Government student loans & grants
- StudentAid BC
- Adult Basic Education Student Assistance Program (ABESAP)
- Part-time Financial Assistance
StudentAid BC
If you are taking post-secondary studies, that is, first year college level or higher, and are enrolled in a minimum course load based on your program of studies, you may be eligible for student loans and/or grants. Please contact or visit a Financial Aid Advisor during open service hours if you need assistance.
Apply to StudentAid BC to see if you are eligible for one or more of the following:
- Canada Student Loan
- BC Student Loan
- Canada Student Grant for Students from Low Income Families
- Canada Student Grant for Students from Middle Income Families
- Canada Student Grant for Students with Dependants
- Canada Student Grant for Students with Permanent Disabilities
- Supplemental Bursary for Students with Permanent Disabilities
- BC Access Grant for Students with Permanent Disabilities.
If you do not meet StudentAid BC's BC residency guidelines, apply to the student loan program in the province where you last resided for 12 consecutive months.
Online applications
- Online applications are processed faster. Apply online for your student loan or
- download a form or request one by mail or request one by calling 1-800-561-1818 (Canada). Remember that a paper application will take much longer to process.
Apply before you register
- Your student loan eligibility is confirmed by Financial Aid & Awards if you are enrolled in a minimum 60% of a full course load based on your study program in the Camosun calendar (40% full course load for students with a permanent disability who have been approved through StudentAid BC).
- Applying early allows you to make a spending plan based on your approved student loan/grant amounts.
- If no funds have been issued, you can cancel your application if needed.
Apply one term at a time
- At Camosun, apply for your student loan(s) one semester or one quarter or one trades/vocational study term at a time.
- Correct start and end dates of study are required to process your application and are available on a drop-down menu on the online application.
- If you need help with your program dates, contact a Financial Aid Advisor during open service hours.
- Deadline to apply is six weeks before your study term end date.
Co-op students
- You are considered a full-time student when you are in a co-op term. If you have outstanding student loans, request interest-free status for co-op terms online.
- If your student loans are from another province, contact your home province or Financial Aid & Awards for more information.
- See Co-op Education for more information.
Check your application status
- Check your application status online using your application number and your social insurance number, or use the 24-hour computerized phone line at 250–387–6100 or 1-800-561-1818 in Canada.
Cash your student loan
- Take your documents, certificate or master loan agreement to a designated Canada Post Outlet with your Social Insurance Number card, government-issued photo ID, and a void personal cheque, or your bank branch's name, ID number, transit number, and your account number
- Your student loan document(s) are mailed to the address you provided on your student loan application- remember to keep your address up-to-date with StudentAid BC and Camosun (login to Camlink student menu).
Service bureaus
- National Student Loan Service Centre establishes your student loan account, processes electronic deposits of student loan funds into your bank account, notifies you when you must repay your loans, and administers your student loans in repayment status.
- National Student Loan Service Centre
Ask questions
- Ask questions to ensure you understand your student debt responsibilities - read all instructions & general information to know what you must do and when.
- Keep a financial aid file with all your financial aid information and forms.
- Check with Financial Aid & Awards before changing your program or course credit load, as your eligibility for different kinds and amounts of funding can be affected.
Adult Basic Education Student Assistance Program (ABESAP)
You may be eligible for financial assistance for tuition and/or fees for programs such as Academic Upgrading (also known as Adult Basic Education or ABE), Building Employment Success for Tomorrow (BEST), Employment Training & Preparation (ETP, formerly ASE), or, English Language Development (ELD).
- ABESAP application (pdf) - Please print application, complete it in ink and bring it to either Financial Aid & Awards Office during open service hours
- Also bring your Social Insurance Number and photo identification (and immigration forms, if applicable).
Part–time Financial Assistance
If you are studying part–time at a post–secondary level (between 20% and 59% of a full–time course load), and your family income is below a certain level, you may apply for part-time financial assistance. Pick up an application at the Financial Aid & Awards office at either campus or print it online. Complete and return it the Financial Aid & Awards office for processing. Apply early! Depending on your financial circumstances, you may be eligible for one or more of the following:
- Canada student grant for part-time students
- Canada student loan for part-time students
- Canada student grant for students with permanent disabilities
- Supplemental bursary for students with disabilities
- Canada student grant for part-time students with dependants
