Government student loans & Grants
- StudentAid BC
- Adult Basic Education Student Assistance Program (ABESAP)
- High Need Part-time Canada Study Grant (HNPT CSG)
StudentAid BC
Students in post-secondary studies (first year college level or higher), enrolled in a minimum course load as determined by their program of studies, may be eligible for student loans and, in some cases, grants. Please phone or visit a Financial Aid Advisor during open service hours for assistance.
Apply to the StudentAid BC to access Canada Student Loan, BC Student Loan, Canada Study Grant for Students with Dependents, Canada Access Grant for Students with Permanent Disabilities, Canada Access Grant for Low-Income Families and the Millennium Access Bursary.
If you do not meet StudentAid BC's BC residency guidelines, apply for other provincial loan programs for the province where you last resided for 12 consecutive months.
Online applications
- Online applications are processed quicker. Apply online for your student loan, download a form or request one by mail.
- Paper applications forms are also available at Financial Aid, any public college or university, or at 1-800-561-1818 (Canada).
Apply before you register
- Camosun later confirms your loan eligibility through your enrolment and attendance in a minimum 60% of full course load as per the Camosun calendar (40% for students with a permanent disability and an approved appeal).
- Applying early allows you to make a spending plan based on your approved student loan amount.
- You can cancel your application if needed.
Apply one term at a time
- Apply for student loans one semester or one quarter or one vocational study term at a time.
- If you're not sure of your program start and end dates, contact a Financial Aid Advisor during open service hours as correct dates are necessary to process applications.
- Deadline to apply is six weeks before your study term end date.
Co-op students
- Co-op students are considered full-time students and may apply for loans.
- Co-op students with outstanding student loans must contact Financial Aid for forms to keep loans interest-free during Co-op terms.
- For more information see the Co-op Education...
Check your application status
- Check your application status using your application number and your social insurance number on the StudentAid BC website, or use the 24-hour computerized phone line at 250–387–6100.
Cash your student loan
- Cash your student loan by taking your documents, certificate
or loan agreement to a designated Canada Post Outlet
- Your student loan documents are mailed to the address you provided - keep your address up-to-date with StudentAid BC and Camosun.
Service bureaus
- Service bureaus establish your student loan accounts, process electronic deposits of student loan funds into your bank account, notify you when you must repay your loans, and administer your student loans in repayment status.
- National Student Loan Service Centre
- BC Student Loan Service Bureau
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 filed copy of your student loan application and all other 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)
College students with financial need may be eligible for this BC government grant funding for educational fees, tuition (if applicable) and books for programs such as Foundations (FDN), academic upgrading (also known as Adult Basic Education (ABE), Better Employment Strategies and Techniques (BEST), College Prep, or, Employment Training & Preparation (ETP, formerly ASE), English Language Development (ELD).
- ABESAP application (pdf version) - Please print application, complete it in ink and bring it to either Financial Aid & Awards Office during open service hours with your Social Insurance Number and photo identification.
High Need Part-time Canada Study Grant (HNPT CSG)
Eligible students who demonstrate high financial need, and can attend only part-time post-secondary studies, may apply for High Need Part-time Canada Study Grant. Get an application at either the Financial Aid & Awards Office or online, complete it and deliver it to a Financial Aid Advisor during open service hours.
For further information, phone Financial Aid & Awards, 250-370-3596, or drop by the office during open service hours.