Financial Assistance for Part-Time Students
The Government of Canada provides financial assistance to help part-time students across Canada access post-secondary education:
- As of January 1, 2012, the Government pays the interest on part-time student loans while in-study.
- The income eligibility thresholds for part-time student loans and grants have been increased so more Canadians can attend college, university or trade school while working.
- The maximum total amount of part-time loans has increased from $4,000 to $10,000.
- There are Canada Student Grants are available for part-time students.
- Part-time students who have difficulty repaying their student loan can apply for the Repayment Assistance Plan.
What’s available while I’m in school?
- Up to $10,000 in federal loans.
- Canada Student Grants:
- Grant for Part-Time Studies offers $1,200 per year for students from low-income families.
- The Grant for Part-time Students with Dependants offers $40 per week of studies if you have one or two children under 12 years of age and $60 per week of studies if you have three or more children under 12 years of age.
What’s available after study?
- The Repayment Assistance Plan for students who are having difficulty making loan payments. Payments will be based on your income and family size.
Am I eligible for loans and grants?
To be eligible for Canada Student Loans and Grants for part-time studies, you must:
- be a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident of Canada, or designated as a protected person;
- be a resident of a province or a territory that issues Canada Student Loans (the Northwest Territories, Nunavut and Quebec operate their own student loan programs. Contact your provincial or territorial Student financial assistance office for more information.);
- demonstrate financial need;
- be enrolled in 20 to 59 percent of a full course load. However, if you are a student with permanent disabilities, and you are studying between 40 to 59% of a full course load, you can choose to be considered a student in full or part-time studies;
- be enrolled in a degree, diploma, or certificate program that runs for at least 12 weeks within a 15-week period and is offered by a designated post-secondary educational institution;
- maintain satisfactory grades; and
- pass a credit check if you are 22 or older and applying for a Canada Student Loan and Grant for the first time.
Your eligibility for Canada Student Grants is assessed automatically when you apply and qualify for a Canada Student Loan through your province or territory of permanent residence.
Visit How to Obtain Government Student Loans for more information about applying for a loan.