Understanding Canadian student loans

Slide 1
What loans are available?

There are two main types of financial assistance programs offered by the Canadian government: 

  • Federal (Canada Student Loans Program)
  • Provincial and Territorial

Slide 2
Am I eligible?

To apply for Canadian government student loans and grants, you must:

  • be a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident of Canada or a designated protected person
  • be able to demonstrate financial need
  • be enrolled in a degree, diploma or certificate program that runs for at least 12 weeks within a 15 week period
  • be taking at least 60% of a full course load if studying full-time or between 20% - 59% of a full course load if studying part-time
  • pass a credit check if you are 22 or over and applying for a student loan for the first time
  • have not exhausted your maximum lifetime limit of financial assistance (including interest-free status)

Slide 3
How do I apply?

You only need to apply to one place (your province or territory) for student loan and grants. Depending on where you live, you may be able to apply online; if you are submitting a paper application please allow 4-6 weeks for assessment. You must submit an application for each year of study at the University of Birmingham. In order to continue receiving loans and grants each year, you will need to maintain satisfactory academic grades.

Slide 4
Who is eligible for a grant?

If you have a dependant, a disability or a low income you may be eligible for a grant. You will automatically be considered for a grant at the same time as applying for your student loan. For more information on eligibility visit: www.canlearn.ca/eng/loans_grants

Slide 5
Where do I apply?

If you are a permanent resident of one of the following provinces:

  • Saskatchewan
  • Ontario
  • New Brunswick
  • Newfoundland and Labrador
  • British Columbia

Submit one application to your province who will assess you for both federal and provincial loans and grants. If eligible, you will receive one integrated loan and you will manage and repay this loan through the National Student Loans Service Centre (NSLSC).

Slide 6
Where do I apply?

If you are a permanent resident of one of the following provinces:

  • Alberta
  • Manitoba
  • Nova Scotia
  • Prince Edward Island

Submit one application to your province who will assess you for both federal and provincial loans and grants.  If eligible, you will receive two loans (one federal and one provincial) and you will manage and repay these two loans separately through the individual providers.

Slide 7
I am a resident of Yukon

If you are a permanent resident of Yukon, you apply through Yukon Student Aid and will be assessed for both federal and territorial loans and grants. You will manage and repay your loan through the National Student Loans Service Centre (NSLSC).

Slide 8
I am a resident of Northwest Territories, Nunavut or Quebec

You will need to apply to your province or territory of permanent residence for a student loan.  You will not be eligible for a Canada Student Loan or Grant.  These jurisdictions operate their own student loan programs and you are advised to contact the individual Student Finance Assistance Office for more details.

Slide 9
What happens once I have applied?

Once you have been assessed, you will receive notification to confirm how much you are eligible for - you should receive a copy via email or mail. You will also be sent a master student loan agreement to sign and return.  This is a legally binding document so you must check it carefully to ensure all the details are correct. If you are happy with it, return the completed form along with your banking information to your provincial or territorial Student Financial Assistance Office. Before you can be paid, the University of Birmingham must confirm your enrollment status.

Slide 10
How do I confirm my enrollment status?

The Student Funding Office at the University is the designated department that will confirm your enrollment and program information. If you applied online, this confirmation may be done electronically.  If you receive a paper form from your loan provider, the University will need to complete the relevant section. Please send any forms to the following address :

Student Funding Office
University of Birmingham
Edgbaston, Birmingham
B15 2TT
UNITED KINGDOM

Slide 11
Can I send my documents to you electronically?

Yes - you may submit documents for completion by the Student Funding Office online. Log an enquiry and attach your documents via www.studenthelp.bham.ac.uk

Slide 12
How will I be paid?

Any loans and grants you are entitled to will be paid directly into your bank account once your enrollment status has been confirmed. You will then be responsible for making payment to the University of Birmingham for your tuition fees and accommodation fees (if staying in University-owned accommodation).

Find out more about making payments to the University: www.birmingham.ac.uk/payments