
   
   
2. Upload your supporting documents as requested.
   
   
3. Download and sign your Tax Consent Form by clicking on ‘Check Status’ after submitting your application.
   
   
4. Check your MyPath regularly for updates.

If you have any trouble with the application, please contact them at studentloan@gov.pe.ca

Need help? Visit us during our drop-in hours.

When will I receive my funding?

If your application and documents are complete:

• Fall term: Funding is released within 5-10 days after SMU has confirmed your enrolment. Please note, the Confirmation of Enrolment is completed via the PEI portal, after your assessment is ready. We begin signing loans two weeks before the start date of the term. You will receive your Canada (National) funding in the Fall term.
• Winter term: Expect disbursement in early January – we begin signing loans in January for the second portion. You will receive your provincial funding in the Winter term.

PEI sends a portion directly to your school for the amount owing on your student account; the rest is deposited into your bank account.

How much will I get?

Your funding depends on factors such as:

• Family income
• Number of dependents
• Your course load (full-time vs part-time)

You can view an Assessment Guide to give you an estimate of your funding.

Do I have to repay PEI Student loans?

• Grants: You don’t need to repay these amounts unless your eligibility changes
• Loans: Repayment starts 6 months after your full-time studies end

PEI has a Debt Reduction Grant Program – check out how to become eligible!

Your federal loans will be repaid through the National Student Loans Service Centre (NSLSC), 6 months after leaving full-time study. Your provincial funding will be repaid through Edulinx, 12 months after leaving full-time study.

What if I drop a course or change my enrolment?

Changes to your course load could affect your student loan funding and future eligibility. Contact us before making changes—we’re here to guide you through.

Saskatchewan Student Aid – FAQ

What is Saskatchewan Student Aid?

Saskatchewan Student Aid offers loans and grants to help residents pay for their post-secondary education. This support can help cover:

• Tuition and fees
• Books and supplies
• Living expenses
• Travel and childcare (as applicable)

Who can apply?

To be eligible, you must:

• Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person
• Be considered a Saskatchewan resident
• Be enrolled in an approved post-secondary program (full-time or part-time)
• Demonstrate financial need

Still not sure if you qualify for loans? Reach out to studentservices@gov.sk.ca for more information.

How do I apply?

1. Create a Saskatchewan Student Aid Account.
   
   
2. Click on ‘Apply for your full-time student loan’, then fill out the application
   
   
   1. You will need to ensure you have everything ready Before you Apply!
      
      
3. Upload any required documents to your accountYou may need to email us at Financial.Aid@smu.ca to request a Program Information form. We will complete this after you have registered full-time in both the Fall and Winter terms!
   
   
4. Once your application is reviewed, you will receive an Assessment Summer Letter via your portal.
   
   
5. Once approved for funding, you will need to create a MyService Account and complete your Master Student Financial Assistance Agreement.

Need help? Contact studentservices@gov.sk.ca

When will I receive my funding?

If your application and documents are complete:

• Fall term: Funding will be released based on the schedule in your Assessment Summary Letter. Your enrolment will be confirmed electronically by Saint Mary’s – we begin this process in late August.
• Winter term: Expect disbursement in early January, as we begin confirming loans after the Holiday Break.

Funding is disbursed through the National Student Loan Service Centre (NSLSC) - a portion is sent directly to Saint Mary’s to cover the amount owing on your student account; the rest is deposited into your bank account.

How much will I get?

Your funding depends on factors such as:

• Family income
• Number of dependents
• Your course load (full-time vs part-time)
• Disability status

For an estimate, you can use the NSLSC Loan Estimator.

Do I have to repay Saskatchewan student loans?

• Grants: You don’t need to repay these unless your eligibility changes
• Loans: These amounts will need to be re-paid, to the National Student Loans Service Centre (NSLSC). All repayment is handled by the NSLSC.

This Repayment Process will begin 6 months after you leave studies.

What if I drop a course or change my enrolment?

Changes to your course load could affect your Saskatchewan loan funding and future eligibility. Contact us before making changes—we’re here to guide you through.

Nunavut Student Financial Assistance – FAQ

What is Nunavut Student Financial Assistance (FANS)?

FANS offers loans and grants to help residents pay for their post-secondary education. This support can help cover:

• Tuition and fees
• Books and supplies
• Living expenses
• Travel (as applicable)

FANS is designed to ensure financial need is not a barrier to higher education.

