Information for Protected Persons

Getting a university, college or trade school education has never been more important. Canada Student Loans and Grants make getting an education more affordable for protected persons.

What is available for protected persons?

As a protected person, you are eligible for the same loans and grants as a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

• Up to $210 per week in Canada Student Loans for full-time students. (Loans are also available from your province or territory.)
• Up to $10,000 in Canada Student Loans for part-time students.
• Up to $250 per month in grants, money you do not need to pay back, for full-time students from low-income families, and $100 per month for full-time students from middle-income families.
• Up to $1,200 per year in grants, money you do not need to pay back, for part-time students from low-income families.
• Additional grants are available for students with permanent disabilities and for students with dependants

Am I eligible?

Eligibility criteria for protected persons include:

• having a Protected Persons Status Document issued by Citizenship and Immigration Canada;
• having a Social Insurance Number; and
• being enrolled in a degree, diploma, or technical program of at least 12 weeks of study at a designated educational institution.

You may also be eligible to receive Canada Student Grants for students from low- or middle-income families that are available each year of an undergraduate university, college or trade school program that is at least two years (60 weeks) in duration.

Visit CanLearn.ca or contact the student aid office of your province or territory of permanent residence for details on all eligibility criteria.

Are Canada Student Loans and Grants available where I live?

• Canada Student Loans and Grants are available across Canada, except for students whose permanent address is in Quebec, the Northwest Territories or Nunavut which operate their own student financial assistance programs.
• Canada Student Loans and Grants are integrated with provincial programs in Saskatchewan, Ontario, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland and Labrador.

How do I apply?

• Apply through your provincial and territorial student aid office. Visit CanLearn.ca for links and contact information.
• Submit the application directly on-line, or print the application, complete it by hand, and submit it as directed.
• Paper applications may be available at your educational institution or provincial or territorial student aid office.

When you apply and qualify for a Canada Student Loan, your eligibility for Canada Student Grants is also automatically assessed. (A separate application is needed only for the Grant for Services and Equipment for Students with Permanent Disabilities.)

Are Canada Student Loans and Grants right for me?

• Government student loans and grants are just one option to consider when you are looking to get a university, college or trade school education.
• Explore other options, including applying for scholarships and saving more money while you are working, so that you borrow only what you need.

Contact your student financial assistance office to learn about programs available in your province or territory of permanent residence.