Other Forms of Student Financial Assistance
Courtesy of Investing in Your Future
As part of its commitment to reducing financial barriers to PSE, the Federal Government, through the student loan program, offers the following grants (non-repayable money) to students on student loan:
Canada Study Grants and Canada Access Grants
These grants assist eligible full or part-time post-secondary students by providing non-repayable student financial assistance to help cover some of the costs associated with PSE. Eligible students include:
(1) First-time, first-year students from low-income families
(2) Students with permanent disabilities
(3) Students with dependants
(4) Females pursuing certain doctoral studies
(1) Canada Access Grant for Students from Low-Income Families
Maximum grant -- $3,000.
Eligibility requirements:
· You must meet the eligibility criteria for a full-time CSL;
· You must be enrolled as a full-time student;
· You must be enrolled for the first time in PSE, in the first year in a program of studies of at lest two years that leads to a degree, certificate or diploma at a designated educational institution
· You must pursue PSE within four years of leaving high school
· You must have had a net parental income in the range that entitled you to the National Child Benefit in the previous tax year or be entitled (or would be entitled if you were less than 18 years of age) to a special allowance under the Children’s Special Allowance Act.
You will automatically be assessed for your eligibility to receive this grant when you submit your student loan application.
(2a) Canada Study Grant for the Accommodation of Students with Permanent Disabilities
Maximum grant – up to $8,000 per loan year
To help cover exceptional education-related costs associated with student’s disability. Examples … tutor, oral/sign interpreter, note taker, reader or braillery, attendant care for studies and specialized transportation (to and from school only). This grant can also cover 75% of the cost of a learning disability assessment (to a max of $1,200).
Eligibility requirements:
- You must be eligible for a full- or part-time Canada Student Loan
- You must have a permanent disability (supported by appropriate medical documentation) that limits your ability to participate fully in post-secondary studies
- You must have a need for exceptional education-related services or equipment to participate in PSE
- You must complete a separate application along with your student loan application to apply for this grant. Application forms are available at your provincial or territorial student financial assistance office.
(2b) Canada Study Grant for Students with Permanent Disabilities
Maximum grant -- $2,000 per loan year.
This grant is awarded to students with permanent disabilities to help cover the costs of accommodation, tuition, books and other exceptional education-related expenses.
Eligibility requirements:
· You must be eligible for a full- or part-time Canada Student Loan
· You must have a permanent disability (supported by appropriate medical documentation) that limits your ability to participate fully in PSE
(3) Canada Study Grant for Students with Dependants
This grant helps students who have dependants and who have an assessed financial need in excess of the allowable maximum weekly loan limit. The number of dependants a student has will help determine the amount of available grant funding.
Eligibility requirements:
· You must meet the eligibility criteria for a full-time Canada Student Loan; and
· You must be a full-time student with one or more dependants and have assessed financial need in excess of $275 per week of study
· You will automatically be assessed for your eligibility to receive this grant when you submit your student loan application.
(4) Canada Study Grant for Females Pursuing Doctoral Studies
Maximum grant -- $3,000 per loan year for a maximum of three years.
This grant is intended to help more women pursue certain fields of study at the doctoral level where they are historically under-represented.
Eligibility requirements:
- You must meet the eligibility criteria for a full-time Canada Student Loan; and
- You must be a female who is qualified for enrolment or is enrolled as a full-time student in a doctoral program in an eligible field of study.
- You must submit a separate application along with your student loan application in order to apply for this grant. Application forms are available from your provincial or territorial student financial assistance office.