Who can apply?

To be eligible, you must:

• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• Be considered a Nunavut resident
• Be enrolled full-time in a designated post-secondary program
• Demonstrate financial need

There are three student categories, with eligibility for each:

• Nunavut Beneficiaries, Residents with Nunavut Schooling, and Residents without Nunavut Schooling. Check your Student Category for more information on eligibility.

Still not sure what you may qualify for – loans or grants? Reach out to FANS@gov.nu.ca for more information.

How do I apply?

1. Submit the Application form before the deadline.
   
   
1. July 15^th for Fall term
2. November 15^th for Winter term
3. March 1^st for Spring/Summer terms
   
   
2. You will receive an Acknowledgement letter, confirming receipt of your application form and asking for further documents/missing information.
3. Once everything is submitted and reviewed, you will receive a FANS Approval letter.
   
   
4. Once you arrive, please email us at Financial.Aid@smu.ca to fill out your Student Enrolment Form (SEF). Please complete Section A of the form and register in your courses for both Fall and Winter terms before sending the form! If you will have a student loan (not just grants), you will need to email your SEF and loan agreement together to FANS@gov.nu.ca once complete.
   
   
1. Please note, we begin signing these forms in August for Fall start.
   
   
5. Please view additional forms that may be required throughout your study. A new SEF will be required each term.

Need help with your application form? Reach out to FANS directly for assistance.

When will I receive my funding?

Once your Student Enrolment Form (SEF) and your application are approved, payments can begin.

• Travel costs may be covered in advance
• Tuition and fee amounts will be sent directly to you
• Living allowances are sent directly to your bank account

How much will I get?

Your funding depends on factors such as:

• Family income
• Number of dependents
• Your course load percentage (60% is required for full-time study)
• Disability status

Do I have to repay FANS student loans?

• Grants: You don’t need to repay these unless your eligibility changes.
• Loans: Most loans will need to be repaid. However, you may be eligible for Primary Loan forgiveness if you meet the requirements! Please reach out to fansloans@gov.nu.ca for more information.

What if I drop a course or change my enrolment?

Changes to your course load could affect your loan funding and future eligibility. Contact us before making changes—we’re here to guide you through.

 

Quebec Student Financial Assistance (AFE) – FAQ

What is AFE?

Aide financière aux études (AFE) is Quebec’s student financial assistance program. It provides loans and bursaries to help eligible students cover the cost of full-time or part-time post-secondary education. Support can help cover:

• Tuition and fees
• Books and supplies
• Living expenses
• Transportation and childcare (as applicable)

Who can apply?

To be eligible, you must:

• Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or Protected Person
• Be considered a Quebec resident
• Be enrolled in a designated post-secondary program (full-time or part-time)
• Demonstrate financial need

AFE also offers special allowances for students with disabilities.

How do I apply?

1. Visit the AFE website.
   
   
2. Create or log in to your Student Financial Assistance File. You will need your QC Permanent Code in order to access your account.
   
   
3. Complete the online application for the Loans and Bursaries Program – most Saint Mary’s programs run September to April (Fall + Winter).
   
   
4. Upload required documents.
   
   
5. Monitor your file for updates and funding decisions.
   
   
6. You will be asked to provide AFE with Form 1121 – Studying Outside Quebec. Please complete Section 1, then forward to us for completion at Financial.Aid@smu.ca. Once complete you will need to submit to AFE for review.

1. 1. Please note, this form may be required multiple times throughout the Academic year.

Need help? Contact AFE for assistance with your application.

When will I receive my funding?

Once your application is approved and documents processed:

• Fall term: Funding is typically released in late August or early September
• Winter term: Expect disbursement in early January

Funds are deposited directly into your bank account by your loan provider.

How much will I get?

Your funding depends on factors such as:

• Family income
• Number of dependents
• Your course load percentage
• Disability status
• Educational costs

Use can use the Assessment Simulator to estimate your aid.

Do I have to repay AFE student loans?

• Bursaries: You don’t need to repay these unless your eligibility changes.
• Loans: Repayment begins six months after your leave school. You will repay your loans through your financial institution/loan provider. Ensure you are aware of your Repayment Options before the 6-month period ends!

What if I drop a course or change my enrolment?

Changes to your course load could affect your loan funding and future eligibility. Contact AFE before making changes – they will let you know of any impact.