How the funding works
The Government of Canada works with most provincial and territorial governments to offer student grants and loans. Provinces and territories determine which schools, and which programs, qualify for funding.
Borrowers can apply with the province or territory that they live in. The amount you can receive is calculated when you apply.
- British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Ontario, and Saskatchewan
- The Government of Canada and these provincial governments work together to provide integrated student grants and loans.
- Alberta, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island
- Both Canada Student Grants and Loans and provincial or territorial student aid are provided separately.
- Yukon
- Only Canada Student Grants and Loans and territorial grants are available.
- Nunavut, the Northwest Territories and Quebec
- Canada Student Grants and Loans are not available. These jurisdictions have their own student aid programs.
Find out which schools are eligible for loans and grants by visiting the Master list of designated educational institutions.
How much you can get
The amount you can receive depends on many factors:
- your province or territory of residence
- your family income
- if you have dependents
- your tuition fees and living expenses
- if you have a disability
To find out how much you might get in Canada Student Grants or Loans, use the federal student aid estimator.
Note: The estimator does not take into account provincial and territorial student grants and loans.
List of federal student grants
Your eligibility for Canada Student Grants is calculated when you apply with your province or territory.
Maximum limits for student aid
There are limits on how long you can receive student aid. This includes any payment-free or interest-free periods while you are in school. You also have to start paying back your loan 6 months after you finish your studies.
Full-time students can receive student aid for a maximum of 340 weeks, except:
- students enrolled in doctoral studies can receive student aid for up to 400 weeks
- students with a disability may receive up to 520 weeks of student aid
Registered Education Savings Plan
In addition to grants and loans you can use funds from your Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) to help pay for your studies.